Life in Sardinia is probably the best a man can wish: twenty-four-thousands kilometers of forests, countryside, shores immersed in a miraculous sea, this corresponds to what I would suggest God to give us as Paradise.
Fabrizio De Andrè, 1996
Castelsardo, Northern Sardinia
Last September I spent a wonderful week travelling around the lovely island of Sardinia while working for the UK independent tour operator, Sardinian Places. I was there to visit and photograph self-catering holiday homes as well as a number really superb hotels. I was also on a mission to learn all I could about the island, its culture and its cuisine. Although I have been to Corsica, Sardinia’s French neighbour, many times, I had never visited this Italian island before, so it was a real treat for me. I met some wonderful people, ate lots of seriously good food and saw many a stunning view.
Over the next few weeks I’d like to share with you some of the wonderful memories I have of this island in the heart of the Mediterranean but first, here are a few highlights from my trip.
Southern Sardinia and Cagliari, the island’s capital
We flew into Cagliari on the southern coast of the island and had time for a quick look around and a bite to eat. The old town, with its narrow cobbled streets and lovely views, was a delight to wander around and the cathedral there is well worth a visit.
Cagliari Cathedral
Cagliari Cathedral
Cagliari old town
Having a hire car was wonderful, enabling us to explore the beautiful countryside and spectacular coast and to get to off the beaten track hotels.
Relais Villa del Borgo
Southern Sardinian coastline
Cheeses at Pula market
near Nora, Southern Sardinia
The view from my room at the Hotel Cormoran, Villasimius
The staff at Hotel Cormoran couldn’t have been more welcoming
Central Sardinia
After a couple of wonderful days exploring the south we headed north along the coast before heading inland and up into the mountains of Barbagia to one of the most charming hotels I’ve ever stayed in, Su Gologone (psst! Madonna once hired out the whole hotel for a week!).
The interior of Sardinia is rugged and wild with forests clinging to the sides of mountains and ancient olive groves to explore, mysterious caves and pretty waterfalls to discover. This is fantastic  hiking country and a great place to connect with Sardinia’s ancient roots.
Santa Maria Navarrese
The stunning drive along the S125
Su Gologone
Su Gologone’s breakfast terrace
Northern Sardinia
I would have loved more time in central Sardinia but it was soon time to move on, the famous Sardinia beaches of the Costa Smeralda in the north beckoned. You’ll find glamorous resorts and marinas full of luxury yachts but look a little deeper and you’ll discover hidden coves, traditional market towns, a beautiful, rugged coastline and, as throughout the whole of Sardinia, a warm and welcoming people.
Li Itrecheddhi beach
Li Itrecheddhi beach
The start of a traditional Sardinian feast at Agriturismo Tenuta Pilastru
The traditional Sardinian feast we had at Agriturismo Tenuta Pilastru was served with a bottle of their own delicious wine. This was possibly the best meal we had and when you see what else we ate that week you’ll know that is really saying something!
San Pantaleo, one of Sardinia’s prettiest villages
Our journey ended near Olbia on the Golf Aranci coast. This is the area worst hit by last November’s horrendous storms and my heart ached for the wonderful island that had made me so welcome just a couple of months before.
Our last stop was the lovely Hotel Gabbiano Azzuro, one of my favourite hotels of the whole trip, before heading off to the airport of Olbia, just a 20 minute drive away. With my suitcase and hand luggage over flowing with cheeses and wine from Sardinia I said my farewells.
The view from Hotel Gabbiano Azzuro, Golfo Aranci
I fell for Sardinia big time, the rugged countryside, the lovely beaches, the pretty villages and the welcoming people, plus I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so well as I did that week. More on that coming soon!
Disclaimer: I travelled to Sardinia while working for Sardinian Places. As always, all thoughts expressed here are my own honest opinions.
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Ah, I want to visit, you shared some amazing visuals and stories to these beautiful areas….I would love to visit some day – truly stunning!
I’m sure you’d capture some beautiful photographs too! It’s such an enchanting island – you’d love it!
Oh my! This look like a place not to miss.
I really hope you get to visit this lovely island one day Ruth đŸ™‚
Lovely post and beautiful pictures! Glad to hear you liked Sardinia, there is so much to see there. May I suggest a visit to Alghero on your next trip to Sardinia and a cruise around La Maddalena archipelago…highly recommended!
You may indeed and I’m sure we will visit Alghero. I’ve seen pictures of the islands and they look stunning so hopefully we can fit that in too.
Hi Kat,
beautiful article – make sure you visit the west coast and the Sinis Peninsula next time. There’s so much to see on this wonderful island it’ll take ages to get to know all. Looking forward to hear more from you, Anna
Thanks Anna. I’m sure this was just the first of many visits – I certainly hope so and I’m really looking forward to discovering the west coast and all that Sardinia has to offer!
This whetted my appetite for Sardinia more. Love the blueness of the water, the stunning drive along the S125 and the Sardinian feast!
Apart from the not-so-good meal we had on the first night, all the food was superb. I’d certainly recommend Sardinia to any foodies.
And yes, the scenery and the beaches were spectacular too!
Have never been to Sardinia, but your pictures are so gorgeous, that they are tempting me to catch the next flight to see this lovely place!
While the weather maybe a little chilly this time of year I know there are some really fascinating festivals in February that I for one would love to go to.
Hope you get to visit the island one day soon.
Sardinia and Corsica are both places I’d love to visit, and those gorgeous beaches and blue skies definitely help fuel that!
I loved them both. My first impression of Sardinia was that it was more rugged and earthy than Corsica but Corsica has more picturesque villages. Both are very beautiful with stunning beaches.
Sardinia is a place I’ve not yet visited – after reading this and seeing your photos I realise that I need to put that right. Looks amazing…
It is and I hope you get to visit it for yourself soon! (and just wait until you try the hot chocolate… oh my… you could stand a spoon in it!)
It’s definitely a paradise for sure. Sardinia – book marking!
Thanks for popping by! Just had a quick look at your blog, which I’d not come across before. Looking forward to reading more of your delicious posts!
You’ve captured Sardinia perfectly in this post. And I just love your shot of Castlesardo … it’s my special place to hang out.
Thank you! That means a lot coming from you. Castlesardo looked lovely but, sadly, we didn’t have time to stop. Hope to go back for a leisurely visit one day.
Great pictures and comments. Hope you’ll get to Alghero at some point.
Me too! We didn’t see any of the west coast this time but hopefully I’ll be back later this year.
Looks like paradise! The colors are beautiful!
It’s certainly a very special place I’m eager to get to know better.