Sardinia is a Mediterranean island off Italy’s western coast that captivates with its stunning beaches, rugged landscapes and charming coastal villages.
We spent our first week in Sardina during September and found this an ideal time to visit. The summer heat had mellowed to a comfortable mid-20s°C and we got a good few days of blue skies and sun. With far fewer crowds, the island feels more intimate, allowing for easier bookings at its popular restaurants and beach clubs.
Stay
Casa Cielo
We stayed at Casa Cielo, part of The Hideaways Club that are members of. The villa was stunning, with delightful mountain views from the infinity pool. The interior design is contemporary and stylish.
Best of all are the big outdoor chillout areas, one for for morning coffee moments and daytime chilling and another for outdoor dinner. We were only a short drive away from the nearest beaches and restaurants, although our group of friends liked the villa so much they didn’t want to leave!
Shop
Porto Cervo
We did one shopping trip to Porto Cervo. This is Sardinia’s glitziest playground, famed for its high-end shopping scene and luxury boutiques from brands like Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. While the retail therapy is undeniably top-notch, the town does have a slightly flashy and manufactured feel to it. We saw it in September when it was quiet but it probably has more of a San Tropez vibe if you visit in the peak summer months.
Do
Wine tasting at Lu Beddu
This experience at Lu Beddu one of the highlights of our trip. Set in the island’s rural heart, this family-run winery offers a genuine taste of Sardinian hospitality and its robust wines. The vineyard’s traditional methods and rustic atmosphere create an unforgettable tasting experience, with local varietals like Cannonau and Vermentino accompanied by a cheese and ham platter. There are stunning views of the mountains and vineyards. The owners who do the tasting are entertaining and fun too!
San Pantaleo market (Thursday)
This charming market town is is known for its picturesque piazzas and traditional stone buildings. On Thursdays, the town comes alive with its bustling market day, where vendors offer local crafts, fresh produce and artisan goods. The market, set against the stunning backdrop of the mountains, attracts both locals and tourists, creating a vibrant, yet authentic atmosphere.
Padel tennis
A big plus for our group was a set of several padel tennis clubs only 10-15” drive away. We were able to book two courts online, enough for all eight of us to have a game.
Dine – beachclub lunches
We did a couple of beachclubs where we had lunch and then spent a couple of hours on the beach. You can either pay for a sunbed as we did once. Or you can simy take a towel.
Covo del Mare
The Covo del Mare beach club had a relaxed seaside vibe with good, solid Mediterranean cuisine. It has nice ocean views and was a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Oasi Beach
Oasis beach was sill laid-back but a more refined beachside dining experience than Covo del Mare. Known for its fresh seafood and local specialties, Oasi provides a delightful mix of Sardinian flavors in a serene, coastal setting that’s perfect for a luxurious lunch by the sea.
Image: https://www.oasibeachclub.it/en/
Fino Beach Club
Fino Beach stood out for its slightly more chic decor and laid-back, stylish vibe. They did a range of affordable sandwiches and salads which was a nice change from having to pay for relatively expensive main courses in other beach clubs!
Dine – dinner
Bambusa
Bambusa was our favourite place for dinner, right on the water in pretty Porto Rotondo. The décor is chic and the service friendly. The food was refined Mediterranean cuisine with a twist.
Image: https://www.bambusaportorotondo.com
Gentedimare
Gentedimare in nearby Golfo Aranci was more of a classic seafood place, with theatrical presentation of fresh catches. We ate inside rather than on the terrace overlooking the water and found the lighting a bit bright! The service also felt a bit rushed compared to the chilled out vibe of Bambusa (no website, call: +39 34832 23101 of Facebook page here)
Capogiro in the 7Pines Resort
We splashed out with a dinner at Capogiro our final dinner, a fine dining restaurant in the upscale 7 Pines resort, just outside Porto Cervo. It has a cool, contemporary feel and a terrace with great coastal views. The service the best we had in Sardinia: attentive, friendly and professional service. The gourmet cuisine elevates Sardinian cuisine with creative twists on traditional dishes.
Images: https://7pines.com/en/7pines/capogirofor
Why a trip to Sardinia?
Sardinia has lovely beaches, both simple local ones and beach clubs, with a more relaxed, chilled out vibe compared to Ibiza. The mountain scenery is a stunning backdrop and there are lots of walks and natural sights to explore that we would like to do on a future trip. There are also pretty villages and market towns like San Pantaleo. And if you are in the mood for a bit of bling, there is also Porto Cervo to visit!
