Everything you should probably know to plan the perfect vacation on Sardinia.
Italys second-largest island is home to more than a thousand miles of coastline and a rugged mountainous interior.
Read on for their insider tips.
Li Cossi beach on Sardinia.Credit:Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure
The recently renovated property is now a member of Marriotts Luxury Collection.
Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia
Conrad Chia Lagunaon the islands southern coast is Boves favorite resort.
The location is beautiful and less expensive than the Costa Smeralda.
Exterior of Romazzino.Courtesy of Belmond Hotels
Centered around a large courtyard with a fountain, the 72-roomPalazzo Dogliooffers a range of dining and drinking outlets.
Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure
Best Things to Do
Swim and sunbathe on the beaches.
Take a boat ride around the Maddalena archipelago.
Beach scenes on Sardinia.Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure
Visit the Giardino Sonoro near Cagliari.
you could really feel this in his garden, a magical place of sounds and colors.
Travel back in time at the archaeological site of Nora.
A couple walking the streets of Sardinia.Alex Segre/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Discover the islands mysterious nuraghi.
Theyre often found in breathtaking landscapes, tied suggestively to the territory, creating an extraordinary visual experience.
The owner makes clothes for mothers and daughters, which is very nice, she adds.
Cagliari, Sardinia at night.ROBERTO PERI/Getty Images
you might find their stores in Alghero, La Maddalena, Olbia, Porto Rotondo, and Villasimius.
Patrizia Camba - La Sartoria
Zedda also recommends paying a visit toPatrizia Cambain Cagliari.
Its a charming, vintage, retro-style bar that serves every possible and imaginable cocktail, says Zedda.
Dishes from Da Nicola.Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure
Caffe Svizzero
I also love the newCaffe Svizzero, a historical and elegant bar that just reopened.
This is an institution in Cagliari, explains Zedda.
Bove recommends it above all for the incredible views.
Streets of Calaforte on Sardinia.Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure
Spirits Boutique
If youre in Cagliari,Spirits Boutiqueis worth a stop.
Its beautiful and delicious.
In the summer, DJs and live performances keep the party going until the wee hours of the morning.
A boat off the coast of Sardinia.Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure
Bove recommends it for the fantastic view and excellent fresh fish.
If you dont love tuna, dont worrythere are plenty of other seafood-based local specialties, too.
She also praises the murals that always address contemporary issues.
A road around Sardinia’s coastline.Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure
Villasimius
I love Villasimius because there are white-sand beaches and a rocky coast with lush vegetation.
I find it wild and rugged, says Bove.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sardinia depends on what you want to do.
The beaches come alive in the summer, when restaurants and bars are bustling.
Many of the islands top resorts open seasonally from the spring through the fall.
If you want to avoid the crowds, Zedda and Bove suggest visiting in September.
According to Zedda, September is ideal for a relaxed holiday.
It allows you to explore the beauty of the island without the intense heat.
If youre coming from the U.S., youll have to fly through the mainland.
If youre planning to visit Sardinias western coast, book your flight to AHO.
It has direct flights from many destinations throughout Europe.
Many beaches are only reachable by car.
