Sardinia

An island with a unique culture and geography just to the west of the Italian peninsula, Sardinia (Sardegna in Italian) offers beautiful beaches, delicious food, and natural beauty. Its Barbagia region was identified as a "Blue Zone" where people live longer.

North Coast

Sassari

La Maddalena - island off the north coast that used to house a US Navy submarine repair base; named as one of the most beautiful towns in Italy

Tempio Pausania - hill town named as one of the most beautiful towns in Italy

Burgos - cool hill town rec'd NY Times

in Valledoria: Mesadoria - somewhat innovative/contemporary, vegetarian-friendly, rec'd Michelin 2024

in Santa Reparta: S'Andira - rec'd Michelin 2024

in Santa Teresa Gallura: Millo Ristorante - rec'd Michelin 2024

West Coast

Macomer (inland of the west coast)

Bosa - main port town between Sassari and Oristano, named as one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, rec'd NY Times (who liked the Locanda di Corte restaurant), this great blogpost says "it's a town of gelato colours"

a bit north of Oristano in Sennairolo: La Rosa dei Venti - rec'd by Slow Food Osterie d'Italia 2024

in Cabras: Il Caminetto - rec'd Michelin 2024

in Arborea: Trattoria Margherita - rec'd Michelin Bib Gourmand 2024

in Maria di Arbus: Corsaro Nero - rec'd Michelin 2024

Alghero

one of Sardinia's airports and main town on the northern end of the west coast

East Coast

Costa Smeralda - at the upper north end of the east side, roughly between Porto Certo and Porto Rotondo, this "emerald coast" draws the most wealthy vacationers and luxury yachts to beautiful beaches and pricey hotels; Katie Parla in Eater 2023 rec's Somu Ristorante

Olbia

main town, just south of the Costa Smeralda

South Coast

Cagliari

The regional capital, on the southern end of the island

Carloforte - on Isola di San Pietro off of SW corner, named as one of the most beautiful towns in Italy