My summer holidays were calling, and they were desperate for me to book a trip to Sardinia. While mainland Italy often gets all the attention, when it comes to a summer holiday full of sun, amazing food, and breathtaking beaches, there’s nowhere I’d rather head than the Italian island of Sardinia. Just a two-hour flight from the UK, Sardinia has all the beauty of the mainland, without the crowds and chaos a summer trip can bring. Instead, this large island is a true oasis, filled with laid-back resorts, scenic boat trips, and the freshest fish dishes. And you don’t need to just take my word for it. Over the years, celebrities like Bradley Cooper, Chris Pine, and Vanessa Hudgens have all been known to holiday there, and the island was also used as one of the filming locations for Disney’s 2023 Little Mermaid. Need I say more?
Exploring North Sardinia Costa Smeralda
Sardinia is a rather large island, so unless you are travelling around with a car (or on a luxury yacht), it’s best to stick to one area of the island. I opted to stay in the north part of the island, known as Costa Smeralda. So if you’re ready to sit back and relax, with an Aperol in hand of course, these are all my recommendations for where to stay, what to do, and most importantly, where to eat in Sardinia.
Where to Stay in Northern Sardinia
Costa Smeralda is known for its luxury resorts and the main area of Porto Cervo. While worth a visit, there are many lesser-known towns that still give that luxury feel on a smaller budget with a more relaxed vibe. Step forward: Cannigione, which is where I spent the first few days of my trip. This area offers a wonderful blend of upscale amenities and a more tranquil atmosphere, perfect for unwinding.
Michael and I decided to stay at Cala Di Falco, one of the Delphina Hotels and Resorts. Situated just a few minutes’ walk from the main town of Cannigione and the beach of Cannigione, Cala di Falco is a must-visit. I can still remember the first time we walked through the hotel and looked out at the pool and the sea, and were instantly met with a feeling of calm. The children immediately ran towards the water, excited by the view.
There’s a variety of rooms available, from a one-bedroom apartment to a four-bedroom villa, all of which are spacious, have recently been refurbished, and feature classic Italian design. I was obsessed with the green tiles in our walk-in shower; they brought such a refreshing touch to the space.
The hotel has two restaurants: one offers a buffet, and another offers an à la carte menu, specializing in grilled meat and fish. The à la carte restaurant overlooks the rest of the hotel and the beach, and it was the perfect way to spend our first night, savoring delicious food with a stunning backdrop. The fresh aroma of the herb garden just outside the dining room was also a delightful touch.
Cala Di Falco is designed for unwinding, with plenty of places to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of Sardinia. There’s the pool, a wooden platform dock over the sea, and deckchairs on Cannigione Beach reserved for hotel guests. Despite having a large number of rooms, the hotel feels very intimate, with the friendliest staff who are full of local recommendations. There was never any problem getting a sunbed in the morning, which is always a bonus when traveling with young children.
A Romantic Escape: Hotel Capo D’Orso
Unlike Cala Di Falco, which is perfect for families of all ages and sizes, Capo D’Orso, also part of the Delphina Group, is ideal for a romantic break for two or a well-deserved escape with your bestie. Situated in the park of Cala Capra and a short drive from the town of Palau, Capo D’Orso is truly breathtaking.
The Delphina Group is dedicated to protecting and honoring the local environment, and you can really tell. The hotel feels like it grew out of the earth and is naturally part of the environment, with only local plants found on the hotel grounds. This integration of nature creates a truly serene atmosphere.
Along the curved coastline on which the hotel is situated, there are a number of hidden spots, each with its own sun loungers and umbrellas. It often felt like you could spend a whole day by the water, dipping in and out of the sea, without seeing anyone else. It’s the kind of place that encourages quiet contemplation and connection with nature.
Relaxation and Activities
However, there’s also the option to sit around the swimming pool or on the resort’s private beach, complete with some of the bluest water I’ve ever seen. If you’re looking for even more relaxation, Capo D’Orso also has its own spa and thermal pools, which are well worth a visit. Michael and I managed to sneak in a spa treatment and it was pure bliss.
If you’re looking for a bit more activity on your trip, the hotel is part of Cala Capra park, so you’re ideally located to take on a number of hikes in the picturesque scenery. You can complete a short walk to a nearby idyllic beach, or challenge yourself and walk further ahead to the lighthouse. The views from higher ground are spectacular.
There are four restaurants on-site, including the most decadent buffet breakfast complete with a live harpist. Yes, a harpist playing while you eat your eggs is quite the experience!
Now, not forgetting the actual rooms. There are just 86 rooms available at the hotel, including 20 junior suites and 20 executive suites. Every room has a balcony or terrace for you to relax on, and the interiors are filled with soft cream and white furnishings, along with stunning signature blue and green tones throughout. It’s the perfect ambiance for a romantic getaway.
What to Do in Northern Sardinia
Northern Sardinia offers a variety of experiences that cater to different interests, from local markets to scenic boat trips. These activities provide a wonderful glimpse into the island’s culture and natural beauty.
Visit the Local Market
Every Monday in Cannigione, a local market takes over the town. Stalls range from local produce to jewelry, clothes, and homeware, perfect for picking up something to take home and remember your trip by. Although, don’t necessarily expect to walk away with a bargain, as the majority of the prices were similar to surrounding shops, and bartering isn’t really encouraged. It’s more about the experience and finding unique items.
The market is a lively affair, with locals and tourists mingling. It’s a great place to sample regional delicacies and find handcrafted souvenirs. I found a beautiful ceramic piece that now sits on my mantelpiece back home.
Explore Cannigione
As well as spending Monday morning in the market, I also wandered through the town’s many homeware and art stores, which are filled with seaside-inspired interiors. One of the stores had a pair of rattan chairs that I still think about to this day. It’s so easy to get lost in the charming streets.
Once you’re done with a morning full of exploring, there are a number of cute cafés to sit and relax with an espresso and a pastry. I highly recommend finding a spot with a view of the harbor; it’s the perfect way to soak in the local atmosphere and recharge before your next adventure.
Take a Boat Trip
Staying so close to the Maddalena Archipelago (a group of small islands between Sardinia and Corsica), a boat trip is an essential part of any holiday to North Sardinia. I arranged ours through the hotel, but the port at Palau was full of boats offering trips. The majority of boat trips will take you around a selection of small islands, where you will see some of the bluest water on earth, and they’ll often pause at the most beautiful spots so you can have a swim.
Be sure to watch out for one incredible beach which was surrounded by stunning rock formations and wild boars (yes, really!). The boat captains are usually very knowledgeable and can point out the best spots for swimming and snorkeling. This was a highlight for the whole family; the kids loved splashing in the clear water.
Explore La Maddalena
Either as part of a boat trip around the islands or just a boat trip to La Maddalena, the small town in the center of the Maddalena Archipelago is well worth a visit. It’s full of windy streets, ice cream shops (I had one particularly great pistachio ice cream), and souvenir shops that are perfect for spending a few hours getting lost in.
The main piazza is a lovely spot to sit and people-watch. The island itself is a protected national park, and exploring its rugged coastline and hidden coves is an unforgettable experience. You can rent scooters or bicycles to explore the larger islands within the archipelago.
Where to Eat in Northern Sardinia
Sardinian cuisine is a delightful blend of fresh seafood, hearty pastas, and local produce. The restaurants in Northern Sardinia offer a fantastic opportunity to experience these flavors.
Brezza di Mare – Cannigione
While staying in Cannigione, I went for dinner at one of the restaurants near the hotel on the edge of Cannigione. Brezza di Mare just calls you in, with low-level mood lighting and a view out to sea. The truffle tagliatelle was a particular highlight, as of course was the tiramisu for dessert. It was a perfect end to a day of exploring.
The ambiance here is incredibly romantic, with the gentle sound of the waves and the soft glow of the lights. It’s ideal for a special evening meal. The seafood options are also excellent, so don’t miss those if you are a fan.
Il Paguro – Capo D’Orso
Il Paguro is an à la carte restaurant at Capo D’Orso which can be visited by hotel guests and non-guests too. The restaurant specializes in grills, seafood, and catches of the day. We opted for lunch there on our first day and tucked into octopus, freshly fried calamari, and a big glass of rosé while looking out on the crystal-clear blue sea ahead of us. Honestly, it was relaxation at its finest.
Dining here feels like a true indulgence. The fresh ingredients and skillful preparation make for a memorable culinary experience. The view alone is worth the visit, but the food truly elevates it.
L’Approdo Pizzeria – Capo D’Orso
I’m not exaggerating when I say I may have had one of the best pizzas of my life at Capo D’Orso’s pizza restaurant, which is open for dinner in a courtyard under the olive trees and looks out to sea. The restaurant only serves wood-fired pizza and salad, and is ideal for a night when you just want to sit back and tuck into a really good meal.
The simplicity of the menu here allows the quality of the ingredients to shine. The crust on the pizzas was perfectly crisp and chewy, and the toppings were fresh and flavorful. It’s a wonderfully relaxed dining option.
Île Flotante – Capo D’Orso
Île Flotante is a truly magical spot for a lunch or dinner as its wooden floating platforms are sat right on the water’s edge, with just a few tables. If you go early enough for dinner, you can watch the sunset as you have your first drink of the evening. It was the kind of spot I half expected someone to get proposed to in, but sadly there were no proposals in sight for me.
The food here specialises in seafood prepared by the chef in a small wooden open bar just a few meters away. It was completely tranquil, and the sashimi platter we indulged in was incredible. This is the place for an ultra-memorable, intimate dining experience. We made sure to capture some photos of the unique setting.
All in all, a stay in Sardinia is a trip you’re unlikely to forget about anytime soon. It offers a perfect blend of relaxation, stunning scenery, delicious food, and gentle adventure, making it an ideal destination for a memorable 2026 vacation.