Cruising Sardinia

Sardinia offers adventurous cruisers an abundance of natural wonders to discover. Salvatore/Adobe.Stock

A favorite playground of international high society, Sardinia mixes the sophistication of the seaside resort of Porto Cervo with wild and breathtaking landscapes and seascapes. The island’s natural beauty, rich history and delectable dining scene make Sardinia an alluring cruising destination.

Island Attractions

Sardinia’s first national park, La Maddalena Archipelago National Park spans about 50,000 acres of sea and land, and skims 111 miles of coastline. Private boats need a permit to cruise its aquamarine waters and 60-plus islands, many of which look like wind- and current-sculpted granite and schist monuments. Inland, explore the rugged, scenic landscapes of Gennargentu National Park via hiking trail, or via train on the slow tourist routes offered by Trenino Verde.

Sardinia is prized for its picturesque beaches. Spiaggia del Principe (Prince’s Beach), a white-sand crescent near Porto Cervo, frequently ranks among the world’s best beaches. The beaches near Chia are considered especially family-friendly, while those in the Golfo di Oristano and Golfo di Orosei areas are known for their beauty.

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For some scenery and history combined, check out the Castello District in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital city founded in the 13th century. Wander along the narrow walkways to Bastione di Saint Remy, which offers sweeping views. The four-story Archeological Museum displays an impressive collection of artifacts spanning back to the island’s neolithic roots. Delve deeper into the island’s earliest civilization at the Su Nuraxi nuraghe, a Bronze Age defensive complex near Barumini that’s the island’s only UNESCO World Heritage site.

Food and Drink

As the bull’s-eye in Costa Smeralda’s see-and-be-seen scene, Porto Cervo has exceptional dining options. Italo Bassi Confusion Restaurant, one of the island’s four one-star Michelin restaurants, serves creative haute cuisine. Renato Pedrinelli Restaurant Wine Shop and Bar expertly covers all three bases, known for its pastas, seafood and wine list. For a simpler meal, La Briciola earns raves for its fantastic pizza.

In Cagliari, reservations are recommended at L’Osteria Gioia & Gusto, praised for its seafood dishes and friendly service. ChiaroScuro di Marina Ravarotto is the place to sample such Sardinian specialties as su filindeu (a typically handmade pasta that is filament-thin) and casizolu cheese.

Elsewhere on the island, Su Gologone is the destination for Sardinia’s signature roasted pig. Food and wine connoisseurs head to the commune of Mamoiada, where small vintners grow the native cannonau and granatza grapes. Dine at Su Tapiu for innovative farm-to-table fare and at Abbamele Osteria, earning growing acclaim for its updated Sardinian classics.  

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