Sardinia Secrets – Insider guide to best beaches and food

Wish I had known about these Sardinia secrets before our visit. Practical tips about exploring the best beaches and places to eat.

Sharing our insider knowledge so you can get the most out of your trip. Don’t go without reading it.

How to get to Sardinia and best time to go

Sardinia is just a six-hour direct flight from Dubai, making it an easy Mediterranean escape.

During the summer months of June, July, and August, FlyDubai operates two direct flights a week to Olbia.

Olbia is located on the island’s stunning Northeast coast – a brilliant place to start your beach holiday. This airport is also known as Costa Smeralda airport.

What you need to know about the beaches – very important

Sardinia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches we’ve visited anywhere in the world, crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and an unspoilt natural setting.

But there are a few important things to know before you go.

Two of the most famous beaches in the northeast, Lu Impostu and Cala Brandinchi, require advance reservations during the summer season to control visitor numbers and preserve the natural environment.

Thankfully, the process is very simple, and you can book your spot up to 48 hours in advance from 6pm online using an app.

We think the parking and booking arrangements at Cala Brandinchi were some of the simplest and clearest.

Decide whether you want to hang out in the North Beach or South Beach bit though. There are cafes at either end and the rentable sun beds and umbrellas are in the middle.

But it’s a long stretch and it does get busy.

That said, most other beaches don’t require any reservations, and some of our favourites were completely open access. Most have facilities but some of the wilder ones don’t but they’re still worth a visit.

To get the most out of your beach days, we recommend hiring a car from the airport. It makes it so much easier to explore a variety of beaches at your own pace.

INSIDER TIP

The key to enjoying Sardinian beaches is to arrive early ideally between 8.00 and 8.30am if you can. While they are beautiful, they can feel much busier than beaches in places like South East Asia, especially during peak season.

That said, it didn’t bother us at all. We’d aim to spend the morning by the sea, then head off around lunchtime for a relaxed meal and maybe a siesta in the afternoon.

It’s a rhythm that worked well.

Beach facilities and what we suggest you take with you

Most beaches are well-equipped with sun beds, umbrellas, and cafés, they cost between 45 and 55 euros a day.

Sometimes there is a reduced rate from the afternoon. But most people just bring their own beach chairs and an umbrella and of course a picnic rug to lie on.

That’s ideal if you don’t want to be tied to one spot. Plus some beaches don’t have facilities like Pipara beach, so you need to bring your own.

Best places to eat

We really enjoyed the food in Sardinia – it’s fresh, unfussy, and full of local character.

Over the course of our trip, we tried everything from morning coffees and croissants at casual cafés, to snacks and cool drinks on the beach, early evening aperitivos by the sea, and dinners at local seafood spots filled with Sardinian families.

One thing we loved was the laid-back but high-quality approach to food. Even the simplest dish felt well-made, especially at places where the locals were dining.

We had our fair share of spaghetti vongole, and a tip worth noting: you won’t find cheese on this dish here. Instead, it’s topped with bottarga (dried fish roe), which adds a deep, savoury flavour that’s unique to the region. It doesn’t taste “fishy” either!

Enrico’s in Porto San Paolo was our favourite pizza place that we went back to more than once.

As with most restaurants during high season, it’s best to go early, especially at casual or family-run spots that don’t take bookings.

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Look out for Dettori Market, a fantastic local supermarket chain you’ll find across Sardinia. They specialize in artisanal, local products; think tubs of fresh pesto from the deli counter, handmade ravioli that cooks in just 4–5 minutes, and excellent Parmesan cheese.

Add a bottle of local wine and you’ve got a high-quality, low-effort meal at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in Dubai. The quality of produce is incredibly high and such good value!

A touch of luxury

If you’re in the mood for a bit of indulgence, then try the Baglioni Resort Sardinia, located right in the same area and just in front of Lu Impostu Beach.

The resort blends beautifully into its natural surroundings, with private umbrellas and sun beds on the beach, plus a gorgeous large pool that’s perfect for relaxing or a bit of people watching.

You can enjoy light snacks poolside, or for something truly special, dine at the resort’s three Michelin-starred restaurant, Gusto by Sadler, which serves elegant dishes that reflect both Sardinian ingredients and fine Italian technique.

There’s also a full-service spa, so it’s a great place to unwind after a few days of exploring the island.

Sardinia Secrets by the sea – boat trips to islands & hidden coves

Although Sardinia’s beaches are plentiful, varied, and generally easy to access by car, you must explore the coastline by boat.

It gives you access to hidden coves, dramatic rock formations, and quiet swimming spots that you simply can’t reach on foot.

We did two boat trips during our stay and highly recommend adding at least one to your itinerary.

The first was a half-day boat trip that took us around the Tavolara and Molara islands, with stop-offs for swimming in crystal-clear water. It was a great way to get a feel for the sea and the landscape.

The second was a full-day trip to the Maddalena Archipelago; a collection of stunningly beautiful, protected islands known for their turquoise waters and untouched beaches.

This was a memorable highlight of our trip.

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See Sardinia in Action on DoinDubai instagram

To really bring this guide to life, check out the Do in Dubai Instagram.

You’ll find videos, pictures, and extra useful tips about Sardinia’s beaches, restaurants, and hidden spots.

It’s a great way to get a real feel for the island before you go, and a helpful resource while you’re planning your trip.

Want to cook some fresh fish at home?

Go to Jumeirah Fish Market or try our recipe for Chinese Fish Fillets – It’s always trending on DoinDubai

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