When people think of Italy,
their minds usually go straight to Rome, Florence, or Venice. But those who have been to Sardinia know it is a world of its own. This Mediterranean island is wild and refined, ancient and vibrant, peaceful and full of life. And with United Airlines launching nonstop flights from JFK to Olbia starting May 2026, this slice of paradise is about to become much easier to reach.
So, if you have been dreaming of turquoise seas, seaside lunches, and slow, joyful living, Sardinia might just be your next great escape.
Sardinia is one of the world’s few Blue Zones, regions where people regularly live past 100. The secret is a mix of simple pleasures and deep connection. The traditional diet is full of local, unprocessed foods like beans, olive oil, and homegrown vegetables. Cannonau red wine, rich in antioxidants, is enjoyed daily, and movement comes naturally through gardening, walking hills, and tending animals.
But the real secret ingredient might be the people. Sardinians are known for their kindness, humor, and strong community ties. Life here moves at a slower pace, and every gathering, meal, and glass of wine feels like a celebration of being present.
No trip to Sardinia is complete without indulging in its unique cuisine. One of my favorite local dishes is culurgiones, delicate handmade pasta filled with potato, pecorino, and mint, then sealed with a braided edge. Served with tomato sauce, it tastes like comfort and tradition in every bite.
Then there is porceddu, a slow-roasted suckling pig that is crisp, juicy, and smoky from hours over the fire. For dessert, try seadas, a golden pastry filled with cheese and drizzled with honey.
Pair any of these dishes with a glass of Cannonau, the local red wine said to help with longevity, or Vermentino, Sardinia’s signature white wine known for its crisp, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with sunshine and seafood.
For wine lovers, head inland to Santadi or Serdiana, where small, family-run wineries welcome visitors for tastings and long, laughter-filled lunches.
Sardinia’s vineyards thrive in sun-soaked hills kissed by sea breezes. Vermentino has ancient roots here, likely brought by the Phoenicians, and today it is one of the island’s most celebrated wines. It is refreshing, floral, and meant to be enjoyed slowly, preferably on a terrace overlooking the coast.
If you prefer reds, Cannonau is your go-to. It is bold, earthy, and full of character, just like the island itself. Locals will tell you it is part of the reason they live so long. Personally, I am not one to argue with that theory.
During a Virgin Voyages cruise, I got to spend a short while in Cagliari, Sardinia’s southern capital. It was a cloudy October day, quiet and calm, with that soft Mediterranean light that makes everything glow.
I rode a little tourist tram through the city, wandered into the botanic garden, and ended up at Trattoria Lillicu for one of my favorite meals: spaghetti alle arselle (clams), a glass of white wine, a warm sebada drizzled with honey, and a macchiato to finish. It was simple, delicious, and perfectly Sardinian.
Sometimes the best travel moments are not the ones we plan, they are the ones that find us.
While Americans celebrate Halloween with costumes and candy, Sardinia honors a much older tradition called Animeddas, held between October 31 and November 1. Children go door-to-door asking for treats “for the souls of the dead,” families light candles, and the air fills with the scent of papassini, almond and raisin cookies baked for the occasion.
It is a beautiful reminder that even in celebration, Sardinians find meaning in connection and remembrance.
Sardinia is made for exploring. Start with a boat trip through the Maddalena Archipelago, where the water is so clear you will think you are floating in glass. Visit Nuraghe Su Nuraxi, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the Bronze Age, for a glimpse into the island’s mysterious past.
If you love the artsy side of travel, spend time in San Pantaleo, a charming village filled with artists, markets, and mountain views that look like they have been painted by hand. Stop by Caffè Nina for a drink and people-watching, it is the heart of village life.
And for a touch of local flavor, end your day with aperitivo at one of my favorite spots in Costa Smeralda:
Caffè Nina, San Pantaleo – stylish, warm, and perfect for Vermentino at sunset
La Maddalena waterfront bars, ideal for golden-hour spritzes
Phi Beach, near Baja Sardinia, for a more upscale experience with unbeatable views
If you still have energy after dinner, Ritual Club in Baia Sardinia is a fun late-night spot where locals and visitors mingle under the stars.
Maddalena Archipelago
San Pantaleo
Phi Beach Sardinia
Sardinia is about to get a whole lot closer for U.S. travelers. With United’s new nonstop route from JFK to Olbia launching in May 2026, it is easier than ever to plan a summer escape to Italy’s most captivating island.
Whether you want to explore ancient ruins, taste the world’s freshest seafood, or simply slow down and breathe the salty air, Sardinia offers a rhythm that stays with you long after you have left.
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I'm Amneris (or you can call me Neri... all my friends do), a travel advisor and flight attendant who curates unforgettable trips across Europe and beyond. From solo getaways to romantic escapes and luxury cruises, I help busy professionals and adventure seekers travel well—with less stress and more joy. Ready to plan your next journey? Let’s chat.