Esterno cantina at Argiolas, Sardinia, Italy

Argiolas

Sella & Mosca may be Sardinia’s most widely recognized label, but it is not the island’s best. If you have time, pay a visit to Argiolas, in Sardinia’s southern region, not far from Cagliari. Thanks to consultant Giacomo Tachis, it has developed an international reputation for well-priced wine. Make sure to buy up as many bottles of Turriga, their cult red wine, as you can carry. By appointment only.

Beaches at Best Beaches , Sardinia, Italy - Courtesy Contini

Best Beaches

Sardinia has many different and wonderful beaches. The trick, of course, is getting them to yourself, and the best way to do that is by taking a boat to one of the outer islands.

Among the best ones on the mainland are: Cappricioli, Piccolo Pevero, Spiagga del Principe, Liscia Ruia, Phi Beach, Porto Pollo, Romazzino and Capo Testa. If you do have a boat, head toward Corsica and the Maddelena archipelago or to Tavolara, which has one beach café on its sandy side.

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Fielda at Capichera Vineyard ,  Sardinia, Italy

Capichera Vineyard

A quick drive north from the Costa Smeralda, Capichera, one of Sardinia’s first producers to believe in the Vermentino grape, now one of the island’s most popular local white grape varieties.

Aerial View-Contini ,Sardinia, Italy

Contini

One of Sardinia’s oldest vineyards, on the west side of the island, is well regarded for its Vernaccia grape. Contini’s Barrile red—the 1998 vintage was awarded
 the Gran Medaglia d’Or at Vinitaly in 2003—makes an excellent house wine.

Hill View - Day Trips ,  Sardinia, Italy - Courtesy David Edgar

Day Trips

Hire a rubber dinghy or a motorboat at the small port of Cala Gonone, in the center of Sardinia’s eastern coast, and explore the coves and beaches along the Gulf of Orosei. Don’t miss Cala Luna, a half crescent of white sand surrounded by steep cliffs, whose dazzling turquoise waters are so clear you can see right down to the bottom.

Mountain at Gola su Gorropu , Sardinia, Italy - Courtesy Hans Peter Schaefer

Gola su Gorropu

Farther afield, the island’s interior is ideal hiking territory. Two of the best areas to explore by foot are along the Supramonte massif and into the Gola su Gorropu, one of Europe’s deepest canyons. Trekking enthusiasts should check into the Su Gologone, a stylish hotel in the middle of the Supramonte with excellent on-staff hiking guides.

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Boat at Indagare Tours: Boat Charters , Sardinia, ItalySardinia, Italy

Indagare Tours: Boat Charters

Indagare's preferred boat charter companies can take guests to explore the coves and bays around the Costa Smeralda or to go out to the surrounding islands. Our partners can offer everything from 15 foot rubber dinghies for six people (no license required) up to 36 footers with sundecks and fridges for up to twelve people. A favorite trip is to La Maddalena an island group that stretches north from Porto Cervo toward the Strait of Bonifacio. The island’s famous rock formations rise like stone calligraphy from the bright-blue waters. While several beaches are protected and entry to them is restricted, there are many hidden spots to swim in and explore.

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Sea View at evero Golf Club Costa Smeralda , Sardinia, Italy

Pevero Golf Club Costa Smeralda

The eighteen-hole course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is perched on steep, rocky terrain between the bay of Cala di Volpe and the Gulf of Pevero. Considered one of the best courses in Italy, if not Europe, it’s known for its views and exacting uphill approaches, but be warned: when the wind blows, even the professionals have a hard time controlling the ball.

Porto Rotondo

The small town near the Costa Smeralda was developed by the Venetian Count Dona Delle Rose. While not quite as over-the-top and well known as Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo attracts almost as many superyachts and (mostly Italian) celebrities. And by being less flashy and a bit more spread out, it feels a bit more authentic. End a stroll at the historic port, which features several nice casual restaurants and chic shops.

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