Sardinia (Sardegna in Italian) is one of the best-kept secrets of Italy. It’s the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, and spending your honeymoon in Sardinia will give you a golden opportunity to discover, and fall in love with, its exotic allure.
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Is Sardinia a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
The western Mediterranean has the most beautiful islands on Earth: Malta, Tunisia, Sicily, Corsica, and Sardinia. But Sardinia offers more than stunning coastlines, sandy beaches, and scenic landscapes. As an island steeped in antiquity, it provides the right atmosphere for a truly unique and unforgettable escape.
A Sardinia honeymoon is ideal for couples who want to explore more of Europe and don’t mind spending a few more hours traveling before getting rewarded with their final destination’s beauty.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Sardinia?
- Go beach hopping. The best beaches on the island include Spiaggia del Principe and Cala Luna. Apart from dipping your toes into the powdery white sand, soaking up the sun, and taking a dip in the mesmerizing waters, you can also discover vibrant marine life via snorkeling.
- Take a romantic boat tour. If you include a boat tour in your itinerary, there’s no better place to explore than the Maddalena Archipelago. It’s a group of islands found between Sardinia and Corsica.
- Hiking and nature walks. Day hikes and nature walks will keep your fitness in check even when you’re honeymooning. Popular spots include Sella del Diavolo, Cala Goloritze, and Sa Spendula.
- Taste Sardinian wine. Vermentino, Carignano, and Cannonau are some local wines you can try in Sardinia. Though they’re commonly available in restaurants, you may want to go the extra mile and book a wine-tasting tour. Cagliari is one of the best places for this experience.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Sardinia?
While you can visit Sardinia any season, you will experience the warmest weather in the summer: from June to early September. However, it’s also when the number of tourists is highest.
Consider visiting from April to June — the weather is still pleasant, but the crowds are thinner, the atmosphere is quieter, and the prices are lower.
Is a Honeymoon in Sardinia Expensive?
Although Sardinia has a reputation for being the playground of the rich, it’s a destination within financial reach. If you avoid pricier areas, like Costa Smeralda, you and your new spouse can enjoy a week-long honeymoon in Sardinia for $2,000 to $2,500.
How To Plan a Budget Sardinia Honeymoon
- Visit during the shoulder season, not the peak season.
- Always look for deals and discounts on flights, lodging, and honeymoon packages.
- Design your itinerary smartly. Sardinia is a vast island. Avoid expensive areas and focus on just one or two regions.
- Allocate a budget for car rentals, as it’s the most reliable transport option on the island.
- Opt for budget-friendly activities, like walking around the streets and the coastline, swimming, and hiking.
7 Best Areas to Stay In Sardinia
The Island of Sardinia boasts charming cities and quaint towns and communes. These are the strongest contenders if you’re looking for a place to stay:
Cagliari
Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital and largest city, boasts a laid-back atmosphere. With its old-world beauty, you and your significant other can enjoy days of romance and tranquility here. Visit during one of the many yearly festivals for a unique and local experience.
It’s also home to various historical sites such as Il Castello, a hilltop citadel, Bastion Saint Remy, and Torre dell’Elefante. You will also find stunning beaches in and around the city, such as Poetto, Calamosa, and Golfo degli Angeli.
Alghero
Though Alghero is a city, it has the vibes of a quaint village. On the coastline, you’ll enjoy a long stretch of pristine beaches where you can take romantic sunrise or sunset walks.
Its charming old town has postcard-worthy architecture and a wealth of small boutiques run by Sardinian artists. This is also the place to be to taste sumptuous Catalan-style lobster.
Porto Cervo
Want your honeymoon in Sardina to be extra posh? Stay at Porto Cervo, the Italian seaside resort town often regarded as the undisputed capital of Costa Smeralda. Costa Smeralda, also known as the Emerald Coast, is an evocative coastal region where glamor meets tranquility.
Don’t miss swimming in Spiaggia del Pevero or seeing wonderful art pieces at Monte di Mola Museum when in Porto Cervo.
Olbia
Graced with idyllic beaches, this northeastern Sardinian city offers days of fun and relaxation in an unspoiled natural setting.
If you’re choosing this as your base for your honeymoon, you’ll be treated to a range of top-rated restaurants, churches (like the Basilica di San Simplicio), and archaeological museums.
Palau
Palau is a commune in northern Sardinia. This seaside village has become a tourist hotspot thanks to its proximity to Capo d’Orso. This is also where you can book a ferry ride for an exciting day trip to La Maddalena Islands.
When not exploring a local beach, take a short tour to Fortezza di Monte Altura, a 19th-century bastion perched on a rocky slope. Palau is also near other resort towns like Porto Cervo and Caanigione.
Oliena
The charming town of Oliena is located at the feet of Sardinia’s iconic mountain, Supramonte. Offering a unique honeymoon experience, you’ll have plenty of unforgettable activities to try here.
Walk in the river of Sorgenti Su Gologone, explore Corbeddu Cave, and embrace spirituality in churches and cathedrals like Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola. For a more thrilling journey, try off-road tours at Sardegna Nascosta.
Chia
Chia lies on the south coast of Sardinia. Reminiscent of a Caribbean paradise, it has azure waters and powdery beaches. The juniper-laden dunes add another layer of beauty to this tourist destination.
Thanks to its ideal wind conditions, Chia attracts honeymooners who are also watersport enthusiasts. You and your partner can try your hand at surfing or kitesurfing here.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Sardinia?
A Sardinian getaway is not for couples who want a convenient, straightforward trip. As no direct flights are available from the US, you must fly to another major European city (e.g., Rome, Milan) before you can fly into Cagliari Airport, the main gateway to the island.
Traveling Within Sardinia
Renting a car is the best option to get around Sardinia. While they have trains and buses, their public transport system encounters delays and breakdowns.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in Sardinia?
Whether you’re looking for a 5-star luxury resort, an adults-only lodging, or a boutique hotel, Sardinia has an option. Since the island attracts globetrotters, it offers various lodging options with wide-ranging amenities such as free Wi-Fi, private pools, private beaches, and wellness treatments such as couples’ massages.
Hotel Su Gologone is an excellent mountain lodge, while Hotel Capo d’Orso is an elegant boutique hotel with breathtaking sea views. Villa del Golfo is a lifestyle resort with a huge sun terrace and swimming pool, while Villa Las Tronas is set in private, lush gardens. Hotel Cala di Volpe is a storied luxury hotel in Costa Smeralda, while La Villa del Re is an opulent resort exclusive for adults.
What Type of Food Should You Try in Sardinia?
- Su Porcheddu. This roasted suckling pig is a staple in Sardinian festivals and special occasions. The tender, flavorful meat results from the pig being seasoned with herbs and spices and slowly roasted over an open fire.
- Pane Carasau. A Sardinian starter isn’t complete without this thin, crispy bread. It can be eaten alone or with toppings and is often served with cured meats and local cheeses.
- Seadas. Made with sweet ravioli and cheese, this classic Sardinian dessert is delectably topped with honey and sugar.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Sardinia Honeymoon?
This island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea holds thousands of years of history. You can visit plenty of attractions to learn more about it and its unique culture, including the following:
- Visit the Tombs of the Giants in Arzachena and marvel at mysterious constructions.
- Explore museums like the Museum of Femina Agabbadòra in Gallura and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari.
- Take a trip to ancient ruins such as the Doria Castle and nuraghe, ancient stone towers.
- You can also learn traditional crafts such as weaving and let the product serve as your one-of-a-kind souvenir.
What to Pack For a Sardinia Honeymoon
Sardinia calls for lightweight, casual clothing as a honeymoon destination in the Mediterranean region.
You can prepare fancier outfits for more formal engagements and bring sweaters and jackets when evenings become cooler. Beachwear is a must since the island boasts beautiful beaches. It’s also essential to bring sunscreen, hats, and other sun protection accessories.
Is Sardinia Safe to Visit?
For honeymooners wanting to spend time in Sardinia, here’s great news: It’s one of the safest places to travel in Italy. However, you and your loved one still need to observe safety precautions. Here are our best tips:
- Avoid hitting the water when the weather conditions don’t permit it (e.g., the wind is strong, the sea is rough, or it’s raining).
- If you’re self-driving, always observe traffic rules and regulations. Cars drive on the right side of the road.
- As with other destinations, be vigilant and observe your surroundings, especially in tourist hotspots.
- When visiting cultural sites, respect rules, customs, and traditions.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Italy?
US citizens aren’t required to get a visa when visiting Sardinia or other parts of Italy. You and your spouse can stay there for up to 90 days if your passports are valid for at least six months.
Sardinia Travel Tips For Couples
- Though tap water is safe, even locals prefer drinking treated water.
- Bring a standard European plug adapter with you because, like the rest of Europe, Sardinia has 220-volt power outlets.
- Never take sand — even the tiniest of amounts — from Sardinian beaches. It’s a violation that entails paying a hefty fine.
- Though tipping isn’t mandatory, many locals and tourists often round up the bills or give 10% of the bill to appreciate a staff member’s service.
- Sardinia uses Euro. $1 is about €0.92 as of writing.
- People in Sardinia speak Italian and Sardo, the Sardinian language. Though some can speak English, knowing basic Italian phrases is still helpful. Bring a trusty Italian phrasebook or download online references beforehand.