Sardinia File: Is It Really the Maldives of the Med or Just More La La Luxe?

We spent a week in Sardinia as a family and absolutely loved it. The quiet, tree lined coastal roads with low-rise houses and shops and not a skyscraper in sight meant we immediately wound down and relaxed because everything felt easy and unhurried.  With a little know how you can live the Dolce Vita without spending a fortune. Having said that, there are a few things you should know in advance to get the most out of your experience.

Sardinia’s northeast coast, served by FlyDubai’s direct summer flights to Olbia (also known as Costa Smeralda Airport), offers both stunning beaches and quieter towns away from the luxury crowds. We loved San Teodoro and the area around there. If you love the coast and the countryside then you’re at the right place.

There are beaches galore, but a couple like Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu require advance booking to control visitor numbers. It’s super easy to do this through an app, usually just 48 hours ahead and only costs a couple of euros per person. Renting a car is a must to explore at your own pace and discover less crowded spots. Ours permanently had all our beach gear in it as well. Most beaches do offer good facilities - sunbeds, umbrellas, and little cafés serving excellent coffee and snacks but mainly people bring their own chairs, umbrella and picnic rug. Arriving early is key to getting a prime spot, as these beaches can get busy, though it never felt overwhelming. Beaches open from about 8.00am. Our days always started by the sea, followed by a leisurely lunch and a siesta in the afternoon, that’s a good rhythm for sunny Sardinian days. Cool, early evening aperitivos and dinners in the local town formed the evening routine.

Sardinia is fabulous for foodies! From casual cafés serving coffees and croissants (generally no eggs for breakfast here) to bustling seafood restaurants favored by locals, everything felt authentic and fresh.

We especially enjoyed our spaghetti vongole, but note it’s served without cheese but topped with bottarga. Our favourite pizza place was a must-visit more than once, and as with many popular spots, early arrival is recommended during the summer months.

For those who like to cook, local supermarkets such as Dettori Market stock fantastic artisanal products - fresh pesto, handmade ravioli, excellent parmesan and creamy, oozy burrata make for simple easy cook meals to linger over,  We highly recommend grabbing local ingredients for some relaxed dining back at your accommodation. The prices are super digestible too!

A highlight was dining at Casteddu, a traditional countryside about 30 minutes from San Teodoro. It’s a well-established agriturismo in the Prato area. Communal dining in a rustic mountain setting with plentiful homemade courses was a feast and a true cultural experience but booking ahead is essential and do go very hungry! Check the menus beforehand too.

For a splash of luxury, the Baglioni Resort Sardinia offers beachfront exclusivity, a stylish, large pool for cooling off in the afternoons and a three Michelin-starred restaurant, Gusto by Sadler. It’s the perfect place to unwind after beach-hopping and long lunches. The location is ideal for feeling away from it all, and yet it’s just a few minutes drive away from so many beaches.

Don’t leave Sardinia without doing a boat trip! We enjoyed a half-day tour around Tavolara and Molara islands and a full-day excursion to the stunning Maddalena Archipelago. Finding those hidden coves and secret beaches only accessible by boat is really special, and there are multiple stops for swimming right off the boat. But we recommend only the small boats with a maximum of around 12 people for a better experience.

Sardinia’s combination of beaches, greenery, food, and boat trips really won us over. Whether you’re traveling from Dubai or elsewhere, it’s a fantastic destination for families and beach lovers alike. I think it’s a lot more than just the Maldives in the Med and it really doesn’t have to be La La Luxe at all if you prepare beforehand. For videos, photos, and more tips, check out the Do in Dubai Instagram perfect for bringing Sardinia to life.

See the author Monica Kapila’s blog for more on Sardinia and other short break destinations at www.doindubai.com -  An Honest Guide to Life in Dubai.