In July 2025, we set off for a long-awaited summer escape to northern Sardinia, flying into Olbia and exploring some of the island’s most stunning beaches and towns. Sardinia is known for its turquoise waters and rugged coastline — and now I understand why. But like any real travel story, it wasn’t all perfect, and that’s exactly what made it memorable.
🛬 Landing in Olbia and Settling In
We landed at Olbia Airport and picked up our Peugeot 206 hybrid from GoldCar — super economical, insurance included, no hassles. Just grab the keys and go. Sardinia is a place where you need a car, and this little hybrid was perfect for zipping around the island.
Our first base was Punta Falcone, followed by a stay at Tenuta Lu Baroni. Both were well-located and beautiful, but there was one surprise: a wasp invasion. I’m not exaggerating — meals outdoors became a challenge, with wasps buzzing around as soon as any food appeared. It added a bit of stress to otherwise relaxing afternoons.
🌊 Beaches, Boats, and Breathtaking Views
We spent our days exploring:
- Porto Cervo — chic, polished, full of luxury yachts. Fun for people-watching.
- Porto Ottiolu — laid-back harbor vibes.
- Spiaggia Li Cucutti and Spiaggia La Marmorata — both free-access beaches with warm, clear water (~25°C) and plenty of space.
- Isola Santa Maria — we took a boat from Porto di Santa Teresa; the trip itself was half the fun, cruising past gorgeous coastline.
- Spiaggia Rena Bianca — one of the few famous beaches we managed to visit with an advance ticket.
- Santa Teresa Gallura — lively at night, with small-town charm and a real sense of place.
- Spiaggia di Cala Spinosa — tiny, intimate, and worth the climb down.
🍽️ Eating as a Coeliac: A Real Challenge
As someone with coeliac disease, I always approach new food destinations with caution, but Sardinia was particularly tricky.
Many restaurant menus lacked allergen information, and few staff seemed trained on cross-contamination risks. I ended up eating tagliata di manzo — grilled beef with arugula and Parmesan — over and over. It’s delicious… but after several days, it got old.
The safest option? Cooking at home.
We shopped at EuroSpin, where prices were surprisingly low, and prepared simple meals — stress-free, gluten-free, and wallet-friendly.
🍹 Aperitivi and Warm Waters
What stayed with us most?
The 25-degree water, so inviting you could float for hours. The Aperol spritzes at sunset, watching the horizon glow. And most of all, the warmth of the Sardinian people — genuinely kind, always smiling, always ready to help.
⚠️ The Paid Beach System (and How We Navigated It)
One major headache was the paid beach system. Many of Sardinia’s most famous beaches have limited entry, with tickets sold online 48–72 hours in advance. And those tickets? Gone in minutes.
We only managed to secure passes for Rena Bianca; attempts at other top beaches were a complete fail. So, we pivoted: we focused on free-access beaches, which, honestly, were stunning and more than enough to fill our days.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Northern Sardinia, We’ll Be Back
We only explored the northern part of Sardinia this time, but it left us wanting more. The south of the island is calling, and we’ve already promised ourselves a return trip.
Sardinia in July is hot, sometimes windy, sometimes full of wasps — but also gorgeous, vibrant, and unforgettable.
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