Sardinia, Italy: The Luxe Escape You Didn't Know You Neede
Boat days, chic bikinis, a little rosé, and a whole lot of main character energy.
Ladies, Sardinia is that girl. If you’ve been craving a destination that serves effortlessly chic, full glam with zero pretension, and meals that deserve their own Instagram grid—this is it. From boat-hopping in a black cutout one-piece to seafood lunches that somehow turned into five-hour affairs, Sardinia was the reset I didn’t know I needed.
This post is the full run-down. My itinerary, fashion looks that lived up to the views, where we ate, sipped, swam, and soaked it all in. And of course, what made it into my suitcase—and what you’ll want in yours.
If you're planning a Euro summer moment, this is the guide you'll be forwarding to your group chat.
Boat Days, the Right Way
We spent a day exploring the coast by boat, and honestly, it set the tone for the whole trip. It was such a great way to see so much of the island. The water was surreal, we visited small uncrowded beaches, snorkeled, stand up paddle boarded and pulling up to lunch spots by sea! It was pretty incredible. We splurged on a private charter so we could have flexibility and really tailor our day for just us. We used Blue Dream Sardinia and have nothing but good things to say.
Favorites from the water:
Flottante + Paguro – both at Hotel Capo d’Orso, both a full experience
Cala Portese Beach Club – laid-back and peaceful
La Scogliera – upscale and worth staying a little too long
We had lunch at La Casitta and to be totally candid, it was delicious BUT not worth the $$$ !!
What I wore:
Swimwear that doubles as a full look, an oversized sun hat, and simple accessories that elevated everything. I kept it neutral but interesting—pieces I knew would photograph well and still feel like me.
Beach Club Energy: Elevated & Easy
Every day was another excuse to change into another bikini and pretend I was doing it for the vitamin D. We hit beach clubs by car this time—each one serving a slightly different mood.
Where I lounged and judged everyone’s shoes (in a loving way):
Nikki Beach – you know the vibe. Over the top, but in the best way. This is a journey to get to; you’ll drive to a designated parking lot, be picked up by a black car to be driven to your boat shuttle to get you to Nikki Beach! Food an vibes were great but the beach itself was not my favorite. Sorry!
White Beach (Liscia Ruja) – mellow but luxe. Clean neutrals all around.
Vesper Beach Club – stylish, under-the-radar, much more of a Brooklyn/LA cool kids vibe! Beach is pubic and exaclty the Italian vibe you want. We loved this beach, water was gorgeous!
Public beaches worth the towel drag:
Pevero Beach – you want the sunbeds, trust me
Celvia – a little gem with a tiny beach bar
Capriccioli – where the girls who get it, go
What I wore: sheer cover-ups, pearl details, and bikinis with edge. Think French girl on an Italian coast who overpacks.
Evenings That Deserved the Outfit
Dinners in Sardinia felt like something to dress for. The kind of nights where a breezy knit dress, glowing skin, and a little heel just make sense. The food was incredible, but it was the settings that really stood out—garden terraces, candlelight, cliffside views and restaurants that turn into clubs! You don't rush dinner here, we literally had reservations no earlier then 8:30 and would leave around midnight, kids loved staying up late!
Where we ate and would go again:
Le Terrazze Ritual – earthy, dramatic, and unlike anything else
Pacifico Rosemary – Peruvian with a Sardinian twist (yes, it works)
Giagoni – tucked in the heart of San Pantaleo, a little town that i would HIGHLY recommend visiting! Food was incredible and probably our favorite meal of the trip and the little town is so charming! I wish we would hav spent more time there.
Pedri Garden – classic Italian in the best way
Aruana Churrascaria – if you're in the mood for a steak night, this is your spot
Phi Beach Club & Restaurant- This place is wild; its a huge cliffside and over the water situation! Incredible sunset views and once the sun goes down fireworks every night! Then it turns into a nightclub and you can dance all night! This is def a place to see and be seen!
San Pantaleo: Off the Beaten Path
This little village completely charmed me. We drove out one afternoon with no plans and ended up spending hours just walking the streets. Eating ice cream, shopping the cute boutiques… It’s quiet, stylish, and a nice contrast to the coastline.
Do this:
Stop for a drink at Caffè Nina in the main square
Wander the boutiques and artisan shops
Stay for dinner at Casa Boheme or Giagoni—both are lovely at night! Tables singing and dancing, like being in a movie!
It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try to impress you. It just does.
What I Packed (and Wore Again and Again)
My suitcase was made up of intentional pieces—versatile, elevated, and edited. A neutral base with layers of texture and shape. Pieces that moved easily from boat to beach club to dinner without overthinking it.
My travel staples:
Swimwear with matching sets—cutouts, grommet detail, bandeaus
Lightweight button-downs and linen sets
Raffia and pearl accessories
Woven slides and barely-there sandals
Dresses that could go from day to night with one quick change of lip color
Everything felt lived-in but polished. Styled but never forced. I wore every look I packed—and that’s always the goal.
Final Thoughts
Sardinia gave me everything I was looking for in a summer trip: warmth, beauty, a reason to dress up, and time to slow down. The energy here is calm but elevated and we cant wait to come back. As far as hotel; we stayed at Hotel La Bisaccia and honestly I probably would not stay there again. Location was good but the town wasn’t my favorite, felt very touristy and not the vibe we were after. It was also a bit run down with no great amenities. I think next time I’d rather rent a villa/AirB&B! I would also recommend exploring the south side of the island, the north is known for being more posh but I loved the charm and history of the south!
If you're thinking of planning your own Italian island escape, I hope this guide helps. And if you're just here for the looks, that's fine too.
A special thank you to my bestie Diana who planned the entire trip for us! She’s always sharing travel on her socials, give her a follow for more things Italy!
xo,
Lucy
For more travel inspiration:
Japan Travel Guide
European Summer Capsule
Travel Beauty Edit