Sardinia, Reimagined: Italy’s Wild Paradise revealed with Target Travel Luxury DMC
Sunseekers have long been drawn to Sardinia, visiting for its glittering seas, high-end resorts and yacht-studded bays. But speak to Italians in the know? They’ll tell you that’s only a fraction of the story.
For those ready to go deeper and experience Sardinia like an insider, Target Travel DMC hold the key.
Under their peerless guidance, guests can scratch the surface of this spectacular island and discover a destination of rich traditions, layered history and wildly varied landscapes; a place where rugged mountains give way to ancient villages and coastal glamour sits alongside timeless rural life.
With decades of experience and a deep-rooted love for the region, Target Travel's impeccably curated journeys are designed to unlock Sardinia’s most authentic experiences, pairing immersive cultural adventures with a portfolio of standout accommodations that reflect the character of each place. Think immersive, local-led itineraries, meaningful connections and accommodations infused with Sardinia’s distinctive sense of place, from five-star seaside escapes to elegant boutique B&Bs and serene hillside farmhouses.
To whet the wanderlust of guests seeking an Italian itinerary that’s beautifully grounded, sensorial and unforgettable, we asked Target Travel to serve up just a taste of what they can offer. And, true to form, they’ve delivered in stunning style…
A Wild Island Paradise of Character and Contrast
There’s no single Sardinia, that’s what makes it so special.
Its soul is revealed in the scents of rosemary, juniper and myrtle, the touch of sea breezes, the clang of hillside cowbells and the soft lap of azure waves on a pristine shore. The gastronomy alone is reason to hang around - from fine wines savoured amidst the groves to sunset dinners beneath Sardinia’s ancient stones, this is an island whose flavours linger long in the memory. And its landscapes are diverse and wildly varied, revealing themselves in chapters as visitors move from place to place.
In the northeast, the exclusive Costa Smeralda is all about polished glamour, fine dining and sparkling yachts ready to explore the glittering ocean and the island’s magical hidden coves. Beach lovers here will be in their element, with the endless, dreamy beaches of the south rivalling those of the Caribbean - minus the jet lag - while the northwest impresses with its raw natural beauty, sea that transitions from silver to turquoise to topaz blue and stories that run deep; local legends of beauty that are woven through the secluded coves, cliffs and bays.
Venture west and guests will find the rugged beauty of Piscinas’ windswept dunes, abandoned mining villages bathed in golden sunset light and pink flamingos lifted by the Mistral; while in the breathtaking east, with the mountains as their dramatic backdrop, towering limestone cliffs rise behind pale sands and tranquil lagoons.
And heading inland to wilder regions like Nuoro and Marmilla, travellers will find the hidden, silent heart of the island. Here, shepherds still roam the rugged hinterlands of the Supramonte and Gennargentu mountains, their lands and villages steeped in pastoral tradition, ancient artisanry and proud community spirit - each offering the warmest of welcomes to visitors.
It’s this incredible diversity, and the deeply embedded cultural identity that ties the island together, that makes Sardinia such an irresistible pick for thoughtful travellers in search of Italy’s wild paradise.
Slow Travel Experiences, Sardinian-style
A Target Travel itinerary is no generic sightseeing trip - their curated tours are crafted to bring travellers into Sardinia’s fold, with a local’s welcome, insider access and unforgettable moments that are as sensory as they are meaningful. What might your guests expect? Here are just a few of their favourite experiences:
A Gourmet Dinner in an Ancient Stazzo
Deep in the wild Gallura countryside, an age-old stone farmhouse known as a stazzo is the backdrop for a deeply personal fine dining experience set beneath a canopy of stars. Here, guests are served a multi-course meal by a Michelin-starred chef who gives classic Sardinian dishes a modern, imaginative twist - think aged pecorino drizzled with local honey and iconic mains like culurgiones pasta with mint and potato, all paired with crisp Vermentino wines. A live acoustic guitar performance and a firepit set the mood — intimate, atmospheric and unforgettable.
E-Bike through the Vineyards of Marmilla
This experience sees guests trade tarmac for vineyard trails with an e-bike tour through the sun-soaked hills of Marmilla. The region is steeped in winemaking heritage, home to vineyards where Cannonau and Vermentino grapes grow in mineral-rich soil, and the winding route takes cyclists through the rows of vines, to be welcomed by local producers who open their cellars for private tastings. Among the oak barrels and fabulous aromas, guests can enjoy exquisite wines paired with pane carasau and cheeses laced with history, while learning about centuries-old winemaking techniques passed down through generations - a sensory experience that connects land, passion and tradition.
Weaving Workshop with the Master Artisans of Mogoro
Stepping into the quiet world of Mogoro’s legendary weavers, a workshop takes guests back in time to a place where wooden looms still click and hum with stories. In this intimate experience, guests will learn the intricate craft of Sardinian weaving, handling linen and local wool while listening to the meanings behind the ancient symbols woven into each piece. As their fingers trace the patterns and rhythms of the loom, visitors will find a deeper and more authentic connection to Sardinia’s cultural legacy as they create their own handwoven piece to keep forever — a living souvenir dedicated to one of Sardinia’s richest traditions.
Private Boat Excursion in the Maddalena Archipelago
Cruising through the emerald waters of the Maddalena Archipelago aboard a sleek private boat, guests weave between untouched islands and secluded coves on this fabulous maritime experience. As the day progresses, stops for swimming in crystalline shallows are followed by a gourmet seafood lunch on deck, each course paired with delicious regional wines. The pace is slow, the scenery sublime and, as the sun begins to dip, it casts a golden light that shimmers ethereally across the sea — a paradise setting for a moment of stillness in one of the Mediterranean’s most breathtaking marine landscapes.
Dinner Among Menhirs and Nuraghi
Inland, under the open night sky, a long table is set among Sardinia’s ancient nuraghi — the famous Bronze Age stone towers that dot the landscape like archaeological sentinels. Here, surrounded only by menhirs, ruins and a perfect, mystic silence, guests dine on a menu inspired by Sardinia’s prehistoric traditions and authentic, primal ingredients at a table set elegantly with candlelight and gently flickering torches. And the storytelling is as rich as the flavours: local legends, myths and history unfolding between courses for a dinner whose memory will linger long after the final glass is raised.
Wildlife Safari in Gennargentu National Park
Hopping into a rugged 4x4, guests spend the day exploring the remote beauty of the Gennargentu mountains — a place of ancient forests, dramatic peaks and verdant pastures where, with luck, they might spot mouflons, golden eagles or wild boar along the way. The day ends with a lunch at a traditional shepherd’s refuge, where slow-roasted porceddu (suckling pig) and rich pecorino cheese are served fireside, accompanied by tales of life lived close to the land.
Breadmaking with Sardinian Grandmothers
Picture this - in a village kitchen, flour dust drifts in beams of sunlight as guests roll and stretch pane carasau, Sardinia’s crisp, paper-thin bread… In this fabulously authentic and immersive experience, local grandmothers — wise, warm and quick to laugh — share generations of knowledge, passing on techniques and stories of life lived simply in equal measure. The day ends with a feast of freshly baked breads, traditional sweets and local wine - together with that rare feeling of being welcomed, completely, into someone’s home.
From Coast to Countryside: Stays with Soul
Whether your guests are seeking a pampered beachfront resort, a design-forward boutique hideaway or a converted farmhouse tucked into the hills, Sardinia delivers — and then some.
The island offers a remarkable variety of places to stay, each one deeply connected to its surroundings, and Target Travel DMC have the expert local knowledge needed to select the perfect fit for your clients, matching them with accommodation that suits their style and pace — whether that’s total privacy and indulgence, or something more intimate, personal and rooted in Sardinian life.
From five-star resorts with Roman-style spas and sweeping sea views to rural haciendas reimagined as elegant retreats and boutique B&Bs in Sardinia’s most atmospheric towns, the common thread is a strong sense of place, warm local hospitality, exceptional service and a focus on regional food, culture and character.
It’s always easier to show than tell, so, with that in mind, here’s a selection of Target Travel DMC’s handpicked favourites - a curated collection that covers everything from coast to countryside.
Coastal Luxe
Valle dell’Erica Resort: Voted Europe’s Leading Green Resort, it blends 5* eco-luxury with dreamy panoramic views over the Maddalena archipelago.
Hotel Capo d’Orso Thalasso & Spa: Romantic and refined, this boutique gem is perched in a bewitching spot above the sea with a spa to soothe both body and mind.
Marinedda Thalasso & Spa: Nestled on the spectacular Red Coast, this elegant escape boasts world-class wellness facilities and pristine beachfront - a haven for water-lovers.
Hotel Cala di Volpe: A Costa Smeralda classic with 1960s charm, cinematic history and idyllic bay views just made for daydreaming.
Remote Retreats
Le Dune Piscinas: An exclusive, hidden refuge set among the wildly beautiful Piscinas dune belt on Sardinia’s west coast, this secluded 5* hotel is all about escape - think silence, stargazing and sea air, all paired with fine dining and a small-but-perfectly-formed spa.
Urban Hideaways
Casa Clat: In Cagliari’s old town, this tastefully restored 19th-century palazzo offers the most exquisite seafood, and pairs contemporary design with old-world soul.
Hotel Villa Fanny: Quiet, stylish and perfectly placed for exploring Sardinia’s capital on foot.
Hillside and Inland Escapes
Petra Segreta: A Relais & Châteaux boutique in the hills, with expansive views, a sparkling pool and easy access to the Costa Smeralda.
Su Gologone Experience Hotel: Artsy, atmospheric and immersed in woodland nature with dramatic views of the Supramonte massif, this enchanting lodge is perfect for creatives and adventurers alike.
Farmhouse Chic & Vineyard Living
Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru: A former farm near Olbia transformed into a serene and sophisticated wine resort replete with rustic charm, delicious food and refined touches.
Tenuta Pilastru: An intimate, family-run and oh-so tranquil estate with vineyard views, traditional architecture and warm local hospitality.
Casa Villa Marina: A vineyard setting and village pace make this one of Sardinia’s most soulful rural stays.
Sardinia, Seen Differently
For travel buyers looking to offer clients a richer, more rooted kind of Italian experience, Sardinia is ready.
And with Target Travel DMC, every trip becomes a story worth telling - curated with care, delivered with style and always grounded perfectly in place.
Love to learn more? Get in touch for an introduction to the Target Travel team today.
