Unmissable Sardinia
Our guide to the local secret gems...
Towns & Villages
San Pantaleo
A few minutes drive from the villa or a 15 minute walk, this charming village bursts with local Galluran character. Recently voted as one of the UK Telegraph’s 19 most beautiful Italian villages, it’s a relaxed and bohemian home for artists, one-off boutiques, stone cottages, watch-the-world-go-by cafes, gelateria and restaurants catering to every taste. In summer it’s pretty tucked-away piazza comes alive at sunset and late into the evening, although there’s always something going on year-round. It hosts a famous market every Thursday morning which we recommend visiting on foot in high season as parking locally is nigh on impossible.
Porto Cervo
It was not until the late 1950’s that the Costa Smeralda was “discovered” by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV who promptly commissioned the eco-sensitive low-rise resort and marina of Porto Cervo. Ever glamourous, it remains a favoured playground of the rich and famous, be it royalty, billionaire jet-setters, Hollywood A-listers or Russian oligarchs. Worth at least one stroll to take in its glitzy boutiques and dining spots, mega yachts or pulsating night-life. There’s a market on Friday mornings in summer on the right side of the road into town from Abbiadori.
Cannigione
Almost the antithesis to glitzy Porto Cervo, this traditional seaside resort and marina offers a quieter yesteryear Sardinian experience with excellent shopping opportunities (local homewares, clothes and food), low-key dining and a market on Tuesdays in summer. A good option for necessaries on Thursday mornings when San Pantaleo is ultra-busy.
Dining & Drinks
N.B. Reservations are recommended everywhere for lunch and dinner in high summer.Breakfast
San Pantaleo is lovely for breakfast. The best spots are Cafe Nina in the square or Bar Tabacchi which has tables on both sides of the pedestrian street just before it.
Lunch
Il Cavallino Bianco
A local “behind the garage” secret. Beautiful sea views, excellent food and very friendly staff. facebook.com/cavallinobiancoportisco
Il Ciminea
Quiet and shaded restaurant terrace within a rural hotel near Arzachena.
tazzoluciaccaru.it
Belvedere
Small but consistently good restaurant attached to an equally excellent deli. Locals come here for lunch.
ristorantegastronomiabelvedere.com
Frati Rossi
Run by a lovely family, the food, service and views here are all excellent. The steep and winding drive is worth it for this out-of-the-way spot.
ristorantefratirossi.com
Dinner
La Ruota
Run by a personable brother/sister trio.
facebook.com/laruotaristorantepizzeria
Cafe Nina
Hugely popular cafe-bar spanning the width of San Pantaleo’s piazza opposite the church. People queue for tables on summer evenings to enjoy drinks with cheese and ham platters served on pane carasau, the local flatbread.
caffenina.it
San Pantaleo
There are a multitude of Pizzeria and restaurants along the main road leading up to San Pantaleo from the top of Campo Sportivo, plus other options at tables in the alleyways leading off the Square. Have an explore and take your pick!
Mizuna Japanese
A newly opened surprise on the edge of San Pantaleo and already popular with expat locals.
mizuna.it | +39 0789 1872 319
Tenute Sasima
Dine under fairy-lit olive trees surrounding this beautifully rustic farmhouse on the hill below the villa, where a no-choice multi-course extravaganza of local delicacies makes this an experience to remember.
tenutesasimasardegna.com
La Vecchia Costa
Specialises in traditional Sardinian seafood dishes, with a wood-fired pizza oven as well.
ristorantelavecchiacosta.com | +39 0789 98688
Special Occasions
Giagoni
Especially lovely and very popular for sunset drinks and dinner in San Pantaleo’s square next to the church. There’s a quieter courtyard at the back if you’d prefer less of a “scene”.
ristorantegiagoni.it
Rocca Beach
Perfect for a special (if expensive) lunch with a to-die-for view on lawns overlooking the bay opposite Cannigione.
restaurantroccabeach.com
Petra Segreta
A beautiful hotel on the outskirts of San Pantaleo. Lovely for sunset mountain views and high-end dining.
petrasegretaresort.com
Wine
Vigne Surrau
On the Arzachena road in the valley below Casa Pantaleo, this elegant winery offers tastings with snack platters.
vignesurrau.it/home
Shopping
Shop opening hours
In most cases shops are open Mon-Saturday from 9am to 1pm and from 4.30pm (or 5pm) to 8pm. Supermarkets are open throughout the day (and Sundays) in summer.
Supermarkets
There is a small supermarket in the village but for greater choice, try Supermercato Nonna Isa in Abbiadori. It’s very busy in the mornings in high summer due to boat crew provisioning so get there early if possible.
Beaches
Capriccioli beach (East)
The most beautiful of the 3 beaches at Cappricioli. Crystal clear water and fascinating rock formations. A ‘must visit’ for fans of the James Bond film ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’.
Spiaggia di Razza di Junco & J Beach Bar
Easily reachable by car, with beach umbrellas and windsurfing equipment for hire. Fantastic for snorkelling.
Spiaggia La Cinta
A bit further by car from Casa Pantaleo, but worth it. A stunning curved bay separating a lagoon from the sea.
Please call first to check restaurants and museums are open, and check the relevant government guidance before travelling.
No responsibilty can be accepted by Scott Williams for any issues that may arise as a result of the enclosed recommendations and information.