Where to eat in Sardinia

Food in this region of Italy has ancient roots, and traditions that go back centuries. With Sardinia being an island, seafood dominates many dishes, but given the region’s agricultural roots, so do meats and grains. Restaurants that serve regional dishes done to perfection include Crar‘e Luna. Their regional delicacies are irresistible, with bottarga (salted and cured mullet roe) and burrida (fish stew) among local favorites.

A short drive from Chia to the historic backstreets of nearby Pula will deliver you to Zia Leunora’s wood-beamed dining room that has a familial ambience that’s reflected in the menu. Traditional recipes handed down over generations include salted sea bream and the delectable fregola con arselle, Sardinia’s famed pasta dish that combines toasted semolina pasta with fresh-caught clams.

Your concierge at Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia can help you explore the island’s other proud tradition: its viticulture. On a private tour of a local winery, you can learn about Sardinian wines such as Cannonau di Sardegna and Carignano del Sulcis, as you discover your new favorite vintage.

Continue your culinary tour at Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia’s diverse range of dining options. Visit La Terrazza to enjoy breakfast or dinner with panoramic views of the lagoon and bay. Relax by the pool and enjoy a light and wholesome menu at Bioaquam, which also offers seasonal cocktails, vegetable and fruit smoothies and curated organic wines. For a refined afternoon tea or an evening of live music, head to the property’s stunning Bollicine Bar.

Breathtaking beaches

Turquoise waters and white-sand coves define the beautiful beaches in southern Sardinia. Explore deserted bays and take in coastline views that will stay with you for years to come. Overlooking the Bay of Chia, Su Giudeu Beach is an especially scenic spot. The sand dunes here are incredibly high, forming a protective line to create a tranquil beach with shallow inlets. It’s an idyllic place to sunbathe, float in the sea and unwind.

Spiaggia di Cala Cipolla, a tiny cove with pristine waters and sands, is also close to the Bay of Chia, framed by pine and juniper trees that provide much-needed shade when the temperatures rise. There are also countless other coves and bays to explore around the island's spectacular southern coastline.

Guests at Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia — who have access to a private shuttle service to Monte Cogoni and Le Dune beaches — can elevate their seaside escape even further through a day of memorable exploration (arranged by your dedicated concierge, of course) on a chartered boat. Feel connected to the elements as you sail along the gentle lapping waters, taking in the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean and snacking on delicious local meats and cheeses. If horseback riding is more your speed, the resort can help arrange that, too. Discover untamed coastal landscape, looking down on beaches and lighthouses, as your guide brings you to the most breathtaking and exclusive observation spots.

Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guide books/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.