One Of Sardinia's Prettiest Cliffside Villages Is A Tourist Gem Filled With Culinary Delights

The second largest island in the Mediterranean (Rick Steves-approved Sicily takes the top spot), Sardinia is breathtakingly beautiful. From picture-perfect beach vacations to historic cathedrals and dramatic gorges, it's no surprise that millions of travelers visit Sardinia every year. Beyond the heritage and Sardinia's thrilling outdoor adventures, people also come here to eat. From spaghetti with sea urchins to zuppa gallurese (a type of bread casserole from the region), Sardinia serves food packed with character. UNESCO even included Sardinian cuisine amongst its protected oral and intangible heritage list in 2010.

Nestled within the island is a gem called Castelsardo, a cliffside fortress-turned-tourist village whose culinary heights are just as good as the views. Located on the northern end of the island, Castelsardo was known in the Middle Ages for being practically impregnable, a claim boosted by the thick walls and watchtowers that helped fend off invaders. These days, the village welcomes those with an interest in its history — as long as they come with a big appetite.

Castelsardo has no shortage of restaurants to try, so make sure that any visit to this village is an extended one. And in case you need more convincing, Sardinia is considered a 'Blue Zone,' an area where people live exceptionally long lives. Some say the key to their longevity is their dietary practices, so why not try a local bite or two in Castelsardo and add a few more delicious days to your life?

As a cliffside town overlooking the sea, it goes without saying that seafood is Castelsardo's specialty. To sample some of the region's most beloved dishes, head to Il Cormorano, a restaurant loved by locals and tourists alike. This famous local spot is located just outside the historic center of town and offers an array of fresh fish pasta dishes, such as homemade black ravioli stuffed with grouper and organic linguine with castellanese lobster. Il Cormorano's mouthwatering menu is so good it was awarded a Michelin star in 2023. The delicious food is paired with an extensive wine list.

Another local legend is L'Incantu, offering a panoramic view of the coast from within the grounds of the luxurious Bajaloglia Resort. The large restaurant windows grant diners views of the Gulf of Asinara and the valleys surrounding the resort, making this one of the most romantic and memorable dining experiences in Castelsardo. The restaurant's menu fuses the traditional with the modern, perfect for making memories with every bite.

Rocca'Ja is a bit more under the radar, but it is absolutely worth visiting if you have some more time in Castelsardo. Located on a cliff with a view of the gulf, Rocca'Ja claims to reinterpret ancient Sardinian recipes, offering dishes such as scallops with Mazza frissa and bottarga. For those looking for something other than seafood, wild boar (another regional classic) is on the menu. The restaurant even serves monzette (snails), cooked the ancient Sardinian way.

If you are after that famous home-cooked Italian feel, something more suited to nonna's kitchen than a high-brow, fine dining experience, look no further than Trattoria Pizzeria da Maria Giuseppa. This affordable restaurant is located in the center of Castelsardo, and its stone walls and draping ivy will make you feel right at home. Aside from serving pizza, Maria Giuseppa also offers inland specialties such as the renowned malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi) and zuppa gallurese.

Truth be told, you can't go wrong, no matter where you decide to eat. With culinary offerings such as these, Castelsardo should be high on your list of places to visit in Sardinia and Italy as a whole. If food informs your itineraries, get Castelsardo on that bucket list immediately.