Sardinia is a treasure for food lovers who want more than just a quick bite. The island offers lunch experiences that blend stunning scenery, authentic local cuisine, and even hands-on cooking adventures. Whether you prefer sailing among the archipelago’s pink beaches, learning Sardinian recipes in a home setting, or exploring the rugged coastline with a gourmet picnic, Sardinia has something for every appetite. Among our favorites is the Shared boat tour, with free lunch and drinks, which combines a scenic cruise with unlimited drinks and a seafood feast—ideal for those who love a bit of adventure with their meal.
What makes Sardinia stand out is its natural beauty combined with its culinary richness. You won’t find better than the Private cooking class in Arzachena, where you cook family recipes in a local home, or the Gulf of Olbia excursion, which pairs dolphin sightings with a gourmet picnic. For those looking to immerse in local culture and scenery, each of these tours offers a memorable taste of Sardinia’s diverse flavors and landscapes.
Below, we highlight the 10 best lunch experiences in Sardinia. From boat tours to cooking lessons, each offers a unique way to enjoy the island’s culinary and natural riches.
1. Shared boat tour, with free lunch and drinks
At number one, this Shared boat tour, with free lunch and drinks offers a full day exploring the La Maddalena Archipelago, a stunning string of islands with crystal-clear waters. The tour lasts about 7 hours, and you’ll visit famous spots like Pink Beach on Budelli, natural pools, Santa Maria, and Spargi. The boat is comfortable, and the itinerary includes stops for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on pristine beaches. What sets this experience apart is the unlimited drinks and Sardinian specialties, including seafood pasta, desserts, and seasonal fruit, complemented by a lively aperitif. The guide’s passion and the small-group setting make it a top choice for those who love scenic sailing and a feast by the sea.
This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a full-day adventure with excellent value—$114.64 per person—for a chance to discover Sardinia’s best islands with a professional skipper. The reviews are glowing, with a perfect 5-star rating from 11 travelers. It’s ideal for families, friends, or anyone eager for a leisurely day on the water.
Bottom Line: If you want a scenic, relaxed day with seafood, stunning views, and unlimited drinks, this boat tour is hard to beat.
2. Private cooking class with lunch or dinner in Arzachena
Topping our list at number two is a Private cooking class in Arzachena, which offers a cozy, personalized experience in a local home. For about three hours, you’ll learn to prepare three Sardinian recipes, from pasta Fresca to local desserts, with full attention from your instructor. The highlight? Savor the dishes you make, paired with local wine and coffee, in a warm, family-style setting. This tour is highly rated, with 7 reviews giving it a perfect 5-star score, emphasizing how welcoming and educational the experience is.
What makes this experience special is the opportunity to learn family recipes and cooking techniques you wouldn’t find in a restaurant. It suits travelers who want to deepen their culinary knowledge and enjoy authentic Sardinian hospitality. The price is $167.74 per person, a fair value considering the intimate setting, personalized instruction, and home-cooked feast.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies eager to master Sardinian dishes and experience local life firsthand.
3. 8 Hours Excursion in the Gulf of Olbia with aperitif+lunch included
For those who want a blend of wildlife, scenic beauty, and good food, the Gulf of Olbia excursion is ideal. Over eight hours, you’ll sail among islands, watch dolphins, snorkel in natural “aquariums,” and enjoy a delicious Sardinian lunch with local wines. The tour features drone footage and underwater photos, making it perfect for capturing memories.
The highlight is the opportunity to see dolphins swimming freely and relax in stunning bays. The inclusive lunch, with regional specialties, complements the day’s adventure, making it a full-package experience. Rated 5.0/5 by six travelers, it’s perfect for those seeking wildlife, scenery, and good food in one trip.
Bottom Line: A fantastic all-in-one day on the water for nature lovers who want a good meal and memorable wildlife sightings.
4. Cagliari Private Shore Excursion: Traditional Cooking Class with Lunch
Number four on our list is the Cagliari private cooking class, which offers an authentic Sardinian experience during a port stop. In a cozy Campidanese house, you’ll learn to prepare pasta and sweets in a personalized setting. The class lasts about four hours, and at the end, you enjoy a homemade meal with your creations, paired with local wine.
Rated perfectly with three reviews, this tour is ideal for cruise passengers or short-term visitors wanting a taste of Sardinian life. It’s a great value at $273.44 per person, considering the private setting and intimate instruction. The reviews mention a warm welcome and a memorable, family-style meal.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers with limited time who want to go beyond sightseeing and learn local recipes.
5. La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Tour with lunch
Standing out for its comprehensive exploration, the La Maddalena archipelago boat tour takes you aboard a boat for about 7 hours through Sardinia’s most enchanting islands. The trip includes stops at the Pink Beach, natural pools, Santa Maria, and Spargi. The tour is perfect for island-hoppers wanting a deep dive into this untouched landscape, with a Sardinian lunch featuring local products, wine, and seasonal fruit.
Rated 5.0/5 by three reviews, this experience combines stunning scenery with a gourmet meal. It’s especially suited for small groups up to 12 who want a relaxed, scenic day on the water.
Bottom Line: For a full-day, scenic, and culinary adventure in the La Maddalena archipelago, this boat tour offers excellent value.
6. Daily sailing trip in the Orosei coves with lunch
If you’re into sailing and natural beauty, the Orosei coves trip offers a 7-8 hour day on a comfortable 16-meter sailing boat. You’ll explore beaches like Cala Goloritze, Cala Mariolu, and the Grotta del Fico, with stops for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing. The on-board lunch, based on locally sourced seafood, comes with wine and offers a true taste of Sardinian coastal cuisine.
Rated 4.5/5 from 13 reviews, this tour is ideal for active travelers who want a mix of adventure, scenery, and good food in a luxurious setting.
Bottom Line: A great choice for active travelers who want to combine sailing, swimming, and regional dishes.
7. Classic boat tour to Tavolara and Molara with lunch
This classic boat tour emphasizes the journey as much as the scenery. Over 6.5 hours, you visit Tavolara and Molara islands, with stops at beaches and caves like Orecchio di Ulisse. The trip includes a homemade fish lunch, Sardinian wine, and a relaxed atmosphere onboard—no rushing, just enjoying the landscape and local flavors.
Rated 5.0/5 by one reviewer, it’s suited for those who prefer a leisurely pace with incredible views and regional cuisine.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic day with a focus on local food and stunning landscapes.
8. Traditional Sardinian Lunch With A Cooking Class In Cagliari
Number eight offers a cooking class that combines hands-on prep with a hearty Sardinian lunch. It lasts about five hours and is set in a family-friendly environment, where you’ll learn to make traditional dishes like culurgiones and local desserts. The class is limited to six people, ensuring personal attention, and the chef shares secret recipes that connect you to Sardinian culinary culture.
Rated 5.0/5 by one review, this is an excellent pick for culinary travelers who want an immersive, interactive experience.
Bottom Line: Best for foodies who want to learn and eat in a cozy setting.
9. Gorropu Canyon Trekking Tour with Lunch
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Gorropu Canyon trek offers a 6-hour adventure exploring Italy’s deepest gorge. Starting from Cala Gonone, you’ll hike among towering limestone walls, spotting fossils and learning about the area’s geology and flora. The trek includes a ride in an off-road vehicle, adding an extra thrill. It’s suited for active travelers who want a physically engaging day with stunning scenery and the chance to enjoy a local lunch afterward.
Rated 5.0/5, it’s ideal for those who crave a day of adventure and natural beauty with some cultural insights.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for active travelers eager to combine hiking with Sardinia’s spectacular landscapes.
10. One Day Mini Cruise in the Gulf of Orosei with Lunch on Board
Rounding out our list is a Mini cruise in the Gulf of Orosei, offering a full 9-hour day exploring beaches and caves like Cala Luna, Cala Sisine, and Cala Mariolu. The boat features spacious decks for panoramic views, and the onboard lunch is cooked with local ingredients, including fish caught fresh that day. Stops include swimming, snorkeling, and exploring sea caves, with a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Rated 3.5/5 from 16 reviews, this tour is suited for travelers who want a comprehensive coastal experience with good regional food.
Bottom Line: An excellent full-day boat adventure for those eager to see Sardinia’s coast from the water with a tasty onboard meal.
How to Choose Your Sardinian Lunch Adventure
When choosing among these options, consider your priorities: Do you want a relaxing scenic cruise? The Shared boat tour or Archipelago boat trip could be perfect. For a more hands-on culinary experience, the Cooking classes in Arzachena or Cagliari private cooking are ideal. If you’re looking for adventure and outdoor exploration, the Gorropu Canyon trek combines hiking with local flavors. Budget and timing also matter—smaller, intimate tours tend to be more personal, while longer boat excursions often include gourmet meals and scenic highlights.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular experiences like the Gulf of Olbia excursion and archipelago boat tours. Consider your fitness level and interests—some trips involve swimming and walking, others are more leisurely.
Final Thoughts
Sardinia’s lunch offerings are as diverse as its landscapes. For a relaxed day on the water, the Shared boat tour offers great value. If you prefer a culinary hands-on experience, the Cooking classes and Cagliari lunch will deepen your appreciation for Sardinian cuisine.
For active travelers, the Gorropu Canyon trek provides an invigorating adventure, while the Gulf of Olbia excursion combines wildlife watching with a gourmet picnic. Whatever your taste, Sardinia’s lunch experiences promise memorable flavors and unparalleled scenery—so plan ahead and book early to secure your spot in these exciting adventures.
