With the launch of the first nonstop flight from New York JFK to Olbia in May 2026, Sardinia is opening a new chapter for U.S. travelers. Long celebrated for the turquoise waters of the Costa Smeralda, the island is now positioning itself as a destination for deeper, more meaningful travel. Through Cesarine, Italy’s oldest network of home cooks, visitors can step inside private homes - from coastal hotspots to remote inland villages - offering a more authentic way to experience Sardinia beyond its iconic coastline.
Monticanaglia & Porto Cervo: The Intimate Side of Costa Smeralda
Just beyond the beach clubs of Porto Cervo, the village of Monticanaglia reveals a quieter, more authentic Sardinia. Here, Cesarino Tomaso, with over forty years of culinary experience, welcomes guests into his home for hands-on cooking classes rooted in Gallurese tradition. His signature experience, “Sapori di Sardegna”, guides travelers through the preparation of handmade gnocchetti sardi each dish crafted with organic, locally sourced ingredients and paired with regional wines.
Olbia: A Gateway to Authentic Encounters
Olbia is more than a gateway - it is a destination where travelers can immediately immerse themselves in local life. At Simonetta’s restored ancestral village, visitors experience a deeper cultural immersion - where cooking, history, and rural life intertwine among almond trees and centuries-old stone houses. Her “Longevity Tour” combines pasta-making, wine tasting, and storytelling, reflecting Sardinia’s globally renowned lifestyle and sense of community. Cesarina Maria Immacolata hosts guests in her home for a three-course culinary journey, from mazza frissa to handmade Sardinian agnolotti, ending with a convivial tiramisu shared around the table. In the countryside between Mannazzu and Putzolu, Cesarina Maria Antonietta offers a deeply immersive and intellectual approach to Sardinian cuisine. Her signature experiences - such as hands-on classes dedicated to chijusoni, pitzosu, and busa - go far beyond cooking. Guests are guided through ancient techniques, family knowledge, and the cultural meaning behind each gesture, culminating in curated tastings of local specialties and wines. Tailor-made and multilingual, her experiences are designed as intimate rituals of discovery, offering travelers a rare opportunity to connect with the deepest roots of Sardinia through its culinary heritage.
Nuoro & Barbagia: Preserving the World’s Rarest Traditions
Inland, the province of Nuoro offers an entirely different dimension of Sardinia - one of silence, authenticity, and ancient knowledge. Here, Luca is among the very few artisans in the world capable of making filindeu, the legendary “threads of God” pasta. In his rare and intimate demonstrations, guests witness the intricate technique behind one of the most elusive culinary traditions on Earth. In nearby mountain villages, experiences continue with hands-on classes dedicated to culurgiones, traditional desserts like seadas, and handmade pastas that carry generations of history. In Antioca’s home in Ollolai, at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, guests slow down to rediscover the rhythms of village life - learning to prepare maharrones de poddighe while surrounded by forests, granite landscapes, and the scent of wood-fired bread.
Cagliari: Where Tradition Meets Contemporary Sardinian Living
In the vibrant capital of the island, Cagliari offers a refined yet deeply authentic perspective on Sardinian lifestyle and cuisine. Here, Cesarina Valentina celebrates the essence of simplicity, where exceptional ingredients take center stage. Her experiences highlight the artistry of fresh pasta, bread-making, and traditional Sardinian desserts - true edible jewels that captivate both visually and in flavor, each telling a story of heritage and passion. Alongside her, Cesarino Marco welcomes guests with a philosophy rooted in hospitality and conviviality. With a background spanning private chef services and collaborations in the food industry, his experiences blend technical expertise with warmth, guiding guests through the preparation of traditional dishes using seasonal, high-quality ingredients. In Cagliari, cooking becomes more than a meal - it is a shared moment of storytelling, culture, and genuine connection in the heart of Sardinia’s most dynamic city.
Today’s luxury traveler is seeking more than exclusivity - they are searching for authenticity, connection, and meaning. Sardinia delivers all three. Through Cesarine, visitors move beyond the surface - entering homes, learning traditions, and forming connections that transform a destination into a lasting memory.
For more information, visit cesarine.com
