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As if nonstop flights to Malta hadn’t been big news enough, Delta continues to build up on their European network by adding the first-ever nonstop service between the United States and…
Sardinia!
Italy’s second-largest island (after Sicily), and one of the leading beach destinations in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is famous for its Caribbean-like white sand beaches, ancient heritage, hearty food, and rolling vineyards.
Despite its undeniable popularity among Europeans, Sardinia remains a relatively hidden gem across the pond. That’s largely due to its lack of transatlantic connectivity.
Starting May 20, 2026, this will no longer be the case:
As confirmed in a press release issued this week, Delta will become the first airline to service an inaugural U.S. to Sardinia route. More specifically, they will offer nonstop flights from their New York (JFK) hub to Olbia-Costa Smeralda (OLB), in the north of Sardinia.
The route will be operational four times a week, on the wings of the Boeing 767-300ER, equipped with Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main.
Their equivalent to First Class, Delta One features lie-flat seats, chef-signed meals to be washed down with Taittinger champagne, and Missoni amenities. The remaining seating categories may not be as well-resourced, but they do include curated dining and Delta Studio entertainment.
26 seats are reserved for Delta One, 18 for Premium Select guests, 21 in Comfort, and 151 in Main. Timetables are yet to be announced; however, we do know round-trip fares will average $1,100 for the latter (economy).
Considering Sardinia’s relative anonymity among Americans, Delta’s announcement took many by surprise. If you were wondering how this offbeat Italian island got picked out of numerous other Mediterranean hotspots, this is what we went down:
Delta held a so-called Route Race, inviting both Delta stakeholders and employees, and SkyMiles Members to vote on their preferred new destination for summer 2026.
Sardinia ranked in a highly-competitive top three, alongside Malta and Ibiza. Following five days of voting, with over 150,000 SkyMiles member votes cast, Sardinia surprisingly raced ahead of Spain’s party-centric island.
Simultaneously, Delta people chose Malta. Thus, they were elected as Delta’s new European destinations, both previously unserved from the U.S., and in Sardinia’s case, the first-ever direct Transatlantic connection.
If you’ve got so far in reading, and you’re wondering why pick Sardinia over Rome, the Amalfi Coast, or even Sicily, here’s the briefest summary of what makes the ‘European Caribbean’ so fascinating—as if that title weren’t enough indication.
You’ll be flying to Olbia, a small ciy in the north of Sardinia acting as a gateway to the stunning Costa Smeralda. As the name suggests, picture turquoise-colored seas lining white-sand shores.
Costa Smeralda is also peppered with lively Sardinian towns, like Porto Cervo, distinguished by its luxury shopping scene, yacht-dominated marina, and upscale resorts.
Looking for something a little more off-the-beaten-path? Check out San Pantaleo, a rustic mountain village overlooking the coast, criss-crossed by cobblestone streets, and home to a plethora of family-owned trattorie serving freshly-caught seafood and homemade pasta.
Trattoria Balbacana is particularly popular among locals.
Keen on some island-hopping? Take a day trip to the Maddalena archipelago, just off the Emerald Coast. The main landmass in the island chain, La Maddalena, is a short 15-minute boat ride from Palau port, and it’s known for its collection of pastel-painted buildings.
They come in every color under the sun: pink, ocher, yellow, green, coral, you name it.
Although Olbia is primarily known for being in the vicinity of Costa Smeralda, you can travel beyond the Blue Flag coast towards Bosa, yet another color-burst of a city built on the banks of a scenic river, and at the foot of a monumental ancient castle.
On the northwest coast, Alghero is a must-see stop. A unique walled city influenced by Catalan architecture, it has prominent sea walls, an incredible selection of restaurants, and the nearby Capo Caccia play host to the myth-enveloped Neptune’s Grotto.
In the event you’re continuing your journey south, make sure you add the bustling Sardinian capital, Cagliari, to your list. With its wall-encircled center, traversed by medieval pathways, historic towers, and Roman amphitheater carved into hard rock, it just exudes Old World charm.
A short 30-minute drive out of Cagliari, Cantine Argiolas is one of the most notorious family wine producers on the island, and they offer wine tasting tours.
Though not as famous as the northern beaches, the coastal stretch in southern Sardinia is equally-gorgeous, with Chia and Villasimius in particular standing out with their soft cream-colored sands, and teal, warm seas.
Need any more convicing? Read further about Sardinia—and its natural and manmade wonders—here.
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