Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport may be compact, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to eating before you fly. The main terminal hosts a handful of cafes and sit-down spots that genuinely reflect Sardinian character rather than defaulting to generic airport fare. Arrivals and departures share a comfortable airside lounge area where the food options are clustered, making it easy to grab a proper meal without much legwork.

The standout choice for most travellers is the Clipper restaurant, a bright, well-run space that serves honest Sardinian staples alongside reliable Italian classics. Look for porceddu — slow-roasted suckling pig — on seasonal menus, along with malloreddus pasta dressed in a rich sausage ragù. The bar counters throughout the terminal do a brisk trade in freshly pulled espresso, sfogliatelline pastries, and seadas, those irresistible fried cheese pastries drizzled with bitter honey that feel like a proper send-off from the island.

For a lighter bite between flights, the deli counters stock vacuum-packed bottarga, local pecorino, and cured meats — ideal for edible souvenirs that also double as a snack. Wine lovers should not overlook the small selection of Cannonau and Vermentino by the glass, both proudly Sardinian and far better value than you might expect given the airport setting. Arrive a little early and treat the lounge as a final, unhurried taste of the island rather than a waiting room.