Sardinia wins global spotlight in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026

The glacial valleys and turquoise lakes of Tajikistan, the pristine safaris of Botswana, the dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental in Tunisia, and the whales and dolphins of the Azores.

But above all, the wild and ancestral side of Sardinia, with its Nuragic archaeological treasures and new cycling and hiking routes, are among the highlights of the new Best in Travel 2026 by Lonely Planet, CE Report quotes ANSA.

The long-running travel guide has unveiled a renewed format, presenting 50 travel ideas for the coming year — 25 must-see places and 25 experiences — chosen by Lonely Planet’s global team.

The 2026 edition features destinations for every type of traveler: from vibrant cities like Mexico City, with its world-class museums and colorful neighborhoods attracting digital nomads, to the green Tipperary County in Ireland, where castles, cuisine, and postcard landscapes meet.

Unexpected discoveries also include Ikara–Flinders Ranges in Australia’s Outback, the culture and cuisine of Sri Lanka, unique stays like a vintage train carriage in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, and routes through Peru, blending ancient ruins with modern cities and exceptional gastronomy.

“Travel memories aren’t just about great adventures,” says Fionnuala McCarthy, Executive Publisher of Lonely Planet. “They’re often about small moments — a scent, a conversation, a sudden view.”

Angelo Pittro, Director of Lonely Planet Italy, adds: “Best in Travel 2026 invites travelers to forge deeper connections with the people and places they encounter.”

Sardinia earns special recognition — for the first time ever, it has been selected as one of the world’s top regions by Lonely Planet and stands as the only European region to receive the title for 2026.

Regional tourism official Franco Cuccureddu called it “a major achievement,” following other honors such as Cala Goloritzè being named The Best Beach in the World 2025, the Domus de Janas joining the UNESCO World Heritage list, and the upcoming direct intercontinental flight between the U.S. and Sardinia starting May 2026 via Delta Airlines.