With approximately 2,000 kilometres of coastline, sandy beaches and a mountainous interior, Sardinia is easily one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors will immediately get lost in their own dreamy thoughts as they travel over an emerald green sea to a magical place full of white sand, picturesque hiking trails and characteristic coves.
Sardinia boasts a centuries old culture as well as a magnificent landscape.
With many atmospheric options throughout the area, visitors may have a hard choice choosing between accommodation near the beach, stunning coastal walkways or one of the island’s more glamourous districts. The good news is that it certainly won’t be hard to find an apartment or villa, no matter where you choose to stay. Costa Smeralda is a beautiful stretch of coastline in the north-eastern corner of Sardinia and is one of the most popular parts of the island. Accommodation next to the 6-kilometre long transparent waters is abundant at Chia Beach. Carloforte is another pretty beach area where apartments can be found among charming narrow streets. An equally charming area is the medieval village of Castelsardo, home to the Doria Castle from where visitors can enjoy views over the Gulf of Asinara.
No trip to Sardinia can be complete without exploring its stunning landscape. The Costa Smeralda is a beautiful area stretching 20 kilometres along the northern part of the area, and is most famous for its Caribbean-style white sand beaches. A wonderful day can be spent wandering around the Arcipelago di La Maddalena National Park. Its seven islands boast picturesque crystal clear waters and pink sand. Capo Carbonara is also worth a visit, if only to see the the Notteri pond. Separated from the sea by a thin tongue of sand, it is home flamingos, seagulls, shearwaters and partridges during the winter months. Sardinia is not all about laying on the beach. Some of its buildings are as beautiful as the scenery outside including the Basilica di Saccargia, Teatro Lirico di Cagliari and Cagliari Cathedral.
Do like the Italians do when in Sardinia and spend your days dining and drinking wine in one of the many restaurants and cafes on the island. Sardinia’s Mediterranean cuisine is as rich as its historic culture and incorporates a large wealth of traditional dishes. Probably most familiar to visitors are the safe Italian dishes of pasta and pizza which served throughout the island. However, it would be a shame not to expand your taste buds while on holiday. Ask for some traditional local dishes at any restaurant and enjoy plates filled with flavoursome grilled or spit roasted meat, cheeses, breads, salamis and olives. One top tip is the roast suckling pig. Evening meals can be finished with a glass of Sardinian wine or a lager type beer local to the island such as Dreher and Ichnusa.
The most common way to get to Sardinia, although many ships and ferries also make the journey there. Once on the island, buses and trains are the main options for getting around. Local buses connect all three airport to the nearby main areas and leave at 20-30 minute intervals. Most of the major towns will have their own local service but more often than not, it is possible to explore the sites on foot. It is less convenient travelling by train as the network does not cover as many areas as the bus. Trains are also slower as they stop in every village between the start and end destinations. Visitors also have the option to rent a car, a more convenient way of seeing the entire island. However, it is recommended that extreme care is taken while driving as the roads are narrow and wind through hilly terrain.
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