Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Italy / Sardinia
 |  | Destination Guide : Sardinia |
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| | | Island life, Italian-style |  | Why go on holiday to Sardinia?
For sun, unspoilt beaches, crystal clear waters, pink flamingos, excellent food and wine - and island life, Italian-style.
The second-largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily, its landscape ranges from the "savage, dark-bushed, sky-exposed land" described by DH Lawrence, to white sandy beaches, with beautiful valleys and gorges in the mountainous interior.
How much does it cost?
Chartered direct return flights can be found for as little as £100; scheduled flights via Milan or Rome cost from around £200. Mid-range hotels cost from £30-£35 a night. A seven-night package holiday including accommodation and flights starts from about £450. Prices vary so it pays to shop around.
When should I go?
Sardinia has hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters. Winter temperatures rarely fall below 10C (50F). Avoid the island in August, when the hot, humid sirocco wind can make it unbearable (35C/95F) and the beaches are overcrowded.
May and September are quieter and still hot and the seas are warm enough for swimming until mid-October. Visit the ancient city of Oristano in late February/early March for the colourful Sa Sartiglia - where you'll see masked, costumed riders and a medieval tournament.
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| | | Sparkling emerald seas |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Sail around the 1,800km (1,118 miles) of Sardinia's coastline. Crystal-clear water allows you to see ancient Roman granite columns on the seabed at Cala dei Corsari.
Stop off at Porto Cervo harbour alongside sailing boats from the America's Cup, and visit the fashionable Porto Rotondo, where a vintage boat gala takes place every two years.
What if I don't have good sea legs?
Explore the capital city, Cagliari. Visit the medieval quarter, enjoy the opera at the Roman amphitheatre and relax on its beautiful Poetto beach, where nearby salt lakes are home to flamingos.
Alternatively, go walking in the interior, in the Barbagia Mountains, through impressive gorges such as Gorropu and Codula di Luna near Dorgali.
Sardinia also has a rich archaeological heritage evident in the 7000 nuraghi (prehistoric round stone structures) dotted across the island.
Where's the beach?
Young people populate the long and sandy Liscia Ruja on the fashionable Costa Smeralda - the seas on the east coast really are the colour of an emerald.
To get away from the crowds, head west for the beautiful Costa Verde. Here you'll find unspoilt, secluded beaches where you can camp under the stars.
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| | | Neptune's Caves | | Where's good for nightlife?
There are more than a thousand festivals a year, so you're more than likely to find a party to join. Sardinia is not for clubbers; it's a place to dine outside in attractive towns like Alghero in the north-west.
Other places to try include the lively town of Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda and, for bar-discos, Villasimius in the south.
What's the food like?
For gourmets, a visit to Sardinia is a delight. The coast is teeming with fresh fish and seafood - try the fish soup and lobster. In the interior, specialities include roast suckling pig, kid goat with olives, and farm produce, including artichokes.
The Sardi eat pecorino cheese (from sheep's milk) and thin bread called carta musica (literally music paper). Sardinian wine is excellent, and to finish off your meal try mirto, a myrtle berry digestif, together with an espresso.
What should I buy?
Foodies can stock up on local olive oil, artichoke hearts in oil and bottles of grappa. Sardinia has a rich heritage of handicrafts. Products include carpets and tapestries woven from Sardinian wool, baskets, ceramics, earthenware, and jewellery of gold and coral. Go shopping in Cagliari, Alghero and Porto Rotondo.
What is there for children to do?
Go cave exploring. From Cala Gonone on the eastern coast take a boat to the Grotta del Bue Marino, where a guide will take you to vast caves full of stalagmites, stalactites and lakes. Neptune's Caves on the west coast near Alghero are equally alluring.
Tourist office
Italian State Tourist Board, 1 Princes St, London, W1R 8AY. Tel. 020 7408 1254. Brochure request line: 0900 160 0280.
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| | Available rental properties in Sardinia |
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| |  | | Villetta Mariarte/Sardinia
The villa has large lounge with TV and sofabed leading to the garden with spectacular views of sea.Kitchen area leading to patio barbeque.Is fully fur
|  | | Villetta Margherita
The villa is on the hill in the middle of the macchia mediterranea with spectacular views of sea.Ideal vacation for nature and relax and enjoy the sunset.
|  | | Marmorata Studio
Attractive holiday apartment (studio) in Sardinia, just 50 metres from the sea. Welcoming and pleasantly furnished with breathtaking sea views ( veran
|  | | Marmorata Bilo
Charming holiday apartment in Sardinia, just a stone?s throw from the sea.
The apartment is inviting and pleasantly furnished with breathtaking
|  | | Marmorata Trilo
Charming holiday apartment in Sardinia, just a stone?s throw from the sea.
The apartment is inviting and pleasantly furnished with breathtaking
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