Sardinia

Located just south of French Corsica, Sardinia is a contender for its northern neighbour’s title of “Isle of Beauty”. The first thing you will see when coming ashore might be its wonderful coasts, like on the Strait of Bonifacio (where you can see the southern coast of Corsica, from the town of Santa Teresa Gallura) or the Cala Goloritzé (a cove with magnificent emerald waters and rocky formations) in Baunei. Pushing inland will be rewarded with even more breath-taking landscapes such as the view in Gennargentu (a mountain massif), Asinara (the second largest island of Sardinia), Arcipelago di La Maddalena (a geomarine park where its rich biodiversity can be fully appreciated) National Parks or the aptly-named Costa Paradiso.

Then, be ready for a trip through time, as its strategic position in the middle of the Mediterranean made it a crossroads of multiple cultures and civilisations. Delve into prehistory with its megalithic temple of Monte d’Accoddi, the Monte Corru Tundu Menhir in Villa Sant’Antonio, the Su Nuraxi in Barumini and the Giants’ Grave in Dorgali. Then relive ancient history with the Phoenician then Roman town of Tharros, the Punic Necropolis of Tuvixeddu or the Roman thermae of Forum Traiani. As you go through the ages you can also see venerable churches such as the Santa Sabina Byzantine church in Silanus, the medieval Basilica of San Gavino, the Cagliari Cathedral, the Basilica of Saccargia or other landmarks such as the Statue of the Juighissa Eleanor of Arborea in Oristano.

Finally, why not enjoy the pristine white beaches and deep blue seas of Santa Reparata and Villasimius, the quietness of Castelsardo village or simply stroll in the capital, Cagliari, to enjoy its renowned local food such as pecorino sardo, pane carasau (thin, crunchy flatbread), rock lobster with herbs – and why not with a local wine such as the strong Cannonau or much lighter Malvasia?