With an abundance of stunning white sand beaches and some of the clearest waters of the Mediterranean, the island of Sardinia is ideal for a relaxing holiday.
Its mountainous interior gives a wealth of opportunities for finding stunning vistas and secluded corners and the unhurried pace and peaceful landscape will refresh the body and soul.
SOUTHERN SARDINIA
Southern Sardinia features long expanses of perfect sandy beaches and probably the most translucent turquoise sea you will find anywhere in Europe. The southern coast of this wonderful island provides an ideal environment for the ultimate beach holiday on Sardinia.
SANTA MARGHERITA DI PULA
On the southern tip of Sardinia, Santa Margherita di Pula has a superb sandy beach and is close to the city of Cagliari, ablaze with cafés, restaurants, shops and the interesting old quarter 'Castello'.
CHIA
Chia, one of Sardinia's most scenic and uncluttered coastlines, where rocky promontories separate reclusive sandy coves. A 16th century campanile stands guard over the Punic settlement of Bithia.
NORA
Founded during the 8th and 9th century BC, Nora houses the remains of Punic and Phoenician sanctuaries, a magnificent Roman villa, amphitheatre and stately forum.
NORTHERN SARDINIA
Sardinia's sophisticated northern shores, such as the Costa Smeralda and Baia Sardinia, are interspersed with near-deserted sandy coves and rocky inlets. This stunning stretch of coastline contrasts with the remote, rugged landscape inland, where the beauty is of a wilder nature.
COSTA SMERALDA, PORTO CERVO
Stretching for 30 pristine miles across the island's north east corner, Costa Smeralda has idyllic sandy beaches. Cervo boasts a luxury yacht club and marina complex and stylish boutiques.
BAIA SARDINIA
Baia Sardinia, a small village set in a beautiful little bay with fine sand and clear water. Here, life centres around the beach and the piazza where there are a few small shops, bars and restaurants.
OLIENA
For those avid to discover a characteristic Sardinian town, Oliena is a perfect example, set in the Cedrine valley at the foot of Monte Corrasi. Shaded streets are lined by whitewashed houses with painterly courtyards, reposing in a languid atmosphere neighboured by gnarled olive groves, terraced vineyards and scented almond trees.
CALA CAPRA
Those in search of less obvious exposure find languid coves at Cala Capra, a sandy stretch shaded by low wooded hills in an area of unsurpassed Sardinian natural beauty.
