Holidays to Sardinia will leave you spoilt for choice. This Mediterranean paradise, most famous for its glamourous Costa Smeralda strip, allures sun seekers with the promise of white gold sands and glittering blue seas. A sailors’ respite, yacht clubs, luxury spas and golf clubs adorn the picturesque coastline of Cagliari – the capital city – with ample spots where you can dine on fine cuisine and sip contemporary cocktails late into the evening.
Further inland, idyllic towns and villages offer historians an insight in the ancient Roman history of the island. For explorers, there is an array of appealing mountain trails to wander, and the unspoilt environment is a haven for nature lovers. Families are always welcome in South Sardinia; the action-packed Forte Village Resort offers a one stop shop for all your holiday needs. The range of activities is seemingly endless, with water sports, a waterpark, theme park and plenty of outdoor sports which will keep even the shortest of attention spans occupied. In the evenings, join in the local tradition of passeggiata; a leisurely social stroll before settling in for an evening feasting on fresh seafood and local wines.
As the leading Italian holiday specialist, at Citalia we offer over 90 years of expertise, helping you enjoy a holiday in Sardinia like no other. We will help you find unique experiences tailored to you, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds, so that you can enjoy a more intimate experience in this wonderful area.
In North Sardinia you will find Santa Teresa di Gallura, a unique town perched overlooking the strait of Bonifacio. Make an early morning trip to watch the sun rise over the rocky shelf surrounded by weather worn granite blocks and witness the sea come to life as the light washes over the calm waves. The view is just as magical as the sun sets. Enjoy a glass of Mirto – a locally produced berry liqueur - overlooking Cala Spinosa as the waves lap against the jagged rocks.
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Sardinia is steeped in rich history, and there is a wealth of land to explore. In North Sardinia you can visit Isola Rossa, also known as Red Island (due to a red-rock outcrop in the sea). This little village has plenty of great restaurants and a gorgeous sandy beach with crystal clear waters – perfect for snorkelling.
Don’t miss out on the Trenino Verde – the little green train – to Palau, it takes passengers through scenic routes at a leisurely pace. Climbing steadily through lush hillsides, navigating round hairpin turns, and gently descending from the mountain peaks down to Gallura, only the birds’ call and the noise of the train break the silence.
For those who want more of a laid-back luxury experience, make your way to seaside resort of Porto Cervo. There you’ll find an inspiring range of restaurants, catering to all tastes and budgets.
Alternatively, Cannigione is another beautiful beach resort, with easy access around the island and of course the gorgeous La Maddalena archipelago – with its turquoise translucent waters and pristine beaches. To see the most out of this picturesque location it’s definitely worth joining a boat tour, which will take you around the mesmerising coast-line.
If you prefer to get to know this wonderful island at your own pace with the Sardinia self-drive. Hire a car and take to the coastal roads, stopping off on golden beaches, before heading inland to rural villages full of charm and character.
Cala Cipolla, at Teulada, South Sardinia
The closest airport to the resorts in North Sardinia is Olbia (OLB). Direct flights to Olbia are available from Bristol, London Gatwick, London Heathrow and London Luton and take approximately 2 hours. For South Sardinia, the closest airport is Cagliari (CAG). Direct flights to Cagliari are available from London Gatwick, London Heathrow and London Stansted and also take approximately 2 hours.
Sardinia is a summer destination, with the season generally running from May to early October. Temperatures are at their hottest in July and August and this is when the towns and beaches are at their busiest. However, Sardinia also enjoys a mild climate in spring and autumn with temperatures rarely going beneath 20 degrees which makes it perfect for visiting at the beginning or end of season too. May, June and September are ideal months to visit for those wanting to avoid the busiest crowds and still enjoy warm weather.
As a separate island, Sardinia offers a cuisine which is different to other Italian fare. While the island is famous for fresh seafood cuisine, it would be difficult to ignore the array of local dishes that are unique to the area. As with most Italian food, there is a strong focus on home cooking and family style meals.
Fregola is a must when visiting the island, and thankfully this popular primo course is served in most local restaurants. The homemade pasta pearls are made from durum wheat semolina and are typically cooked with saffron and served with a medley of seafood. The pasta itself is steeped in Sardinian heritage, with the balls hand rolled and lightly toasted until golden in colour.
A firm favourite, and probably Sardinia’s most famous dish, is the suckling pig. Known locally as su porcheddu, the pig must weigh no more than 6-7kgs and is spit roasted for at least 4 hours with myterle leaf and juniper fire. It’s then served on a cork tray and eaten with roasted potatoes. The best su porcheddu will be prepared and cooked in the open, producing a delicious aroma that is too good to resist.
Italy boasts 20 wine regions, one of which has a home in Sardinia. The coastal and mountainous terrain provide an ideal climate for growing grapes and, as a result, there is possibly nothing better than eating local food perfectly paired with a local wine. Wine lovers will enjoy tasting Vermentino, which is light in body and has a complexity akin to sauvignon blanc. A great all-rounder, this bold and intense white wine is well suited to pork dishes, grilled fish, and seafood pasta dishes – all of which you can find on any restaurant menu.
To pre-book one of our specially selected excursions, please call our Italy Experts on 01293 762410*.
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