Sardinia Holiday
Clear tides run up coastlines of golden sands, while the mountainous heart of the island is covered with green forests and wild flowers. Sardinia's undeniable natural beauty is as yet untouched and untainted by the ravages of tourism and industry, making it an idyllic island retreat.
"An exciting blend of the Italian and the Spanish, with unbelievably clear waters lapping golden sands and breathtaking backdrops of green covered mountains, Sardinia is a Mediterranean jewel."
Sardinia Holiday - Beaches
With waters so clear you can see the seabed and unspoilt stretches of golden and white sand, you can see why Sardinia attracts sun lovers from the Italian main land. At present, the beaches remain relatively uncrowded throughout the year, except for peak season, as these beautiful sections of coast have yet to become major resorts. Instead, the rugged coastline lends these fine beaches a backdrop of thick green woodlands and sweeping mountains. There are opportunities to try your hand at several water sports, including surfing, windsurfing, water-skiing and sailing. Diving can be particularly interesting with the wrecks off the coast providing a unique experience.
Shopping
For a uniquely Sardinian souvenir, try the street markets, such as the monthly antique and handicraft market in Calgari. Almost every day of the week, a different town has a different food market, where you can buy all kinds of local wares, from the pungent cheese to the freshly made breads and pastries.
Nightlife
Unsurprisingly for a people who love their food and wine, an evening out on this island revolves dining out, savoring the flavors and enjoying good company. There are a few bars dotted around, with occasional live music, but on the whole, this island has remained free of the neon and noise that tourism can bring with it.
Two hundred kilometers away from the Italian mainland and a little over that from the North African coast, Sardinia sits in the centre of the Mediterranean, providing a mild climate and unbeatable sunshine. Its seat in the centre mean that centuries of civilizations have swept across the island, from the Romans to the Genoans to the most recent visitors, the Catalonians. Each people left behind a little bit of history, adding to the unique patchwork of Sardinian culture - Roman ruins, Pisan churches, baroque and gothic architecture. Cągliari is Sardinia's capital and principal ferry port, hence has built up accommodation and restaurant to serve the needs of the people arriving. Olbia is the northern ferry port, and is a good place from which to start exploring the rugged northern coastline. Alghero is the island's main package resort and has been a favorite with British tourists for many years. Impressively, this flourishing fishing port has maintained local businesses independent from tourism, meaning that the resort is unspoilt and as friendly as ever. The Spanish had a particularly strong influence here, which earned the town the nickname Barcelonetta. Within the walls of the old town, narrow cobbled streets bare both Italian and Catalonian names, while flamboyant churches and wrought iron balconies hint at the presence of the Spanish. The hotels and restaurants of the resort have built up around the outside of the historic centre, but still capture some of the rare atmosphere created when Italian and Spanish cultures merge.
Local Specialities
Sardinian cuisine is about fresh ingredients, simply prepared and complimented by a good wine. Around the resort areas, restaurants serve your standard pasta, pizza and salad menus, though for a truer taste of Sardinia, sample some of the seafood. Lobster and bottargce, caviar made from mullet eggs, are just a few of the things Sardinia does well. This Italian island has strong Spanish influences and the food is no exception, with Catalonian fish stews appearing on menus along with pastas. Spit roast pig is an example of how simple preparation allows for maximum taste. You can't leave the island without trying some the ewe's milk cheeses - pungent and herby, it goes well with the large variety of high quality breads that Sardinia is also famed for. For something a bit sweeter, try one of their many pastries. When it comes to wine, there's no shortage of choice, from hefty reds through to fruity whites in Sardinia.