The island of Sardinia is home to some of the Mediterranean’s most alluring beaches, seductive seafood and luxury resorts. Look beyond the glitz and glamour of the Costa Smeralda to discover a magnificent mountainous countryside full of mysterious Bronze Age ruins and historic towns with Baroque architecture and ancient Roman ruins.

Things to do

Delve into the past with a twilight trek through the evocative nuraghi ruins, consisting of 700 Neolithic stone towers and tombs. Hike along the limestone cliffs to the crescent-shaped bay of Cala Luna or float into Neptune’s Cave to see the hanging stalactites.

Sardinia’s 2,000-kilometre-long coastline boasts hundreds of untouched beaches with little shacks selling ice cream, drinks and snacks. Swim in the translucent waters of Chia, a series of pristine flamingo-dotted bays along Sardinia’s southern coast.

Prefer a more adventurous experience? Surf with the locals and scuba dive through colourful reefs. Head north to the Costa Smeralda to see a remarkable coastline of pink granite boulders with secluded turquoise coves.

Getting there

The three main airports serving Sardinia are Cagliari Elmas Airport, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport and Alghero Airport. Sardinia is accessible by ferry from ports in Italy, France and Spain. The shortest car-ferry crossing from the mainland is Civitavecchia to Olbia on Sardinia’s northeast coast.