Italy

Sardinia

Sardinia's coastline is the Mediterranean's most persuasive argument: granite coves, Caribbean-clear water and the yacht-flecked Costa Smeralda that defined barefoot luxury in the 1960s. Inland lies another island altogether — shepherd villages, prehistoric stone towers and a cuisine built on pecorino, suckling pig and surprising longevity.

Best areas to stay

Costa Smeralda

Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo remain the Mediterranean's summer society pages, with legendary resorts above juniper-backed coves.

Chia & the south

Dunes, flamingo lagoons and long sandy bays southwest of Cagliari, with the island's most relaxed run of beach resorts.

Alghero & the northwest

A Catalan-flavoured walled town near the cliffs of Capo Caccia, coral workshops and the vineyards of the Sella & Mosca plain.

The Barbagia interior

Sardinia's mountainous heart around the Gennargentu keeps older traditions alive, from murals at Orgosolo to shepherd suppers in oak forests.

Dining & nightlife

Expect bottarga, fregola with clams, porceddu and Vermentino from Gallura, from beach shacks to refined resort tables. Nightlife centres on Porto Cervo's piazzetta and marina bars in August; elsewhere evenings stay pleasantly low-key.

Travelling as a family

Shallow, sheltered beaches, boat trips through the La Maddalena archipelago and family-focused resorts make Sardinia one of Italy's best islands for children. June and September offer the same beaches with gentler heat and crowds.

Travelling as a couple

A day-boat through the Maddalena islands, dinner above a cove in Porto Cervo and a suite opening onto private sand are the classic Sardinian set pieces. The quieter south and west coasts suit couples avoiding the summer scene.

Cultural highlights

The Bronze Age nuraghe towers, including UNESCO-listed Su Nuraxi at Barumini
The granite islands of the La Maddalena archipelago
Alghero's Catalan old town and sea walls
The painted political murals of Orgosolo in the Barbagia

When to visit

June and September are the connoisseur's months, with hot days, warm seas and space on the beaches; July and especially August bring the Italian holiday peak and top rates. May and October suit walkers and cyclists, though some resorts close for winter.

Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers softened by sea breezes; the maestrale wind can whip the north coast for days.

Practical notes

Fly into Olbia (OLB) for the north, Cagliari (CAG) for the south or Alghero (AHO) for the west
Overnight ferries from Genoa, Livorno and Civitavecchia carry cars to the island
August demands long-advance booking and premium rates almost everywhere
A car is essential beyond the resorts; inland roads are slow but rewarding

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