The lesser-known European island with beaches as good as the Caribbean
Sometimes you don't need to fly half a world away to find glorious white sand beaches and turquoise waters. In fact, you'll only need to fly a few hours to get to this gorgeous European gem.
Found in the heart of the Mediterranean is the island of Sardinia, flanked by miles of rugged rock coastline and relaxing beaches. Writer Amy Jones took a recent trip to the diminutive island, exploring everything it had to offer, reported MirrorOnline.
Staying at the Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia, her stay had a touch of luxury. Here is everything she recommended doing if you fancy a last-minute trip to the Med.
"Nestled off the west coast of mainland Italy, Sardinia is famed for its dazzling white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, not to mention its mountains, lagoons and stunning coastlines. We found the ideal spot to explore these untouched shores at the magnificent Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia hotel – and stumbled upon a haven for food lovers in the process."
Where to stay in Sardinia
"We were captivated by the stylish interior of Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia, which gave this five-star resort a unique feel from the moment we walked in. Our room was adorned with golden hues and beautiful decor that made us feel like we'd landed in our own private Italian villa, complete with a stone-and-marble bathroom, a spacious living area and a balcony overlooking a lagoon filled with pink flamingos.
"The lagoon was an incredible sight, which we could appreciate even more through binoculars, and our balcony was also the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine in the evenings as we settled into our Italian escape."
Sardinia's best beaches
"Just a 10-minute stroll or you can hop on the private shuttle from the Conrad hotel and its neighbouring property Baia di Chia Resort, we found the hidden Monte Cogoni beach. It's been hailed as one of Italy's most beautiful beaches and we could certainly see why.
"Monte Cogoni, a serene sanctuary of crystal-clear waters and soft golden sands, is nothing short of paradise. We took full advantage of the resort's private area for guests, complete with sun loungers, parasols and towels, before plunging into the refreshing Tyrrhenian Sea.
"We also spent some time at the nearby Campana Dune beach, where the inviting blue waters and stretches of sand were perfect for enjoying the gentle sea breeze and listening to the soft tunes emanating from the beach kiosk."
What to do in Sardinia
"We made good use of the resort's e-bikes and set off to the province of Capo Spartivento along the ancient Roman road. Here, we discovered a stunning red lighthouse perched on the edge of the south coast.
"After another steep ride, we reached the historical Chia Tower, where we were greeted with breathtaking views. It's definitely worth the trek to admire this beautiful area from above.
"The resort also offers a host of other activities, ranging from water sports and horseback riding to tennis and beach volleyball. There are also stunning pools for guests to relax in across both the Conrad and Baia di Chia resorts. One of our favourite spots at Conrad was the Bioaquam pool, a secluded spot with views out to Chia Bay.
"For a bit of pampering we visited the Conrad Spa, which boasts treatments, saunas, a Turkish bath and more. We swam in the three outdoor pools nestled in the spa's gardens, while on the rooftop we enjoyed the pool equipped with massage jets."
Where to eat in Sardinia
"With a total of 10 restaurants spread across Conrad and Baia di Chia, we embarked on a culinary adventure. Our day began with breakfast at the Terrazza restaurant, set against the stunning backdrop of the mountains. We savoured Italian coffee before ordering our eggs and exploring the extensive buffet that included meats, fruits, cooked items and cakes, even indulging in a morning mimosa.
"We also spent two of our evening meals here, dining as the sun set. Our four-course meals left us spoilt for choice. Standout dishes included paccheri pasta with crustacean bisque, crunchy-skinned sea bass with saffron cream and lemon meringue and sorbet, all paired with a glass of local white wine.
"Our dining experience extended to the patio setting of Sa Mesa, where we relished marinated local prawns, macarrones de punzu (Sardinian pasta with fresh sausage) and pane carasau flatbread. On our way to Campana Beach, we stopped at Le Dune lounge bar for some tuna tartare.
"Conrad also offers a vast selection of gelato at its ice cream parlour – we only wished we had more time to sample them all."
How to book
Room rates at Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia start from £343 per night. Ryanair provides direct return flights from London Stansted to Cagliari starting from £118.95.