Underrated Mediterranean gem with Europe's most stunning beaches just 2.5 hours from UK
The Mediterranean island of Sardinia, with its perfect blend of hot weather, amazing food, rich history, city life and beautiful beaches, is often overlooked by British tourists.
Despite its many attractions, it doesn't even make the top 10 list of islands most visited by Brits, a list dominated by Spanish destinations like Tenerife, Majorca and Lanzarote, as well as Greek islands such as Santorini, Corfu and Rhodes.
However, those in the know would argue that this Mediterranean paradise surpasses them all. One of its major selling points is the staggering number of beautiful beaches scattered along its coast.
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Located halfway between Italy and Spain in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is less popular and less well-known than the tourist hotspots of Spain and Greece, which are now grappling with overtourism. The island's size ensures plenty of space, meaning you don't have to squeeze into overcrowded tourist spots.
It boasts a large city, Cagliari, on its southern tip, offering a bustling city life with a vibrant restaurant and bar scene. At the opposite end of the island lies Alghero, a reasonably large town also known for its lively restaurant scene.
Porto Cervo, a haven of luxury on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, acts as a beacon for affluent European tourists. Visitors can spend time admiring the well-guarded yachts moored there and speculate about their wealthy owners, reports the Express.
Sardinia's culinary delights are what you would expect from any Italian locale, offering many choices that are guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds. Due to the fact that Sardinia doesn't get overrun with tourists like Majorca, most eateries remain devoted to serving the local populace, ensuring the dining quality is superb.
But arguably, the jewel in Sardinia's crown is the staggering collection of stunning beaches it boastseach could be hailed as a prized gem elsewhere in Europe. Highlighted in a recent compilation of the globe's 50 top beaches, two spots from Sardinia were included, with one being honoured with second place.
The best beaches in Sardinia
Selecting the absolute "best" beaches among Sardinia's extensive assortment is an exceedingly tough task, given the multitude of deserving candidates sprinkled throughout the island. For those venturing beyond Sardinia itself, the neighbouring islands of the Maddalena archipelago present even more magnificent coastlines to discover.
Here's a glimpse of some of the finest sands Sardinia has to offer:.
1. Cala Mariolu
2. Spiaggia della Pelosa
3. Spiaggia del Pirata
4. Spiaggia Rena Bianca
5. Cala Corsara on La Maddalena
Sardinia, naturally, can become quite crowded during the peak holiday months of July and August, when it's a popular choice for Italian vacationers. Costa Smeralda is one of the most frequented destinations on the island, known for its celebrity sightings and visible wealth.
For those interested in potentially spotting a Hollywood star or business tycoon, Spiagga del Principe is the place to be. According to Lonely Planet: " A number of beautiful coves necklace the fabulous swoop of coastline where Gallura's wind-whipped granite mountains tumble down to fjordlike inlets in the emerald sea. One of the finest is the Spiaggia del Principe, a stunning crescent of pale sand snuggled among low cliffs named after Prince Karim Aga Khan, who has given it his seal of approval."
Where to stay in Sardinia
When it comes to accommodation in Sardinia, your choice will depend on the type of holiday you're after. Cagliari, the island's largest population centre, offers a vibrant mix of history and modernity.
It's not typically a tourist city, so the restaurants primarily cater to locals, ensuring top-notch quality.
Cagliari also boasts its own stunning beach, the expansive Poetto, located just a short journey from the city centre. It's a favourite spot for city dwellers to escape to whenever possible.
At the other end of the island, you'll find Alghero, a cosy town boasting several beaches and intriguing sites nearby, including some stunning country villages. From Alghero, you can take a boat trip to Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune's Cave), a breathtaking seafront cavern where stalactites dangle above the water.
On the east coast, luxury destinations such as Porto Cervo and the Costa Smeralda offer a sanctuary for the rich and famous. If you're not quite ready to rub shoulders with the elite, Cannigione is a more low-key small town in the vicinity, offering a variety of hotels, restaurants and bars.
Similarly, if you're seeking a location that offers proximity to the city and a good selection of nearby beaches, consider Villasimius in the south, just a short drive from Cagliari.
Where to eat in Sardinia
When it comes to dining in Sardinia, your choices are virtually limitless, with all major towns and cities offering an array of authentic options that cater more to Italians than tourists.
However, one culinary experience you shouldn't miss is the agriturismo. This Italian concept sees traditional farms adapt to accommodate visitors looking to dine or stay (or both).
The menus are often extensive and fantastic, leaving you satiated with the finest locally-produced food. It's truly incomparable.
Getting to Sardinia is straightforward. The main airports are located at Cagliari on the south coast and Olbia on the north-eastern coast, with frequent flights available from UK airports.