Spotlight on Sardinia
Sardinia is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea and is just a short flight from the UK. The Costa Smerelda on the North East Coast is considered to be the most exclusive and glamourous on the island. Direct flights operate to a number of airports on the island and take under 3 hours, making it an ideal escape for a few days or a longer stay.
If you are seeking under-stated elegance, white sand beaches and crystal clear water; this is the place for you! The island landscape varies between coasts, they are quite different in character; the east coast is dotted with pretty coves and a mix of white sandy beaches and pebbly bays. On the west coast you are more likely to encounter rolling waves and beaches more typical of the Mediterranean. In the south, you’ll find large resort style hotels with plenty of facilities; this area is generally less developed.
Porto Cervo is one of the most exclusive resorts in Europe; it has one of the largest marinas in Sardinia; high quality restaurants; designer shopping and some exclusive nightspots. Beaches are found on the outskirts of the resort and many hotels provide shuttle services.
I stayed at Le Palme hotel which is situated just a short distance from the centre of the town. It's a really pretty property with wooden balconies and painted fresco's; think Tuscan Villa! It's elegant and understated with a large garden, swimming pool and direct access to a private beach. It's the perfect place to escape and unwind and a great base to explore from too. We stayed on Half Board and the food was excellent, with a creative menu that would please even the most discerning palette. Rooms here have vaulted ceilings, beautiful painted furniture and original (often uneven) floors. The hotel is packed with character and feels very traditional, yet it has all of the facilities you would expect from a luxury boutique property.
The island is worth exploring from this area and it's easy to get out and about. Just north of Porto Cervo you’ll find the Baia Sardinia; a string of three resorts with wide sandy beaches and a small waterpark. This area is great for families. Further along the coast is the pretty town of Palau. From here, you can take the short ferry trip to the nearby Maddalena Islands; a small archipelago of seven tiny islands. There is a really relaxed and unhurried atmosphere here, like time has stood still. We loved it and visited twice during our stay.
Continue along the coast and you’ll discover the old walled town of Alghero; it is possible to fly direct here if you choose the north western area for your holiday. The old walled town is well worth a visit and the cobbled streets are home to a myriad of shops, bars and restaurants. Look out for the famous Elephant Rock (Roccia dell’Elefante) on the drive here! Nearby beach resorts include Isola Rossa; a pretty fishing village where you’ll see spectacular sunsets that light up the landscape.
A favourite of ours for body boarding was Badesi Mare; 8kms of white sandy beach and a typical laidback seaside vibe. Quite different to the resorts on the eastern side of the island.
Travelling inland, there is a wonderful rail journey aboard the Trenino Verde (Little Green Train); a great example of eco-tourism and a fun few hours travelling through the hinterland.
One of my favourite days out was spent in Orgosolo; high in the mountains. The town was once the home of bandits and is now known for the murals that decorate many of the buildings. Much of the artwork has a political reference and details periods of history. It is a fascinating place to wander the streets and discover the islands history in a different form.
Sardinia was a surprise and a delight; from a stunning coastline with warm, clear waters that resemble those of the Caribbean to it’s history, art and culture. There is something to appeal to most tastes. It is a little more expensive than some European destinations but absolutely worth visiting.