SAMPLE ITINERARY

Sardinia is a stunningly diverse island, with a dazzling coastline boasting powdery white beaches, azure seas, dramatic mountain peaks and mouth-watering food, as well as vibrant cities and charming, authentic villages and towns.

It has some of the finest beaches in Europe, with a coastline dotted with beautiful bays, coves, white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. This is an idyllic location for relaxing days in the hot summer sunshine, soaking up Italian culture and cuisine, and enjoying a variety of water sports and golf.

The mountainous interior offers superb hiking trails, horse riding and rock-climbing. Alternatively you can absorb the countryside atmosphere over a bottle of wine in a traditional rural restaurant.

It takes 4 hours to drive from the north of the island to the south, and car hire will give you the freedom to explore. A wide selection of accommodation is available, ranging from luxury villas and apartments, to all-inclusive hotels and boutique options. Many are suitable for families.

Olbia is the gateway to the sophisticated beach resorts of the northeast. Costa Smeralda is a glistening 10 km stretch of coastline, starting north of Porto Cervo and continuing around the headland to near Portisco. In this glamourous area you will find luxury yachts, gourmet restaurants, designer shops and charming cafes. Baja Sardinia is a lively resort nearby with sandy beaches, water sports and many bars and clubs. It is a good choice if you don’t want to drive.

San Pantaleo is a pretty traditional Galluran village nestled in the mountains and bursting with character. Set slightly inland from the coast, in the market town of Arzachena you can see mysterious ‘nuraghe’ (stone towers) and giant ancient tombs, dating back as far as 1,600 BC. There are some fine coves and beaches along the Gulf of Arzachena, as well as the small fishing port and resort of Cannigione.

Palau is a lively small town and port that is primarily a beach resort, with a selection of shops, bars and restaurants. North of the town you will find Fortezza di Monte Altura, a 19th century bastion set on a rocky slope. Porto Pollo is situated 7 km west of Palau and attracts water sports enthusiasts, as conditions here are ideal for windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing and diving.

In the northwest, Alghero is an attractive old town with fine Spanish-influenced architecture, a charming harbour and sweep of sandy beaches. The inland town of Sassari is the provincial capital. It is a centre of culture and home to the university and the Calvalcata Sarda spring festival, held each May.

In the less discovered south, Cagliari is an impressive city with a castle and medieval walls, centrally situated on the Gulf of Cagliari. To the west, Pula is set on a long sandy coastline with a backdrop of the majestic Sulcis Mountains. Further west you will find the dazzling white sand dunes of Chia and the Costa del Sud. Set against a transparent azure sea, with a kaleidoscope of greens and blues, this stretch of coastline is one of the prettiest on the island. To the east of Cagliari, the coastline is sprinkled with small residential resorts such as Solanas, Porto Sa Ruxi and Villasimius, but then you will need a hire car to get around.

If you would like to get away from the coast and immerse yourself in local life, you should stay in the province of Nuoro. With its mountains, lakes and isolated villages, this region has retained its old customs and you will often see locals wearing traditional costumes and working in craft shops.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a meal basis varying from self-catering to half-board. Flights from London, Bristol, Birmingham or Manchester are included, as well as standard car hire or resort transfers.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence, if you plan to hire a car. The FCO should also be consulted.