Known for its sandy beaches, pretty harbours and forested mountains, the island of Sardinia offers wonderful opportunities to explore or simply relax. Glamorous resorts can be found alongside ancient nuraghe – stone edifices that offer a glimpse into the island’s prehistoric past. Sardinian cuisine is a reason in itself to visit, with excellent seafood and hearty pasta dishes being staples.
The Costa Smeralda on the north-east coast is the location for one of the world’s most exclusive resorts, Porto Cervo, and is served by Olbia airport. In the south, Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, is home to various architectural styles – the legacies of a number of fallen empires which once ruled the island. On the western coast is the town of Alghero, a picturesque destination encircled by ancient walls, with a cobblestoned old town.