History and extraordinary beauty are what Sardinia is full to the brim of. The fusion of Mediterranean culture and it’s own unique lineage of the ancient Nuragic civilization, Roman Empire, and modern Italy resulted in one of the world’s most incredible holiday destinations. From the hilltop citadel of Il Castello in Cagliari to the 4,000-year-old Monte d’Accoddi, Sardinia is full of possibilities to glimpse into an extremely rich history of the region.
The Mediterranean island is located between Italy, Africa, Spain and France, and has been influenced by each, resulting in its very own timid vibe. Although mainly known as beach heaven, away from the tourist spots takes longer to appreciate and requires you to peel away the layers of apparent Italianization, but rewards you with hidden trails to hike and mountains to explore.
Even if all you want is simply running away from it all, Sardinia has some of the nicest beaches and bluest waters available in Europe. Whether it’s the coastal cities like Cagliari or secluded spots in the countryside, Sardinia is where rough coastal cliffs meet warm Mediterranean sea and this results in a perfect place for activities for which Sardinia is mainly adored – swimming, diving, boating, windsurfing, hiking, climbing, and camping or spending hours simply relaxing under the sun. With a coastline stretching for 1840 km, Sardinia is the Italian region with the biggest emphasis on coastal development – the sea is very clear and very well preserved from every kind of pollution. Many Sardinian beaches are nowadays very well known, like those of Villasimius, the Costa Smeralda (the Emerald Coast) and Alghero, which are all among the favourite locations for holidays in the island.
When to visit
Although midsummer is the peak tourist traveling time it’s worth it for the numerous festivals happening on the island, such as the Saint Mary Feast. If you’re looking for something more comfortable weather-wise, late spring or early autumn may be more suitable. From May to October, weather in Sardinia is warm enough for the beach, but rising temperatures in July and August mean this isn’t the best time to visit Sardinia if you’re going to take on the island’s biking or hiking trails. If you visit in the spring or the winter, there may be less sunshine but you’ll definitely be treated to off-peak pleasures such as landscapes full of beautiful wildflowers and exquisite local festivals.
