Sardinia

Why go

Go to Alghero for an insight into traditional Mediterranean life and don’t miss the boat trip to the fabulous Grotto of Neptune. From Olbia go and experience the Costa Smeralda. Do try the local digestif, mirto, made from myrtle berries and enjoy the benefit of some world-class windsurfing conditions.

When to go

The best time to visit is during spring when there is an abundance of greenery, flowers and colourful Easter processions. By May the sea is warm enough for swimming and air temperatures have not yet reached the highs of July and August when it can be uncomfortably hot, especially inland. September is also a pleasant time to visit.

Best for

Romance , Restaurants , Beaches , Shopping

How to get there

Alghero is served by Fertilia airport, about 12km north of town. Flights are operated by BA from Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Olbia is served by Olbia Costa Smeralda airport which is just under 2km south of town. Flights are operated by Air France, Lufthansa or Meridiana from Heathrow and BA from Gatwick. Normally these journeys involve catching at least one connecting flight.

Shopping

The old town of Alghero is the main shopping area for gifts and local produce. Via Carlo Alberto is best for gifts, while via Gilbert Ferret has elegant boutiques. An antiques, arts and crafts market is held in piazza Civica on the last Saturday of the month. In high season (July and August), a late-night craft market lines the seafront (Lungomare Dante). Shopping in Porto Cervo is designed for the ‘label me rich’ set who don’t need to look at the price. At least at Pick ’n’ Mix (12 sottopiazza delle Chiacchiese, +39 (0) 78 99 23 94) price tags flutter around the €100 mark on labels such as Miss Sixty, Nord Kapp and Nolita. On corso Umberto in Olbia, Grace Boutique (No.59, +39 (0)78 92 18 08) stocks the likes of Replay and Liu-Jo.

Alternative Perspectives

Sardinia is well known for its sun, beaches and leisure activities but check out the local nougat (torrone), a speciality of the centre of the island. The best is said to be from Tonara.

Must see

Don’t miss the fabulous Costa Smeralda with its emerald green sea and pink granite shoreline or the impressive Tuscan inspired Santissima Trinità di Saccargia near Sassari. Also worth seeing is the town of Castelsardo perched on a rocky headland on the Golfo Asinara, north of Sassari.

Family activities

There are many great beaches on Sardinia and one of the most lively and trendy is La Cinta just south of Olbia. The cleanest beach in Italy can be found at Bosa Marina on the west coast. The many sports available offer excellent opportunities for family fun.

Sports activities

Golf , Diving , Windsurfing , Mountain Biking , Hiking , Sailing

Local customs

Tipping. A service charge is usually included but where it is not, or where exceptional service has been given, an appropriate percentage can be added.

Etiquette. It is appreciated if you make the effort to learn the Italian for relevant greetings or expressing thanks and so on. Remember ‘ciao’ is normally used only by people who know each other.