Italy holidays 2018: Visit Sardinia's dazzling coast
GETTY Sardinia is one of Italy's most coveted and beautiful holiday hotspots
The island glimmered across the Strait of Bonifacio some eight miles in the distance, and as my tour guide described its pristine sandy beaches and crystal clear, turquoise waters, I knew I had to visit. Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, and although a region of Italy, it has its own distinct feel. The local language, known as Sardo, is as frequently spoken as Italian, and the island is home to wildlife you won’t find anywhere else. The Sardinian deer, fox, hare and monk seal are all native, and wild boar are a common sight. My husband George and I had chosen Lu Lioni as our base for the week, a beautiful, traditional four-bedroom villa set in stunning gardens planted with roses, jasmine and bougainvillea, whose heady scent fill the air.
GETTY Sunny Sardinia has its own unique feel
A swimming pool and barbecue terrace add to the luxury, and dramatic views of the mountains frame the skyline. It’s located on the northeast coast, a few miles inland from the town of Arzachena, in a perfect position to explore the island. Arguably the best-known area of Sardinia is the Costa Smeralda (the Emerald Coast), a 15-minute drive from our villa, famed for its translucent blue waters, hidden coves and white sandy beaches. It is also home to the impossibly glamorous Porto Cervo, considered one of the most expensive resorts in the world. Here, you’ll find lavish villas owned by the likes of Formula 1 mogul Flavio Briatore and former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, while designer boutiques, art galleries and five-star restaurants overlook the marina and harbour.
NC A pool with a view was the perfect place to explore Sardinia from
The resort was created by the Aga Khan in the 1960s and still attracts the royal, rich and famous from Italy and beyond, so don’t be surprised to spot a Hollywood A-lister meandering through the narrow streets. Although exclusive, it is still possible to enjoy the delights of Porto Cervo on a modest budget – we dined on excellent home-made pasta and a glass of local Cannonau red wine at Elit on Promenade du Port for 20 euros per head. However alluring, Sardinia has much more to offer than the glitz and glamour of the Costa Smeralda. The island’s interior is magnificently rugged, and the landscape is studded with Roman, Phoenician and prehistoric ruins and burial sites. The inland town of Tempio Pausania has a sleepy Mediterranean feel, and we strolled through the sun-baked streets in search of a cooling lemon granita and marvelled at the San Pietro cathedral and historic stone architecture.
GETTY Porto Cervo tends to attract the rich and famous