Sardinia: Beach

There are plenty of idyllic, isolated coves and unspoilt Sardinia beaches for those willing to explore. Beach holidays in Sardinia are particularly popular with watersports enthusiasts, with rewarding water-skiing, windsurfing and surfing. Despite the advent of low-cost airlines, which although they have increased access to (and the popularity of) Sardinia, have also unrealistically raised the expectations of travellers as to what is available outside of the peak season months of June, July and August, often leading to disappointment. The island does not cater to year round mass "beach holiday" tourism. This is particularly true of the north and east of the island, in the resorts served by the airport at Olbia. One should always research what is open and available in the Sardinian resorts surrounding the airport that you choose to arrive at before you book. Just because the flight looks cheap and the airport that you fly from in the UK is convenient, there may well be a downside at the other end.

SOUTHERN SARDINIA

Southern Sardinia features long expanses of perfect sandy beaches and probably the most translucent turquoise sea you will find anywhere in Europe. The southern coast of this wonderful island provides an ideal environment for the ultimate beach holiday on Sardinia.

Santa Margherita di Pula
On the southern tip of Sardinia, Santa Margherita di Pula has a superb sandy beach and is close to the city of Cagliari, ablaze with cafés, restaurants, shops and the interesting old quarter 'Castello'.

Chia
Chia, one of Sardinia's most scenic and uncluttered coastlines, where rocky promontories separate reclusive sandy coves. A 16th century campanile stands guard over the Punic settlement of Bithia.

Nora
Founded during the 8th and 9th century BC, Nora houses the remains of Punic and Phoenician sanctuaries, a magnificent Roman villa, amphitheatre and stately forum.

NORTHERN SARDINIA

Sardinia's sophisticated northern shores, such as the Costa Smeralda and Baia Sardinia, are interspersed with near-deserted sandy coves and rocky inlets. This stunning stretch of coastline contrasts with the remote, rugged landscape inland, where the beauty is of a wilder nature.

Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo
Stretching for 30 pristine miles across the island's north east corner, Costa Smeralda has idyllic sandy beaches. Cervo boasts a luxury yacht club and marina complex and stylish boutiques.

Baia Sardinia
Baia Sardinia, a small village set in a beautiful little bay with fine sand and clear water. Here, life centres around the beach and the piazza where there are a few small shops, bars and restaurants.

Oliena
For those avid to discover a characteristic Sardinian town, Oliena is a perfect example, set in the Cedrine valley at the foot of Monte Corrasi. Shaded streets are lined by whitewashed houses with painterly courtyards, reposing in a languid atmosphere neighboured by gnarled olive groves, terraced vineyards and scented almond trees.

Cala Capra
Those in search of less obvious exposure find languid coves at Cala Capra, a sandy stretch shaded by low wooded hills in an area of unsurpassed Sardinian natural beauty.

Alghero
An old Catalan town and picturesque port, Alghero is a fusion of Italian and Spanish flavours. Explore the ancient ramparts and medieval walled town before taking a coastal walk past the craggy cliffs, vineyards and olive groves of the Coral Riviera. Beach bums will flock to the 5km stretch of golden sand, and foodies will savour local delicacies such as fresh lobster served up in the renowned but reasonable restaurants.