The Daily Express out of the UK just named Sardinia the “most perfect” island in the Mediterranean, noting its ideal mix of warm weather, rich history, incredible food, city attractions, and beautiful beaches. Despite its numerous delights, British and most other tourists from across the globe tend to overlook it. As the publication writes, “it doesn’t even make the top ten lists of islands most visited by Brits, which are dominated by Spanish and Greek islands.”
Where is Sardinia?
This large island in the Tyrrhenian Sea is nestled between the Balearic Islands and the Italian peninsula. While it is part of Italy, it offers a distinct world of its own with dozens of beautiful beaches framed by clear turquoise waters. The capital city of Cagliari lies on the south coast and dates all the way back to the 9th century BC when it was founded by the Phoenicians. It’s even home to a medieval hilltop castle and a Roman amphitheater that hosts performances just below the citadel, along with intriguing museums and high-end shopping along Via Mannao.
The Beaches
Of course, most visit Sardinia for the beaches. The resort town of Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) is renowned for its glamorous vibe, attracting many of the rich and famous, but it’s also home to an over one-mile stretch of uniquely orange-colored sand. It comes thanks to an unusual mix of crushed shells, native orange limestone, and various volcanic deposits. On a windy day, the sea is perfect for surfing and windsurfing, while calmer days are popular for touring the coast in a “patino” boat.
But there are an astounding number of spectacular beaches throughout Sardinia’s coast that are much less-known than those tourist hotspots, as mentioned at the start. In fact, some have been named among the world’s most beautiful, including Cala Mariolu, which we recently highlighted as a paradise when it comes to white sand beaches. Just a few of the others include Spiaggia della Pelosa, Spiaggia Rena Bianca, and Spiaggia del Pirata.
