White Sands and Emerald Seas
Sardinia still has many secrets to uncover – and a trip here could have you hooked for life. Sardinia is part of Italy, but chooses to go its own way. Remote, beautiful and raw, the landscape is perfect for exploring. It’s so easy to find cheap flights to Sardinia – several companies operate here. Once you are here – it won’t take long to ease into a truely relaxing holiday.
Coastal Areas
Between the North African mainland and Italy, the Island of Sardinia has some of the most distinctive shore lines in Europe. White sands, bright turquoise seas, hidden coves and rocky outcrops are difficult to avoid, since there are over 1250 miles (200km) of coast on the Island.
Fortunately, there are enormous stretches of coast with no or minimal development. The white sand coves rise up quickly to granite rocks and pines trees – and the scent of Sardinian mint is everywhere. Current President Renato Soru has made sure that no further development takes places with two kilometres of the shore line – so for the present at least, the Islands’ beautiful shoreline is safe.
If you want glitz, take a visit to Costa Smeralda, or the Emerald Coast, which was developed in the 1960’s after the Aga Khan IV dropped anchor here during some bad weather. The storm cleared and the Prince was bewitched by what he saw – he then developed this jewel of a place into the most elite of Mediterranean Resorts. But if it’s the natural look you’re after – there’s plenty to choose from.
Spiaggia della Pelosa – North West
In the Northwest of the Island, you’ll find La Pelosa. The sand is like white flour, and the sea – well, its like something out of Disney cartoon – bluer than blue. It gets busy in the high summer season but either side of the summer months, it’s quiet and still very warm. You can also see Asinara Islands – Asinara was famous for its tiny donkeys, who also happen to be albino!
Cala Luna — East coast
Cala Luna has many secret coves, caves, and rocky outcrops. Limestone cliffs come down to the white sandy beach. This is also the site of one of Europe’s last shoreline forests. The beach is a crescent of snowy coloured sand, with sparkling green-blue waters, overlooking the Gulf of Orosei. There is also a protected species here, the Monk Seal; they can be seen swimming in an out of the caves and grottos.
Many beaches are accessible by mule track and mule track only, so be prepared to do some serious walking to get to these unspoilt places. Alternatively you could arrange for a boat to take you to your favourite cove – but arrange a time for them to come back and pick you up!
Baia Chia – South West
South-west of Cagliari, the road along the Costa del Sud is breathtaking – you pass the remains of Spanish watchtowers, with great drops to the beaches which are sumptuous. The white sand dunes are close to lagoons where you’ll see the unusual sight of flamingos living among the rushes.
Sardinian people are not naturally trusting – you have to win their respect with good manners and a willingness to take part in their lives. Of course, there is development on the Island, but its been relatively controlled, so for many, life is relatively simple – with hill farmers tending their sheep, goats, and crops. The local food very good and they still use “carta da musica” or music paper bread, instead of plates. Your meal is put directly on the thin, large rounds of bread, and you then you can eat everything up, including the “plate”.
You have a choice of three airports – Olbia is on the northeast coast, Alghero is northwest and Cagliari in the south. It takes just two-and-a-half hours to reach this paradise island. There are plenty of places to stay, to suit all ranges of budget, including well equipped campsites, so this could be your best budget holiday ever. Find a flight, pack light and treat yourself to a totally unspoilt beach holiday.
