Luxury Sardinia Holidays

The Mediterranean's second-largest island combines a peerless climate, white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, luxurious hotels, and fantastic cuisine. Choose between the sophisticated Costa Smeralda on the north coast or the south boasting beautiful beaches and secluded coves, and interesting ancient ruins.

North Sardinia
Costa Smeralda is a beautiful stretch of wild Sardinian coastline characterised by windcarved rock formations, translucent azure waters and enticing beaches; the latter ranging from busy town beaches hosting a multitude of water sports to secluded bays and tranquil coves. In the heart of Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo boasts a world class marina, exclusive boutiques, elegant restaurants and luxurious hotels with stunning coastal views. The best beaches around this sophisticated resort include Il Principe, Cappricioli and Liscia Rujas, with the enticing Liscia di Vacca in the north boasting fantastically brilliant white sand. Close to Porto Cervo, Cannigione is an idyllic resort for sea lovers with plenty of sailing, windsurfing and snorkelling available from the splendid beach. Overlooking the Gulf of Olbia with more than twenty beaches in the surrounding area, Golfo Aranci provides a perfect sun and relaxation holiday resort, whilst Santa Teresa di Gallura boasts an abundance of café bars, restaurants and street markets, and simply bursts into life during the summer months.

South Sardinia
The unspoilt coastline of the south is dotted with sand dunes, hidden coves and long crescents of beautiful beaches, whilst its rugged interior is made up of forests, mountains and olive groves. Coupled with numerous historical sites and a plethora of water sports, it simply provides the perfect holiday destination. Along a stretch of the scenic coastline lies the small village of Chia, where an ancient Saracen watchtower commands great views over one of the island's most beautiful beaches of white sand dunes lapped by crystalline, turquoise waters and backed by an ancient juniper forest. Towards Cagliari, between Chia and Pula, is the charming Santa Margherita di Pula with its superb sandy beach and Roman ruins of Nora nearby. The popular resort of Villasimius boasts a beautiful stretch of white, sandy beach, numerous restaurants and bars and a lively nightlife in the height of season, and nearby is the protected marine nature reserve of Capo Carbonara where the emerald waters are ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Cuisine
Although heavily influenced by its northern neighbour, Corsica, and mainland Italy, Sardinia boasts its very own unique dishes and flavours. Typically the gastronomy is rustic and hearty with meat, thick soups, pasta with rich sauces, bread and cheese all featuring heavily on the menus. Roast pork, chicken, lamb and wild boar are typical main course meats, with the best known dish being porchetto, suckling pig slowly roasted on a spit, flavoured with myrtle and served on cork trays. Along the coastal resorts the restaurants specialise in freshly caught fish, bread is an important staple and Sardinia is well known for its cheese; eaten simply on its own, used as seasoning in a variety of ways or in desserts such as seadas, light deep fried pastries filled with ricotta and served with honey.

When to visit
The island enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with long, hot and dry summers, warm and pleasant spring and autumn weather and mild, humid winters.

To start planning your luxury holiday to Sardinia, call 0800 008 7288