As one of the more popular Italian islands, Sardinia has something to offer any visitor, regardless of the type of holiday they prefer. The island has nearly 2,000 kilometres of beautiful coastline, several mountain ranges, plains, forests, and large expanses that are uninhabited, so there are plenty of places you can go to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet.
turquoise sea in Porto Giunco, Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is an ideal destination for any holiday, from a romantic trip seeking out secluded beaches, to a family holiday with plenty of activities to suit visitors of all ages. Chartering a yacht can enable you to have a truly flexible break that you can tailor to suit everyone in your party.
For tourists who opt for a yacht charter Sardinia has plenty of facilities and amenities to accommodate sailors. Whether you want a marina that gives you access to the best restaurants and most entertaining nightlife, or secluded coves where you can enjoy some time completely alone, Sardinia has everything you could possibly want in a holiday.
Sardinia – the perfect spot for historians
The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari, has an intriguing and fascinating history which is still evident in the form of medieval castles and churches. The city has been ruled by several different civilisations, with evidence from various different eras including:
- a Prehistoric chamber tomb known as Domus de Janus
- the megalithic settlement of Su Nuraxi which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- the Basilica of San Saturnino that provides evidence of Byzantine rule in Cagliari
- an amphitheatre that would have been built by the Romans
- a necropolis burial ground that dates back to the Carthaginian period
The sheer number of historical sites and artefacts to be seen in Sardinia make it an ideal place for those that want to know more about its long and dramatic history. With evidence of settlements dating back thousands of years BCE, there are plenty of fascinating places to explore with tours by foot, tuk-tuk, segway, bike, or bus available.
Beautiful beaches
For those that want to soak up the sun and enjoy some of the most spectacular beaches and crystal-clear water on the island, there are a few places that are worth checking out:
Cala Brandinchi – As one of the better-known beaches in Sardinia, Cala Brandinchi is known for the amazingly clear water, excellent swimming conditions, and soft sand that have combined to earn it the nickname of ‘Little Tahiti’. With soft sand, pine trees, and a truly tranquil atmosphere, even this beach’s fame doesn’t detract from its relaxing vibe.
Spiaggia del Poetto – Visitors to Cagliari often take early morning buses to this spectacular beach as it offers seven kilometres of pale sand, clear seas and the opportunity to try a variety of water sports including kite surfing and windsurfing. Not one but two nearby ponds are preferred watering holes for flocks of pink flamingos, and there are plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes, and other refreshments available.
Nora beach – sharing a name with nearby ruins that offer a fascinating archaeological insight into the area’s history, this beach offers swimmers the perfect conditions for a safe and relaxing dip in the incredibly clear water. The view is also highly prized, including as it does the Torre del Coltellazzo, a coastal tower that dates back more than 400 years.
Spiaggia Capriccioli – for fans of underwater nature exploration, this is the beach to seek out as it offers some of the most impressive and fascinating snorkelling opportunities on the island. The rocky areas found on this beach are home to some of the most interesting marine life, and the water is shallow enough to make it a suitable place for young families to enjoy.
Cala Biriola – this beach has it all, from breath-taking views of the nearby mountains to walking trails that allow visitors to trek through some of the most astonishing terrain overlooking incredible views of the beach. The beach itself is the perfect place to relax, although water sports fans can choose from all the most popular options, including snorkelling and scuba diving in the azure waters.
Other things to see and do
With the flexibility of a boat charter, there are plenty of other aspects of Sardinia for visitors to enjoy, including quiet coves where you can drop anchor and enjoy some time truly getting away from it all. For those that want a little more hustle and bustle in their lives, the Costa Smeralda has a reputation for attracting jet setters with an array of bars, cafes, and restaurants in which to see and be seen.
For those that want to really indulge in the lifestyle, the area also plays host to some of the world’s leading sporting contests, such as golf tournaments and regattas. There are also numerous festivals and celebrations that take place annually, from traditional religious rituals to carnivals and feasts, so visitors can immerse themselves in some of the most interesting local events and learn more about Sardinia’s cultural history.
As though sailing in the Mediterranean wasn’t enough of a delight, Sardinia truly offers any visitor the chance to have the holiday of their dreams, whatever those may involve. From fascinating historical ruins to some of the most exclusive designer boutiques, anyone can find their perfect break on this beautiful and varied island.