Sardinia: exquisite beaches, striking landscapes and unspoilt towns

The island is just two hours from London and enjoys beautiful weather much of the year, says Anna van Praagh  
Anna van Praagh8 February 2018

Where to stay

Forte Village, on the south-west of the island, is a low-key luxurious resort that’s perfect for families or anyone looking to completely get away from it all.

The resort — which is split into eight hotels and numerous villas, with 21 restaurants and bars — backs on to a private white sand beach with azure water stretching as far as the eye can see.

Forte Village

What to see

Don’t leave without visiting the remains of Nora, an ancient city founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC. Among the ruins is an amphitheatre open to the sea, which still hosts shows. The spectacular caves of Is Zuddas, replete with extraordinary stalagmites and stalactites, are also not to be missed. But, really, you’re here for the beaches. Make a start on your island adventure by visiting the dazzling white crescent of Tuerredda with its café-bar and picturesque island that you can swim out to, and the dune-backed Su Giudeu near Chia, a magnet for windsurfers and kitesurfers.

Where to eat

Forte Village is filled with incredible restaurants — the sublimely cooked fresh fish at Le Dune is unforgettable — but if you want to venture further afield go to Da Giancarlo, a local trattoria, and Zia Leunora in Pula (try the lobster linguine). People come from all over the island for the roast suckling pig at Su Furriadroxu (sufurriadroxu.it).

Claw blimey: lobster ravioli
The Washington Post/Getty Images

What to drink

For people watching you can’t beat S’Incontru in Pula. Or order a glass of invigorating local Vermentino at Caffè Libarium, one of Cagliari’s livelier terrace bars with views across the whole of the city. Afterwards, why not make like the locals and have a passeggiata around the medieval part of the city above the port.

Flying colours: Cagliar
Alamy Stock Photo

What to do

No visit to Forte Village would be complete without an afternoon sampling its world-class thalassotherapy (healing with salt water) spa. While away hours wallowing in the six pools of the spa, all infused with varying degrees of natural sea water, salt, aloe vera and magnesium. It’s unlikely you’ll get bored, but if so you can play tennis and go paddle-boarding at the hotel or tour the local environs on bicycle.

What to buy

Stock up on traditional Sardinian handicrafts from ceramics to arazzi (handmade carpets) in Arte Sarta Sollai (artesardasollai.it). In Cagliari, you will find the morning market, Mercato di San Benedetto, teeming with every Italian delicacy you can dream of. For a little Dover Street Market-on-Sea, drop by the Dope Factory (dope-factory.com).

Plate expectations:ceramics from Arte Sarta Sollai

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