Sardinia, Sardegna in Italian, is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (Sicily is the largest) with a population of 1.65 million. It has less in common with mainland Italy than you may think. It has its own language of Sardinian, a Romance language of Latin origin, although Italian is spoken throughout the region. Sardinia is one of only two Italian regions whose inhabitants have been recognised as a "popolo" (i.e. a distinct people) by the Italian Parliament.

What makes Sardinia unique?

The island is especially famous for its beaches with virtually its entire coastline consisting of sandy dunes and idealistic coves nestled in juniper, pine or oak woods. Sardinia is also rich in other interesting places including some delightful seaside towns and archaeological ruins. Sardinia is a wonderful natural resource, containing thousands of rare or uncommon animals such as the Mediterranean Monk Seal and the boar.

There are rail links across the entire island but the trains are slow and more suited to casual travel than business commuting. Many tourists catch the trenino verde that runs through the wildest parts of the island. The pace is slow but it does allow you to see views that are impossible to see from the main roads.

Sardinia's history is ancient, from Neolithic times the Nuragic civilisation took place on the island and you can still see some of the more than 7,000 Nuraghe, or stone towers that still survive from the period. Sardinia in common with many islands in the Mediterranean was subject to rule by a host of civilizations including the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Vandals and the Byzantine Empire.

More recently desiccated grapes found in several locations were tested and found to be the oldest grapes in the world.

Don’t Miss...

1. A chance to celebrity watch on the Costa Smeralda and/or enjoy the activities yourself a little further north in the less expensive resort of Baia Sardinia.
2. The train trip from Macomer to Bosa Marina, where the railway winds its way through the typical Sardinian landscape to reach the sea near the coastal town of Bosa on the west of the island.
3. The opportunity to taste the Sardinian delicacy of Casu Marzu, cheese filled with live grubs and their faeces.