When approaching the island of Sardinia by boat, you'll be impressed by the colors in its rocks: black from basalt, silver from granite, red from porphyry. A very striking island, Sardinia has had great historic and strategic importance. Every Mediterranean power has controlled the island at one time—Romans, Phoenicians, Spaniards, Turks, even a pope. The northern coast of present-day Sardinia is a favorite vacation spot of Italy's extremely wealthy (which explains Sardinia's high prices).
The island has a multitude of attractions: wild horses, flamingos, nun seals, great fishing, mountain climbing, Roman ruins, sailing, reef diving, waterskiing, grottoes (the best is Grotta Nuova, near Cala Gonone on the east coast), and uncrowded sandy or rocky beaches. Must-sees include the pink sand at Porto Ferro, the typically Sardinian town of Nuoro, Oristano (ruins of the Phoenician city Tharros), the Goddess of Fortune Temple in Porto Torres, Cagliari (the island's capital and largest city, with a good archaeological museum) and Su Nuraxi Nuraghe (an impressive Read More ... Nuraghic fortress, 40 mi/60 km north of Cagliari). The town of Olbia is the gateway to the exclusive Emerald Coast (Costa Smeralda), one of Europe's most important (and expensive) resort areas. It contains sites that span 3,000 years of history.Shop for exquisite lace, wood carvings, carpets and bitter honey (harvested during autumn when the only flowers blooming contain bitter pollen). For dinner, try the traditional Sardinian dish, porceddu (roast suckling pig). If you are looking for something more exotic, order uova di ricci (raw sea urchin eggs) or bottarga (salted and dried fish eggs, often grated over pasta). A good alternative to renting a car is to circle the island by boat over the course of two weeks, stopping in the small towns and coves along the way. If you're not yachting around the isle, plan a minimum of three nights. Also keep in mind that many hotels shut down in the fall and spring. 150 mi/240 km southwest of Rome.
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