Situated near the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is the second largest island in Italy, which lures tourists with more than 1,600 kilometres of coastline. Home to hospitable locals, Sardinia boasts a rich, living culture that urges visitors to make connections between the modern stage of the island and its fascinating, historic cities.

One of the most visited historic sites on Sardinia is the collection of nuraghi (stone dwellings) at Barumini. While these ancient, cone-shaped structures can be found in various collections of ruins across the island, those at Barumini enjoy UNESCO protection due to their outstanding scope and preservation.

Other attractions include fine collections of Roman ruins and the ancient Neptune’s Grotto which is accessible by a staircase or by boat. Sardinia’s capital, Cagliari, maintains an impressive historic district headlined by the ancient, fortified castello (castel). However, after the sun sets, tourists segue from the historic sites to the bar and club scene that fuels the nightlife here.

The city of Alghero is another important stopover for tourists, as it has a distinctly Catalan feel. Perhaps the most luxurious stretch of Sardinia’s coastline, the Costa Smeralda is one of the finest resort areas in all of Europe. Visitors take part in numerous waters sports ranging from snorkelling and diving to adventure sports like wind- and kite-surfing.

Accommodation on Sardinia is rich and varied. The most luxurious, upscale establishments are situated on the Costa Smeralda, where five-star hotels and resorts are most numerous. The many historic cities of the island boast as many modern hotels as they do historic inns housed in restored heritage homes. Advance booking, which is easily accomplished online, is highly recommended during peak summer months.

Situated off the western coastline of mainland Italy, Sardinia has three airports that receive a mix of domestic and international flights. The airport at Cagliari is the regular port of entry, although a substantial number of tourists arrive by ferry from neighbouring islands or the mainland. Trains, buses and hire cars are the primary means of getting around the island.

 

Sardinia’s subtropical climate features relatively arid summers followed by much milder, damp winters. Maximum summertime highs in the coastal areas may surpass 30°C, though average highs rest much more comfortably in the mid-20s (°C). Wintertime lows hover just above 10°C in low-lying regions, while snow occasionally falls at the much higher elevations of the interior.

As it sits at the near-centre of the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia enjoys warm trade winds that grant it unusually long summers. Swimming and sunbathing are popular from April through October, as waters remain comfortably warm during this period. The alternate period sees a marked increase in rainfall that lasts until the warm temperatures return.