Complete guide to Sardinia

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, stretching 270 km from north to south, yet it requires at least two weeks to be properly explored. From our agency, we see too many travelers reducing the island to Costa Smeralda and its summer prices. It's a shame: the true character of Sardinia lies elsewhere, in the interior Barbagia, on the limestone cliffs of the Gulf of Orosei or around the salt marshes of Cagliari where pink flamingos nest.

Four major regions structure a coherent itinerary. The North with granitic Gallura and the La Maddalena archipelago, the West with Catalan Alghero and the Sinis peninsula, the mountainous center around Nuoro and Orgosolo where Sardinian is still spoken daily, and the South with Cagliari, the Chia beaches and the mining hinterland of Sulcis. The cuisine changes from one valley to the next: porceddu roasted on a spit in the interior, fregola with seafood on the coast, pane carasau everywhere.

Another distinctive feature is the nuraghes: more than 7,000 dry stone towers dating from 1800 BC, including the one at Barumini listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. To enjoy the island without crowds or July-August prices, aim for May-June or September. A car is essential, as public transport poorly covers the interior.