The 5 best reasons to holiday in Sardinia

A holiday in Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean, beckons with snow-white beaches, turquoise blue sea water, unspoilt nature and cultural treasures worth seeing. No wonder Sardinia has been one of the favourite holiday destinations (not only) of the jet set for decades. If you still need help deciding, here are 5 compelling reasons to book a holiday in Italy's Caribbean paradise.

Immerse yourself in a world of your own on holiday in Sardinia

Sardinia is a world unto itself, literally: although Sardinia belongs politically to Italy, it is much older in geological terms. Together with Corsica, it is part of the original European continent. And every holidaymaker who travels around the island can feel this special ‘rusticity’. It is evident in the wild nature, the archaic traditions, the mysterious prehistoric buildings, the often primeval-looking native wildlife, such as the Sardinian tortoise, and the culinary specialities. The famous Sardinian red wine, Cannonau, has been cultivated on the island for 3,000 years, and goat's cheese and olives have probably been part of the Sardinian diet for just as long. So if you are looking for something different and special, a holiday in Sardinia is the perfect choice.

Holidaying on Europe's most beautiful beaches

Sardinia's coastline stretches for almost 1,850 kilometres, and it's not just any holiday coastline: for the most part, it consists of fine sandy white beaches and picturesque bays. Some sections of the coast are world-famous, such as the Costa del Sud, the Costa Paradiso and the Costa Smeralda, which owes its name to the turquoise-green, clear sea water that surrounds the entire island. It is not without reason that Sardinia is nicknamed the ‘Caribbean of Europe’. Swimming fun is guaranteed on a holiday in Sardinia. Almost all of the island's beaches are excellent, safe bathing beaches that slope gently into the sea, making them particularly suitable for holidays with families and children. An impressive example is the picturesque forest beach of Budoni, which is never overcrowded, even in summer. Those who want to take their dog on a beach holiday will also find numerous opportunities to do so in Sardinia. And here's another compelling argument for a beach holiday in Sardinia: the Sardinians have deliberately decided against the high-rise hotels that spoil the Mediterranean coastline elsewhere. Gentle tourism was invented in Sardinia, which is why not only the beaches are beautiful, but also the surrounding hinterland.

Sardinia is a holiday paradise for water sports enthusiasts and active holidaymakers

Windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, snorkelling, diving – anyone who enjoys sporting activities in and on the sea during their holiday in Sardinia will find the best conditions on the Sardinian coast. But the interior of the island also offers plenty of opportunities to be physically active, and not only in the high season. The mountainous areas of the island are excellent hiking terrain, and the winding roads are wonderful to explore by road bike, mountain bike or pedelec. Nature lovers can enjoy the island's flora and fauna during their holiday in Sardinia. Many rare species can be found here, some of which are only found on the island.

Sardinia is home to rich cultural treasures

Holidaymakers interested in archaeology, history, architecture, art and ancient traditions will love Sardinia. The nuraghi are mysterious prehistoric tower structures that are unique to Sardinia. 7,000 of these impressive structures have been preserved across the island. Towns and villages attract visitors with their magnificent historic buildings. Here are just three examples: the village of Iglesias in the south-west of the island, which owes its Spanish name to the Aragonese conquest, has no fewer than twelve churches from different eras – Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque. The charming town of Algherò on the south coast has Catalan roots and is called ‘Little Barcelona’ by the Sardinians. In Olbia in the north, there are buildings from Roman times. But even those who simply want to stroll through a romantic Italian old town during their holiday in Sardinia will find what they are looking for in the towns and villages of Sardinia. Venerable traditions are also still upheld in Sardinia today, be it religious processions or the traditional carnival in the villages of Barbagia. And anyone who has ever heard the four-part Sardinian shepherds' songs, the Canto a Tenore, will not soon forget this impressive sound experience.

A holiday in Sardinia invites you on a culinary journey of discovery

Wine, cheese, wild boar salami, olive oil and pane carasau, a wafer-thin flatbread with a very long shelf life – the Sardinians are a farming and herding people, and this is also reflected in their typical Sardinian specialities. The delicacies that can be bought here at markets or in small grocery stores are simple, traditional and of the highest quality. Some things are even free, such as the delicate wild asparagus that is gathered in the macchia between the end of January and the end of April and used by the Sardinians to make a delicious omelette. Another genuine Sardinian speciality is bottarga, the dried and salted roe of the mullet, which can be used to transform a simple pasta dish into an incomparable delicacy. All of Sardinia's delicacies can be found under one roof in the capital Cagliari at the Mercato San Benedetto, Italy's largest urban market hall. And if you don't want to cook for yourself during your holiday in Sardinia, you can treat yourself to one of the many excellent Sardinian restaurants.