Destination Abroad: Sardinia

Widely regarded as having some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, Sardinia’s coastline is just one of the reasons to visit an island steeped in history.

Things to see and do

Sardinia has been fought over for centuries, its location in the heart of the Mediterranean meant it was a valuable prize for Phoenicians, Romans, Carthaginians and any other civilisation in the region up until the mid 19th century. With such rich history dating back to the Neolithic period there is an abundance of sites to visit and the towns and cities boast a wide ranging and fascinating melting pot of civilisations. The capital Cagliari boasts a medieval district that houses the national museum with artefacts from across the island. The castello quarter also boasts the magnificent cathedral of Santa Maria and the medieval towers – dell’Elefante and San Pancrazio that stand watch over the sea and the entrance to the Bay of the Angels.

Located in the north of the island, Sassari is one of the cultural centres of the island with the city of Alghero – an ideal place to spend a few days exploring the region. With its wealth of bars and restaurants, shops and galleries, Alghero is a popular spot for locals on holiday who enjoy strolling through its medieval streets and walking the city walls. One of the sights not to be missed if staying in the region is the Neolithic ruins of Monte d’Accoddi dating back to around 4000 BC.