The Mediterranean island has beaches to rival anywhere else on Earth, and one of its beaches has just been named the best on the planet
When you envision the world’s finest beaches, your mind likely drifts to the Maldives or the Caribbean. However, there’s a Mediterranean island that boasts beaches rivalling any global destination – and it’s not nestled in Greece or Spain.
In fact, one of this stunning island’s beaches has recently been crowned the best on Earth. Combine that with the island’s balmy weather, delectable cuisine, rich history, and vibrant city life, and you’ve got all the makings of an idyllic holiday.
Despite these enticing attributes, it doesn’t even crack the top 10 islands most frequented by British holidaymakers, a list dominated by Spanish destinations like Tenerife, Majorca, and Lanzarote, as well as Greek islands such as Santorini, Corfu, and Rhodes.
The island in question is Sardinia, situated roughly halfway between the coasts of Italy and Spain in the Med. It’s far less popular and lesser-known than the tourist hotspots of Spain and Greece, which are now so overrun with visitors each year that locals are pushing back against over-tourism.
Sardinia is vast, offering plenty of space and avoiding the overcrowded tourist traps. Despite its size, it’s easily navigable, and you can drive along the coast effortlessly, pausing at any of the beautiful beaches that appear at regular intervals, reports the Express.
Plus, it’s just a short, affordable flight from the UK.
Cagliari, a bustling city located at the southern tip of Sardinia, offers a vibrant restaurant and bar scene. On the other end of the island, you’ll find Alghero, another reasonably large town known for its lively dining scene.
Sardinia is also a haven of luxury, with its north-eastern shore attracting affluent European tourists to Porto Cervo. Here, you can spend your time admiring the heavily-guarded yachts and guessing their owners.
As expected from any Italian destination, the food scene in Sardinia is sensational, offering a plethora of dining options. Since Sardinia isn’t as tourist-heavy as places like Majorca, many of its restaurants still primarily cater to locals, ensuring high-quality cuisine.
But perhaps the most compelling reason to visit Sardinia is its extraordinary array of stunning beaches, each of which would be considered a national treasure in any other European country. These beaches regularly top the lists of the world’s best.
The best beaches in Sardinia
One has, in fact, just been crowned the finest beach on the planet.
Those behind The World’s 50 Best Beaches declared: “Cala Goloritzé feels like more than just a beach – its raw beauty has a way of touching you emotionally the moment you lay eyes on it. Whether you’re looking down from the viewpoint above or standing at the shore with your feet in the water, the scene is truly breathtaking.”
Below are several other stunning beaches across Sardinia that you might discover suit your taste through further exploration.
Beyond Sardinia’s main landmass, there’s also the Maddalena archipelago – a cluster of islands situated just off the northern coastline, boasting its own array of spectacular beaches.
1. Cala Mariolu
2. Siaggia della Pelosa
3. Spiaggia del Pirata
4. Spiaggia Rena Bianca
5. Cala Corsara, La Maddalena
Sardinia naturally becomes crowded during the height of summer in July and August, when numerous Italians take their own holidays there.
Costa Smeralda ranks amongst the most sought-after locations
It’s equally renowned as a celebrity retreat and represents the part of the island where affluence is most apparent. If you fancy a spot of celebrity-spotting, this is certainly the destination to visit, with Spiaggia del Principe being the prime beach for potentially glimpsing a Hollywood star, music mogul or business leader.
Lonely Planet says: ” A number of beautiful coves necklace the fabulous swoop of coastline where Gallura’s wind-whipped granite mountains tumble down to fjordlike inlets in the emerald sea. One of the finest is the Spiaggia del Principe, a stunning crescent of pale sand snuggled among low cliffs named after Prince Karim Aga Khan, who has given it his seal of approval.”
Where to stay in Sardinia
Even Cagliari boasts a magnificent beach of its own, the enormous Poetto, just a brief journey from the city centre, where residents escape whenever possible.
Like many sought-after beaches across Italy, there are numerous dining and drinking establishments directly on the shoreline, ranging from sandwiches and light bites to proper cafés, restaurants and bars.
At the island’s northern tip sits Alghero, a pleasantly-sized town featuring multiple beaches and captivating attractions close by, including the most charming rural villages.
From Alghero you can catch a boat to Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune’s Cave), a spectacular coastal cavern where stalactites dangle above the waters. On the east coast, you’ll find the luxury hotspots of Porto Cervo and the Costa Smeralda, a playground for the rich and famous.
If rubbing shoulders with the wealthy isn’t your cup of tea just yet, then Cannigione, a modest small town nearby, offers plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars.
Likewise, if you’re after a spot that’s close to the city but also boasts a good selection of beaches, give Villasimius in the south a go, it’s just a short drive from Cagliari.
Where to eat in Sardinia
One dining experience you simply can’t miss is the agriturismo. This Italian concept sees traditional farms adapt to cater for visitors looking to eat or stay (or both).
The menus are often extensive and superb, leaving you stuffed with the finest locally-produced food. There’s nothing quite like it.
Agriturismo La Colti, nestled between Cannigione and Arzachena in the north-east of the island, is a prime example.
How to get to Sardinia
The main airports in Sardinia are at Cagliari on the south coast and Olbia on the north-eastern coast. You can get frequent flights to either from UK airports. You can fly to Olbia from London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and Birmingham, with prices starting at £46. Calgiari is served by several more UK airports.
