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Sardinia

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Just South of France, West of Italy, East of Spain and North of Tunisia lies the Mediterranean Sea's second largest Island: Sardinia. Its tranquil atmosphere, warm climate and typical Italian culture bring holidayers flocking every year who wish to visit the lush beaches, stunning inland market towns and bustling sea ports. This island is full of astounding history, with hundreds of stories to tell and a plethora of architecture to tell it. From the Red Rocks of Arbatax to the Bronze Age ruins of Oliena, this island is a cultural, historical and natural treasure that nobody would want to miss out on.

Areas

The first of the most notable towns on the Island of Sardinia is Sassari to the North West. Sassari is home to some of the finest Romanesque, Renaissance and Gothic architecture, along with a botanical Garden. Nearby visitors can also find the stunning Cala Luna beach.

To the East the town of Nuoro can be found and while it is one of the largest provinces of Sardinia, it is laden with pristine forestland, fascinating wildlife and ideal trails for keen walkers and nature spotters. South of Nuoro is Cagliari; Sardinia's capital City on the southern coast which is hone to a Cathedral, the Castle, an Amphitheatre and Poetto Beach.

If you're looking for the main Italian shopping distracts then you will find these in Cagliari, where there is an open air market, or in the Western fishing town of Oristano where traditional pottery pieces can be found.

Weather

Being an island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia's climate is a warm one. The maximum average temperature reaches 29.7ºC in summer, with the minimum average temperature dipping to just 5.7ºC in January. July and August tend to be very hot and any time after this is when the rain is heaviest. It is best to travel between the months of May and July.

Average Temperatures

F/C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
F	50	51	53	57	63	71	76	77	72	65	57	52
C	10	11	12	14	17	22	24	25	22	18	14	11

Average Precipitation/Rain

In./CM	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
In.	2.1	2.1	1.8	1.4	1	0.4	0.1	0.4	1.2	2.3	2.2	2.1
CM	5.3	5.3	4.6	3.6	2.5	1	0.3	1	3	5.8	5.6	5.3

Getting There

There are always different ways to get to your holiday destination, and getting to Sardinia is no different. Obviously due it being an Island you must choose to travel by boat, ferry or plane.

By Plane

With two main airports (Cagliari Elmas to the South and Olbia-Costa Smerelda in the North-East) and a small airport (Alghero Fertilia to the West) flying may be the easiest option if Sardinia is your only holiday destination.

By Ferry

If you are making stops in Southern France or Northern Italy before visiting Sardinia then it would be a better idea to drive through this part of Europe and catch a Ferry to Sardinia. These usually leave from three areas, once a day (Genova, Civitavecchia and Fiumicino).

Getting Around

Having no input from the rest of Italy's train, bus and driving routes, Sardinia has its own well established Public Transport routes that take you quickly and easily around the island.

By Train

The Ferrovie della Sardegna (or FdS) is the most popular train line used in Sardinia and can be boarded at five different stops around Sassari, Nuoro and Cagliari. In summer visitors can take Il Trenino Verde through scenic Sardinia which has four separate stops in Nulvi, Macomer, Mandas and Isili.

By Bus

Sardinia's bus service serves the whole island and while the journey may not be quite as comfortable as the train, it's a cheap and fantastic way to leave your car behind and explore the provinces.

By Car

While there aren't any major motorway systems, it is possible to travel from the north of Sardinia right down to the south in under 5 hours. This journey time depends on whether you take the scenic route or the route direct to your destination. There are hundreds of places offering car rentals across the island; you just need to ask at a local tourist office for the location.

Sights & Activities

Sardinia has a captivating history and many of the sights to see relate to the stories the island has to tell. If you're looking for fun-filled activities then there's also something for you, from diving to Horse riding and hiking to windsurfing.

Grottoes (Neptune's Grotto in Oristano, Bue Marino and Ispinigoli in Nuoro)

Beneath Sardinia is an intricate maze of caves and grottoes, filled with gigantic stalactites and eerily calm pools. Simply book a tour to be taken by rubber dinghy or by foot and see what all the fuss is about!

Trenino Verde (Little green train) in Nuoro

During the summer Sardinia's train service for tourists changes slightly. Il Trenino Verde takes tourists through winding tunnels, up steep hills and through stunning scenery as it

Coastal Motorboat trips

This is the best way to see the Island of Sardinia from the coast. Not only can you stop off at some of the smaller Italian islands and go swimming or snorkeling, but you can also check out the array of aquatic wildlife that lives off the shores of Sardinia. Boat excursions can be booked before you arrive in Sardinia to secure you and your family a place.

Roman Amphitheatre in Cagliari

From 9.30am to 1.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday the Amphitheatre in Cagliari is open to the public. For just 3 euros you can visit this 1st Century archaeological structure which was once used for Gladiator battles, executions and animal hunting.