Sardinia, Italy: An Italian Travel Primer

Located west of Mainland Italy in the warm Mediterranean, Sardinia is largely overlooked by many travelers. It's main attractions are: Costa Smeralda Developed by the Aga Khan in the 1960s, this area is known as the “Ermerald Coast.” It is favored by celebrities and other jet-setters. Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford, Elizabeth Hurley and even Russian President Vladimir Putin have been seen here. The least costly hotel is the Cervo (39-0789 931 111) Sassari Sardinia’s second largest city is a historic medieval town known for its many celebrations, including the annual I Candelieri, a large folk festival held in mid August Beaches Stretches of white sand and romantic coves skirt the northwestern coast Alghero A popular tourist center and Sardinia’s only Spanish (Catalan) speaking town. The island’s best seafood eatery is La Lepanto on Via Carlo Alberto (39- 079 979 116) Oristano A laid-back town known for its bars and good foodSan Pietro The best beaches in south Sardinia Costa Verde An unspoiled area (relatively) with long stretches of crowd-free coast Cagliari The largest city. Has great bars and restaurants which attract the bold and beautiful The Outdoors The Gennargentu Mountains offer some of the best hiking in Europe. For details, contact Societa Gorropu (39-0782 649 282)