Celebrate in Sardinia

Q: My husband and I are planning to go to Sardinia this year for our 30th Anniversary. We would like to go roughly for a week, and would like to see some of the island but do not want to travel all the time. Could you advise which places are the most recommended places to visit? - Louise Buisman

A: Many visitors to Sardinia head straight for the resorts on the Costa Smeralda and don't bother to check out the island's rich heritage. If you are interested in things historical, you are bound to have a great time. All the nations that conquered Sardinia (or parts of it) left a rich heritage for visitors to explore. Hire a taxi on a daily rate or rent a car and weave your way from one spot to another. It's easy to find a listing of the top churches, museums and historical sites - it's less easy to decide which ones to visit. To ensure you don’t spend the whole visit sightseeing, allocate every second day for trips away from your base. That should give you a chance to relax and mingle with other holidaymakers and the local people. Your first experience of the island is likely to be the capital, Cagliari. Allocate time to explore this fascinating city built on seven hills. It boasts impressive fortifications including the Bastione San Remy, an ancient cathedral and a great harbour. Of all the attractions, one of the must-see things are the nuraghi, which are beehive-like stone dwellings from the bronze age. These can only be found on the island and the most famous is at Barumini, a World Heritage Site 60kms north of Cagliari. For an archeological treat, visit Tharros and Nora to see Roman remains. These are virtually open-air museums where you can check out the ruins, columns and thermal baths. Another place to experience authentic Sardinian culture is Nuoro, in the centre of the island. Locals still speak the original Sardo language and there is a remarkable old quarter with a museum. Of course, you need to experience the island's famous beaches. Virtually all of the beaches on the Costa Smeralda are specials, but the best of them is La Pelosa near Stintino. A great way to view the coast is from a yacht. The island is a yacht haven, with the greatest concentration of marinas in the world. Check out the multi-millionaires and their floating playthings at the Porto Cervo. Even if you can't afford anything in the dock, you can dine at one of the many restaurants. Try out local favourites like Porcheddu (pork), Culurgiones (pasta) or Carasau (crispy bread). Wash it all down with the island wine, Cannonau. (26/6/11)