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    white sand beach in sardinia

    "The European Caribbean"

    Here’s why you should visit Sardinia now

    Why Sardinia is the new Caribbean

    Beautiful scenery, hidden beaches, and glamorous restaurants. You wouldn’t be wrong for mistaking sultry Sardinia for the cool Caribbean. But, there’s much more to this Italian island than glitz and glamour – think family-friendly beaches, easy day trips to Corsica, and some of the best shopping spots in Italy. So, if the Caribbean has always been on your wish list, but you can’t bear the idea of a long-haul flight, why not visit Sardinia, instead? This piece of Mediterranean paradise is home to some of the dreamiest beaches you’ll ever find without stepping off European shores. Plus, if you suffer from cabin fever or have the little ones in tow, Sardinia has an easy flight time of just two and half hours. Want to know more? Keep scrolling to find out why Sardinia is the new Caribbean…

    Beach Life

    It goes without saying that the Caribbean is home to some of the best beaches on earth. We’re talking white-tinted sands and crystal-clear waters, all backed by amazing scenery. It’s no different in Sardinia, either. The best way to see the island’s most prized beaches is by visiting the Maddalena Archipelago. This French-Italian protected marine park is made up of seven different islets, close to nearby Corsica. You can easily reach the islands if you’re staying in the seaside resort of Baia Sardinia, which is just over an hours’ boat ride away. If you sign up for a full-day sailing tour, you’ll get to stop off at pint-sized sandy coves, where you can snorkel around coral reefs in bath-warm waters, so it’s the perfect day trip for water babies in the family. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can sample a traditional Sardinian lunch of al dente pasta and freshly-caught prawns on board, washing it all down with a glass or two of limoncello. And did we mention the incredible vistas from the boat? If you fancy getting a bird’s-eye view of it all, just strap yourself into a safety harness and whizz yourself to the top of the boat’s mast and feel the sea breeze. Bellissimo.

    Luxurious settings

    We think Caribbean holidays are the epitome of luxury. Take St James, in Barbados, which is well known for its mix of laid-back glamour and constant sunshine. The main draw here is Holetown, which boasts a designer-stamped shopping scene, classy restaurants, and a whole list of places to drink cocktails until late. For a taste of la dolce vita in Sardinia, you can’t miss Porto Cervo Marina. You’ll find it just a 10-minute taxi ride away from Baja Sardinia, so it’s perfect for swapping traditional Sardinia for something a little more luxurious. In fact, this place is basically the adults’ version of Disney. But, locals are dressed from head to toe in Gucci. Aside from countless designer shops, you’ll find pastel-coloured buildings home to art exhibitions, ice-cream parlours, toy shops, fine-dining restaurants, and cheap pizzerias, so it’s the perfect mix when you want a little bit of everything. We recommend tasting fresh calamari and local Vermentino white at Spinnaker restaurant on the marina, where you’ll also get some amazing sea views.

    Thinking about booking a holiday to Sardinia?

    Find out how to holiday in Sardinia on a budget, everything you need to know about the Italian aperitivo, and a day in the life of a travel photographer.

    Author: Olivia Hunt

    Published: 09.11.2017.

    Tags: latest, culture

    Countries: Italy

    Destinations: Sardinia

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