Sardinia holidays

When it comes to beaches, Sardinia’s offerings stick out like a sore thumb in comparison to those on the Italian mainland. For starters, the sweeps of sand here tend to be bigger – some of them notch up a couple of kilometres. Plus, the sand is softer and whiter.

Maria Pia beach, near Alghero, has a big fan base. Its popularity stems from the fact it’s got 2 kilometres of powdery white sand to its name. It also scores brownie points for the trees that back the sand, providing shade for sunbathers and picnickers.

Tinnari isn’t the easiest beach to get to in Sardinia, so most people write it off. Those who persist with the 15-minute drive from Isola Rossa and the kilometre walk to the sand, though, are rewarded with two almost-empty moon-shaped bays. Natural eye-candy comes in the form of massive granite boulders that spike out of the water a few feet from the coast.

If you don’t want souvenir shopping to eat into your beach time, you'll be chuffed that lots of the hotels in Isola Rossa have their own gift shops, which sell wine and souvenirs.

Sardinians have been weaving baskets since ancient times. In those days, they produced the woven containers for practical purposes, like fishing. Since then, the craft has morphed into an art form. The old town in Alghero is full of shops selling traditionally-made baskets. You’ll find a few in and around Via Genova.

Porto Cervo – AKA Millionaire’s Playground – is one of the island’s most opulent options when it comes to shopping trips. Versace, Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana all join forces on this place’s high-end shopping scene.

The old town in Alghero is the epicentre of laidback evenings on Sardinia’s north-west coast. Work up an appetite with a walk around the ramparts, then settle down at a table in one of the gourmet restaurants – Piazza Civica has lots of dining options

Nightlife is pretty laidback all over Sardinia. The understated clubbing scene on Sardinia’s north-west coast revolves around a couple of venues on the outskirts of Alghero. Alternatively, a few bars in Alghero’s old town put on live music. If you head over to the north-east corner, Porto Cervo's harbour is buzzing with swish bars.

Roast suckling pig is Sardinia’s signature dish. The pork is slowly roasted over flames for several hours before being served with the likes of rosemary potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Porcheddu is usually served at big family feasts and parties, and it’s on the menu at the best traditional restaurants.

Made from grey mullet roe, which has been salted, pressed and dried, buttariga is Sardinia’s answer to caviar. It tends to be served as an appetiser, but sometimes it’s added to pasta or salad to give dishes a boost on the flavour front.

Decades ago, a seada was a staple ingredient of a Sardinian shepherd’s packed lunch. These days, though, restaurants feature these fritters on the dessert menus. Shaped like a Cornish pasty, they’re filled with pecorino cheese and served with drizzled honey.

Sardinians have been making pane carasau since 1000 BC. This traditional flatbread is baked twice in a wood-burning oven to make it extra crispy. Toasted pane carasau can be eaten with olive oil and salt, or combined with tomato sauce and egg to make a pane frattau.

The best way to serve this after-dinner liqueur is ice cold. It’s made from the myrtle plant, which grows wild all over Sardinia. There are two types of mirto – the white version is made from the plant’s leaves and the red is created from the berries.