Sardinia Hotels

From Catalan influences to Celtic landscapes, the Mediterranean island of Sardinia is a caldron of charming peculiarities. See prehistoric landmarks and sail into hidden coves. During summer, the Costa Smeralda attracts glamorous yachtie crowds, and in winter Fonni fills with skiers.

Meet the locals at Turas, one of the island's wildest beaches, and marvel at Catalan architecture in Alghero. Relax with a book in peaceful spots like La Pelosa beach or glam it up and sip cocktails at an upscale beach club on the Costa Smeralda. Revel in clean turquoise waters and long white sandy beaches on the peaceful Costa Rei and Costa Verde.

Drive inland to discover Sardinia's intriguing Nuraghe and Tombe dei Giganti, unfathomable prehistoric stone landmarks. Make a pit stop in Cagliari to see modern art at the Roman Amphitheatre. Let bronze figurines recount Sardinia's past at the National Archaeological Museum. Youngsters enjoy clambering over the wreck of a Roman boat in the Nino Lamboglia Marine Museum.

See diverse flora and fauna at La Maddalena National Park and explore its granite cliffs and sandy coves before hopping to Caprera, island home of Garibaldi's house and museum. Walk through winding Neptune's Cave to a dramatic saltwater lake and visit the arid dunes at Arbus. To escape entirely, take a day trip to the neighbouring French island of Corsica.

Spot golden eagles, wild boar and mouflon sheep along the trekking paths of the Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu National Park or charter a boat in Palau for a close encounter with Sardinia's diverse marine life. Quad-bike between the ruins on the Sulcis Mountains before riding down to the small coves dotted along the south-west coast. In winter ski in Fonni, near Nuoro.

Book a table at Lo Stazzu in Porto Rotondo to combine authentic flavours, like porceddu (spit-roast suckling pig), with broad sea views or eat lobster with the glitterati in Porto Cervo. Organic Pecorino cheese, Carasau bread and Cannonau wine are exquisite at rustic farmhouses, known as agriturismo. A sip of Mirto liqueur is the locals' favourite nightcap.

Kick-start the night at Piazzetta delle Chiacchere (‘gossip square') in Porto Cervo before mingling with the beautiful international crowd at nearby club Billionaire. In Alghero, stroll through the cobblestoned old town centre or sip coffee on the terrace at Caffè Costantino. Refreshing fruity granitas and ice creams accompany the ritual evening passeggiata.

Fill your suitcase with designer gear for a fraction of UK prices at Olbia's Luxury Mall. Buy Cannonau or Malvasia wine from rustic farmhouses and pick up unusual handcrafted ceramics.