If you want to join the A-listers, you will find a rugged and charming island, where steep green mountains tumble away to immaculate coastline, passing small, traditional villages and sophisticated, swanky resorts where million-pound yachts bob patiently in the water. There are Roman, Catalan and Genoan influences to ponder, and a food and drink scene that is certain to tantalise even the most demanding of diner.

Sardinia holidays begin the minute you step off the plane and into the heat at one of the three main airports: Alghero Airport (AHO) in the north west; Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB), in the north east; and Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) on the island's southern coast. In the south are the resorts of Santa Margherita di Pula and Chia, while the Roman town of Nora and the island's capital, Cagliari, also draw holidaymakers.

In the north is the famed stretch of coastline known as the Costa Smeralda. Translated into English this is the Emerald Coast, and boy, does this coastline sparkle. If you can imagine a palm tree instead of a pine, you might just fool yourself into thinking you're in the Caribbean thanks to 55 kilometres of alluring blue seas and dazzling white sands.

The resorts of Baia Sardinia, Porto Cervo, Oliena and Cala Capra can be found in the north and offer a mix of beaches, walks and excellent food, while the popular northern coastal town of Alghero claims a Catalan past. The influence is still keenly felt today.

The Coral Riviera battles with the Costa Smeralda in the beauty stakes and claims 75 kilometres of incredible coastline, where rocks and cliffs and punctuate large swathes of beach.

Also in the north is the small and lively town of Isolo Rossa and pretty Porto Rafael.  Sardinia is also famous for the outstanding elite resort of Forte Village, where private resort villas climb the mountainside and Gordon Ramsay cooks up a stir in the kitchen. There are eight chic hotels to choose from and each offers an exclusive experience.

Families and couples will adore Sardinia and the choice of holidays that the island offers. Check prices with TravelSupermarket now to discover when your island adventure can begin.

The island enjoys a long bake during summer, with temperatures rising from the mid-20s between May and October. Expect hot days and warm nights in July and August, though the winds that cross the island keep the heat at bay. Winter can be pleasant, at around 12C, though the nights can be quite cool. The island also sees rainfall during winter - there's a reason it's so lush.

Sa Sartiglia; February: This is a spectacular carnival in which brave masked horsemen compete in Oristano in an ancient game.

St George's Day; April 23: The Sardinians celebrate St George too and horseback processions and religious processions make the day one to remember.

The festival of Sant'Efisio; May: One of the most important cultural events of the year, the festival centres around a mass colourful religious procession where locals wear traditional costumes to honour Efisio di Elia, a martyred saint who the islanders began to revere during the terrible plague in the 1650s. (He was beheaded on the island in 303 for refusing to deny his Christian faith).

Grown-up families: Excite the older kids with a treasure hunt at the Citadel of Museums in the Castello district of Cagliari. The hilltop fortress is the perfect place to find Roman weapons and other relics of the island's past.
  
Relaxing: The sweeping sand of Poetto Beach, in Cagliari, is the perfect place to have your troubles swept away. Take a seat on the headland known as Devil's Saddle (it really does look like a saddle) and drink in the views.

Nightlife: As the sun sinks on Alghero, the temperature rises in the Catalan town's bars and clubs.

Romance: The islands and unspoiled bays of the La Maddalena archipelago in the north will inspire even the most reluctant of romantics. Take a private cruise and explore this national park with your loved one.

Kids & teens: If your kids like to splash about, take them to Aquadream in Baia Sardinia. It's the kids' playground of the Costa Smeralda. They'll thank you for it.

Active types: The sandy peninsula at Porto Pollo offers a range of watersports and activities that take advantage of the gentle winds experienced here.

Shopping: You can't go wrong at Cagliari's lively San Benedetto fish market if you're a seafood fan - or if you're a fan of haggling! Pack a picnic and taste true Sardinia.