Most Beautiful Islands: Italian Islands- Sardinia

Sardinia Island

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea with a population of 1.65 million. It lies south of the French island of Corsica and north of Sicily,Italy.

One of the two large islands that lie of the western coast of Italy, Sardinia island is much less explored and far emptier than its southern neighbour Sicily. Marooned between Italy and north Africa, it lies some 200km off the coast of Lazio. At its northern tip it gazes just a few miles across the water to the French island of Corsica.

Full of natural beauty and sights of historical interest visitors to Sardinia discover not only one of the most beautiful and original places in the world but also have a welcome lesson in its' ancient history. Every Mediterranean power has controlled the island at one time like Romans, Phoenicians, Spaniards and even a Pope.

Small enough to be classified as an island but big enough to be a universe unto itself, Sardinia lies about 120 miles west of the Italian peninsula. Its coastline is probably Europe's most spectacular. Its waters teem with fish and shellfish. Its broad valleys turn into golden oceans of wheat in summer. Also Sardinia is one of the most popular destinations for lovers of watersports and seaside holidays.

Until recently the beautiful island of Sardinia was the exclusive holiday spot of Italy's wealthy but the recent introduction of low cost air travel has opened it up to a wider market. As a result there is widespread re-development providing more hotels, vacation rental properties and visitor facilities to support the growing number of tourists to the island.

Wild and remote, the landscapes of Central Sardinia are spectacular, with valleys, gorges, canyons, forests and towering mountain peaks. Sardinian culture has been more preserved here than elsewhere on the island so you can be sure to experience the real Sardinian way of life in the local towns and untouched mountain villages.

The north east of Sardinia is home to the Costa Smeralda, probably the most well known part of the island, with a long stretch of white powder-sand beaches, crystal clear water and chic resorts. The Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast), a 10km long stretch of coast situated between the bay of Arzachena and the Gulf of Cugnana, is one of Sardinia’s most famous and outstandingly beautiful areas as u can see in the photos below.

Pentax K-5 16.3 MP Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens and 3-Inch LCD (Black)

As the main resort on the Costa Smeralda and a paradise for the jet set, Porto Cervo is definitely worth a visit. Set in the heart of the resort and lined with cafés, bars and restaurants, the "Piazetta" is the perfect spot to lounge in style - it is the place to see and be seen. The traditional evening stroll along the quay is also a must, with fashionable designer boutiques on one side, and luxury yachts on the other. In the summer, there is a series of top sporting events, including regattas and golf tournaments.

Enjoy some beautiful pictures from Sardinia Island :