Sardinia, at the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, is the second largest Italian Island. It offers a glimpse of paradise with breathtaking landscapes and countless sandy beaches around a coastline surrounded by clear blue sea. Sardinians are very proud of their origins and this is evident in their culture, traditions, music and festivals. The Island and its cuisine are characterised by its agricultural origins and influenced by the numerous conquerors who occupied the Island over the centuries. The Maddalena Archipelago consists of 7 islands many of which are uninhabited. Some are well known and reachable by private boat or ferry as they boast unspoilt spectacular beaches. Best known is Budelli for its pink sandy beach formed by coral erosion. The Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) in the north-east was originally discovered and made famous by the Aga Khan. Today, the area from Palau to Olbia continues to attract the international jet-set to its numerous harbours, in particular Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo. Cagliari, the capital, is in the southern part of the island and its ever extending harbour plays an important role in the economy of Sardinia... read more