Better than the Maldives: where to spend an unforgettable vacation in Europe

Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is often referred to as the Maldives of Europe due to its stunning coastline. Sardinia is located to the west of the Apennine Peninsula between Sicily and Corsica and is part of Italy as an autonomous region.

Some of the island's beaches are even ranked among the best in the world. Experts told us where to spend an unforgettable vacation in Europe.

The western shores of the island are mostly low-lying, while the eastern shores are steep. The mountainous terrain creates a unique landscape and incredibly beautiful panoramas. The highest mountain, Gennargentu, is 1834 meters high.

The climate in Sardinia is dry subtropical (Mediterranean), with an average temperature of 7-10 °C in January and 26 °C in July.

The island has beautiful nature reserves and parks: National Park of the Bay of Orosei and Gennargentu, Arcipelago di La Maddalena National Park, Asinara National Park, and regional nature parks: Molentargius-Saline and Porto Conte.

Experts advise visiting Spiaggia del Principe and Liscia Ruja, wonderful beaches on the famous Costa Smeralda, or to feel more secluded, explore Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu.

You can also go hiking to the historic site of Tiscali, surrounded by stunning mountains in the Gennargentu National Park.

The island's capital, Cagliari, also has amazing historical monuments, such as the Roman amphitheater.

In general, the island has a long history, which is reflected in its architecture. In the 7th century B.C., the Phoenician colonization of Sardinia began, with the cities of Nora, Sulch, Bitia, and Tarros being built. Then Rome, taking advantage of the anti-Carthaginian uprising, captured the island. The history of Sardinia includes a long Byzantine period and the era of the Moors.

Since 1326, Sardinia was ruled by the Crown of Aragon and later belonged to Spain.

In 1708, the island was captured by Austria, and in 1720, according to the Treaty of London, Piedmont, Savoy, and Sardinia were united into the Kingdom of Sardinia, which became part of Italy after its unification.

Among the most famous sights:

• Tombs of the Giants;
• prehistoric burials near Carbonia;
• Tuvikseddu necropolis;
• Roman amphitheater in Cagliari;
• Basilica di San Saturnino;
• Tower of Saint Cristopher;
• Grottoes of Cala Gonone.

The island has three international airports and two regional airports. Sardinia has a ferry connection with mainland Italy – there are more than 40 tourist harbors.

The highway network is quite dense, but Sardinia is the only region of Italy without highways.

Every visit to Italy is also a gastronomic tourism. Indulge in traditional Sardinian dishes such as stuffed pasta (culurgiones), Sardinian gnocchi (malloreddus), and the famous pecorino cheese.

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