Everyone likes to travel in their own way. Some benefit from being at the beach while others enjoy getting out and about and discovering the details of a new culture. Families are often driven by activities such as spotting exotic animals, balanced with some much-needed downtime.
One of the best ways to combine rest, exploration and activity is with a hiking holiday. There are walking holidays around the world to suit all types of travellers, each incorporating trails of breathtaking beauty and allowing you to switch off from the constant demands of the digital world.
Sardinia is a fantastic choice for your first walking holiday. Discover the top five reasons why this Italian island is such a great destination for on-foot exploration, from stunning scenery to culinary delights.
1. Diverse landscapes
Considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is blessed with a range of diverse landscapes. In just one holiday, you can walk olive groves, wander through forest, and stroll scintillating coastal paths of valleys, gorges, clifftops, and concealed bays. There are also routes to suit different fitness levels, so you can dictate the difficulty of your trip.
2. Beautiful beaches
Going on a walking holiday doesn’t mean that you have to be on foot every day of the trip. The
beautiful beaches of Sardinia are the perfect place to relax at the beginning or the end of the
holiday.
The 700-metre bay and crystal clear waters of Cala Brandinchi in northwestern Sardinia make it a
favourite spot for tourists and locals alike.
3. Rich history
Sardinia has a rich history, and you’ll pass plenty of fascinating cultural sites as you walk. The village of Dorguali has a heritage dating back to the Roman era, and strong links to Catholicism are evidenced by the medieval monasteries and findings displayed at the archaeological museum. Other highlights include prehistoric Tiscali and the Nuragic village of Serra Orrios.
4. Delicious cuisine
There are many local delicacies to sample during a walking holiday in Sardinia. The island is renowned for its delicious cuisine which places an emphasis on fresh seafood: try traditional fregula with clams, prawns, and local fish, and feast on local lobster in Alghero. If you’re feeling brave, head to the city of Sassari to sample snails served in a spicy tomato sauce.
5. Varied wildlife
As you explore Sardinia, you’ll encounter varied wildlife in terms of both animals and flora. The most characteristic is the mouflon, an ancient sheep with spiralled horns that are only found along the Mediterranean coastline and into the Middle East.
Other highlights include wild boar snuffling in the undergrowth and many birds, especially along the coastline such as ibis, terns, flamingos, and herons.