Michael Doherty is a film and television editor based in Toronto. He is also an avid traveller.
I spent a week in Sardinia in 2018, travelling to Cagliari, Alghero, Bosa and Olbia. I could easily have spent a month there.
Lying just south of Corsica, off the west coast ofItaly, Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily. It is also one of Italy’s 20 provinces. Sardinia has a multitude of ecosystems that include mountains, woods, plains, rocky coasts, and long, sandy beaches. Large areas are still uninhabited. The highest point is Punta La Marmora (6,017 feet, or 1,834 metres). The island was conquered by Rome in the third century BC, and the Romans ruled for almost 700 years. For trivia buffs, the word “sardonic” has its roots in “sardonion,” meaning “plant from Sardinia.”
Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia and lies along the south coast. It has been inhabited for 5,000 years. Il Castello, a hilltop citadel, is Cagliari’s most iconic image. Its walls are still intact and offer terrific views over the city. The Quartiere Castello is the historic area of the city and is filled with small streets and piazzas that make exploring really fun.
ALGHERO
Alghero, a resort town in the northwest of the island, is one of Sardinia’s most beautiful medieval cities. Its lively, historic centre is a terrific place to hang out, and the town is an ideal base for exploring the beaches and beauty spots of the nearby Riviera del Corallo. My first excursion was a boat ride out to the Grotta di Nettuno, or Neptune’s Grotto – a spectacular stalactite and stalagmite cave discovered in the 18th century.
BOSA
Known as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Bosa has only about 8,500 inhabitants but is ablaze with lovely, colourful buildings. The hilltop Malaspina Castle is a must-visit, and the Temo River flows through the village. There is a beach about two kilometres from the town centre. You can visit on a day trip from Alghero, as it is only 45 minutes south by bus, but I recommend going for a couple of days to take in the atmosphere.
OLBIA
Olbia lies on the northeast coast of Sardinia and is the jumping-off point for visitors heading for the Costa Smeralda – home to many resorts and beaches, and featuring some of the most expensive real estate in Europe. The historic centre of Olbia is filled with archaeological landmarks, piazzas ringed by wine bars, and authentic eateries.