Explore Europe's best beaches without leaving Italy

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Allie Delury
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE -- Italy --  One of the best things about living in Italy is having the opportunity to further explore places that may not always make the 'top ten cities' list for Europe. Although most people can say they've been to Rome or Florence, a select few can brag about exploring Rimini or Cantania. Of the lesser-known places is Sardinia: a large island to the west of Italy and to the north of Sicily that offers some of Europe's best beaches to savvy tourists and traveling locals.

When making the journey to Sardinia, it's important to understand the layout of the island. Although it may only take four hours to drive from one end to the other, the cities and landscapes are so diverse, it may feel like you're driving through several countries. The north end of the island is where you'll find some of the most pristine beaches--but with a price. Many celebrities and wealthy Italians flock to the north for the nightlife scene near Porto Cervo, or for the top beaches near La Pelosa or Spiaggia Rosa. The middle of the island is full of rolling hills, farm life, and national parks, while the southern part of the island is home to the major port city of Cagliari, which is known for its historical relevance and bustling atmosphere.

As the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is a goldmine for geologists and archaeologists. The island is not earthquake or volcano-prone, which means there are rocks dating back to the Palaeozoic Era (500 million years ago). The island also has the largest reservoir in Italy and the oldest building in Italy (prehistoric temple of Monte d'Accoddi).

During my visit, I stayed in the city of San Teodoro on the west coast which sits about 30 miles south of Olbia. Here, you'll find tourists soaking up the sun near the white-sand beach of Cala Brandinchi. The restaurants in the area are also very luxurious, but at a fair price. It's not uncommon to see palm trees and lit-up pools at any hotel or restaurant in the area, including all other major cities on the north end of the island.

From San Teodoro, I ventured down toward the middle of the island near a plateau called Giara di Gesturi. Here, tourists can marvel at the countryside landscape and partake in horseback riding with local Italians. Although most of the Italians who work there do not speak English, neither language can accurately describe the awe and beauty of riding alongside miniature colts and horses in the wild.

Finally, if you have the time, be sure to spend a day or two in Cagliari: the capital of Sardinia. Here, tourists can see a panoramic view of the city by hiking to the top of Bastione Saint Remy--arguably the most notable landmark in the city. The wall has a double-staircase tourists can climb surrounded by a giant arch with a terrace and palm trees at the top. Many tourists can come to the wall on a clear day or during sunset, and venture steps away to the Marina quarter for dinner or aperitivo in the evening.

Despite its size and history, Sardinia is often discarded as a notable place of travel for U.S. tourists given the proximity of other major cities. However, if you're looking to explore other parts of Italy without breaking the bank or venturing too far away from home, a trip to Sardinia is a must. The best time to travel to the island is during summer months (after June 1), as the nightlife, beaches, and events will be in full swing. It may not be the most popular place to travel to in Italy, but by stepping out of your comfort zone, you'd be surprised to see what Sardinia adds to the Italian experience.