5. Western Sardinia
The east coast of Italy’s second-largest island has long been known for its GPS-defying cliff drives and spectacular coves calling, siren-like, from the bottom of precipices for those who dare. The north, of course, has the ritzy beaches of the Costa Smeralda, but Sardinia’s underrated west coast has it all: cliff-etched roads, gorgeous coastal villages and beaches that, crucially, are accessible to all. Its industrial history — this was a mining region — means it missed the tourism boom. Today, though, that’s a boon.
Sardinia’s wild west is an astonishingly varied place. Start in Carbonia in the south — a mining town of blocky, rationalist buildings with the fascinating Museo del Carbone based in the former Serbariu mine, where visitors are led through underground tunnels. From there, head west up the not-for-the-faint-hearted coastal road, which lurches round the cliffs to Portixeddu.
History buffs will love the San Giovanni di Sinis peninsula halfway up the coast, where the Roman city of Tharros still overlooks a sweeping sandy beach, and the museum at Cabras houses mysterious sculptures of ancient warriors, known as the ‘Giants of Mont’e Prama’. Further north, towards Bosa, the road ripples through Amalfi-style villages unfurling down the rockface. At the top of the drive, you’ll find the chocolate-box seaside town of Alghero, and the coastal wilderness of Porto Conte Regional Natural Park.
Where to stay: Villa Asfodeli is a beautiful albergo diffuso (‘scattered hotel’) centred around an art nouveau mansion in teeny Tresnuraghes. From £71, B&B.
social experiment by Livio Acerbo #greengroundit #travel #tours – original source here