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Dreaming about the Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily

Italy isn’t just about the mainland – the Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily are unique culture and cuisine. Rougher around the edges – less style more substance. Sicily and Sardinia are the largest islands in the Mediterranean an like all of Italy, they ooze history, colourful festivals and traditions. The islands have thousands of miles of beautiful beaches, so are perfect if you really want to relax and enjoy some sunshine.

Cliffside sunset in Sardinia Photo by Christophe Mallet on Flickr
Cliffside sunset in Sardinia

Italian islands of Sardinia for All

Sardinia holidays offer something for just about everyone. The island has a warm, sunny climate with long summers. Typically, it is dry and quite hot from May to October with temperatures typically around 30C in July and August. It’s also lovely if you crave a little sunshine to break up a cold winter, particularly in March and April, when the spring flowers are in bloom, or the autumn when the days are still warm.

For history buffs, there’s lots to look at. Wander through some of the mysterious stone dwellings or nuraghi which date back some 3,500 years to add some ancient flavour to your Sardinia holiday, or spot the Roman influence on the buildings in the towns. Alghero has a lovely walled city, with cobbled streets and lookout towers in the ramparts.

Eating out in Sardinia

If you want to rub shoulders with the jet-set, head to Costa Smeralda where you might bump into George Clooney and his girlfriend, Elisabetta Canalis (she’s originally from the island), or footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. There are private jet and helicopter services to this part of the island which is all rather posh and exclusive. Conversely, if you want to get away for it all complete you can head for the unspoiled beaches to the south. The turquoise sea and deserted beaches give a jaded body the perfect opportunity to forget everything and simply ‘be’.

Eating out in Italian islands of Sardinia Photo by Heatheronhertravels.com
Eating out in Sardinia

And for foodies, Sardinia’s cuisine provides plenty of variety. Influenced by its neighbours, Italy and Corsica, the food is hearty and delicious. Recipes and ingredients vary from town to town with coastal menus bursting with seafood. Lobster, king prawns and octopus grace the tables here, along with just about every Mediterranean fish you can think of. Head inland for carnivore heaven with dishes such as spit-roasted suckling pig, rabbit dishes and lamb. A speciality, sanguinaccio, is a kind of sweet black pudding, studded with currants served roasted or boiled. Sardinian wines are also extremely good, so enjoy a glass or two with your meal.

Citrus-y Sicily

Sicily holidays are also full of lip-smacking food and cultural treasures. The island is packed full of archeology, history and folklore – you can immerse yourself in a different world here. Exploring its blend of European, African and Asian cultures is truly delightful, with more than enough temples and ancient amphitheatres to please the most budding of historians. At Agrigento, there’s a large archeological site surrounded by olive groves and almond trees, picture perfect for strolling around. And Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, dominates the skyline in the north east – you’ll see it glowing in the evenings.

Agrigento, Sicily Photo by Pacamanca
Agrigento, Sicily

Along the coasts you’ll spot orchards of orange and lemon trees, which perfume the air in spring, and are used in many of the local dishes. Sicilian lemons or citron as they are sometimes known, are renowned for being large and juicy, but can be knobbly or shaped like strange sea creatures. Don’t be put off as their flavour is superb, so make the most of them while you’re there – try them in a simple pasta dish with lots of fresh herbs or savour a granite – a kind of slushy mix of ice and fruit juice – tangy, refreshing and delicious all in one!

And make sure to try the classic Sicilian dish, caponata. Served as an appetizer, this mix of aubergine, olives and capers really captures the essence of the Mediterranean diet. All along the coast, you’ll find the freshest seafood, including swordfish and a local delicacy cuttlefish served in its ink on pasta.

More Mediterranean dreams

Swimming in river pools in Sardinia
A prehistoric village with a sea view in Sardinia
Sea caves and a boat trip in Sardinia

My thanks for this article, written by Belinda Weber, to Italy holidays specialist Citalia.

Photo credits: Cliffside sunset in Sardinia by christophe mallet, Agrigento, Sicily by pacamanca

Gadders

Sunday 13th of July 2014

Sardinia is lovely, but one thing is Sardinia and another is Costa Smeralda. Two different worlds... The second is where all italians go for holidays and the other parts of the island are where the most beautiful places to visit are, like Alghero, Asinara etc. Anyway I'm always glad to read talking so well about this wonderful Island :)

Laura

Wednesday 28th of September 2011

My parents visited Sardinia and enjoyed it lots. I might just take one of the low-cost flights to Cagliari oneday to see by myself what's all the fuss about :)

Heather

Friday 30th of September 2011

@Laura - I really enjoyed Sardinia when we went a couple of years ago , there's a lot to see inland aways from the coast too.

Dan@EasternAirways

Wednesday 28th of September 2011

My sister and her husband are going on a four-week travel excursion in a week and I will definitely tell them that if they have some extra time to check this out!

Heather

Wednesday 28th of September 2011

@ Dan - I love Sardinia, but I'd recommend visiting outside of August when it is very crowded

Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista

Friday 23rd of September 2011

Sardinia is quickly becoming a part of Italy I must visit! Everything looks great in Sardinia.

Heather

Friday 23rd of September 2011

We really enjoyed Sardinia - although I wouldn't go again in August - the whole of Italy seems to come for their holidays