Crowded Amalfi and Sorrento – This Italian paradise has some of the best beaches in the world (Image: Getty)
When drawing the most amazing beaches in the world, your mind can wander into the Maldives and the Caribbean. However, there are Mediterranean islands with world-class beaches, not available in Greece or Spain. In fact, one of the beaches on this exquisite island has recently become the best in the world.
Combine it with the island's warm climate, delicious food, rich history and vibrant urban life. Surprisingly, the gem has not even appeared on the top ten islands frequently visited by British villas dominated by Spanish destinations such as Tenerife, Mallorca and Lanzaroto.
Cala Goloritze has been named the best beach on the planet (Image: Getty)
Read more: Beautiful “British Island” with endless white sandy beaches and turquoise seas
The island in question is Sardinia, located halfway between the Italian coast of the Mediterranean and the Spanish coast. It is less popular and less famous than tourist hotspots in Spain and Greece. This tackles overtourism challenges due to the annual influx of visitors.
Sardinia's vast size provides ample space, so you don't notice it is narrowed down to overcrowded tourist destinations. Despite its size, it is easy to navigate, can run slowly along the coast, and is interrupted by stopping at one of the stunning beaches scattered along the way.
The island's capital, Cagliari is a bustling city at the southernmost point, offering a vibrant restaurant and bar scene for those seeking city excitement. In contrast, Arguero, a moderately large town on the other side of the island, also boasts a lively dining scene.
Sardinia is synonymous with luxuries along the northeast coast, attracting wealthy European tourists to Porto Cervo. Here you can spend time praising the heavily guarded yachts moored at the port and speculating about their famous owners.
Beautiful Kara Gorolitze in Sardinia (Image: Getty)
As expected from the Italian region, Sardinian cuisine is exceptional and offers a wide range of dining options. Unlike tourist-saturated destinations such as Mallorca, many Sardinian eateries cater primarily to locals, ensuring that food quality remains top-notch.
However, the finest glory of Sardinia lies in an extraordinary collection of stunning beaches, each deserving the status of a national treasure, when it is elsewhere in Europe. These untouched coasts frequently top the global rankings of the world's best beaches.
Best Beaches in Sardinia
Recently, one beach has been crowned the best on earth. The curator of the 50 best beaches in the world said, “Karagorolizze feels more than just a beach. Its raw beauty has a way of emotional touching the moment you turn to it.
For those looking to explore more, Sardinia offers fantastic beaches, and personal research may reveal even more favourites. Beyond the main island, just off the north coast, Maddalena Archipelago boasts its own exquisite sandy hideaway, including:
Cala Mariolusiaggia Della Pelosaspiaggia del Pirataspiaggia Rena Biancacala Corsara, La Maddalena
Cala Mariolu stands out for its impressive beauty (Image: Getty)
Siaggia Della Pelosa is another of the beautiful beaches of Sardinia (Image: Getty)
Note that Sardinia is extremely crowded during the peak seasons of July and August, when many Italians take their vacation there. Costa Smeralda is particularly sought after, and is known for attracting celebrities and showing off the island's most visible wealth.
If you're looking to rub your shoulders with a rich and famous person, this is certainly the place to be. Spiagga del Principe is the main beach for witnessing the goals of Hollywood celebrities, music industry giants, or business tycoons.
As Lonely Planet explains, “Many beautiful cove necklaces are a fantastic dive on the coastline where windy granite mountains of Garra in the emerald seas have fallen into fjord-like inlets.
Where to stay in Sardinia
Even Cagliari boasts a vast poet, a spectacular beach of its own. A short trip from the city centre attracts locals on every occasion. Like many popular Italian beaches, the beachfront offers ample dining options, ranging from quick bites and snacks to sit-in cafes, restaurants and bars.
Spiagga del Principe is the best beach for anyone looking to find A-listers (Image: Getty)
On the other end of the island is a comfortable sized town, with several beaches and charming nearby attractions, including the most picturesque country villages. From Alghero you can take a boat trip to Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune's Cave), an impressive coastal cave decorated with heavy-duty signs hanging over the water.
On the east coast is the luxurious destination of Porto Cervo and Costa Smeralda, a playground for the wealthy and famous people. If rubbing your shoulders in a high society is not on your agenda, Kanigione offers plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars in a charming small town nearby.
Similarly, if you're looking for a nearby location in the city with a good selection of beaches, consider Villasimius just south of Cagliari.
Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia (Image: Getty)
Where to eat in Sardinia
One culinary experience that is not overlooked is the agritusmo. This Italian concept believes that traditional farms have evolved to accommodate visitors seeking food and stay (or both).
The menu is often extensive and wonderful, and you'll be bored of the best local foods. There really is no such thing. The Agriturism Moracorti, located between Canisione and Alzacena, northeast of the island, is a typical example.
How to reach Sardinia
Sardinia's major airports are located in Cagliari on the south coast and Olbia on the northeast coast. You can frequently get flights from UK airports. You can fly from London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and Birmingham to Olbia, with prices starting at £46. Karghiari offers several more British airports.
