Sardinia

Lying about 200 kilometres off the west coast of Italy, Sardinia is the less-explored of the two largest Italian islands, compared with its southern neighbour Sicily, and is only a short distance from the French island of Corsica at its northern-most tip. Sardinia has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as can be seen from the hundreds of strange conical-shaped stone buildings (called nuraghi), once homes, which date back to 1500BC. Being a prime target for invasion over the centuries has meant that island civilization was concentrated mainly in the mountainous inland region of Barbagia, where the local Sards fled to protect themselves from the invading forces, leaving their beautiful and vulnerable shorelines largely uninhabited. The only coastal town of any size was ancient city of Cagliari (the capital of the island) which, like Rome, was built on seven hills. However other areas, particularly in the north east, are now being developed especially to meet the needs for tourism. Worth visiting are the Roman remains at Nora, Cagliari and Tharros, the 6th century Byzantium church of San Saturno in Cagliari, and the medieval town of Bosa on the River Temo in the north. You’ll find architectural remains of invading civilizations from Pisa, Genoa and Aragon in every town. Sample also the rustic delights of the local cuisine, a blend of culinary influences from the many invading nations.