Homes in Sardinia

Sardinia, the Mediterranean’s second largest island, has long been the No1 choice for Italian second home owners, thanks to its sunny climate, 1,100 miles of coast and spectacular landscapes. Now the rest of the world is following suit.

1 bed, 50sq m		3 beds, 250sq m		3 beds		2 beds, 60sq m
4 beds, pool, 300sq m		1 bed, 61sq m		1 bed, 87sq m		4 beds, 200sq m
1 bed, 70sq m		4 beds, 300sq m		2 beds, 60sq m		2 beds, pool, 80sq m

Sardinia lies some 120 miles off the western coast of mainland Italy and has a distinctly different culture and dialect from the rest of the country. Italian and Northern European holidaymakers have long flocked here in summer, in particular to beach resorts on the Costa Smeralda coast in the north-east; around Alghero in the north-west; and on the south coast either side of the capital Cagliari. These areas have the island’s three airports: Olbia, Alghero and Cagliari).

The Costa Smeralda (Italian for Emerald Coast) boasts stunning bays and coves that make for some of the best beaches and swimming in the entire Med. Since being developed by the Aga Khan in the early 1960s it has become one of Italy’s most glamorous stretches of coastline and the world’s rich and famous flock to glitzy resorts such as Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo.

Alghero is a pretty medieval city with a marina, a long sandy beach and a picturesque walled old town that is surrounded by seven watchtowers and overlooks the sea. The town has a heavy Catalan influence, reflecting the fact that the Catalans invaded in the 14th century. In this part of Sardinia, homes can still be picked up at good value, with one-bedroom apartments in the old town starting at around €120,000 at current prices and two bedrooms from around €175,000.

There are several attractions close by, such as Neptune’s Grotto, a spectacular warren of caves to the north that can be reached by road or pleasure boat. Other nearby areas worth visiting in north-west Sardinia include Sassari and Olmedo and the seaside town of Bosa.

The south coast, with its inviting beaches, is also very popular thanks to towns such as Pula, south of Cagliari. Pula is home to arguably Sardinia’s leading golf course while nearby lies the ancient settlement of Nora, which has splendid Roman ruins. Other areas on the south coast worth a look include nearby Santa Margherita and Villasimius in the south-east.