A short ferry ride from Palau takes daytrippers to a marine wonderland comprising 7 larger Islands and a further 55 islets with some of the most stunning and unspoiled beaches in all Sardinia with fine sand and crystal waters making it a place that’s as good for finding a secluded spot to sunbathe as it is for scuba diving and snorkelling. Better still you should plan a trip to the archipelago on a charter yacht or dayboat giving you the freedom to roam at will dropping anchor at beaches on some of the smaller, uninhabited islands. Caprera and Maddalena are the only islands with access to cars. Of historical note, the wild island of Caprera was home to Garibaldi. for the last 27 years of his life. Protected marine paradise La Maddalena Archipelago National Park Tucked in among the mountains, San Pantaleo is a rare traditional Galluran village and one of the prettiest in Sardinia. Bursting with a distinctly bohemian character, this charming village is set around a picturesque piazza along with lively cafés and several artisan shops. With its stone-built cottages, stunning position couched by the mountain peaks and relaxed atmosphere, many artists have been inspired to take up residency. There is a bustling market every thursday, ideal for those looking to experience a piece of Sardinian culture. Art inspired village San Pantaleo Sardinian food has a focus on the use of local, seasonal ingredients so what you eat is invariably super fresh and usually prepared to order. You might well be tempted to forsake a beach front resort in favour of a rustic country farmstead where you will be spoilt with robust, organic produce plucked from the estate. Agritourism is big all over Italy, but in Sardinia its a great way to experience the traditional ways and appreciate Galluran hospitality first hand. Even if you are shacked up at a dreamy beach resort you should still make the effort to eat at least once at a farmhouse restaurant especially if the Sardinian speciality of Porceddu (slow roasted suckling pig) is being prepared on the spit! Superb as a summer sip, Vermentino is the celebrated classic white wine of Sardinia. Dry and full bodied, it is the only DOCG wine of Sardinia (the highest ranking among the 4-tier Italian classification) and the grape variety has been grown for centuries in Gallura. Another grape variety, this time a robust red which pulls its punches, is Cannonau. It is the local name for French Grenache or Spanish Garnacha. Recently, it has been evidenced that the Grenache varietal may have actually originated from Sardinia rather than from Spain and is the signature red wine. Bovale and Carignano are also great red varietals and some of the best wines are interesting blends. Leading winemakers, Argiolas, make some of the island’s very finest wines. If your budget will allow it make sure to splash out on a bottle of Turriga. From field to plate Agriturismo in Gallura Vermentino & Cannonau Spectacular regional wine varieties Spiaggia Rosa, Isola Budelli 13
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