SPA RESORTS:                    

       Sardinia is an island in the Bay of Naples, on the western coast of the Italian peninsula, along with its sister islands Capri, Ischia and Sicily. It is probably the least known but very worth exploring. The landscape in the north sometimes resembles the valley of the moon, with exotic rock formations everywhere you look, hollowed out into  various strange, often comical shapes by the strong winds. Many of them look like animals or have caves  carved into them and some are balanced precariously atop each other looking as if any moment they will topple over. But they remain  solid and have withstood centuries of such assault. Sardinia is also  home to some of the continent's oldest archeological remains, dating back to 1700 BC, and especially  its Nuraghi, circular stone dwellings dating back to 1500 BC and unlike any other ruins in the world. Tours are available from any part of the island.
       The island has a long history of invasions of various nationalities but somehow has always managed to retain it's very own character, while taking on something  of each and it is that which is so interesting to see as you explore the island. The customs, even the dialects vary throughout the island. Festivals are one of the favorite village past times and there is generally something going on somewhere every month throughout the season, so it's really something to seek out wherever you are on the island. The colorful costumes, joyful dancing and singing and typical culinary offerings provide for wonderful memories of your visit.
       The two most important areas to visit are the southernmost coast with the major city of Cagliari - a historical and yet modern city known as "the City of the Sun" with a marvelous riviera and seaside resorts - and the northwest, which includes the most popularly known  Costa Smeralda, made famous by the Aga Khan who discovered and developed the area as a jet set resort in the late 60's. Porto Cervo is a major attraction with it's marina jam-packed with luxury yachts and it's piazza with glamorous boutiques and a great place to people-watch. The northern coastline is wild, verdant and very interesting, dotted with ages-old villages where history is still reflected in the ongoing traditions.
       The island's main airports are Cagliari in the south, Olbia in the northeast and Alghero on the northwest coast. There are also ferries but all transport is heavily booked during the season so advance reservations are certainly advisable.
      The absolute best months to visit are March, April and May, with everything in full bloom, colorful and fragrant. Also, the weather at this time is the best - not too hot and not too cold. Be aware that in the summer it is very hot and the winds can be strong, but a breeze also helps to help you cool down.
     August is the heaviest tourist season as it seems all of Italy goes on holiday then and they flock to the seaside resorts and the islands.
      The best way to see the island is to rent a car since the inter-island transportation is not as convenient as one might wish. Flights however from Cagliari to Olbia or Alghero are not a problem, then rent a car at the airport. Or arrange for transfers with your hotel when making your reservation.  
       Sardinia is easily reached by ferry from a number of ports. Ferries connect from Genova, Civitavecchia, or Livorno. Your arrive in Northern Sardinia (ports of Olbia, Porto Torres, Golfo Aranci), Southern Sardinia (port of Cagliari), or Eastern Sardinia. 
     There are very inexpensive fares from Europe on some of the low cost airlines. For example, as low as between 20 and 30 EUROS from Munich (check Internet for fares) so Sardinia is a very affordable add-on to any European holiday and one well worth taking to see this unique island and enjoy a new experience.