Almost linked with Corsica in the north, Sardinia is a 24,000 square kilometer landmass surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea. The island’s 1850 km coastline is a geographical marvel displaying a plethora of theatrical formations, from towering rugged cliffs and isolated coves to dune-bordered sandy beaches that lightly kiss the blues of the sea. Ferry tickets to Sardinia are readily available even at the last minute via Ferryscanner, which offers bookings to many ports, including Santa Teresa Gallura. With the best family-friendly beach, called Spiaggia Rena Bianca, this port city is only an hour away by boat from Bonifacio in Corsica.

Stopping by and examining the nuraghe is by far the highpoint of any Sardinian vacation. These mysterious stone structures that date back to the Bronze Age are scattered throughout the island. Free to visit, they give a fascinating insight into a lost civilization. Sardinia’s gastronomic heritage is no less impressive. Local food festivals are a regular occurrence, from Putifigari’s porcini festival to the Sagra de Lu Bogamari in Alghero, where food lovers can try different dishes made with sea urchins. For culinary connoisseurs, nothing beats the opportunity of tasting su filindeu (the threads of god) in the town of Nuoro. A 300-year-old family recipe, only three women know the secret of making the ‘rarest pasta in the world’.

If your ferry tickets to Sardinia take you to the capital Cagliari, set a day aside to appreciate the old hilltop district of Il Castello. Visit the Cagliari Cathedral, Roman amphitheater, 14th-century Elephant tower, and then take a break at one of the cafes lining the narrow streets. More archaeological finds await the curious in Porto Torres. The Necropolis of Su Crucifisu Mannu, a 135-meter-long Roman bridge, the Basilica of San Gavino, and the Neolithic site of Monte d’Accoddi, never fail to amaze. Olbia is another colorful port town in Sardinia with modern hotels, cafes, and a contemporary ambiance that attracts an upscale crowd.