4 Ways Holidays to Sardinia Will Lift Your Spirits

Island life, Italian style, can offer more than just a tan. The allure of an escape to a world of long beaches and warm, crystalline waters can truly make your spirits surge. Of course, this uplifting appeal of island life is no secret, so you need to find a place that has not been turned into a heaving tourist trap. There is an island in Italy that still has that certain "something very special" to offer – Sardinia.

The Nuraghe Su Nuraxi in Barumini and a mighty past

One reason holidays to Sardinia can be so soothing for your spirits is that the island has a real historical depth. While lying idle on the beach brings a blissful peace in itself, it is also wonderful to be able to feed your soul by stepping back in time to explore exotic histories. The island gives you this opportunity in a unique fashion through the structures of Nuraghe Su Nuraxi in Barumi. Dating back to the Bronze Age, these circular cone-like defensive edifices with corbel-vaulted internal chambers were reinforced during the Carthaginian era and are the best example of this ancient architecture. They truly give a feel for the depth of prehistoric life and, as such, provide a chance for you to explore antiquity's living memory.

Cágliari, a city of water and light

Another way to feel uplifted while on holidays to Sardinia is to visit this city, which has long enthralled both locals and visitors. The storied past of Cagliari is testament to its ability to capture the imagination. There is so much to explore and investigate here that deciding where to start is the only issue. From the prehistoric domus de janas and a Carthaginian necropolis, to Roman, Byzantine, Pisan and Spanish Hapsburg architecture, the city is a living example of the creativity of human culture.

Art in the Nuoro Province

Artistic endeavour has long been the source of inspiration for travellers, and this is certainly an experience open to people on holidays to Sardinia. Visitors who engage with the rich culture of the island will be further drawn in by the artistic legacy at its heart - and the heart of this legacy lies in Nuoro and its surrounds. The home or birthplace of countless artists, such as Nobel Laureate Grazia Deledda, it is for good reason it has been nicknamed the Sardinian Athens.

The Golfo di Orosei and natural glory

A sure-fire way to elevate your mood is to get in touch with nature and this is one of the prime reasons many people travel. While holidays to Sardinia will leave you marvelling at ancient edifices, glorying in the light of a historic culture, and thrilled by the unique artistic achievements of the islands creative doyens, it also boast the siren call of nature. The lush waters and sublime coastline of the Golfo de Orosei is captivating in and of itself, but the addition of the wild glory and broad landscapes of the Gennargentu National Park seems an excessive invitation to natural bliss.

Carolyn Spinks is COO of ABTOI - The Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy. If you’re looking for the perfect holidays to Sardinia their LoveItaly website provides destination information, contact details of tour operator members to help you plan the best Italian holiday, ‘insider’ tips, year round special offers and information on everything from beach holidays in Sardinia, cycling in Sicily, to a wedding or honeymoon in Tuscany.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.