The Natural Highlights of Spectacular Sardinia

As one of the most beautiful places to explore in the whole of Europe, if you love wild, natural scenery, you will be in for a treat in Sardinia. Holidays here offer the opportunity to relax on its gorgeous beaches and immerse in the breathtaking countryside. Here are some of the natural highlights not to miss during your holiday on this lovely Italian island.

Gola Su Gorropu

When in Sardinia, holidays spent on the island will provide you with plenty of chances to view its natural wonders up close and personal, and this beautiful gorge is one of the best. Its dramatic limestone walls stretch up over 400 metres, and as you walk between them you can look to the skies in the hopes of seeing the wonderful golden eagles. There are two main walking routes, and you can even go rock climbing if you're feeling energetic. Local guides are available to accompany you.

Parco Nazionale dell'Asinara

This eerie island used to be closed to the public because it was the location of a prison, which was home to some of the country's most notorious criminals. You can still see the abandoned buildings that belonged to the prison if you visit. You'll need to board a licensed boat in order to reach the island, where you'll find a mix of scrubland, beautiful coastline and deserted beaches. You may also encounter a wide range of wildlife, including peregrine falcons. A guided tour will help you get the most from your visit.

Gennargentu National Park

This is the largest national park on the island and you can best enjoy its stunning wilderness on foot. There is a beautiful beach to enjoy in the summer months, with a backdrop of the beautiful Gennargentu Mountains, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque bays.

La Giara di Gesturi

This large plateau is a definite natural highlight of Sardinia. Holidays on the island should include a visit to this awe-inspiring area, where, if you're lucky, you may see wild horses roaming. It's an area of stunning natural beauty, full of scrubland, woods and lakes, and it's a great place for spotting wildlife.

Cala Goloritzè

This is one of the best beaches on the island; the gentle hike to reach it will take you through pretty canyons and past scrubby trees and mysterious caves. The bay is incredibly beautiful and is the perfect place to take a dip. You'll also be able to see the huge rock needle Monte Caroddi, aka the Aguglia, which is popular with climbers.

Discover the Beauty of the Island

On Sardinia, holidays are all about exploring the magnificent countryside and coastline. Try to see a few of the above highlights to make sure you get the very most from your experience.

Carolyn Spinks is COO of ABTOI - The Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy. If you’re looking for the perfect Sardinia holidays their LoveItaly website provides destination information, contact details of tour operator members to help you plan the best Italian holiday, ‘insider’ tips, year round 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.