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Fishing boats off the Sardinian coast

Sardinia

Cala Goloritze in Sardinia

Sardinia was long regarded as a remote and wild island , inhabited by shepherds and a shy people , who had little to do with the Italian mainland . Once a melting pot of diverse European and North African cultures , Sardinia still bears witness to its colourful past with echoes of the Phoenicians , Carthaginians , Romans , Spanish and Tuscans being clearly apparent in its traditions , language and architecture today . The coastline is startling with its coves , long sandy beaches , inlets , rocky outcrops and clear , turquoise sea . Inland the macchia grassland with myrtle , thyme , prickly pears and dwarf oaks stretches towards the wild peaks of the Gennargentu mountains . Sardinia offers a delightful mixture , combining the sophistication of the resorts and hotels of the Costa Smeralda and its stunning beaches with the remote , rural hinterland , where shepherds still tend their sheep in the mountains and traditional costume is worn with pride . A fascinating holiday island .

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