THREE GREAT WAYS TO VISIT SARDINIA

Luxury

Stretched over 40 or so miles of shoreline, roughly between Santa Teresa Gallura and Capriccioli, the Costa Smeralda is known for elegant escapism – and is seen almost as a separate, high-end destination (see destinationcostasmeralda. com). The resorts and playgrounds that bejewel it focus on class – the Hotel Cala di Volpe (00 39 07899 76111; marriott. co.uk), at Capriccioli, has a tie-in with Japanese star chef Nobu Matsuhisa (double rooms from £385). A week’s stay at the nearby five-star Hotel Romazzino, meanwhile, can be booked from £2,500 per person, flights included, via Scott Dunn (020 3553 6045; scottdunn.com)

Family

The south coast also has fine accommodation. Forte Village (00 39 07092 18818; fortevillage resort.com), near Santa Margherita di Pula, has earned a name for its residential sports courses for children, led by vaunted professionals (this year’s football sessions will be with Real Madrid coaches). Adults can dive into food made by two-Michelin-star chef Massimiliano Mascia, and a large spa. A one-week half-board stay for a family of three at the resort’s Hotel Bouganville, arriving on July 30, starts at £7,493 (with flights), via Just Sardinia (01202 484858; justsardinia.co.uk)

Active

The Sardinian interior is great for mountainbiking. Saddle Skedaddle (0191 265 1110; skedaddle. com) offers Sardinia: Coast To Coast – an eight-day escorted romp from Magazzini in the west to Bari Sardo in the east, via the likes of the Marmilla hills and Su Nuraxi di Barumini. This year’s final running of the trip is scheduled for Sept 10, from £1,900 per person, including bike hire (flights extra)