Most people head north when it comes to Italy's second largest island, tempted by the beaches, lively nightlife and the famed Costa Smeralda – a playground for the yachting elite. But the south is the perfect place to dodge the crowds and discover authentic delights.
The island's main airport, Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) – also called Mario Mameli Airport – is located in the southern Sardinian capital of Cagliari.
The city is studded with medieval architecture, cathedrals and museums, with the striking Castello fortress on a hilltop and wide streets near the marina lined with pretty purple jacaranda trees. There's plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and boutique hotels – head to Fenu for the best gelato in town, with inventive flavour combinations inspired by local produce (think: ricotta, honey and almonds) as well
