Sardinia: Italy’s island surprise

Prehistoric ruins, rugged landscapes, fresh cuisine and more

	Find it all on the rustic Italian island of Sardinia.
Christano Cani

Most popular

• Most viewed

• Top rated

• Most e-mailed

Brazil student expelled after wearing mini-dress

Alleged shooter tied to mosque of 9/11 hijackers

16 Apple products we can only dream about

State of emergency in Louisiana ahead of Ida

Big question mark: Fate of health care in Senate

Most viewed on msnbc.com

By Eliot Stein

updated 5:39 p.m. ET July 20, 2008

Secluded Sardinia lies far enough from the mainland—120 miles west, to be precise—that few Americans have sampled its old-world charms. But November 2007 saw the debut of discount air service between New York City and Sardinia's capital, Cagliari. Increasingly, this Mediterranean island is becoming a destination in its own right. Get inspired by watching our slide show (below).

Flight info: When booking your tickets to Sardinia, know that major travel search engines such as Kayak don't list all the budget airlines serving Sardinia. You'll find these other airlines listed at whichbudget.com.

For example, if you buy a round-trip flight between New York City and Rome and then buy a second ticket on the Italian discount carrier Meridiana's route between Rome and Cagliari, your total trip cost could be relatively low. Call Meridiana at 212/228-7537.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

Details on key sights in the slide show:

Fantastic granite rocks
Capo Testa's outcroppings, which once inspired British sculptor Henry Moore, can be found near the seaside town of Santa Teresa Gallura. Free; trails are well indicated; for additional information about excursions in and around the town, visit the Web site for Santa Teresa Gallura.

Also on this story

Slide show: Rugged landscapes and rustic villages

Antique trains
Trenino verde, 011-39/07-034-2341, treninoverde.com, about $27 round trip from Mandas to Arbatax, runs mid-June through September 13.

The red rocks of Arbatax
Non-hikers may prefer to view the rugged landscape instead via a serene boat ride on a 45-foot sailboat, which departs from the nearby town of Santa Maria Navarrese to Cala Luna beach. Operated by Fuori Rotta Baunei, 011-39/339-838-7788, about $46 a person; add a pasta course with appetizer, fruit, and wine for about $22.

Getty Images	The Big Apple Long referred to as the center of American business, New York is a melting pot of cultures and landscapes. Take a visual tour of some of the Big Apple’s most famous attractions.
Lonely Planet Images	Hawaiian paradise The Hawaiian Islands are the perfect vacation destination for travelers of all types.
Lonely Planet Images	National spectacles Nearly 400 national parks can be found all across America, and feature breathtaking vistas, rock formations millions of years old, and more.