Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/326223
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 8 JUNE 2014 34 Sardinia Why go? SARDINIA is a land of many hidden beauties, where centuries-old tradi- tions are a core element of life. Away from the usual tourist hotspots lies a side of Sardinia that is usually missed by the average visitor to the island. Some of the world's most ancient archaeological sites are present in Sardinia such as the Nuraghe, that can be found scattered across the is- land. A number of grottos and other places of natural beauty are also vis- ible across the island. What to do? A trip to Sardinia is not complete without a stop in the Costa Semer- alda. The white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, golf club, private jet and helicopter service and hotels costing up to €2,000 a night in peak season has attracted celebrities, business leaders and other affluent visitors. Watch the polo matches between April and October and the sailing regatta in September. The thermal baths of Fordong- ianus offer evidence of the ancient centre of Forum Traiani, which rose during the imperial epoch as a meeting point between the terri- tories under Roman ruling and the barbarian civilisations inland. Take a one-hour boat trip through Neptune's Grotto, a remarkable se- ries of caves just outside Alghero. Take in the dramatic coastline sur- rounding the limestone headland, Capo Caccia. Alternatively, take a bus to Capo Caccia and climb down the 654 steps to reach the caves be- low. Su Gorropu Gorge is with no doubt one of the most impressive natu- ral beauties on the island. It opens up in the Supramonte between the calcareous rocks of mount Iddeu and of the Cuccuttos peak. Dug by the force of the Flumineddu river waters, the gorge looks like an ac- tual canyon, with dizzying heights of over 500m. Take a guided tour to the bottom in spring and summer as in the autumn rain can make the river paths unsafe. Take the trenino verde for an ex- cursion of the unspoilt countryside on board an old steam train for a step back in time. Pick one of the stops along the way to explore the countryside and enjoy a typical Sar- dinian meal in one of the many ag- riturismos. Where to stay? Request a room to the rear of the Hotel Costa Dorada (www.hotel- costadorada.it), away from the bus- tling seafront street, and enjoy the exceptional Sardinian food amid a glorious garden. Rooms are spa- cious and the hotel bar is beautifully furnished. The stunning Hotel Il Querceto (www.ilquerceto.com) is 8km away from Cala Gonone with exceptional pasta and traditional food. This is one of the region's high-end desti- nations and has undergone a multi- million euro expansion. Located a short walk away from the other-worldly Ispinigoli caves, Hotel Ispinigoli (www.hotelispinig- oli.com) has incredible views across vineyards and olive groves. An out- door cooking room is used to roast suckling pigs over a fire. Located 300m from the sea and 600m from the town, check out Ho- tel Villa Gustui (www.villagustui- maris.it) for four-star accommoda- tion with stunning views. Where to eat? Bue Marino (www.hotelbuema- rino.it) specialises in fish, displaying the daily catch in the reception area. Choose from lobster, sea bream or mora moro – a deep sea cod - and the chef will cook it for you. The best views and best 'home- style' food in town are at Hotel L'Oasi (www.loasihotel.it). Don't leave before sampling some soft and unctuous amaretti biscuits or frue cheese with tomato served on pane carasu. High quality food from one of the region's best kitchens comes from Hotel Miramare. Its pasta and sea- food are particularly impressive. Try the fregula in crustacean sauce – a five-star dish. Sant' Elene (www.hotelsantelene. it) is a pastoral paradise high in the hills, where authentic food is served amid peaceful sounds. Tra- ditional dishes are a treat. Ask for casu muchidu – a very strong cheese writhing with the albino larvae of mosquitos – but don't offer to pay, as it is illegal to sell. How to get there? The best way to get to Sardinia from Malta is to fly to Rome from where you will find plenty of flights to the island. Airmalta offer daily services to Rome Fiumicino airport. Flights departing from Malta on 13 June and returning on 20 June were priced at €154.71 including tax at the time of going to print. EasyJet offer services to Rome Fiumicino between 6 July and 1 September. Flights departing from Malta on 7 July and returning on 12 July were priced at €104.48, including tax, at the time of going to print. 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