Ditch over-crowded Amalfi and Sorrento - this Italian paradise has world's best beaches

When picturing the world's most stunning beaches, your mind likely wanders to the Maldives or the Caribbean. However, there's a Mediterranean island whose beaches rival any globally - and it's not located in Greece or Spain. Indeed, one of the beaches on this exquisite island has recently been crowned the best in the world.

Combine that with the island's warm climate, delectable cuisine, rich history, and vibrant city life, and you've got all the makings of an idyllicholiday. Surprisingly, this gem doesn't even feature in the top 10 islands frequented by British holidaymakers, a list dominated by Spanish destinations like Tenerife, Majorca, and Lanzarote, as well as Greek islands such as Santorini, Corfu, and Rhodes.

The island in question is Sardinia, nestled midway between the Italian and Spanish coasts in the Mediterranean. It remains less popular and less renowned than the tourist hotspots of Spain and Greece, which are now grappling with the challenges of over-tourism due to their annual influx of visitors.

Sardinia's vast size ensures plenty of space, so you won't find yourself squeezed into overcrowded tourist areas. Despite its scale, it's easily navigable, allowing for leisurely drives along the coast, punctuated by stops at any of the stunning beaches scattered along the way.

The island's capital, Cagliari, is a bustling city located at its southernmost point and offers a vibrant restaurant and bar scene for those seeking urban excitement. In contrast, Alghero, a reasonably large town situated on the island's opposite end, also boasts a lively dining scene.

Sardinia is synonymous with luxury, particularly along its north-eastern coast, which attracts affluent European tourists to Porto Cervo. Here, you can spend your time admiring the heavily guarded yachts moored in the harbour and speculating about their high-profile owners.

As expected from any Italian region, Sardinia's culinary offerings are exceptional, providing an array of dining options. Unlike tourist-saturated destinations such as Majorca, many of Sardinia's eateries primarily cater to locals, ensuring the food quality remains top-notch.

However, Sardinia's crowning glory lies in its extraordinary collection of stunning beaches, each one worthy of national treasure status if located elsewhere in Europe. These pristine shores frequently top global rankings of the world's best beaches.

The best beaches in Sardinia

One beach has recently been crowned the best on the planet. The curators of The World's 50 Best Beaches have remarked: "Cala Goloritze feels like more than just a beach - its raw beauty has a way of touching you emotionally the moment you lay eyes on it. Whether you're looking down from the viewpoint above or standing at the shore with your feet in the water, the scene is truly breathtaking."

For those keen to explore further, Sardinia offers an array of stunning beaches, and personal research may reveal even more favourites. Beyond the main island, the Maddalena archipelago, just off the northern coast, boasts its own set of exquisite sandy retreats, including:

Cala Mariolu

Siaggia della Pelosa

Spiaggia del Pirata

Spiaggia Rena Bianca

Cala Corsara, La Maddalena

Be aware that Sardinia can become quite crowded during peak season in July and August when many Italians take their holidays there. The Costa Smeralda is particularly sought after, known for attracting celebrities and flaunting the island's most conspicuous wealth.

If you're keen on rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, this is certainly the place to be. Spiagga del Principe is the prime beach for potential sightings of Hollywood celebrities, music industry giants or business tycoons.

As Lonely Planet describes it: "A number of beautiful coves necklace the fabulous swoop of coastline where Gallura's wind-whipped granite mountains tumble down to fjordlike inlets in the emerald sea. One of the finest is the Spiaggia del Principe, a stunning crescent of pale sand snuggled among low cliffs named after Prince Karim Aga Khan, who has given it his seal of approval."

Where to stay in Sardinia

Even Cagliari boasts its own magnificent beach, the expansive Poetto, just a short journey from the city centre, attracting locals at every opportunity. Like many popular Italian beaches, there are ample dining options available right on the beachfront, ranging from quick bites and snacks to sit-down cafes, restaurants and bars.

On the other end of the island lies Alghero, a comfortably-sized town boasting several beaches and intriguing nearby attractions, including some of the most picturesque country villages. From Alghero, you can take a boat trip to Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune's Cave), a striking seafront cavern adorned with stalactites hanging above the water.

On the east coast, you'll find the opulent destinations of Porto Cervo and the Costa Smeralda, a playground for the rich and famous. If rubbing shoulders with high society isn't on your agenda, Cannigione is a charming small town nearby, offering a plethora of hotels, restaurants and bars.

Similarly, if you're seeking a spot near the city with a good selection of beaches, consider Villasimius in the south, just a short drive from Cagliari.

Where to dine in Sardinia

One culinary experience not to be overlooked is the agriturismo. This Italian concept sees traditional farms evolve to accommodate visitors looking to dine or stay (or both).

The menus are often extensive and superb, leaving you satiated with the finest locally-sourced food. There's truly nothing like it. Agriturismo La Colti, nestled between Cannigione and Arzachena in the north-east of the island, is a prime example.

How to reach Sardinia

The main airports in Sardinia are at Cagliari on the south coast and Olbia on the north-eastern coast. You can get frequent flights to either from UK airports. You can fly to Olbia from London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and Birmingham, with prices starting at £46. Calgiari is served by several more UK airports.