We are planning a trip to Italy and France at the end of August through Mid September, 17 days (day 1 & day 17 are travel days). We are looking to spend 3 or 4 days either in Sardinia or Cinque Terre. I've read a lot recently about the Emerald Coast in Sardinia (and other locations), but were unable to hit the Cinque Terre during our last Italy visit. Does anyone have any suggestions or preferences for either of these destinations? I was recently reading about a few towns further south of the 5 towns (Lerici, Portovenere, etc.) are these towns better to stay in than the other towns? We would travel to either the Cinque Terre or Sardinia from Nice, and I've already reviewed the train/plane routes and I am comfortable with either option. I am just having a hard time deciding between which beach/island/coast experience and would really appreciate any feedback! (hotel or restaurant suggestions welcome too!)
Posted by
Milano
60 posts
Sardina and cinque terre are very different..sardinia is a big island with hundreds of beaches....if you want to enjoy the sun and the sea there's nothing better thna sardinia .. Check out in google for spiaggia rosa di budelli or Cala Luna beach or Molentis di Villasimius or Cala Brandinchi ...and many many more...
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16364 posts
Best beaches in the world are in Sardinia. Cinque Terre are pretty villages good for 2 or max 3 nights (one full day hiking the trails through the vineyards on the cliffs). Beaches at the Cinque Terre are non existent (rocky cliffs) or so so (Monterosso). You need to decide if the more important thing for you are amazing beaches or bucolic fishermen villages on beautiful cliffs filled with vineyards and olive groves. Make a decision, then come back for details on your choice.
Posted by
OP
Annapolis, USA
16 posts
Thank you for the feedback. Looks like Sardinia is the winner, and that is where we would like to spend the time for this trip (Cinque Terre next time). I don't personally know anyone who has been to Sardinia and could vouch for the great things I've been reading about it, so thank you both for verifying. I've already researched some of the beaches mentioned. Any other suggestions for hotels, restaurants or must-see beaches (since there are so many to choose from), or activities?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16364 posts
I've been to Sardinia a few times, always stayed in Gallura, the northernmost tip. I recommend staying in or near Santa Teresa di Gallura (my favorite) if you choose that area. The costa smeralda proper (Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo etc.) is too full of phoney multimillionaires for my taste. It's also exorbitantly expensive. The airports in northern Sardinia are in Olbia (OLB) and Alghero (AHO). You need a rental car for Sardinia. Here are the 250 best beaches according to Sardinia's leading daily newspaper: http://www.unionesarda.it/collane/spiagge/home_spiagge.aspx Make sure to take at least one boat excursion to the Maddalena Archipelago. Boat trips from numerous companies depart daily from the harbor of Santa Teresa, or Palau, or other towns on the Costa Smeralda. Take advantage as soon as you arrive, don't leave it for he last day, because they don't operate when winds are too strong (which is often in that area). American tourists are not numerous at all (most are American families from the NATO base at the Maddalena) but English is spoken since it's popular with Euro tourists.