Porto Torres (Sardinia), Italy

From the port town of Porto Torres, explore Sardinia’s rugged coastline and white sand beaches, dramatic granite cliffs and wild interior. Visit glamorous seaside towns and quiet medieval villages. For those who want a romantic and dazzlingly beautiful escape, you’ve found it.

On the east side of the island, the fine sand and clear turquoise waters of the stunning Costa Smerelda draw the yachts of the 1% and the paparazzi who follow them. The perfect beaches with their spectacular coves have some of the best swimming in the Mediterranean. Near the iconic Basilica di San Gavino you’ll find Balai Beach. Surrounded by an urban park and bordered by rocky coves, it’s one of the most popular beaches in Porto Torres.

For archaeology fans, there are more interesting things to look for: Sardinia’s mysterious stone Nuraghe. These cone-like rock towers were most likely defensive, dating to 2000 BC. They’re everywhere on Sardinia and only on Sardinia. There’s also a fantastic network of trails to trek – follow one of these to Sardinia’s resplendent mountains, deep gorges, lush forests, and cascading waterfall, you won’t find any paparazzi here.