Page 145 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sardinia

SARDINIA AREA B Y AREA  143

THE NORTH AND THE

COSTA SMERALDA

Northeastern Sardinia’s beauty is familiar from the classic images
of a rugged coastline, beautiful inlets, sparkling turquoise sea and
beaches of brilliant white sand. To the north, the islands crowded
in the Straits of Bonifacio, a stone’s throw from Corsica, have great
appeal for those in search of unspoilt calm.
The most well-known devel opment in the controls on building, if the growing
northeast is the famous Costa Smeralda, influx of visitors is not to damage the
founded by a consortium of financiers island’s unique environment.
including the Aga Khan in 1962. Since In the interior, the Gallura region
then, few areas in Sardinia have under- displays quite a different character, with
gone such profound changes as the extensive forests of cork oak trees and
northeastern coastline. Villas and rough, rocky terrain. Granite outcrops
residen tial hotels have sprung up almost create enchanting landscapes like the
everywhere, and small harbours have Valle della Luna near Aggius (see p156).
been equipped as marinas. The sur- This part of Sardinia is characterized
roundings are undeniably beautiful, with by its wholesome cooking, the
spectacular scenery at headlands such as continuing practice of traditional
Capo d’Orso and Capo Testa. The perfume handicrafts and frequent reminders
of the Mediterranean maquis still manages of its long history. As well as prehistoric
to reach the beaches of pure white sand, nuraghe, an exceptional series of
and there are still unspoilt areas that have Romanesque churches survives in
resisted the encroachment of holiday the Logudoro area (see pp160–61),
homes. Tourism brings its own prob lems culminating in the black and white
however, and there is increasing striped stone church of Santissima
recognition of the need for stricter Trinità di Saccargia (see pp162–3).

The shore of San Teodoro, ideal for bathing and sunbathing
Crystal clear waters at a pristine beach at Porto Cervo

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