Once renowned for its bandit country, kidnappings and an expensive piece of coast developed by the Aga Khan, Sardinia is now rising up the lists of popular holiday destinations. Its rugged, mountainous interior where wild goats wander, dramatic cliffs, long sandy beaches, excellent sea-food and underrated wine are attracting a new breed of inquisitive tourists.

Holiday Options has recognised the potential by expanding its programme to the island this summer. The choice includes beach hotels, close to lively and historic cities, but the most distinctive place to stay is San Pietro island, a 30-minute ferry journey from Sardinia’s southwest coast.

Carloforte, the only town, has a little harbour bustling with fishing boats and small ferries, a quayside lined with pastel-coloured houses and Ligurian and Arab influences in its architecture and food. Cascà, derived from couscous, panisse, farinate and buridde, are the specialities served in the trattorias.

La Caletta is the most impressive of the white-sand beaches, with beautiful rock formations and crystal-clear water, and Guardia dei Mori, the highest point on the island, has stunning views across pine woods.

The one hotel is the four-star Riviera on the harbour front within a few minutes’ walk of the ferries and excursion boats, the main square and al fresco bars and restaurants. Holiday Options offers a week there from £739, with flights from Heathrow, transfers and B&B.

For those who prefer resort hotels, the operator has comfortable properties near the island’s main cities, Cagliari in the south and Alghero in the northwest. Both are delightful to explore, protected by imposing bastions, with cobbled streets, markets, fine ancient churches and modern shops.

West of Cagliari is the fashionable resort of Santa Margherita di Pula, with white sand beaches backed by a pine forest. There the four-star Hotel Costa dei Fiori costs from £919 for a week, with flights from Heathrow, half-board for five nights and B&B for two. The hotel is set in extensive gardens with a pool and children’s play area that lead to a small, sandy beach where a new seawater pool has opened.

Three kilometres from Alghero is the three-star Hotel Residence Oasis where a week’s half-board with Holiday Options costs from £629, with a flight from Gatwick. The hotel sits back from a road and has a pool and gardens, with further facilities on a beach across the road. Guests can choose from three restaurants, children can enjoy the Magic Castle mini-club and there is a regular daytime and evening entertainment programme.

www.holidayoptions.co.uk – 0870 4208372

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