One of Italy's forgotten islands, Sardinia is tangibly distinct from the Italian mainland, as the island's history has left an enduring impact on its people and culture. Located just under 200 kilometres from the Italian mainland, Sardinia has never established itself as a mainstream tourist destination.

More famous as a place for a relaxing break than as a cultural Mecca, visitors can be assured they will enjoy Sardinia's stunning beaches, friendly locals and lush climate. Mercifully bare of major cities or the blemishes of mass tourism, life in the Sardinian community is lived at a much reduced pace to that just 200 kilometres away across the water.

Sardinia's beaches are among the cleanest in Italy and are delightfully empty of sun worshippers, apart from the peak season when floods of tourists head over from the mainland. But visitors should make more of their time in Sardinia by exploring the lesser known interior. Public transport is rudimentary, so hiring a car is probably the best way to do this. Sardinia's coastline is spectacular in its diversity, ranging from steep and rocky cliff faces, to straighter, more articulated sections, with promontories and wide and deep bays surrounded by islets.

Although Sardinia is not burgeoning with cultural riches, it boasts a historical pedigree second to none. The remains of previous civilisations that made Sardinia a base still remain. It's strategically significant position has been the centre of Mediterranean politics for thousands of years before Christ and boasts evidence of habitation from the Carthaginian, Roman, Genoan, Pisan and even Sardinia's native nuraghic civilisation.

Sardinia's dramatic collection of temples, fortresses and churches is indeed impressive and something that every visitor should endeavour to see. If this is not possible, many of the museums in Cágliari or Sássari play host to beautiful statuettes and domestic objects left by this mysterious culture. It is unlikely that Sardinia will ever develop itself as a mainstream tourist destination, as to do so would destroy everything that makes it unique. When D.H Lawrence passed through Sardinia in 1921 he described it as a place "between Europe and Africa and belonging to nowhere."

This cultural distinctiveness, combined with its casual disregard for the pace of modern life make it an ideal destination for a short-relaxing break, whether you head straight for the Roman ruins or the beach.

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