The Mediterranean island of Sardinia, with its perfect blend of hot weather, amazing food, rich history, city life and beautiful beaches, is often overlooked by British tourists. Despite its charm, it doesn’t even make the top ten list of islands most visited by Brits, a list dominated by Spanish destinations like Tenerife, Majorca and Lanzarote, as well as Greek islands such as Santorini, Corfu and Rhodes, reports the Express.

However, those in the know would argue that this Mediterranean gem outshines them all. One of its major selling points is the staggering number of beautiful beaches dotted along the coast every few miles. Sardinia, located roughly halfway between the coasts of Italy and Spain in the Mediterranean, is far less popular and less well-known than the tourist hotspots of Spain and Greece. These locations are now so frequented by tourists each year that locals are pushing back against over-tourism.

Sardinia is an ideal holiday destination for many reasons: it’s a large island, offering plenty of space, meaning you’re not confined to one or two overcrowded tourist spots.

It boasts a big city, Cagliari, on its southern tip, where you can immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of city life, complete with a vibrant restaurant and bar scene. At the opposite end of the island lies Alghero, a reasonably large town also known for its lively restaurant scene.

The island is a haven of luxury, with its north-eastern shore attracting affluent European tourists to Porto Cervo. Here, you can spend your time admiring the heavily-guarded yachts and guessing their owners.

As expected from any Italian destination, the food scene is sensational with a plethora of dining options. Despite being less touristy than Majorca, many of Sardinia’s restaurants cater primarily for locals, ensuring high-quality cuisine.

However, Sardinia’s main attraction is arguably its extraordinary array of stunning beaches. Any one of these would be considered a national treasure in another European country.

In fact, two Sardinian beaches made it onto a list of the world’s 50 most beautiful beaches, with one ranking second.

Choosing the “best” beaches in Sardinia is nearly impossible due to the sheer number of worthy contenders scattered around the island. Here are just a few selections, but you may discover others through your own research.

Besides the main island, the Maddalena archipelago, located off Sardinia’s north coast, also boasts a collection of beautiful beaches.

1. Cala Mariolu
2. Siaggia della Pelosa
3. Spiaggia del Pirata
4. Spiaggia Rena Bianca
5. Cala Corsara, La Maddalena

Sardinia can, naturally, become crowded during the peak months of July and August, when numerous Italians take their own holidays there. Costa Smeralda ranks amongst the most sought-after destinations.

It’s equally renowned as a celebrity haven and represents the area of the island where affluence is most apparent.

If you’re keen on a spot of celebrity-watching, this is certainly the destination to visit, with Spiagga del Principe being the finest beach to potentially glimpse a Hollywood icon, music executive or business tycoon. Lonely Planet said: “A number of beautiful coves necklace the fabulous swoop of coastline where Gallura’s wind-whipped granite mountains tumble down to fjordlike inlets in the emerald sea.

“One of the finest is the Spiaggia del Principe, a stunning crescent of pale sand snuggled among low cliffs named after Prince Karim Aga Khan, who has given it his seal of approval.”

Your choice of accommodation in Sardinia hinges on the type of break you’re seeking. Cagliari stands as the island’s largest population centre, a thriving city offering an ideal blend of historical charm and contemporary appeal.

It isn’t particularly a tourist destination, meaning the eateries here primarily serve Italians, guaranteeing their excellence.

Even Cagliari boasts its own magnificent beach, the expansive Poetto, located a brief journey from the city centre, where locals escape whenever possible. At the other end of the island, you’ll find Alghero, a charming town boasting several beaches and nearby attractions, including picturesque country villages.

From here, you can take a boat trip to Neptune’s Cave, a stunning seafront cavern adorned with hanging stalactites.

On the east coast lie the luxury hotspots of Porto Cervo and Costa Smeralda, playgrounds for the rich and famous. If rubbing shoulders with high society isn’t your cup of tea, then Cannigione, a modest town nearby, offers plenty of hotels, restaurants, and bars.

If you’re after a location that combines city proximity with beach access, consider Villasimius in the south, just a short drive from Cagliari.

The choices are virtually limitless, with all major towns and cities offering an array of authentic options that cater more to Italians than tourists.

One dining experience not to be missed is the agriturismo. This Italian concept sees traditional farms adapt to accommodate visitors looking to eat or stay (or both).

The menus are extensive and delicious, leaving you satiated with the finest locally-produced food. It’s truly incomparable.

Sardinia’s main airports are located in Cagliari on the south coast and Olbia on the north-eastern coast, with regular flights available from UK airports.