When planning your trip to Sardinia, the first thing to remember is that if you are not there at the height of summer then it can be really cold, so if you want to take advantage of the clean sea and the fantastic beaches then you should try and visit between the end of May and the beginning of September. Outside of these months the winds that whip over the island from the Mediterranean can be freezing. They are what cause the exceptional rock formations that you will find all over the island, especially in the north-east.

        Where to stay is always an interesting question because there is such a variety of options. Last time I visited I stayed in the Doubletree in Olbia, which is a Hilton Sardinia hotel. Its facilities were very good, as you would expect from a Hilton hotel, and it is also excellently placed in the town for access to the restaurants and cafes overlooking the port as well as for strolling throughout the town generally. Just before dinner the local tradition is to go for a stroll wander the town in your Sunday best to enjoy an ice-cream – a passegatta - and if you are based in Doubletree Hilton hotel Sardinia then you will be excellently placed to access the best ice-cream shops in Olbia.

        I would also suggest that you search out the Valley de la Luna, which is situated in the north-east of the island. Here you will find incredible rock formations as well as a fantastically secluded beach that is great for snorkelling and fishing. There are also a series of rock pools that are full of crustaceans so take a net along and catch your own dinner. While I was staying there we had a harpoon gun, which was great fun, but watch out for jelly-fish if you are heading further out to sea.