With its clear turquoise seas, fine white sand beaches, clusters of houses painted in soft pastels of pink, blue, and yellow and a climate balmier than the South of France, Sardinia is where Italians go when wanting to get away from it all. The Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) is particularly alluring, with the exquisite archipelago of La Maddalena and its 27 islands one of the world’s most striking national parks celebrated for its unique wildlife, ancient olive groves and vibrant flora.