Prince and Princess Michael of Kent have been enjoying the sights and sounds of Sardinia this week as they take time out from their lives in Britain. The royal couple were spotted strolling along the waterfront in Porto Rotondo, which is regarded by many as one of the island's most beautiful destinations. The northern harbour town, which is famous for its ancient granite amphitheatre, has become increasingly popular with the jet set in recent years. It's by no means the only place in Sardinia that's known for its glamour, though, as the nearby Emerald Coast, which was first developed as a tourist destination by the Aga Khan back in the Sixties, is also a mecca for famous holidaymakers.
Formula One boss Flavio Briatore often docks his luxury yacht Force Blue there, while the Monegasque royals have also been known to stop by. And it's not difficult to understand why the island is so popular in A-list circles, as it offers a feast of culture, history, nightlife and, of course, sunshine.
Ruins dating back to the Bronze Age can be found in many parts of the island, while the pretty coastal towns, with their the cobbled streets, provide an idyllic base from which to explore its pristine white beaches. There is also plenty of fun to be had when the sun goes down, as the bars and nightclubs of the capital Cagliari and its other major towns are buzzing with activity all through the summer months.
You may want to check out some of its colourful festivals, too. Perhaps the most famous of these is staged in Sedilo in central Sardinia. Every year on July 6 and 7 a chaotic horse race hurtles through the streets of the town to commemorate Emperor Constantine's victory of his adversary Maxentius in 312AD.
Photo: Rex
Photo: webalice.it
Photo: sardegna.com
