We are considering Sardinia for our honeymoon.<BR><BR>It sounds like the best of both worlds in terms of beaches and things to explore if we get tired of lying on a beach.<BR><BR>I am reading that Costa Smeralda is a little crowded and costly. Are there other areas of the country that have fewer people and just as nice beaches?<BR><BR>I read about one hotel - Hotel Flamingo I think - does anyone know anything about that?<BR><BR>We are going the first 2 weeks of Sept.<BR><BR>I look forward to your replies...

In addition to the Flamingo, which is a four-star property directly on the beach at Santa Margherita di Pula, 25 miles south of Cagliari, you should consider the following other hotels:<BR><BR>1. Grand Hotel Chia Laguna, at Chia Laguna, 75 mins. south of Cagliari by scheduled ARST bus (and 15 mins. south of Santa Margherita di Pula)<BR><BR>2. Forte Village, Is Morus and Is Molas, all around Santa Margherita di Pula<BR><BR>3. Hotel Baia di Nora, on the beach at Nora, overlooking the Roman ruins (Nora di 2 miles from Pula, which is 45 mins. south of Cagliari by ARST bus)<BR><BR>4. Sant'Elmo Beach Hotel, on Costa Rey, 2 hrs. east of Cagliari by ARST bus.<BR><BR>5. At or near Porto Conte, 10 miles northeast of Alghero: Hotels Punta Negra, Dei Pini, Porto Conte, Corte Rosada, El Faro, Baia di Conte, Capo Caccia<BR><BR>There are quality and price differences amongst these properties: for example, Forte Village is the most expensive of the lot, and offers the greatest variety of accommodations from standard 4-stars to luxury 5-stars. Hotel Porto Conte is a more affordable 3-star, catering to families. Most if not all of these properties require half-board (breakfast and dinner) during the summer months, although the food tends to be quite good.<BR><BR>There are also good hotels at Cala Gonone and along the Costa Verde, although much smaller and more rustic. I also like the small towns of Castelsardo and Bosa (which don't have large resort hotels), although these are appropriate only for short (1-2 day) stays.<BR><BR>You can reach the properties along the Costa Rey and at Pula/Santa Margherita di Pula/Chia Laguna by regularly scheduled ARST bus from Cagliari, or by rental car, of course. www.arst.sardegna.it

Correction: Porto Conte is northWEST of Alghero! It is connected to Alghero by regularly scheduled bus numerous times each day.

Correction: Porto Conte is northWEST of Alghero! It is connected to Alghero by regularly scheduled bus numerous times each day. The bus stops in front of several of the hotels.

gac - What a wealth of information!<BR>Thank you so much!<BR><BR>A few questions for you, if you don't mind...<BR>So you don't think that we will be tired of Sardinia for 10+ days. I am reading a lot of people going only for a short time althought I have a feeling there is a great deal to see and do there.<BR><BR>Also, I should mention that we are looking for a hotel that offers a villa type setting near the beach. I guess that is our dream. I would consider renting a villa, but I think I will want to be pampered a little while on vacation. <BR><BR>Out of all the hotels you mentioned, which would be more like what we are looking for (i.e. - not a &quot;huge&quot; hotel with TONS of people). I saw that Flamingo had villas available - but not sure if the other hotels offer that as well.<BR><BR>Thanks so much!

Based on your specifications, most of the properties listed in my previous posting would not meet your expectations, as they are large, American-style resort hotels. However, you might consider the following, both located at Santa Margherita di Pula, 45 minutes south of Cagliari (rental car from the airport, or frequent and cheap public bus from Cagliari Bus Depot).<BR><BR>1) Forte Village: considered the top resort in the southern part of the Island. Very expensive (500++ Euros) and very large, although containing separate hotels segregated by price and exclusivity, sharing common public areas. Very upscale. Gated community.<BR><BR>2) Is Morus Relais: much smaller and intimate (only 85 rooms), some in villas facing the seacoast. A little less expensive (380 Euros double room or 446 Euros Junior Suite in late June through July, breakfast and dinner).<BR><BR>You could also rent motorscooters directly from the hotels, to tour the lovely coastline all the way to Capo Spartivento, as well as the nearby Roman ruins of Nora. Check out the websites of these hotels.

Is Morus Relais also rents Villas: &quot;rates on request&quot;!!!!!!!!!<BR>The prices listed in my previous posting (for double rooms and Junior Suites) are also valid from August 25 through September 14. Suites are 472 Euros during this period, half-board.