If there is one thing that Sardinia is not short of it is stunning beaches, so we’re starting off with the one closest to Cagliari – Poetto beach.
Spiaggia del Poetto di Cagliari is a long stretch of white sand with the rocky headlands of Tempio Punico rising above the harbour.
Poetto beach is eight kilometers long and offers views over the deep blue waters of the Golfo di Quartu.
These photos clearly show the impressive green Promontorio di Sant’Elia, nicknamed the Sella del Diavola (Devil’s Saddle) that rises above the pristine sands.
In summer Poetto is a heaving mass of the city’s young, hip and party crowd as well as families soaking up the sun.
In October however we have the long glittering stretch of sand virtually to ourselves.
Poetto is an easy bus ride from the city centre and the bus stops at several points along the beach.
The first stop will put you closest to the harbour and the walking trail up to the green headland.
The wind whips up white horses on the ever changing blue, emerald and turquoise seas.
Poetto is one of the most windy spots in Sardinia and for this reason it is a favourite spot for kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing enthusiasts.
When we visited we bumped into a world champion in training for the world championships of kite foil surfing.
Another attraction are the large lakes behind the beach that attract flamingos.
The lakes – Stagno di Molentargius and Stagno di Quartu are best cycled round as it’s quite a walk from the main road.