San Pantaleo

Located in the hills above the gorgeous and famous Costa Smeralda of Sardinia, the town of San Pantaleo is an idyllic spot. It has a history that dates to 800 BC but was really developed as a destination around the turn of the last century. That makes it older than the other Costa Smeralda towns, most of which were planned tourism destinations in the 1960s. Here you'll find an amiable village atmosphere with a bohemian vibe. It has long been popular with artists and writers, drawn to the immense beauty and natural splendor of the area.

The town itself centers on the pretty Piazzetta, the entertainment hub for the residents. It is here that the colorful weekly open-air market takes place every Thursday, and where festivals are held throughout the year. The town is proud of its rural roots and holds folk traditions and parties to celebrate them. There are cute shops clustered around the piazza, along with cozy cafes and restaurants. The cuisine serves up the best of Sardinian seafood as well as the bounty of the hills, with mountain fare using the area's abundant and renowned cheeses and sausage, along with game and island-raised meat.

San Pantaleo rests among the monolithic granite boulders, white beaches and electric-blue sea, making it an unusual and beautiful place. The landscape of rocky mountains resembles Arizona, until you catch of a glimpse of the water below. Natural springs and woods surround the region, and there is a casual, laid back lifestyle. Local craftsmen still produce fine goods like ceramics, wrought iron and other metals, and woodworking crafts. It is the ideal spot for nature lovers, to roam the rocky hills and take in panoramas of the vast sea.

Take in history at the area's archeological sites, which highlight Sardinia's prehistoric dwellers, the Nuraghe people. The Nuraghic ruins at Arzachena date to the Bronze Age. There are conical structures (called nuraghi) and the Tombs of the Giants, great slabs of stones erected as burial markers and for ceremonial rituals, along with the Malchitu ancient temple. An area agriturismo called La Sasima offers samples of the island's products, including homemade cheese, sausage, wine and honey. Gasp at the splendor of the sunset from the terrace bar of the Petra Segreta resort. Or hike up the rocks and find your own secret spot to view the breathtaking scenery.

Beaches are renowned here, with sandy coves tucked in among the hilly coastline. The Costa Smeralda is one of Italy's most acclaimed coasts.