Being Italian, Francesco Corallo is accustomed to beautiful scenery. Although it is difficult to say which region of Italy is most stunning, Sardinia is undoubtedly a contender for this title. Home to miles upon miles of unspoilt coastline, majestic mountains, forests and pastures, nature enthusiasts will have little to complain about during a visit to this spectacular place.
For those with an interest in geology as well as scenery, a trip to Sardinia’s Su Gorroppu gorge is a must; located on the south east of the island, this is one of the deepest of its kind in Europe. It will take approximately two to three hours to reach the gorge by foot (via route SS125), but the views are certainly worth it. The landscape is almost lunar-like, with a distinctly stark and dramatic appearance, featuring limestone caves, steep slopes and towering cliffs.
If you prefer coastal scenery, you may want to take a trip around the Maddalena Archipelago, which was named by UNESCO as a world heritage site almost two decades ago. There are dozens of islands here, although only six are inhabited. These picturesque islands are popular not only with tourists, but also with native Italians like Francesco Corallo.
Maddelena Island is one of the largest; it has two beautiful beaches, Bassa Trinita and Spalmatore, both of which feature turquoise waters, white sand and breath-taking coastline views. All of the islands are home to a wealth of flora and fauna, with more than 750 species in total. As you stroll around the forests and beaches, you’ll come across myrtle, juniper and rockrose, as well as tortoises, geckos and flocks of colourful birds.
Yet another visually stunning spot in Sardinia is Neptune’s Grotto, located in Alghero. This cave is made up of a complex series of tunnels and wells, featuring fascinating rock formations as well as a number of small lakes. A total of 600 steps were carved into the exterior of the grotto several decades ago; these must be climbed in order to reach the entrance from the car park. However, visitors also have the option of travelling to the grotto by boat, from the port in Alghero. Although many people come here to simply stroll around and admire the caverns, it is also possible to go on an exploration of the grotto’s waters, by participating in a diving tour. Doing so will provide you with some amazing views of the exotic fish species and colourful coral which inhabit the seas here.
Francesco Corallo 