Cagliari, from 12th century Spanish callaris meaning a rocky place, is the splendid capital of Sardinia – full of fabulous historic sights, culture and beach atmosphere. But what strikes you about this friendly city is the down-to-earth island charm of the place and its people. In the warmest months, escape the heat that reflects off the limestone hills and battlements by dipping into the Cittadella museums and churches, or of course the sea at one of its nearby beaches. Il Poetto is long, sandy and vibrant, but just around the corner in rocky cove Cala Fighera you can go snorkelling in sparkling water and come back to relax at his beach-bar hangout.