Head to Sardinia for breathtaking turquoise sea and golden beaches

THERE’S nothing quite like making pasta on the beach before wine-tasting in an elegant Italian marble city steeped in ancient history.

Many locals here live until they are 100 years old — and it’s not difficult to see why.

4

You might be wondering which slice of paradise I’ve found myself in.

The rolling hills of Tuscany? History-rich Rome? Renaissance haven Florence?

No, there’s a new Italian paradise now taking the crown, Sardinia’s beautiful capital, Cagliari. For Sardinia is one of the world’s five Blue Zones — places with the highest concentrations of centurions in the world.

And there’s no question why the island has achieved this status — the locals really know how to live a wholesome Dolce Vita.

With its thriving neighbourhoods, traditional food and simple pleasures, its ingredients for a long life are clear, and I’m ready to join the party.

Charming Cagliari is built in white limestone, meaning there’s a pearlescent glow filling the streets at all times, turning to a stunning peach by sunset.

It’s no wonder that English author DH Lawrence called the city a “White Jerusalem” with its tumble of dreamy palaces and domes heading down to the sea, all overlooked by craggy fortress Il Castello.

I head to dinner at La Paillote ­­­— a gorgeous restaurant looking out on to the breathtaking turquoise sea and golden sandy beaches below.

Carved out of the rock overlooking the water, this is the perfect setting for an aperitif with pals or to finish the night on a glass of Mirto, Cagliari’s signature liqueur.

But we make sure to arrive just before the sun sets to get the perfect photo.

4

To get stuck into the flavours Cagliari has to offer, the next day I head to the beachfront restaurant I Cherchi al Poetto, which feels like I’m really in an Italian grandmother’s kitchen.

But I’m the cook in charge of this authentic Sardinian meal.

With all the fresh ingredients lined up, our expert chef helped us to whip up a tasty batch of gnocchi — and the region’s speciality, swordfish tortellini.

And with a view of the Mediterranean and vast, sandy Poetto beach, we tuck into our home-made pasta, paired with excellent wine from local vineyards.

Mirto Spritz — the island’s answer to a classic Aperol Spritz — is a must-have while visiting Cagliari, as you enjoy a drink overlooking the city at rooftop bar Libarium Nostrum.

The best way to see the city’s historic Castello district is by tuk-tuk.

Our driver Claudio gives us a history of the area, which was constructed in the 13th Century, before we make our way to the marble-adorned Saint Remy ramparts, and the Villanova district for shopping.

As I walk through the streets, I see fascinating, half-bombed buildings, still untouched since 1945.

The city’s impressive history also can be explored at the MAN Archaeological Museum of Cagliari.

As an island constantly fought over by different countries and civilisations throughout history, remnants of each culture are visible on nearly every street in this ancient city, which is built on seven hills.

I walk past a Carthaginian-era necro-polis, a Roman amphitheatre, a Byzantine basilica and fortifications made during Spanish rule.

Away from the bustle of the city centre, I visit a winery for the island’s tastiest cheese and meat paired with wine made from grapes grown on the hills right in front of you.

Not for the faint-hearted, I’m shown a whole baby pig before the chef serves it up for us — tail and all.

But the suckling pig was the most flavoursome dish I’ve ever had — best served with Senes Cannonau de Sardegna Riserva red wine.

A glass or two a day is what makes the Sardinians live so long, remember.

To explore the foodie centre, we tuk-tuk’d our way to San Benedetto, which is one of the largest indoor food markets in Europe, attracting crowds from 30 miles away.

I’m met by dozens of vibrant stalls selling fish caught the very same morning — mounds of oysters, prawns, and Cagliari’s speciality blue-fin tuna — as vendors shout to secure their deals of the day.

The buzzing atmosphere continues on the first floor, which is filled with stalls selling meat and cheese, as well as sweet treats and fresh fruit and veg.

4

Aside from food and drink, wildlife thrives in this stunning area of Sardinia, especially at the pond of Molentargius — the only place on the island where pink flamingos nest.

I’m driven through the safari-like landscape before stopping and watching the beautiful pink creatures in their habitat.

With a bellyfull of booze and biscotti, I nod off in my elegant room at the Palazzo Doglio hotel for a good night’s sleep before my departure — dreaming of when I’ll next return to Cagliari.

4