Sardinia, one of the great prizes of the Mediterranean, was fought over by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Spanish and Austrians before ending up as part of the unified Italy. It bears traces of all these cultures - plus thousands of prehistoric stone dwellings called nuraghi. These days it is equally popular with the jet set and with rock climbers, sailers and wind-surfers. With so much going on, you need a detailed guide, and the Eyewitness Travel Guide provides everything you could wish for, from hotel and restaurant recommendations to detailed maps and tips on the best local cheeses. You'll find cutaways and floor-plans of all the major sights, walks, scenic routes and thematic tours. Whether you wish to explore the beautiful old quarter at Alghero or soak-up some sun on the fashionable beaches of Costa Smeralda, this updated and expanded edition is indispensable.