A magnificent stretch of coastline boasting 305 sunny days in the year. The little town of Nora, overshadowed by its 16thC watch-tower, is an archaeologist’s delight. Here the Phoenicians built a double harbour, one sheltered from western winds, the other from the mistral. An earthquake in the 3rdC AD threw most of Nora into the sea. You can see the rubble when the water is calm. Salvage operations have brought to light a Roman temple and baths and mosaics of refined geometrical design.

Around Pula endless tracts of fina white sand have encouraged up-market resort developments. By-laws keep buildings well back from the sea front At Is Molas is southern Sardinia’s only international golf course, a very superior playground amid woodland and lakes. Sailing, fishing, windsurfing, scuba-diving along the shore. Shoppers head for hand-crafted ceramics, jewellery and tapestries in the village of Pula.