A EUROPEAN island often compared to the Caribbean is getting a massive multi-million pound makeover.
When it comes to pretty islands, not many beat Sardinia in Italy.
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And now, 15 villages across the island will be getting upgraded.
The villages include Bosa, Castelsardo, Aggius, Atzara, Carloforte, Galtelli, Gavoi, Laconi, La Maddalena, Lollove, Oliena, Posada, Sadali, Sardara and Tempio Pausania.
Each village will get a €2.5million (£2.2million) makeover to promote tourism and slower living, with experiences including hiking and trying local cuisine.
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The money will be used to restore historic buildings in each village, as well as improve transport links and support local businesses and ease the pressure on coastal areas.
Here are some of the most beautiful villages which will be getting an upgrade.
Bosa
Bosa is often considered one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and sits on Sardinia’s western coast.
One spot worth visiting is Malaspina Castle, which was built in 1112, as well as a number of pretty churches including the Cathedral of Bosa, which was built in the 19th century over the remains of a Romanesque church.
Castelsardo
The pretty coastal town of Castelsardo sits on a rock rising from the water, with a 13th-century castle on top.
It is open to the public and in addition to a few rooms, visitors will find the Museum of Mediterranean Interweaving inside. One of the top beaches to visit in the town is Spiaggia La Marina di Castelsardo, which is ideal for snorkelling.
Aggius
The landlocked town of Aggius boasts not one, but three museums to explore. There’s one about criminals from the area, another about Gallura traditions and a third that has contemporary art.
And the landscape is ideal for hikers and rock climbing enthusiasts.
Gavoi
The mountainous village of Gavoi overlooks Lake Gusana and boasts amazing landscapes.
In the centre of the village you can also wander through narrow cobblestone streets. Make sure to visit the main church as well, which features a Gothic style.
Posada
The small village of Posada can be found on top of a limestone hill and is one of the most ancient villages on the island.
On top of the hill in the village is also a castle, which was where aristocracy used to spend their holidays – today most of the castle is in ruins, but the tower still stands and provides the perfect spot to see panoramic views of the village.
La Maddalena
La Maddalena is located off the north of Sardinia on its own island that can be reached by a 15-minute ferry ride.
Visitors can explore the 18th-century town as well as try out local seafood in the many restaurants.
From the island, visitors can also go on a number of boat trips and cross a bridge onto Caprera Island, where there are a number of hiking trails, pretty beaches and even the tomb of the Italian hero, Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Make sure to also stop by Spiaggia di Budelli while on a boat tour – the beach features pink sand but is a protected National Marine Park, so you can only see it from the water.
Recently, Sardinia was named as a Destination of the Year by Expedia Group’s Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel report, which gathered data from millions of visitors and revealed that searches for Sardinia holidays have risen by 63 per cent.
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding visited the island last year and said: “Sardinia is full of dreamy beaches and a historic, crowd-free city.
“Whilst it is part of Italy, the island is actually located closer to Africa than mainland Italy and as a result, it boasts warm temperatures and exotic fauna and flora.
“Most travellers head to Olbia in the north of the island, but Cagliari in the south – the capital of the island – is also a great destination to explore.
“The south of the island and around Cagliari is full of quaint villages, rocky hills and breathtaking beaches.”