A modern, but restrained holiday resort strung out along one side of a scenic bay on Sardinia's north-east ione has several small beaches, attractive coves and a substantial marina. From a picnic table shaded by a clump of trees, you can watch the yachts sailing in and out of the channel against a backdrop of green hills and granite mountaintops. Or you can take a pleasant stroll along the paved promenade, which winds past a row of shops, a couple of well-watered village greens and a long line of villas with verdant gardens. With a bank, supermarket, pharmacy and other amenities, Cannigione is also a handy pitstop for the steady flow of cars travelling between Palau and the Costa Smeralda in high season. 7/10
