Sardegna, off the west coast of Italy, is worlds apart from the mainland in many ways. Its unique natural landscape, history, and culture are well worth investigating. The crystal-clear waters around the island are idyllic for swimming and kayaking. A walk through the canyon of Gorropu, carved in the white rocks near Dorgali, will bring you to the prehistoric village of Tiscali. In the Supramonte area, horses and donkeys are available for hire; go for a ride and then have lunch in a shepherd's hut. Visitors can still see some of the stone towers, called nuraghe, that the island's inhabitants lived in around 2000 b.c. Nowadays, the island's interior is sparsely populated, and the local economy revolves around shepherding. Be sure to try some local cheese and wine while you're here.