Villaggio Camping Calapineta

If you've never been a-sailing before, firstly, why not? And secondly, how smashing would it be to learn the ropes while on hol in spectacular Sardinia?

Figure out your port from your starboard and your jibbing from your boom with a stay at Villaggio Camping Calapineta in a pinewood in the Siniscola area: it's partnered with a sailing school at the beach in Santa Lucia a couple of kilometres away, where the calm waters are just the ticket for first timers.

Experienced sailors can get their sea legs and knot fingers ready to hone their skills, while cabin boys and girls new to the art can learn what all that means on a nine-hour course in a Varuna 500 boat. Special sailing classes are available for small fry too, along with lessons in catamaran sailing and windsurfing if that's what you'd prefer.

Done? Qualified? Strutting proudly back to base smugly bearing your sailing certificate? Jolly good – now it's time for some less strenuous days around and on the site. At the Sardinian beaches first perhaps: Villaggio Camping Calapineta is 20 minutes' wander down a quiet track from the nearest sands, and within short cycling or driving distance from several more.

Next up should be a few days on site, where there's a pool, a kids' pool and a Jacuzzi if you just can't stay away from the water, along with a tennis court, playground and five-a-side football pitch for getting active on land. Activities in summer include sports tournaments and a kids' club.

Drinks and eats? Easily covered at the bar serving breakfasts and the restaurant serving Sardinian specialities and traditional pizzas. Both bar and restaurant have comfy indoor areas along with outdoor terraces so you can make the most of the warm evenings.