Sardinia is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea, and one of the 20 regions of Italy. It has a rich history, culture, and nature, that make it a perfect destination for travelers who love adventure, relaxation, and discovery. In this blog, I will give you some reasons why you should visit Sardinia, and some tips on how to enjoy its best attractions.
Why visit Sardinia?
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily, and has a diverse and stunning landscape. You can find mountains, forests, plains, rivers, and lakes, as well as some of the most amazing beaches and coasts in the world. You can also explore the island’s ancient and mysterious past, and see the traces of the Nuragic civilization, the prehistoric inhabitants of Sardinia, who built stone towers called nuraghe, as well as tombs, temples, and villages. You can also admire the influence of the various cultures that ruled or visited the island, such as the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Pisans, the Genoese, the Spanish, and the Savoy. You can also experience the island’s unique and vibrant culture, and learn about its traditions, languages, music, and cuisine. You can also meet the friendly and hospitable people, who will make you feel welcome and at home.
What to see and do in Sardinia?
Sardinia has something for everyone, whether you are looking for nature, culture, adventure, or relaxation. Here are some of the things that you should not miss in Sardinia:
The beaches: Sardinia has more than 1,800 kilometers (1,100 miles) of coastline, and some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the world. You can find white sand, turquoise water, rocky cliffs, and hidden coves, and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, sailing, or just sunbathing. Some of the most famous and stunning beaches are La Pelosa, Cala Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna, and Chia.
The islands: Sardinia is surrounded by several smaller islands, each with its own charm and character. You can visit them by boat, and discover their natural and cultural treasures. Some of the most popular and interesting islands are La Maddalena, Caprera, San Pietro, Sant’Antioco, Asinara, and Tavolara.
The mountains: Sardinia has a rugged and mountainous interior, where you can find the highest peaks of the island, such as Punta La Marmora, Bruncu Spina, and Monte Limbara. You can also find the Gennargentu National Park, the largest and most important natural reserve of Sardinia, where you can see a variety of flora and fauna, such as the mouflon, the wild sheep that is endemic to the island. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, climbing, or skiing, and admire the breathtaking views of the island and the sea.
The nuraghe: Sardinia is famous for its nuraghe, the stone towers that date back to the Bronze Age, and that are unique to the island. There are more than 7,000 nuraghe scattered across the island, and they are considered the symbol of the Nuragic civilization, the mysterious and ancient culture that inhabited Sardinia from the 18th to the 2nd century BC. You can visit some of the most impressive and well-preserved nuraghe, such as Su Nuraxi, Barumini, Santu Antine, and Losa, and learn about their history, architecture, and function.
The cities: Sardinia has several cities that offer a mix of history, culture, and modernity. You can visit the capital, Cagliari, which is located on the south coast of the island, and has a beautiful historic center, a lively port, and a sandy beach. You can also visit Sassari, the second largest city, which is located on the north-west coast, and has a rich artistic and cultural heritage, as well as a vibrant nightlife. You can also visit Alghero, a charming city that has a strong Catalan influence, and is known for its coral jewelry, its medieval walls, and its nearby caves. You can also visit Olbia, a modern and dynamic city that is the main gateway to the island, and has a busy airport, a lively harbor, and a cozy old town.
Tips and facts about Sardinia
Sardinia is a wonderful and welcoming island, but there are some things that you should know and do before and during your visit. Here are some tips and facts that will help you enjoy your stay in Sardinia:
Sardinia is an autonomous region of Italy, and has its own special statute that grants it some degree of self-government. It is divided into four provinces and a metropolitan city, and has a population of about 1.6 million people. The official language is Italian, but there are also several minority languages, such as Sardinian, Catalan, Sassarese, Gallurese, and Ligurian, that are recognized and protected by the regional and national law. You should try to learn some words and phrases in these languages, and respect their diversity and identity.
Sardinia has a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild and rainy winters. The average temperature is around 18 °C (64 °F), but it can vary depending on the season and the location. The best time to visit Sardinia is from April to October, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is calm and clear. You should pack layers of clothing, such as t-shirts, shorts, dresses, sweaters, jackets, and hats, as well as a swimsuit, a towel, and a sunscreen. You should also bring a raincoat or an umbrella, in case of rain or wind.
Sardinia is a safe and friendly island, but you should still take some precautions, especially in crowded and touristy areas. You should keep your valuables and documents in a safe place, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing flashy jewelry. You should also be aware of pickpockets, scam artists, and fake taxis, and always negotiate the price before taking a service or buying a product. You should also respect the local customs and laws, and ask for permission before taking photos of people or places.
Sardinia is a island of culture and gastronomy, and you should try to experience as much as you can. You should visit some of the museums, such as the Archaeological Museum of Cagliari, the Ethnographic Museum of Nuoro, and the Museum of Coral in Alghero, where you can see exhibits and artifacts from the island’s history and traditions. You should also attend some of the festivals, such as the Sartiglia in Oristano, the Cavalcata Sarda in Sassari, and the Festa di Sant’Efisio in Cagliari, where you can see parades, dances, music, and costumes that celebrate the island’s culture and religion. You should also try some of the typical dishes of Sardinia, such as porceddu (roasted suckling pig), malloreddus (semolina gnocchi with tomato sauce and cheese), culurgiones (ravioli filled with potato, cheese, and mint), and seadas (fried pastry filled with cheese and honey).
I hope this blog has inspired you to visit Sardinia, and to discover its amazing attractions and cuisine. Sardinia is a island that will enchant you, educate you, and make you feel at home. Sardinia is a island that you should visit. 😊.
Comments