shellyrogersrennWhere is Sardinia?
Situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea’s emerald blue-green waters, right under The French island Corsica, is a beautiful island paradise with snow-white sand and soft pink coral beaches called Sardinia. Although Sardinia, or as know to the Italians Sardegna, is the second largest island in the Med and Italy’s third largest region, many people, at least Americans, have never been to or even have heard of, this enchanting place.
Sardinia, being just larger than the state of Vermont, is a little over 9,300 square miles and boasts 1,149 miles of spectacular coastlines. Its rugged landscapes, uncultivated countryside, low granite mountains and plateaus of the interior can seem quite other-worldly to its visitors and the bustling yet uncommercialized villages and towns quite welcoming. So take off your shoes and pick your point of interest, for Sardinia is calling and once you’ve been, you may never wish to return.
When to Visit?
Sardinia, with its subtropical climate, is best to visit during the months of April to June. It is during those months when all the flowers are displaying their colorful bonnets. The annual celebration of the Feast of Sant’Efisio (Sagra di Sant’Efisio) runs from May 1st through the 4th in Cagliari and is truly a sight to see.
But Sardinia during the hotter months of July and August can be quite delightful. It is then that refreshing waters of the Mediterranean Sea to the west and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the east wash upon the velvety smooth and small grained sanded beaches thus giving relieve to the higher temperatures.
Both September and October can be quite exciting times to visit Sardinia as well. The temperatures range from mild to slightly cool, but the waters generally remain warm enough to enjoy a dip and there is much going on about the island. Be sure to see the Round Sardinia Race taking place in September. This spectacular annual sailing competition that begins and ends in Cagliari hosts many striking beautiful sailboats. During October and the slightly cooler temperatures, there are still numerous outdoor activities to enjoy such as biking, golf, horseback riding, bird-watching and hiking.
November on through March are in the low season for the island, but there is always much to see and do. In fact, there truly isn’t bad time to visit Sardinia.
Top 5 reasons to discover Sardinia
Beaches
With crystalline waters softly rolling in on pristine soft sanded beaches, Sardinia is the number one holiday beach location of Italians in the know. One glance at the coastline and you will fall in love.
One of the most captivating spots in central-eastern Sardinia is the Gulf of Orosei with its Bue Marino Caves (Grotto del Bue Marino). While Villasimius, with its startling beautiful beaches like La Spiaggia del Riso (“Rice Beach“, named so because of the brilliant white, small grained sand that covers the shoreline that look like rice) located in the south. And in the north-east not too far from Olbia is Porto Istana Beach with its clearest of clear blue waters. You’ll want to make sure to bring your snorkel mask to enjoy its every wonder. Enjoy a stroll upon one of the longest Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) beaches, Spiaggia del Liscia Ruja whilst enjoying the evening breeze as your toes sink into the powdery white sand.
There are so many breath-taking beaches to choose from, you will be hard pressed to find a favorite. Could it be Cala Brandinchi, which is nicknamed “Little Tahiti” or Cala Biriala, which after arriving by mule, or hike or boat you may desire to never leave? With nearly 1,200 miles of coastline and diverse beaches dotting its edges it’s easy to see why the beaches are my number one reason for visiting this tropical paradise.
Activities
Should you tire of leisurely laying upon the stunning sun-drenched beaches, there are activities galore to do in Sardinia. No matter what your interest you will not be disappointed. Activities do vary depending on where you happen to be on the island, but interests such as walking, climbing, hiking and trekking throughout the vast and varied countryside are wonderful options to awaken your senses and allow you to relish the joyful natural world that surrounds you.
The low mountains within the interior are crossed with numerous hiking trails and you can’t help be encounter any number of the nearly 7000 nuraghi which are a reminder of the island’s prehistoric history. Nuraghi are mysterious stone dwellings shaped like beehives dating back to the Bronze Age. One of the largest and oldest of these structures is the Su Nuraxi in Barumini, dating back to 1500 B.C.
If you, like I, have a passion for castles and all the legends and lore that go with them…you will be heartened to know that there are no less than 82 castles located in Sardinia. The Castello Di Acquafredda for instance, known to the locals as “Ugolino della Gherardesca,” is one of the most famous structures on the island. The monument rests upon a hill of volcanic rock outside the charming village of Siliqua, in the south-west of the island. And, Castello della Fava located in the hillsides of Posada overlooks the eastern shore of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is one of the most well-preserved and has a charming story to how it was named. There are so many castles to explore, it’s doubtful you can do it all in one visit… hence giving you yet another reason to return.
If watersports are more your speed, you’ll be happy to know that surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing are all very popular. Due to the persistent winds around the island conditions are perfect for both beginner and expert alike. In addition, there are numerous wind carved stone coves and caves that speckle the shorelines against warm, calm, shallow waters that provide excellent opportunity for snorkelers to view the amazing underwater wildlife. In addition, there are many unspoiled areas, such as Capo Testa on the northern coast or off the southwest side in San Pietro in which you can scuba dive and possibly explore ancient lava flows or shipwrecks.
There is so much else to see and do in Sardinia, from shopping in the local boutiques to golfing at the numerous courses, to horseback riding, fantastic boat excursions and sailing…Sardinia has it all.
Food
The origins of Sardinia’s gastronomic processes and rituals stem as much from its geography of having both bounties from land and sea, as it does from its rich history of invasion and occupation by so many eccentric and colorful cultures. Having been occupied by the Carthaginians, Romans and Greeks; invaded and conquered by Barbarians and the Byzantines, under the rule of both Spain and Piedmont, and influenced from the Saracens, Genoese and Pisans; Sardinia offers a wide range of delightful dishes that blend its varied culture into something uniquely its own.
Be sure to go to the table hungry as, like with most parts of Italy, there are many courses to feast upon. From the digestion rendering aperitivo (pre-meal drink meant to whet your appetite) to appetizers, first and second courses, through the cheese and fruit, dessert and coffee, and of course wine with your meal…the table has been spread with food fit for the gods.
Sardinia cuisine is quite fragrant, aromatic and diversified throughout its coastal shores, rugged mountains and fertile countryside. One of my favorite dishes along the coast is Pasta Allo Scoglio (pasta on the rocks). Its a delightfully flavorful dish containing usually spaghetti cooked al dente, in which mussels, clams, shrimp and squid have come to a simmer in a captivating briny, seafood sauce containing white wine, garlic, and red pepper flakes with just the tiniest hint of tomato. My mouth is watering as I write.
Another must eat is Pani Frattau made up of five or six traditional wafer-like breads called Carasau that have first been dipped into broth are layered together with rich and spicy tomato sauce topped by shredded parmesan or pecorino cheese and then topped with a beautifully cooked poached egg.
Meat-eaters will delight in the traditional dish Maialetto, which is suckling pig slow roasted over a wooden fire. The Maialino Sardo must be of a Sardinian variety and at a particular weight that is still suckling its mother. The tradition goes back to when Spain controlled the island, but the flavor is quite Sardo.
Another must try is Sebadas, which are fried cheese dumplings that after they have become flaky and golden-brown on the outside with the pecorino cheese inside melted silky and smooth, is then topped either by sugar, or as I prefer, local honey. The taste is literally divine.
There are too many wonderful dishes to name; but with its wonderful seafood, farm raised animals and large varieties of vegetation; Sardinia’s food is yet another reason you won’t want to leave.
Wine
Due to Sardinia’s diverse history of belonging to and being occupied by various empires and kingdoms, the wine grapes in this region are quite dissimilar to those in other Italian regions. Although viticulture has made a smaller imprint on Sardinia soil that other enterprises, there are a number of high-quality producers and some wines that are becoming renowned internationally. The Island’s most prolific grapes; Grenache (known locally as Cannonau), Carignan (also called Carignano) and Vermentino are found among more endemic varieties such as Bobal, Monica, Moscato Blanc, Nuragus, Semidano, and Torbato.
One of the most popular wines to try is Cantine Argiolas ‘Turriga‘ Isola Nuraghi Rosso which is made from a blend of Cannonau, Carignano, Bobal, Malvasia Nera grapes. It is a full bodied wine with a spicy yet fruity flavor. And you’d surely like the rich, intense, gratifying taste of Cantina Santadi ‘Terre Brune‘ Carignano del Sulcis Superiore. It has a bold ruby color and gives hints of citrus notes among spicy clove and underbrush. Or if you are looking for a white wine with a balanced, tropical taste Cantine Argiolas ‘Costamolino‘ Vermento di Sadegna will do the trick on a hot summer’s day.
No matter your taste, or your budget, there are many delightful wines to choose from so be adventurous and let your senses enjoy the flavorsome and inviting piquancy of Sardinia wines.
The People
Longevity
Although it is impossible to categorize a group of people as a whole, the people of Sardinia do share many wonderful traits that make visiting the island absolutely amazing. The first thing to note is that Sardinia is the first ever declared Blue Zone, which means that many Sardinians live until well after they are 100. There is a cluster of villages on the island in which this longevity is shared by a majority of the inhabitants.
What is especially interesting is that the ratio is virtually the same for both men and women, whereas in the rest of the world the proportion is 5 women to each male over 100 years old. The residents of these villages are somewhat isolated and their diet is based on traditional dishes and home-grown products. Undeniably, if Sardinia were my homeland, I’d certainly like to stick around and enjoy as much of it as well.
Sard first, Italian second
It is also noteworthy that the inhabitants consider themselves Sardinians even before being Italian. In the villages, small towns and touristy areas you will find them both warm and welcoming, with their willingness to assist you going unsurpassed; whereas the people in the larger cities may seem a bit more reserved and cautious until they have gotten to know you a bit.
Character traits of the people on this little known island
Sardinians in general are quite stubborn, which I feel adds to their charm. You will be hard pressed to walk away from seconds or thirds if you are fortunate enough to be asked to join them for a meal, trust me…you have been warned. They are proud and many are to the point talkers. Sardinians are compassionate and value their elderly people and they are quite resilient with proof to this being that even after so many invasions and occupations, Sardinians are still there.
How to get there
There are two main ways to get to Sardinia: By air, or by sea. Flying is by far the quickest and least expensive route, while travel by ferry will allow you to bring a car with you and you can sleep through the night in your own cabin and awaken refreshed once you arrive. Sardinia has three main airports fully accessible from Italy and many parts of Europe. These airports are located on the periphery of Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero. If you are flying from the U.S. you will need to pick which international airport you will be transferring from as there are no direct flights. Once arrived, you can reach your destination by taxi, public transportation, or choose to rent a car.
Sardinia is an island filled with so many wonders, such beauty, that it must certainly be placed on your bucket list. It will forever remain on mine, no matter how many times I go there.
What do you think? Is this a place you’d like to visit, or have you already? I’d love to hear from you. Or, if there is a point you’d like me to cover that I missed, please mention it and I can see what I can do to answer any questions you may have.
