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Sardinia Travel Guide
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Sardinia (Sardegna) marooned off Italy's west coast, is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. A stunning island with much to admire, from outstanding coastlines, granite formations, caves and grottoes. Inland there are forests and mountains, marshes, lagoons and rivers. An island rich with history, dating back to the Palaeolithic period. There are many archaelogical sites to visit such as castles, tombs and temples. Prehistoric constructions from the bronze age can be found all over Sardinia with the Nuraghi. At least 7,000 circular dry stoned towers remain to visit. Going to Sardinia: Sardinia is a land of many hidden beauties. Away from the usual tourist hotspots lies a side of Sardinia that is usualy missed by the average visitor to the island. Some of the worlds most ancient archaelogical sites are present in Sardinia such as the various Nuraghe that can be found scattered accross the island. A number of Grotto's and other places of natural beauty are also visable accross the island. Sardinia.net: Sardinia is a very ancient island rich in history and legends and everywhere there are traces of human settlements dated from the Neolithic Age. The climate allows to have a very long summer season, from April to November. Just Sardinia: A wealth of shopping awaits you throughout the island ranging from the chic designer boutiques in Porto Cervo to traditional handicrafts, arts and crafts, ceramics, embroidered linen, cork and coral products to be found in all the villages and towns.
Sardinia's Highlights Alghero Located on the north west coast of Sardinia, holidays to Alghero have become increasingly popular in recent years, yet the city still retains its distinctive Catalan character. This derives from the influence of Pedro IV of Aragon who seized control of the town in the mid-fourteenth century and embarked on an intense period of colonization from Spain. Cagliari: Sardinia's main city, is situated in the middle of the Gulf of the Angels (Golfo degli Angeli). Spread out over seven hills (Sant'Elia, Bonaria, Monte Urpinu, Castello, Monte Claro, Tuvixeddu andSan Michele), Cagliari has Phoenician-Punic origins and today still conserves important Roman ruins such as the Amphitheatre, the Viper's cave and Tigellio's villa. Villasimius:
With about 3000 inhabitants, Villasimius is a small and romantic town,
which blooms in summer and is really appreciated by tourists. It is
located in the south east of the island, at less than an hour drive
from the capital Cagliari. Porto Cervo: Costa Smeralda's nerve centre, offers large parks, elegant boutiques and exciting nightlife. A stroll down to the marina to gawk at the Mediterranean's most lavish yachts is de rigeur as is a visit to Stella Maris, a church containing a painting that is thought by many experts to be an El Greco. In Santa Teresa Gallura, looking at the sea, walking through the countryside, you can feel the strong music of ancient time. The wide spaces, the uncontaminated landscapes, the primordial beatifulness of the places, the ancient scents, all your thought is driven to far off times when the Gallura was crowded by men, heroes and gods. Tempio
Pausania's landscape invites us on exciting natural and archaeological
excursions. Through majestic granite rocks, streams, waterfalls and
oak bushes; on foot or by bike and even by car down narrow roads that
bring you to fabulous places where you can feel the remote air and infinite
solitude, where the melodic sounds of nature soothe the human ear and
you can admire a never-ending and obstacle-free view.
Arriving at Alghero harbour by boat
For a romantic meal try the Mirador Restaurant in Alghero (16 Bastioni Marco Polo). You can book a table for two outside with outstanding panoramic views out to sea of the golfo del Corallo. We had a wonderful meal watching the sun set while enjoying a glass of wine and eating a main meal of sword fish. It was fantastic!
Activities Walking and Climbing Sardinian
Places: Whether
you are a serious hiker or simply enjoy a stroll in beautiful surroundings,
there is something for everyone on Sardinia and this is the perfect
way to enjoy the island's tranquillity and natural beauty. The varied
terrain and undulations of Sardinia provide good walking for all levels
and ages and paths are generally cleared and easy to follow. The
deep gorges and dramatic cliffs offer invigorating and often challenging
locations for climbers. Diving Scuba Travel: You can dive all year round in Sardinia. In the summer there is a thermocline around 12 m where temperatures drop to 15 oC or so. In winter temperatures are round 13 oC. There is diving all round the island to suit every taste: caves, wrecks, corals, crustaceans, etc. However, don't expect to see many large fish here. Sailing Sailing Holidays: Although Sardinia’s coastline is an extraordinary sailing destination with hundreds of secluded coves, idyllic beaches and dramatic rock formations, surprisingly it remains off the radar for many British sailors. Sardinia’s attraction for many that venture that way is its coastline’s diversity; from the dunes of the Costa Verde to the deep emerald coves and dramatic cliffs of Cala Gonone, no stretch is the same as the next. Discover the bays of Capo Caccia by boat. The Andrea Padre boat takes you on a relaxing journey, where you can dip or snorkel in crystal clear waters. 40 euros (2010) per person and lunch is included. The boats departs from Alghero harbour at 10 am and returns at 6pm. Enjoy a fantastic day out at sea on the Andrea Jensen, a traditional sail boat. Help with the steering and putting up the sails or just relax and enjoy the journey. The boat anchors in the bays for swimming and snorkelling. Lunch and drinks are included. 99 euros per person 45 euros per child. Leaves Alghero harbour at 10 am and returns at 6 pm. Fishing Chiao Sardinia: Sardinia is the best place for all kinds of fishing: from “shore fishing” to “boat fishing”, both “spinning” and “fly fishing”; till “lake bass fishing”. Also concerning the catch, Sardinian sea offers a wide range: grey mullets, sabled breams, basses, gilthead breams, sargos, morays.
The Neptune Caves Sail from one of the many boat tours leaving from Alghero harbour. The boat follows the rugged coastline north, with views of the Coral Riviera and then heading up to the tip of Cape Caccia. The boat anchors down in the cave entrance. Visitors must pay an entrance fee and follow the guided tour around the caves. Inside you will find a salt water lake, a holy water font and an impressive two metre-high stalagmite.
Grotte di Ispingoli, (The Neptune Caves) Sardinia
Beaches Sardinia boasts some of the best beaches in the world. Visitors are spoilt for choice with hundreds of beaches and at least 80 bays to visit. Sardinia is well known for its gently shelving shorelines, sandy coves and warm rock pools. Couples can always find a quiet spot to bath undisturbed and families will find plenty of safe beaches for the children to explore. The water colour off these beaches shifts through every shade of turquoise and emerald during the day, simply inviting the visitor to strip off and dive in for a refreshing dip. My Italy, Piedmont Marche and More Beaches
near Alghero Sardinia
boasts some of the best beaches in the world. Visitors are spoilt for
choice with hundreds of beaches and at least 80 bays to visit. Sardinia
is well known for its gently shelving shorelines, sandy coves and warm
rock pools. Couples can always find a quiet spot to bath undisturbed
and families will find plenty of safe beaches for the children to explore.
Three
of the best beaches to visit near Alghero: 1.
La Pelosa beach in the small coastal resort of Stintion, found 50km
north of Alghero. This popular beach boasts fine white sands and shallow,
tranquil waters. This is a small beach so in peak months of July and
August it does get very busy. Small car park available. 2.
Torre del Lazzaretto is north of Alghero near the village of Fertilia.
Lazzaretto beach is a stunning narrow stretch of fine sands with little
rock pools at the edges of the cove. Seventeenth century watch tower
set upon the rocks. Shallow calm waters that is crystal clear. There
is a small car park, refreshments and clean toilets available, key held
at cafe. 3.
Maria Pia beach is 2kn north of Alghero. A protected fine sandy beach
surrounded by pine woods. This beach is rarely exposed to winds and
the sea is nearly always calm.
Sandy cove at Torre del Lazzaretto
Tours Hooked On Cycling: Our biking vacation in Sardinia is available as a seven night level 2 self guided tour and also a seven night level 2 guided cycling tour on selected dates. This cycling holiday follows the fantastic south west coastline of Sardinia which is the least populated on the island. Sardinia’s southwest forms a rugged wedge of land that's just south of the main body of the island into the Mediterranean, its craggy coastline has some fine beaches. Forests cling to the slopes of its predominantly hilly landscape, which is densely strewn with towns, temples and fortifications founded by Phoenicians, settled by Carthaginians and occupied by Romans. The best preserved ruins are at Tharros, strategically positioned on the southern most tip of the Sinis peninsula and Nora, a Roman harbour town, dramatically situated on a promontory overlooking the Golf di Cagliari. The Carthaginian remains at Sant’Antioco occupy an equally evocative location on an island joined to Sardinia’s coast by a road causeway; the isle and its neighbour San Pietro, are among the tour’s highlights BellaSardinia: is a small tour operator founded and operated by John & Maria Gardner, who specialise in organising painting, photography, yoga and cooking holidays. With over 15 years’ experience in the tourism and hospitality industry and 5 years as an independent tour operator, we know what factors can make the holiday you have been longing for. We choose the best times for you to visit: autumn, spring, and even mid-winter, where the average temperature by day can still be very mild, and the crowds of mass tourists have left, allowing us to enjoy the warm sunshine, the miles of unspoilt coastline, the rugged countryside and the picturesque villages in peace and tranquility. Sherpa
Walking Holidays:
This tour is designed for the more discerning walker. It takes you from
the black mountains of Montiferru to the Sinis wetlands and the sea.
Montiferru is a basaltic area famous for the green forests and the local
red beef celebrated by the Slow Food Movement. Sinis is a natural reserve
home to thousands of pink flamingos and a wealth of other birdlife.
They are preserved through the remarkable local low impact fishing activities
in the environment. We have also found some very charming accommodation
to make this tour memorable.
Holiday Company Descriptions Thomson: Holidays in Sardinia are a unique experience. Because this exquisite island off southern Italy is a complete one-off: a magical mixture of culture, beaches and scenery that beguiles every visitor. From white sand beaches and turquoise-and-emerald seas to charismatic towns, forested valleys and storybook harbours, one of the beauties of holidays in Sardinia is the sheer variety they offer. Layered on top is a kaleidoscope of cultural and culinary delights. Occupied by the Romans, Genoans and Catalonians in turn, Sardinia's main towns are sprinkled with Italian, Spanish and Baroque treasures. The same variety characterises the food, with trattoria menus bulging with everything from fish and seafood to home-made pizzas, mouth-watering pastries and fruity wines. Directline Holidays: Sardinia holidays feature the second largest island in the Mediterranean, 125 miles west of Italy. Sardinia is rich in history and culture, has a wonderfully scenic coastline and has largely avoided the worst excesses of tourism. Sardinia holiday accommodation ranges from comfortable villas and country inns to luxury hotels. Package holidays in Sardinia often feature the pretty, walled harbour town of Alghero. Sardinia holiday nightlife is relatively quiet and tends to centre on romantic restaurants and cosy bars rather than lively discos. Sardinia holidays on the Costa Esmeralda can sample a selection of distinctly upmarket restaurants and livelier nightlife. Sardinian
Places: Although the white sand beaches and turquoise waters will
probably be the focus of your holiday, it would be a pity to ignore
the many other features, which make Sardinia a great destination. Whether
you're exploring the mountain scenery, snorkelling over Roman ruins
at Nora, shopping in the chic marinas of the Costa Smeralda or wandering
through the narrow, historic streets of Alghero you will always be greeted
with warmth and geniality from the locals. Just Sardinia: Sardinia, or in Italian 'Sardegna', is not a mainstream Mediterranean destination but a sophisticated Italian island, west of mainland Italy and south of Corsica. With over 1000 miles of unspoilt coastline, it is renowned for beautiful beaches, translucent azure blue sea and fascinating rock formations. Yet being the second largest Mediterranean island, it has so much more to offer with an interesting history, wild mountainous interior, vibrant towns with local traditions, colourful festivals. The people are warm and friendly and enjoying themselves in a way of life. A warm welcome awaits you in Sardinia.
Arbaree Bed & breakfast in Alghero, Sardinia
Articles You can keep your glitterati, we've got Nelson and Garibaldi: The Independent Sea caves and a boat trip – in Sardinia We're in Sardinia for the beach- Times Online Escaping the Crowds – Sardinia, Italy The Island of Sardinia: Around Costa Smeralda |
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