Holidays in Sardinia
Holidays in Sardinia
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Sardinia is one of the best holiday destinations for those who like the beach and want to relax. Although it is popular for its Caribbean white sandy beaches, the island is mountainous and its main activity is the sheep-farming. The inland villages are very authentic and most of the ancient traditions are still alive. The seaside villages are vibrant and busy in summer, very quiet in winter. The best time to visit is in the spring and early autumn. In high summer the beach resorts tend to be busy and the weather can be very hot. The west coast is the wildest while the Costa Smeralda, in the north-east, is trendy, chic, and popular among Italians. They love the long, white, sandy beaches and crystal clear sea. There are also plenty of opportunities for cycling, diving, and windsurfing.
Beaches Around Cagliari it is well worth visiting the long white beach of Chia and those around Villasimius. Some of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches are on the eastern coast between Cala Gonone and Santa Teresa di Gallura: the eastern coast around Orosei is wild and rocky with fabulous coves, among them the fairy-tale Grotta del Bue Marino; the north-eastern coast is plenty of beautiful beaches, on the glitzy Costa Smeralda, the Emerald Coast, near the exclusive resort of Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo. From the main resorts on the coast (Cannigione, Palau, Santa Teresa) there are boat trips to the tiny islands in the archipelago of La Maddalena. Less popular and amazingly beautiful is the western coast of Sardinia. There are wide stretches of sand at La Pelosa near Stintino, which was until recently a tiny cluster of fisherman's cottages and retains much of its original charm.
Worth to visit Sardinia is known as the 'island of shepherds' and it has beautiful mountains and gorges, among them the Grand Canyon of Italy, the Gola Su Gorropu. Make time to explore the unspoiled hinterland, which is a rambler’s delight. Sardinia is bursting with history. There are over 7,000 prehistoric sites dating from the island's ancient native culture, the Nuraghic civilization, among them the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nuraghe Su Nuraxi, 50km north of Cagliari, the biggest city in the south of the island. Among the villages along the Costa Smeralda, it is worth to spend some time around the luxury Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo, created by Prince Aga Khan and full of yachts and trendy shops. The popular Cannagione is very lively in the summer and the little San Pantaleo offers beautiful views of the bay. Towards the North, take the ferry from Palau to 'La Maddalena' and stroll around the village before crossing the bridge to Caprera which hosts the 'Casa-Museo di Garibaldi' (Garibaldi's house), the national hero of Italian unification. It is worth to take a boat tour of 'La Maddalena Natural Park', an archipelago of 60 islands with pink sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Then reach Santa Teresa di Gallura, a colorful village which is just in front of Corse and has a lively atmosphere. In the area, hike among the gigantic rocks at Capo Testa and reach the white lighthouse. On the west coast, stop to visit Castelsardo, set on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea and with a nice castle. Lively Bosa, the "valle dei Nuraghi", Stintino and Alghero are also a must-see in the area. Do not miss to tour the Sella & Mosca for wine degustation and shopping. In the inland, visit Tempio and the small village of Aggius, which gained an 'orange flag' as one of the best-preserved villages in Italy. Sardinians love a fiesta and one of the must-see events is the Sa Sartiglia medieval pageant that takes place in Oristano on Shrove Tuesday and dates back to the time of the Crusades.
Food & Wine Food in Sardinia is delicious and offers a wide choice. Try the 'porceddu', suckling pig roasted in a wood-fired oven and the salty sheep-cheese 'Podda'.There is an abundance of tasty seafood and for dessert try the typical 'seadas', fried pastries filled with cheese that go perfectly with the local myrtle liqueur. Wash it all down with a glass of the local white wine, Vermentino or the red Cannonau.
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