“Sardinia is another thing. Much wider, much more ordinary, not up-and-down at all, but running away into the distance. Unremarkable ridges of moor-like hills running away, perhaps to a bunch of dramatic peaks on the southwest. This gives a sense of space … lovely space about one, and traveling distances-nothing finished, nothing final. It is like liberty itself … ” D.H. Lawrence. Sea and Sardinia. 1921.
10 Remarkable Reasons to Visit Sardinia, Italy
10. Family Friendly. From the warm blue sea to kids clubs and water parks. Sardinia is a family destination that is enjoyed all year round. Families from Europe, Canada, Australia and Africa visit Sardinia each year for her beauty and family friendly activities like camping and an agriturismo stay. Numerous hotels, villas and apartments offer special room deals for large families. Most hotels offer babysitting services for a fee.
9. Luxury at its Finest. Costa Smeralda or The Emerald Coast is Sardinia’s most exquisite 55 km of coastline in Europe. Exclusive golf clubs, stylish bars and nightclubs, helicopter and private jet service, stunning white sandy beaches, affluent visitors: celebrities, sport heroes, business leaders and politicians. Â Shopping, eating and relaxing is at your fingertips in Costa Smeralda.
8. Rural Farm Stay. Looking to unwind from the hectic city life but the beach is not your thing? Why not head into the rugged Sardinian mountains and stay at an agriturismo. An agriturismo is a farm restaurant which often offers lodging. Their menus are strictly local Sardinian foods which are grown and raised on the farm. I prefer to eat at an agriturismo over a restaurant when dining out. The food is fresher, more flavourful and locally produced. Be sure to try the local digestive: mirto.
“One feels for the first time the real old mediaeval life, which is enclosed in itself and has no interest in the world outside.” D.H. Lawrence. Sea and Sardinia. 1921.
7. Relax at the Spa. Do you need to unwind after a busy year in the office? Do you want to surprise your spouse with a relaxing vacation in Sardinia? There are many amazing spas all over the island and you don’t need to be a guest at the resorts to enjoy the soothing benefits of the spa treatments.
For a complete list of Spa Hotels in Sardinia, head on over to Charming Sardinia where you can find spa hotels all over the island!
6. Festivals. Every month there are festivals held throughout Sardinia. The summer months being the busiest time of year, full of spectacular events.
Some festivals worth checking out: Cavalcata Sarda held every May in Sassari, Sardinian Reggae Festival held annually the last weekend in July, Festa della Birra held throughout various communes in Sardinia during the week of ferragosto (August 14-20), San Costantino held the first weekend in July is a ritual horse race through the town, the most popular being in Sedilo (most communes have moved the race throughout town to sporting stadiums or large cordoned off areas in the mountains, due to danger).
5. Sports. From windsurfing to horse back riding Sardinia is your athletic gem in the Mediterranean. Whether you play or prefer to watch, Sardinia is well equipped for that jock in you. Rock climbing, yachting in Costa Smeralda, surfing at La Marinedda, hiking in the rugged mountains, swimming in the clear blue sea, golf for the master, fishing for your evening dinner and popular dive centers all around the island cater to the athletic you.
“Sardinia … lost between Europe and Africa and belonging to nowhere. Belonging to nowhere, never having belonged to anywhere … Left outside of time and history.”
4. Sardinia connects directly with many major hubs all over Europe. To the north Olbia and Alghero airports, in the south we have Cagliari airport. Ryanair, AirOne, Easyjet, Jet2, Alitalia, and Meridiana are just a few of the airlines that connect Sardinia to the rest of the world. If you don’t like to fly then Sardinia offers ferry service from many ports in Italy, Corsica and Northern Africa.
3. Culture & History. Sardinia is filled with a beautiful mysterious culture. There are over 2000 ancient Nuraghi (stone huts) still standing, an ode to the strength of the Sardinian people. There still lies ancient villages which practice age-old customs, Nora being said to be the finest in ancient culture, even today. For more information on the history of Sardinia please click here: Tharros.info Sardinia. This site has a wealth of fantastic information on Sardinia, her culture and her history.
2. Food & Wine. They say … Italian food is the best in the world. But have you tried Sardinian food? The national dish of Sardinia is the suckling pig and when cooked right, it turned this sorta-kinda vegetarian into a meat-eater. Slow cooked by camp fire or oven spit, with myrtle to incense the meat, this dish is a must try while in Sardinia.
Local cheeses are pungent and sweet, out of this world. The best being local pecorino and ricotta. Sella & Mosca in Alghero is Europe’s largest vineyard and produces the best of Sardinian wine. Cannonau is a deep, ruby-red wine with strong personalities and is symbolic to the Sardinian reds. May I suggest a glass of Medeus 2000? Let’s not forget the Seadas!
“Let it be Sardinia. They say neither Romans nor Phoenicians, Greeks nor Arabs ever subdued Sardinia. It lies outside; outside the circuit of civilisation.” D.H. Lawrence. Sea and Sardinia. 1921.
1. The Beach. With over 1800km of unspoilt pristine coastline, Sardinia will leave you breathless. Whether you like to sit on the warm sand and exfoliate, or swim in the azure sea, Sardinia is the place to be.
La Pelosa Beach in the north, is one of the most popular beaches in Sardinia. It’s a small natural oasis and a breathtaking paradise.
Tinnari lies a few kilometers from Isola Rossa. Tinnari is a stunning two half-moon bay, rock beach. Access to Tinnari is by foot, boat or quad. Tinnari is one of Sardinia’s secret beaches. Find it!
There are two main beaches in Isola Rossa: Spiaggetta del Porto and Spiaggia Longo. The fresh clean waters are a magnet for scuba divers, snorkelers and swimmers. Here you will find unspoilt shorelines, family friendly restaurants and villas, and a watch tower which was built in the 1500′s.
These are just a few, of the thousands, of unspoilt coastline Sardinia has to offer. Why don’t you come over and play?
My Sardinian Life 
Oh I can see the sadness that breaks your heart. It rings true as I am in my final days in Shanghai. Soon I will trade it for wide spaces, blue skies and tranquil nature. I am going to miss the hustle and bustle, good friends and a fantastic skyline. Living here feels so exotic and home more like vanilla. I have shed a few tears, but mostly over people. I think it will be hard come August when I am not on a plane heading back.
It’s not easy, but the memories will last a lifetime. I will be back to Sardinia it’s just a matter of time. Will you start a new blog? Bringing willow with you?
It is hard and tears creep into my eyes and other times I am happy to go home to a slower pace and cleaner air. Medically I have had a terrible year with surgery, illness and even a broken toe. I think it is China’s way to tell me to leave đŸ˜‰ Willow is coming with us. She goes today (Canada day too… fate?) for her final medical clearance. Willow loves maple granola bars, so she is a true Canadian at heart.
I will continue this blog. I have thought of another blog name, but I think I will keep this one up for the time being, After all we will always love to travel.
Happy Canada Day! And I wish you a return to Sardinia soon.
Your sales pitch is most effective – in spite of DH’s rather strange way of expressing his fascination! You have put on my list of things to see if a sudden windfall should occur!
Sounds good! I hope you let me know and we can meet up for coffee! đŸ˜œ
Reblogged this on My Sardinian Life.
Jack – or Should it be Captain Linn?? I was the post office man from 1972 – 1973 and got in trouble once for not telling you about having an accident in the six pack when taking the postal man back to Olbia. Never said anything but I did talk to the safety nco (SSGT? power man) when I returned from the trip. Anyway good to see that you are still doing well enough to be travelling by motorcycle. The time I spent on the island was one of the best times of my life. I loved getting three days off and spending them at the beach.
were you from Texas? I can still picture the power sgt but name??? Jones??
Yes I was from Texas. I do not remenber his name but he was a power guy.
chuck, have you kept in touch with any of the people from Sardinia? Where do you live now? my direct email is chucklin@gmavt.net
Jennifer,thank you for this site.My husband was in the U.S.Navy in 1976 & we were stationed in La Maddalena,Sardinia.I had “the time of my life”.I loved the people,the laid -back attitude (if it doesn’t get done today,we can do it tomorrow),the shops,the beautiful,beautiful scenery,the delicious foods(first time I had ever had squid & LOVED it ,the rice balls with the cheese in the middle & the fried mushrooms…oh sooo good !!!),the walks in the evening with everyone strolling down the cobblestone streets,so peaceful.I would have loved to have gone back,but have never made it.A part of my heart is still in that little island,I am so thankful that I got to live there for 3 years & miss it everyday.But…the memories keep going on.
Judy
your husband must have been in the first wave in the Navy there. I was in the Air Force on Mt. Limbara(Tempio Pausania) until 1973 and the Navy had not yet started the La Madalena base then. I was there for two years and loved it. Our plans are to return next year and travel by motorcycle through Corsica and Sardegna. I just hope that the USN has not changed La Magdalena much. We only had 35 US Air Force on top of Mt. Limbara
Jack Linn
Beautiful. I loved the post, I want to visit Italy too. I am sure I am going to use a lot of posts from your blog to plan my trip, whenever I visit.
Glad to be able to stumble upon your blog. I will be a follower.
xx
Aanchal
Hello, and thank you for stopping by and commenting. I hope you found what you were looking for,if not just ask! đŸ˜ƒ
Awww thank you Jennifer. That is very nice of you.
Cheers,
Aanchal
i spent three years in Newfoundland and 3 years in Sardinia(Tempio Pausania) in the 60’s and 70’s. Despite the hugh differences in climate the two islands have many things in common–Good local food, very friendly people, and amazing history and culture. Since I now live in Vermont for over 35 years I have been able to revisit Newfoundland many times. now we are planning an exciting return to Sardinia via motorcycle. I cannot imagine that it has changed much in the interior. Looking forward to the simple life
All is true!!! I am sardinian but now I am in New Zealand for a while… reading this post I cried.
just one thing in the food the Bottarga is also a Must đŸ˜‰
This blog is great! đŸ™‚
Ciao Anna,
Thank you for your kind words. I hope New Zealand is treating you well. đŸ™‚
Great list, I’m born in Sardinia but have lived in New York City for the past 45 years. I’m lucky enough to still have lots of family in L’Ogliastra, specifically the towns of Tortoli and Arbatax ( a ferry stops from Civitavecchia there, one of my brothers is Portmaster in Arbatax) and love to visit my mom and cousins etc with my wife and kids whenever possible, usually once every two years. Thank you for your wonderful site and loving opinions of a beautiful land. I can certainly attest to yours and D.H Lawrence’s fascination with the island, it is truly a feeling that comes from the heart and it’s not just limited to transplants. I am absolutely proud to have been born on such a different island and lived life in another inimitable place like NYC. if you ever visit, feel free to contact me. Keep up with your wonderful blog; love reading it.
Antonio, thank you for your warm and kind comment. Should I fins myself in NYC I’ll drop you a line and maybe we can have coffee. All the best and thanks for following along.
This post just put Sardinia on my potential travel map for the first time (I loved Italy when I spent 2 weeks there a few years back, but have been looking for a ‘something different’ lately), especially #8 sounds particularly appealing. Now, if only those places kept horses…
If you’re searching for something ‘different’ then Sardinia is for you! If you’re looking for horses then Sardinia is for you! đŸ™‚
Lol, a win on both counts I guess!
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After reading your post and all these comments, I can only feel blessed tht I am able to spend all my summers here and share this beautiful island, culture, etc with my children đŸ˜‰
Hi Lisa,
Sardinia is truly a beautiful island we are blessed. Where on the island do you live? I’m in the Gallura. Wishing you a great week.
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It looks wonderful, and we wlll definitely be adding Sardinia to our list!
You should add it to the top of your list! đŸ˜‰
Read some of your posts. Very informative and interesting! Fallen in love with Sardinia. It is now on the my list of – ‘Must-see-places’! Glad that I came across your blog!
Great, I’m glad my blog as inspired you to see Sardinia. It is an amazing place! Thanks for the comment and stopping by.
You really love sardinian life, i see. Are you still there?
Good to tell about beautiful sardinia, so more people visit it. maybe.
I am still living here, yes. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
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Love your post. May I suggest #11- the people are divine. Oh and there’s watermelon everywhere đŸ˜‰
Toni
You’re right, the people are divine! Most summer months our house is fully stocked with watermelons!
great post! I wish you link our site but nevermind.. we re tweet you!
Thank you! Grazie. Non capito bene, cosa ti serve? Un link?
I could be happy here!
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STOP! STOP!!! You’ve already convinced me to visit now I am dreaming about it!
Come to Sardinia!
You have convinced me!
Between your words and pictures and D.H.Lawrence’s quote…they bring to mind a place to break your heart upon and be glad of it.
Thank you Jo. Sardinia is a land to mystify.
Come to Sardinia, you will love it form the bottom of your heart! It is a mixed land where the coast sees the modernity and the inner island stays frozen in ancient times! Either our food reflects it, offering you the most modern dishes coupled with the old fashioned, and sometimes a bit wierd (not less delicious!), recipes!
Jennifer I thank you so much as a Sardinian for this space you dedicate to our, and your, home đŸ™‚
It’s my pleasure to share this stunning oasis with the world, thank you for your kind words.
I love your pics and stories…keep it up. I want to go there someday.
Thank you for your support.