Snapshots: Reminiscing about Cagliari, Sardinia

Posted on May 2 by Jennifer Avventura

It was a whirlwind twenty-four hours at Cagliari this past fall, and I still can’t get this Mediterranean island city out of my mind. She’s jam-packed with events, spectacular beaches, wineries and local events that could keep me busy for a lifetime. I met a dear friend for an afternoon coffee and he showed me around this magnificent city by the sea.

He graciously pointed out areas of the city that had witnessed war, and buildings that still today suffer from the age-old conflict. I shall never forget those splendid hours in this city and my heart is calling to her. I will return, I shall return. Thank you, Cagliari for being the island city that this city-girl needs every once in a while.

24 hours at Sardinia’s Capital City – Cagliari

Posted on October 3 by Jennifer Avventura

A three-hour train ride from Sassari got me to the island’s capital of Cagliari; a city that I still struggle to pronounce. I pronounce it like the city in Canada, Calgary, with a soft g. It does look like this cag-li-ari, to the English mind, but alas that is not the case. The locals here pronounce it like cal-ra-re, where’s the g sound in that? So, after much pronunciation homework, I set off to explore this city by the sea to discover rooftop panoramas, hidden alleyways, and an immensely wide, soft sand beach with a sea so limpid a pebble would send it shivering.

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Sardinia’s Blue Flag Beaches 2016

Posted on June 14 by Jennifer Avventura

Sardinia has done it again with an impressive 28 Blue Flags flying effortlessly around her turquoise coast. That is 21 more blue flags since 2013, so there is plenty of beach to play for those seeking a little vitamin sea in the heart of the Mediterranean.

What is a Blue Flag?

The Blue Flag is a world-renowned eco-certification awarded to beaches and marinas in countless countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean.

When you see a Blue Flag flying, you know a beach or marina is clean and accessible; has great water quality; meets high safety standards; and is working hard to protect local shorelines and ecosystems. Blue Flags are flying at 25 beaches and six marinas in Canada.

Beaches are awarded the blue flag based on several criteria which the beach must meet; should the beach fail to comply with these criteria during the year, the blue flag can be withdrawn. Here are just a few of the criteria needed:

Environmental Education and Information
Water Quality
Environmental Management
Safety and Services

It takes a strong community and desire to keep these beaches immaculate. These 28 beaches are sparkling gems from Sardinia’s coastal populations. Please enjoy responsibly.

28 Blue Flag Beaches: Sardinia 2013-2016
(by province)

Cagliari

Poetto, Quartu Sant’ Elena
Mare Pintau, Quartu Sant’ Elena
Portu Tramatzu, Teulada
Sabbie Bianche, Teulada
Tuerredda, Teulada

Oblia-Tempio

Rena Bianca

Spiaggia di Li Junchi, Badesi
L’Isuledda, Porto Pollo
La Sciumara, Palau
Foce Fiume Liscia, Palau
Palau Vecchio, Palau
Spiaggia dei due Mari, Isola Caprera
Spiaggia del Relitto, Isola Caprera
Porto Lungo, La Maddalena
Spalmatore, La Maddalena
Rena Ponente, Capo Testa
Rena Bianca, Capo Testa
Zia Culumba, Capo Testa

Ogliastra

Lido di Cea, Tortoli
Lido di Orri, Tortoli
Muxi, Tortoli
Orri Foxilioni, Tortoli
La Capannina or Potente, Arbatax
Porto Frailia, Arbatax

Oristano

Spiaggia di Torregrande, Oristano

Sassari

Rena Bianca

Marina di Sorso, Sorso
Madonnina/Stella Maris, Castelsardo
Sacro Cuore/Ampurias, Castelsardo
Porto Ferro, Sassari

There you have it! 28 stunning stretches of sand, sea and sun to sink your feet into. Which beach(s) have you set foot on?

Useful links:
Programma Bandiera Blu – Sardegna
FEE – Foundation for Environmental Education Italia

How to Arrive in Sunny Sardinia, Italy

Posted on March 19 by Jennifer Avventura

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, and has three international airports which service major cities in Italy and many other European destinations like: Spain, England, Ireland and Germany.

International Airports in Sardinia, Italy

Alghero Airport (AHO)
Oblia Airport (OLB)
Cagliari-Elmas Airport (CAG)

Airlines with direct routes to Sardinia from Europe:

Meridiana Fly – is based in Olbia, Sardinia. Meridiana connects the traveler to major cities in Italy, Germany, Spain, England, France and Russia.
EasyJet is a British airline with its headquarters at the London Luton Airport. EasyJet services Sardinia with Gatwick-Olbia and Stansted-Cagliari flights.
Ryanair is Europe’s leading discount airline. Daily flights from all over Europe to Alghero and Cagliari.
Alitalia is based in Fiumicino, Italy and operates at Rome’s major international airport Fiumicino (FCO). Alitalia connects to many major large cities around the world. Alitalia connects the traveler, daily to Sardinia through: Olbia, Alghero and Cagliari.
SmartWings is another low cost airline based out of Prague. They have direct flights from Prague to all three main airports in Sardinia.
British Airways offers charter flights in collaboration with Sardatur Holidays from London Heathrow/Manchester to Olbia/Cagliari.

By Sea:

Moby Lines offers daily voyages from these Italian mainland ports: Livorno, Piombino, Genova, Civitavecchia, Bonifacio to Olbia, Santa Teresa di Gallura, and Porto Torres.
Tirrenia offers daily ferries between mainland ports in Italy and Sardinia. Routes include: Porto Torres-Genova, Cagliari-Palmero, Cagliari-Napoli, Oblia-Civitavecchia, Oblia-Genova, Arbatax-Genova and Arbatax-Civitavecchia and many more!
Corsica Ferries offers crossings from Santa Teresa di Gallura to Bonifacio and Olbia to Livorno.

Safe and Happy Travels.

*Please note: during the off-season months some routes and timetables may change. Please check with your carrier of choice for further details.

How will you arrive on this magnificent island in the Mediterranean?

Hyknusa | From Ancient Names to Beer

Posted on September 9 by Jennifer Avventura

Birra Ichnusa

Hyknusa is the Latinized name given to Sardinia billions of light years ago. Now fast forward a few centuries and allow me to introduce you to Ichnusa.

Brewed in Assemini, Italy, located 12 km northwest of Cagliari, in southern Sardinia. Birra Ichnusa was founded in 1912 and their brewing standards remain true to tradition, even after beer giant Heineken bought-out Sardinia’s little brewery.

Ichnusa is a delightful, light golden lager, with soft aromas and a persistent froth. Alcohol level is 4.7%. It’s a perfect beer to enjoy while catching some shade in a local Sardinian bar, or sipping while sitting on your balcony overlooking the Med, and it goes great with everything. Pasta, pizza, fish, you name it. Ichnusa has remained a favorite for decades on the island of Sardinia as well as abroad. Put Ichnusa on your list while you visit the wonderful island of Hyknusa – Sardinia. Ajo!

(This was not a paid commercial, article, post or ad. Are you interested in paying me to write a witty-little piece for your product, company or business? If so click here, it’s my Contact page. Like a virgin, I’m pretty new to this but open for business.)