Exploring Sardinia: A virtual journey through My Sardinian Life

Posted on March 22 by Jennifer Avventura

Welcome to the wonderful and captivating world of Sardinia, a Mediterranean gem waiting to be unraveled and discovered. Dive into the enchanting landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of this stunning Italian island through the lens of My Sardinian Life.

Discover Natural Wonders: From the rugged coastline adorned with pristine beaches to the rugged mountains carpeted with lush forests, Sardinia boasts a diverse tapestry of natural wonders. My Sardinian Life serves as your virtual guide, offering insights into the island’s hidden coves, breathtaking hiking trails, and picturesque villages nestled amidst the green rolling hills.

Unravel Cultural Treasures: Delve into Sardinia’s cultural heritage through My Sardinian Life’s exploration of traditional festivals, culinary delights, and ancient traditions. Whether it’s savouring authentic Sardinian cuisine, witnessing colourful folk dances, or immersing yourself in the timeless charm of historic ancient towns, this website offers a window into the island’s heart and soul.

Connect with Local Life: My Sardinian Life goes beyond the tourist hotspots, providing a glimpse into everyday life on the island. Engage with the warmth and hospitality of Sardinian locals, learn about age-old customs, and uncover hidden gems off the beaten path. Whether it’s sharing anecdotes from local artisans or uncovering lesser-known attractions, this website fosters a deeper connection to Sardinia’s authentic spirit.

Plan Your Sardinian Adventure: Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, My Sardinian Life equips you with the tools and insights needed to plan your perfect Sardinian getaway. From practical travel tips to recommended itineraries, this comprehensive resource ensures a seamless and unforgettable experience on the island.

Enjoy the Journey: Embark on a virtual journey through Sardinia’s landscapes, culture, and traditions with My Sardinian Life as your virtual guide. Whether you’re dreaming of sandy shores, ancient ruins, or flavourful cuisine, let this website inspire your next adventure to one of Italy’s most captivating destinations.

Click the tab Sardinia in the menu bar to discover more about this magnificent island in the Mediterranean. For more personalized recommendations leave a comment below.

Inside Sardinia: La Seada Sardinia’s Traditional Sweet

Posted on March 7 by Jennifer Avventura

Sardinia is famous for many things: the number of nuraghe that dot the island, the earthy red cannonau wine, lightning storms that hit a little too close, and of course la seada. The little town that I live in, we call it la seada, and each town throughout the island will have its own distinct name and pronunciation for this sweet must-try dessert.

It’s a fresh cheese-filled pastry that is lightly fried then drizzled with local honey, or sugar, honey is the better choice, and seems to be the most traditional way served.

I watched a seminar in a lovely little town called Lunamatrona, and I learned how to make this traditional treat. Just look at the detail and tools used to create this local pastry! Such detail and artistry.

La Seada – Lunamatrona, Sardinia, Italy. Photo by: Jennifer Avventura

Not every seada will look like the ones pictured. I was lucky enough to meet an extremely talented woman whose sole purpose is detail and deliciousness in preparing everything Sardinian. She had these wooden stamps specifically tailored to meet her needs. She made la seada pictured, mine were unworthy of photography, but I tried and had a great time.

I am humbled. Thank you, dear Sardinia.

Do you emerge yourself in the traditional food culture of a place you travel to? I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below.

Safe travels. ❤️

Inside Sardinia: Domus de Janas Genna Salixi

Posted on February 21 by Jennifer Avventura

Domus(house) de Janas(fairies) are pre-Nuragic tombs that have been carved from sandstone or trachite. They generally consist of several chambers, and were used as a pre-historic burial site. There are over three thousand Domus de Janas throughout the island of Sardinia, some are just a singular chamber while others are a necropolis like Genna Salixi.

Domus de Janas Genna Salixi, Villa Sant’Antonio
Photo by: Jennifer Avventura 2022

Domus de Janas Genna Salixi is one of the largest necropolises on the island, with its fourteen chambers that vary on height, length and width. This spectacular historical landmark is located in Villa Sant’Antonio, Oristano.

A local legend says … that tiny creatures used to inhabit these chambers and they would contently sing songs while brewing or spinning the daily chores.

There are so many historical things to see while visiting the island. Most tales are peppered with ancient folklore that will leave you feeling spellbound, and wanting more.

Inside Sardinia: The Giants’ Tomb of Su Cuaddu’e Nixias

Posted on February 7 by Jennifer Avventura

During Sardinia’s winter months when the maestrale wind outnumbers the sunny days, I like of take off to little unknown pockets of this vast island. I’m usually without a map, but not far from reach is a cellphone with gps, because here in the back mountains of Sardegna, any turn can take you to mysterious and often forgotten ancient monuments of the island, and I recently got lost here …

🔹The Giants’ Tomb of Su Cuaddu’e Nixias in Lunamatrona. Possibly the oldest tomb on the island. Circa 1700-1600 AC. These megalithic structures which were used as massive collective graves can be found all over the island of Sardinia, some are so massive that you feel so small, some tombs are just left in ruins and others feel like a porthole to another dimension.

Su Cuaddu’e Nixias, Lunamatrona, Sardegna, Italy

Su Cuaddu’e Nixias loosely translates to Nixias’ Horse. This tomb is fascinating by the presence of a hole at the center of the pillar. According to legend, the purpose of this hole was to tether horses. However, some scholars believe that the hole was created well after the Nuragic civilization. Leaving many to wonder the hole’s intended original purpose.

There are few, if any, written records from that time. What we have left are fragments of a strong and resilient civilization that domineered this island with their structures that still stand today, and this is what I find so mysteriously beautiful about this island in the Mediterranean.

Have you visited any of the archeological monuments here on the island?

Snapshots: Under The Corbezzolo Tree

Posted on February 5 by Jennifer Avventura

“***Where delicate, bell-shaped flowers dangle effortlessly***.” – J. Avventura

Snapshots: The Endless Path

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Just a quick snapshot from an adventure I took away from the emerald coastlines of Sardinia, Italy. There is nothing more I love than to venture into the heart and under the shadows to discover the real Sardinia, because it’s only there, where you can find an endless path that takes you to amazing places.

Where is your next adventure?

The Smurf House of Tempio Pausania

Posted on February 6 by Jennifer Avventura

Did you know – that there is a small smurf house nestled in the valley at Monte Pulchiana in the province of Tempio Pausania? I didn’t either until a wonderful outdoor excursion brought me there recently. In reality, this granite mass is called a tafone. Tafoni(plural) are small to large cave-like features that develop within the natural face of granite or sandstone. Obviously, someone had the brilliant idea to turn this tafone into a little smurf home. Love it!

Otherwise known (in Sardinia) as The Smurf House or Casa dei Puffi. This smurf house sits on private property and you cannot access it without permission from the owners, and from what I’ve been told, this little house is used as a farmer’s shed. You can drive by the property to see this house, however, there are many ‘do not enter’ signs on the gate. This day the gate was open and I took a quick chance and stepped onto the property to grab a quick photo.

If I could, I would love to live in a little house like this. What about you?

Ollolai, Italy: The small Sardinian town selling homes for €1

Posted on January 31 by Jennifer Avventura

We’ve all dreamed of owning a home on some far-away exotic island where they don’t speak English and life is the clichéd dolce vita. The town of Ollolai, a luscious green zone in the Barbagia region of Sardinia, are now selling abandoned homes for €1. Shocking but true. The internet has lit up from joyous dreamers who want to pack it in and live the la dolce vita, I mean who wouldn’t want a taste of this attainable dream, for only $1.52CAD you too can stop dreaming and make it a reality. But how…? Continue reading →

Inside Sardinia: Urthos and Buttudos at Cortes Apertas Fonni

Posted on December 20 by Jennifer Avventura

There is no better way to experience the ancient rituals and traditions from Sardinia, than at the highest town on the island, at Fonni. It is at 1000m above sea level where the mysterious customs of Urthos and Buttudos were born. They are gruesome characters that parade throughout the streets and take over balconies by jumping to the sound of golden bells held by a cloaked man. These rituals are played out during holidays and festivals and are acted out on the street for all to witness. Come face-to-face with their ancient rights, traditions and culture only here, only at Fonni.

Who are Urthos and Buttudos?

Urthos and Buttudos are characters Continue reading →

Snapshots: Sagra delle Mele at Ussassai, Sardinia, Italy

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Just a little teaser of my favourite photo from a recent trip deep into the centre of Sardinia, for the 21st Sagra delle Mele – The 21st Apple Festival, held at Ussassai, a depopulated, colourful town that’s full of cheer and excellent hospitality.