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.

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which the beach must meet; should the beach fail to comply with these criteria during the year, the blue flag can be withdrawn.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

Sardinia’s Blue Flag Beaches 2013

Posted on January 1 by Jennifer Avventura

As winter closes in around us, it’s good to keep in mind our next summer vacation destination, and here are seven reasons to make Sardinia, Italy your holiday destination in 2014!

This past year, Sardinia’s immaculate beaches were awarded with seven blue flags from the non-profit organization – Blue Flag.

What is a Blue Flag?

“The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to more than 3850 beaches and marinas in 48 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean.”

Beaches are awarded the blue flag based on 32 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
All Blue flags are awarded for one season at a time.

Sardinia’s Seven Blue Flags 2013

Olbia-Tempio – La Maddalena Punta Tegge – Spalmatore
Olbia-Tempio – Palau Vecchio – Scimara
Olbia-Tempio – S. Teresa Gallura – La Rena Bianca
Oristano – Torre Grande
Sassari – Castelsardo – Ampurias
Tortolì – Lido di Orri, Lido di Crea
Quartu S. Elena – Poetto

I’ve only visited one blue flag beach and that was La Rena Bianca, and it was during an August heat wave; it was beautifully packed and spectacularly stunning.