Sardinia

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There's a way to get around by train where you don't need speed to get from one place to another, because your destination is actually the journey itself! That's right, getting on vintage trains, rediscovering the charm of travel as our grandparents knew it, and moving slowly through a landscape full of wonders gives us a new perception of the places we will travel through.

From the heart of Ogliastra to the emerald sea of the Gulf of Orosei, crossing a canyon: this is Bacu Padente, combining sea and mountain, the two most beautiful and wild natural features in Sardinia. But beware, it is a route suitable only for experienced canyoneers .

The tradition of cheese in Sardinia is ancient and important and the exports of its pecorino cheese have contributed to ensuring this classic Made in Italy product is renowned worldwide. The great capacity of Sardinian shepherds of producing this cheese regularly and with excellent quality results has contributed to increasing the importance of sheep's milk cheese or of a mixture of sheep and goat’s cheese on our tables over the last few years. Sheep farming in Sardinia has ancient origins dating back to the Nuragic Civilization (prior to the first millennium BC.). Three Sardinian cheeses are protected and safeguarded by the Denomination of Protected origin (DOP): the Sardinian pecorino cheese, the Roman pecorino cheese and the Sardinian Fiore cheese.

Pane carasau flatbread shares a close historical bond with its place of origin: Barbagia, the wildest and most inland area of the province of Nuoro. Here we find Sunalle, the old bakery of the town of Fonni, which has been producing this typical Sardinian dish for over 30 years, tempting all passers-by with its delicious aroma. Let’s delve into the origins, the legends, the traditional recipe for pane carasau flatbread and its connection to the highest-altitude town in Sardinia.

In autumn, for example, Sardinia becomes a place to visit without hesitation: the mild temperatures still let you enjoy abundant sea life and the region offers numerous cultural opportunities throughout its territory. The occasion is made perfect thanks to Autumn in Barbagia, an abundant festival organised by the Nuoro Chamber of Commerce and its special company Aspen. The event offers a journey through traditions and culture to promote the province, its excellences and breathtaking landscapes, through the involvement of an increasing number of villages characteristic of the area.

A few tens of kilometres into the Sardinian hinterland is the Nuragic complex of Barumini, a fascinating and mysterious archaeological site that dates back to the prehistoric community that inhabited the island between the Bronze Age and the 3rd century AD.

Sardinia, land of contrasts, bold tastes and intense colors, and inhabited by a courteous yet reserved people, boasts its own special mural artistry, of which the city of Orgosolo is the epicenter. In Orgosolo, a town in the historic region of Barbagia, approximately 150 murals decorate its streets, bringing thousands of Italian and foreign tourists every year.

Imagine fairies weaving delicate golden threads with their hands in the moonlight, watching over the sleeping children. This is the fantasy that will accompany you on your tour of the Domus de Janas, the Houses of the Fairies, a name given by popular legend to archaic tombs dug into the rock, typical of inland Sardinia. The island is home to thousands of them, in a unique heritage.

Orosei is located in the centre of a precious balance between history, culture and nature, and is an unmissable stop to get to know the Baronie and Sardinia. It is conveniently located in the Cedrino plain, between the slopes of Mount Tuttavista and the Tyrrhenian coast. The picturesque town centre has a long history dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Thanks to the presence of the port, mediaeval Orosei acquired great importance under Pisan rule, eventually becoming the main seat of the curia of the Giudicato of Gallura and later the capital of the southern Baronia. Orosei's past is well-preserved in the picturesque historical centre, which houses a large number of churches and palaces dating back to different periods. Tourism is an important resource for the local economy and among the main attractions are the 20 kilometres of coastline, alternating between sandy beaches, cliffs and green areas of great naturalistic value. Among the many religious traditions that take place in the area, the procession of the "flower-decked boats" in honour of Santa Maria 'e Mare stands out. On the last Sunday in May, the boats are decorated with floral compositions by local craftspeople, and then move along the Cedrino River carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary. The ritual ends at the mouth of the river, where the small 13th century church of St. Mary is located.

The village sculpted by the sea Exposed to the winds and tides, Castelsardo rises from the sea, and has been sculpted by the sea: overlooking the coast, over the centuries the town has assumed the role of defensive stronghold and strategic control point. It was particularly the Middle Ages that left the greatest traces of this role of lookout and defence: the medieval stronghold of the old town is its symbol, with its ramparts, steep stairways and narrow streets. The Doria castle was also built facing the sea, to control it, to be always ready in case of attack. But the sea attracts with its strength and charm, and even today, daily life always moves towards the coast: the main activities, the vitality of the port, the exchanges, but also simply the evening strolls, which seek the hypnotic sound of the waves, the soft scent of the saltiness, are all facing the sea.

Bitti is one of the most important centres of northern Barbagia, a village where traditional culture weaves its webs in flavours, in the traces of the most ancient history and in song! Here, typical products and the ancient gestures with which they are still made are recounted in the Museum of Peasant and Pastoral Civilisation, while the Romanzesu Complex, one of the most important centres of Nuragic Sardinia, takes us back in time with the remains of this ancient village. But, as we were saying, it is tenor singing that is one of Bitti's most precious jewels: a symbol of the island's intangible culture, it has been declared 'Intangible Heritage of Humanity' by UNESCO. The very interesting Multimedia Museum of Tenor Singing is dedicated to it, telling its visitors about the roots of this splendid tradition that has been handed down through the generations.

Autumn in Sardinia is a delightful season both for enjoying magnificent walks and challenging yourself with a run on the many nature trails available. They are of varying levels, but all are immersed in the breathtaking Sardinian landscape. From trekking to cycling, from water sports to running: enjoying an hour of sport in Sardinia is good for body, mind and spirit. Each path transforms a simple walk in Sardinia into a unique opportunity to discover its lesser-known and uncrowded spots, ancient villages, where you can wander through ghost towns, and savour ancient traditions. Running amidst stunning views and breathing in the ever-present sea air is priceless: all you need to do is lace up your trainers to make this come true.

Yet one thing that particularly intrigued us is the incredible variety of wildlife to be found in all the different scenarios Sardinia offers to travellers. Perhaps by venturing on horseback between lagoons and beaches, where you can sometimes witness the flight of pink flamingos, or diving into clear waters populated by wonderful colonies of red coral. And there's more: enjoy the beach of one of the largest deserts in Europe (Piscinas), where at dawn you may even be lucky enough to encounter a few Sardinian deer venturing as far as the sea. Be they creatures of land, water or air, the chance of seeing wonderful, free wildlife up close in their own habitats in Sardinia is extremely likely.

Breathtaking beaches, unspoilt waters and marine habitats La Maddalena, Caprera, Santo Stefano, Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria and Razzoli, together with another fifty or so tiny islands, form the unique La Maddalena Archipelago, one of the most enchanting places in Sardinia. About 20 million years ago, a gigantic underground tumult pushed Sardinia from the Gulf of Lion, between France and Spain, into the centre of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Further settlement then divided the enormous valley, separating Sardinia from Corsica and leaving the handful of islands that now stand in the wonderful waters to the north-east of Sardinia, off the coast of Gallura. The predominant La Maddalena, with six major islands, and fifty-five virtually uninhabited islets. One hundred and eighty kilometres of coastline are protected by the large La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, established in 1996 as an integral and important part of the Bocche di Bonifacio International Marine Park. It has unique habitats, granite rocks shaped by the Maestrale and spectacular beaches pink and golden beaches. Junipers, strawberry trees, mastic trees and myrtles. Rorquals, sperm whales, dolphins and turtles splash around in the crystal-clear sea. Water birds and numerous ornithological species.

White sand, crystal-clear water, the colours of the sky blending into the sea: they look like the Caribbean and yet these are the white beaches of Italy. Especially in the South, the Bel Paese is full of shores with an exotic atmosphere bathed by an iridescent sea that are no less impressive than the Caribbean islands. So, here's where to find the Caribbean in Italy and stretch out on fine white sand.

The first glance, in fact, that will be in amazement, from the window of the plane descending in altitude to approach Giacomo Mameli airport, as you fly lower, over the Santa Gilla lagoon, part of one of Europe's most important wetlands, with waters no more than a couple of metres deep inhabited by herons, black-winged stilts and magnificent pink flamingos, which choose to nest here as well as in the Molentargius city park. A snapshot from above that captures nature, culture and the history of ancient Caralis: but get ready, it will only be the first of many wonderful surprises.

Fine, white sand, breathtaking panoramas, waters that range from hues of azure to turquoise, and one of the most beautiful seascapes of the entire Mediterranean: welcome to Stintino, renowned touristic destination on Sardinia’s northwestern extremity, in the Province of Sassari. It started out as a fishermen’s village, when the Island of Asinara was made a penal colony. Not a bad idea, and Stintino possesses one of the most charming coasts in Sardinia – it is a certified paradise for sea lovers and an excellent vacation spot for those that want to take the plunge into its pure and wild natural surroundings.

Rocky coastline overlooking the sea paths that wind between the Mediterranean scrub, cliffs overlooking the beaches with vibrant colors and crystal clear waters: Sardinia with its wild interior and spectacular views has long been known as one of the most fascinating destinations for lovers of climbing. Thanks to its mild climate, the island offers the possibility to climb throughout the year and, as of late spring, a vacation that combines relaxation on the beach with sports. Cala Gonone in the province of Nuoro, Jerzu in the province of Ogliastra, Isili in the province of Cagliari, Supramonte in the central-eastern area, and Iglesiente in the southwest of the island, are just some of the places not to miss if you want to explore Sardinia’s walls of rock. Climbable walls are present, however, all over the island and recently areas such as Sassari and Alghero are becoming popular. These courses tend to be well-equipped and periodically checked. They were initially discovered and evaluated by Sardinian and European outdoorsmen, and are now beloved throughout Europe.

This coastal route is ranked among the most astonishing spiritual walks in Italy, an itinerary combining history and adventure that takes in all the coastal towers, once strategic garrisons of the island, without ever straying more than 2 kilometres from the sea; crossing beaches, towns and cities, mule tracks on the coast, panoramic spots and wild moors.

The coastline stretching from the North Western section of the island across to the North Eastern area of Sardinia represents an ideal itinerary for those who love to spend their time visiting wonderful bays and for visitors who would prefer to combine a beautiful landscape with elements of cultural value. All this is possible when you travel from the Costa Paradiso – a district which by no mere chance acquired such a high-sounding name thanks to its enchanting beaches - to the tourist resort of Palau with its breathtaking landscapes.

Endless beaches, crystal-clear water and a soft coastline. These are some of the distinguishing features of the northern coast of Sardinia and, more specifically, of the Gulf of Asinara, a corner of paradise envied throughout the world. From Porto Torres, with its glorious past, to Castelsardo, an enchanting medieval village, visitors will be fascinated by the natural beauty and artistic treasures of a land with traditions dating back thousands of years and where there is so much to discover.

Turquoise waters, jagged coasts, hidden bays, rocks sculpted by the wind, white-sand beaches set within natural pink granite: this is the “comp card” of the Sardinian coast from Porto Torres to Olbia. Both are final destinations on an itinerary that winds its way between the Gulf of Asinara and the Costa Smeralda and that touches some of the best-known places on the Island. It is also here that high society plays, and where hidden, wild pockets of land wait to be discovered, all within an ultra-millenary environment. This coastal itinerary of almost 124 miles takes us through Sardinia’s northern beaches, from the Province of Sassari to Olbia-Tempio.

Every year, new sites are explored and equipped in Italy where you can enjoy this sport and discover otherwise unreachable gorges and canyons. In the Alps, along the Apennines or on the islands: there are so many scenarios for venturing into slots or cracks in the land that streams and rivers often creep into. These places must be enjoyed in groups and always with expert guides who know all the local secrets and pitfalls. The experience is breath-taking, especially when suddenly finding yourself "inside" the land, with light filtering from above in a surreal atmosphere. Not to mention climbs, dives in natural pools of rare beauty, descents and ascents of scenic waterfalls.

Let’s discover a new and unusual Sardinia. An island rich in monuments which testify to the presence of ancient peoples and civilizations. Among the first to discover the magnificent scenery that this island hides were the Nuragic people who, between 1800 and 1000 BC, inhabited this land. To learn more about this civilization today, just visit the many Nuragic villages scattered in the region. One of the megalithic constructions that absolutely must be admired is the village of Su Nuraxi di Barumini, part of the Unesco world heritage sites since 1997 others include the Nuraghe of Serra Orrios in Dorgali, one of the largest and best preserved in Sardinia the Nuraghe of Santu Antine in Torralba, with the nearby remains of Nuragic, Carthaginian, and Roman villages Arrubiu Orroli, one of the largest in Sardinia.

Treat yourself to a tour of Sardinia with a little archeology and mysticism, to discover the important remains of funerary monuments and some sacred wells. Let yourself be swept away, lost in the world of ancient times, diving into an atmosphere veiled by mystery and spirituality.

From the North to the South of the island, on the trail of the signs of prehistoric Sardinia: discover the menhirs, large mysterious stone monoliths stuck in the ground, and the dolmens, megalithic funerary monuments showing Neolithic religious rites. An unmissable heritage for archaeology lovers to discover, for an emotive step back in time.

Sulcis Iglesiente is a geographic area located in the extreme southwest of Sardinia and is famous for its ancient origins and traditions. Already inhabited 5,000 years ago, the zone was favored by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians above all, who were the first to discover and extract its rich mineral deposits. Largely abandoned in the successive centuries, these deposits constitute a significant testimony to the industrial archaeology, so much so that they have been inserted on the UNESCO World Heritage Centre’s Tentative List. As the name implies, Sulcis Iglesiente comprises the territories of both Sulcis and Iglesiente: the first drawing its name from the ancient Punic city of Sulci – though today called Sant’Antioco – while the other is in keeping with Iglesias, the provincial capital. Twenty-three municipalities in the Province of Carbonia-Iglesias make up the site of Sulcis Iglesiente, but not only: four communes inside the Province of Cagliari form part of it as well.

Cagliari’s opera and symphonic theater Inaugurated in 1993, the Teatro Lirico was created as an alternative to the Teatro Civico and the Politeama Regina Margherita. Now, it is Cagliari’s main theater. Home to the foundation by the same name that organizes the concert season for opera and ballet, the Teatro Lirico has a capacity of 1680 seats, a contemporary architectural style built in concrete and glass, and an extension of 5000 square meters. In addition to traditional entertainment, it offers school activities and training workshops, and it also makes its large spaces available for events, conferences and exhibitions.

Today, surrounded by rugged landscapes, travellers can discover the remains of cities and necropolises founded by ancient civilisations: sites rich in fascination, Phoenician-Punic colonies concentrated particularly in the southern area of the island, in an archaeological tour of great charm.