Whether you are interested in the Catalan style of Alghero, the natural splendour of the Maddelana Archipelago, the ancient Nuraghe or just enjoying the many beaches, there is plenty to keep a visitor occupied during a stay in Sardinia. Here are ten suggestions to help you plan your visit:
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The Archipelago of Maddelena and the Emerald Coast.
In the north east of Sardinia, the Archipelago of Maddelena is one of the best known groups of islands in the Mediterranean, and a designated National Park. The main island is Maddelena, reached by ferry from Palau, where you can also take boat trips around the area. A little further south, the trendy Emerald Coast is home to VIPs, designer shopping and enormous yachts which fill the harbours of Porto Cervo. A great place for celebrity spotting during the summer months.
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The Historic Centres of Alghero and Bosa.
Overlooking the sea on the western coast of Sardinia, Alghero was originally a fortified port built by the Catalans. Further south is Bosa, along the River Temo, overlooked by the medieval castle of Malaspina.
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The Island of Asinara.
The wild habitat of this uninhabited island at the extreme northwest point of Sardinia is just a few minutes by boat from Stintino. A national park famous for its albino donkeys, its historical past as a leper colony and its recent past as home to a high security prison. It is possible to take a boat trip around the island but you can only set foot on the island with a guide.
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Cagliari and Poetto Beach.
In the old parts of the town around the Marina overlooked by a castle, you can enjoy a mix of Spanish-style piazzas and handicrafts, reflecting the town's Catalan history. From here you can enjoy views of the Angels' Gulf and the white sand of Poetto Beach where you can swim by day and listen to concerts at night.
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The Barumini Nuraghe.
Declared a site of historical interest by UNESCO, you can still see the central defensive tower built from stones and surrounded by the remains of a village which dates back to around 1500 BC.
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A Trip to the Gorroppu Canyon and Tiscali.
Apart from its beaches, Sardinia also has a mountainous landscape, and the Gorroppu Canyon on the Supramonte Plain is formed by gigantic boulders of limestone and high walls of rock. A small distance away are the valleys of Lanaittu and Tiscali, a Nuragic town hidden in a cave.
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Piscinas Dunes and the Costa Verde.
A truly deserted corner in the west of Sardinia, the Piscinas Dunes rise up to 100 metres high, covered with junipers, broom and rushes. It falls within the boundaries of the National Park of Geominario, and has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.
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Cala Golorittzé.
Known for its turquoise sea and white pebble beach, Cala Goloritzé is on the east coast, only reachable by sea or on foot from the Golgo footpath. A popular place with climbers, those making the journey will be rewarded by the sight of series of beautiful rock arches spanning the water.
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Sinis Peninsula.
On the east coast, a little above Oristano, there are white quartz beaches and small lakes interspersed between traditional fishing huts built out of grass reeds. On the promontory of Capo San Marco are the remains of one of the most important Punic-Phoenician towns: Tharros. Gray mullet roe is one of the culinary specialities of the area.
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A Long Lunch to taste the Local Sardinian Cooking.
Spit roasted suckling pig and Percorino cheese are best enjoyed with a glass of 'cannonau' red wine. For dessert try a 'sedaba', pastry filled with cheese and lemon, fried and then covered with honey. On the coast, the main dishes are fish based such as the Alghero Lobster and Carloforte Tuna.
(written by Monia Melis | translated by Samantha Collins)
