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 is a wonderful place to visit without any doubt: the mild temperatures allow you to enjoy the sea for a long time and there are many cultural opportunities that the region offers throughout its territory. The occasion of a visit becomes particularly inviting thanks to Autumn in Barbagia, a rich event organized by the Nuoro Chamber of Commerce and its company Aspen. The event offers a journey between traditions and culture by promoting the region, its excellence and the breathtaking views that distinguish it through the involvement of 23 characteristic villages in 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.

The historic capital of Baronia, the village of Orosei has medieval origins: for a long time dominated by the Pisans, it was an important anchorage port on the Cedrino River. Symbols of its history are the Chiesa delle Anime (Church of the Souls), founded by the confraternities that are the protagonists of the evocative rites of Holy Week, and the country church of Sant'Antonio Abate where bonfires are lit on 16 January each year for the celebrations dedicated to the saint. But the most characteristic event is the feast in honour of Santa Maria del Mare: on the last Sunday in May, a procession carries the statue of the Madonna from the church to the river, where it is ferried and followed by boats decorated with beautiful floral arrangements, while the rest of the procession continues on foot along the riverbank, ready to welcome the statue with a long applause when it touches down at the end of the procession.

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.

La Maddalena National Park, with Mediterranean charm With its 180 km of coastline, the La Maddalena National Park in northern Sardinia boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean Sea. Those who love the idyllic sea cannot fail to put places such as the Pink Beach on the island of Budelli, Cala Corsara and Cala Granara in Spargi, Cala Napoletana and Del Relitto in Caprera on their list of places to visit. In the park of La Maddalena, nature's own architect has really indulged in shapes and colours here: the pink granite rocks and the blue sea make this slice of paradise on the Bocche di Bonifacio truly irresistible. La Maddalena and Caprera There are 62 islands and islets that make up the Maddalena archipelago park. The largest island is the landing point due to the frequent ferry service from Palau, on the nearby Sardinian coast. The historic centre is a delightful maze of narrow streets sloping down to the sea, always lively both during the day and at night. From the port by bus, one can circle the island and stop at its many beaches: Spalmatore is a deep inlet that is well protected when the mistral wind blows; the beaches of Bassa Trinita and Monti d'Arena preserve sand dunes, and walkways have been built to protect them from being trampled on, allowing even the disabled easy access to the sea. The most beautiful sunsets can be enjoyed from Punta Tegge, opposite the island of Spargi. The island of Caprera, connected by a bridge to La Maddalena, is the true enchantment of the Archipelago Park. The dense pine forest that covers it is owed to Giuseppe Garibaldi, who wanted to spend the last years of his life from 1856 to 1882 in one of the most beautiful places on the island. His home and burial place is definitely worth a visit, not just for historical curiosity, but for the pleasant atmosphere that emanates from a place that was certainly much loved: 4 km from the house in Forte Arbuticci is the Garibaldi memorial, which recounts his adventurous life, to say the least. The rest of the island is a succession of bays and beaches, one more beautiful than the other; in one of which you will find the Centro Velico, one of Italy's best-known sailing schools. The islets of the archipelago The island of Budelli is famous for an inlet that faces south-east, known as the Spiaggia Rosa or Pink Beach, because of the colour of its sand. This colouring is due to the skeletal debris of aquatic animals (Miriapora truncata, Miniacina miniacea) that are concentrated here due to a number of factors: the presence of a Posidonia prairie, the shape of the seabed, because there are low-energy currents, and because it is protected from the westerly winds by a thick juniper hedge. Changing just one of these factors, for example with the wave motion of boats that would intensify the energy of the currents, could alter the delicate balance and set off an irreversible degradation process. This is why the Pink beach is not accessible and can only be seen from a distance from walkways set up by the park. Equally beautiful and fragile is Budelli's white Cavaliere beach in the north-eastern part, a natural swimming pool facing the so-called Porto della Madonna, the stretch of water bordered by Budelli and the islands of Razzoli and Santa Maria, one of the most sought-after spots by yachtsmen. Due to sand erosion, the beach has only been open partially since summer 2020. The beaches of Spargi, the largest and greenest of the smaller islands, are also beautiful. Many protected birds nest here thanks to the presence of fresh water: as far as beaches are concerned, with cala Corsara and cala Granara, we are in the top 10.

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 villagge 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.