Sardinia
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 22 November 2023
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A land of sun, sea and history, Sardinia is Italy's second largest island and a region in its own right.
At its northern tip, Sardinia is separated from the French-owned island of Corsica by a 16 kilometre stretch of water known as the Strait of Bonifacio, while at the southern end of the island, the capital city of Cagliari faces the African country of Tunisia. Head west from Sardinia and you'll eventually reach Spain while to the east lies the Italian mainland to which it belongs politically. |
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Sardinian history
Whether history interests you or not, you simply can't ignore it in Sardinia. As you make your way around the island's interior you'll see the landscape peppered with a curious type of stone building. These structures are known as Nuraghe and date back to around 1,500 BC when they formed the centrepiece of village life. By far the most famous example of a Nuraghe is the UNESCO World Heritage listed Su Nuraxi di Barumini which is situated around 60 kilometres north of Cagliari.
History has also left a mark on Sardinia's modern-day culture where a surfeit of languages are spoken across the island, carrying influences of Spanish, Catalan, Italian and Latin among others. Along with the mixture of languages there are a great many regional cuisines to be enjoyed and all manner of traditional festivals that take place throughout the year.
History has also left a mark on Sardinia's modern-day culture where a surfeit of languages are spoken across the island, carrying influences of Spanish, Catalan, Italian and Latin among others. Along with the mixture of languages there are a great many regional cuisines to be enjoyed and all manner of traditional festivals that take place throughout the year.
Sardinia's beaches
Perhaps Sardinia's greatest attraction is its countless collection of beautiful beaches. The colour of the water here is quite extraordinary and offers a breathtaking contrast against the powder-puff white sandy beaches.
To state which is the best beach in Sardinia is almost impossible but some of the very best include La Pelosa Beach at the island's north west tip and Rena Bianca in the town of Santa Teresa Gallura at the north-east corner. However, whether you're in the north, south, east or west of the island, a stunning beach is never far away.
To state which is the best beach in Sardinia is almost impossible but some of the very best include La Pelosa Beach at the island's north west tip and Rena Bianca in the town of Santa Teresa Gallura at the north-east corner. However, whether you're in the north, south, east or west of the island, a stunning beach is never far away.
The islands of Sardinia
Further beaches can be found on Sardinia's numerous islands. The biggest island group is the La Maddalena Archipelago, again at the north-eastern corner of the island and reachable by ferry from the port town of Palau. The main island is called La Maddalena and you can take boat tours to discover the others with highlights including Spargi Island and in particular its Cala Corsara Beach. Just across the water from La Maddalena but reachable by a road bridge is the island of Caprera which became the eventual home of Italian Risorgimento leader Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Northern Sardinia can also boast the incredible island of Asinara; an official national park, it provides a special home to wildlife but in particular to its resident donkeys who greatly outnumber the official human population of one! Asinara can be reached by ferry from the ports of Stintino or from Porto Torres to its south east. If Asinara isn't quirky enough for you, how about the island of Tavolara on the north east coast? Apart from being the shape of a stegosaurus and having some of the clearest water in Sardinia, the island with its population of just 20 or so residents can also boast its own royal family.
At the opposite end of Sardinia in the south west corner are the much larger islands of Sant'Antioco and San Pietro, 4th and 6th largest respectively in the list of Italian islands. Sant'Antioco is the larger of the two islands and can be reached from the Sardinian mainland by a modern road bridge which was once the site of an ancient Roman bridge. The island of San Pietro can be reached by ferry; either from Portovesme on the Sardinian mainland or from the port town of Calasetta on Sant'Antioco. Both islands are renowned for their beaches and natural landscapes while San Pietro can also boast the pretty town of Carloforte.
Northern Sardinia can also boast the incredible island of Asinara; an official national park, it provides a special home to wildlife but in particular to its resident donkeys who greatly outnumber the official human population of one! Asinara can be reached by ferry from the ports of Stintino or from Porto Torres to its south east. If Asinara isn't quirky enough for you, how about the island of Tavolara on the north east coast? Apart from being the shape of a stegosaurus and having some of the clearest water in Sardinia, the island with its population of just 20 or so residents can also boast its own royal family.
At the opposite end of Sardinia in the south west corner are the much larger islands of Sant'Antioco and San Pietro, 4th and 6th largest respectively in the list of Italian islands. Sant'Antioco is the larger of the two islands and can be reached from the Sardinian mainland by a modern road bridge which was once the site of an ancient Roman bridge. The island of San Pietro can be reached by ferry; either from Portovesme on the Sardinian mainland or from the port town of Calasetta on Sant'Antioco. Both islands are renowned for their beaches and natural landscapes while San Pietro can also boast the pretty town of Carloforte.
Around Sardinia's coastline
All of Sardinia's coastline is punctuated by a series of beautiful seaside towns and beach resorts. Apart from those already mentioned above, the city of Alghero is one of the most popular tourist destinations with its character-filled old town, beaches and Catalan culture, while just a short distance south of Alghero lies the smaller town of Bosa with its astonishing display of multi-coloured buildings. North west of Alghero is Sardinia's second largest city, Sassari, while beyond Sassari is another charming coastal town: Castelsardo.
Attracting the rich and famous is the town of Porto Cervo. An area characterised by some of the most stunning scenery in Sardinia, it's the place to be seen if you enjoy your holidays at the luxury end of the scale. Further south is another of the most naturally beautiful coastal areas of Sardinia: the stunning Gulf of Orosei. From the seaside town of Cala Gonone you can take boat trips along the Gulf to visit some of Sardinia's most famous beaches including Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu and Cala Luna.
Attracting the rich and famous is the town of Porto Cervo. An area characterised by some of the most stunning scenery in Sardinia, it's the place to be seen if you enjoy your holidays at the luxury end of the scale. Further south is another of the most naturally beautiful coastal areas of Sardinia: the stunning Gulf of Orosei. From the seaside town of Cala Gonone you can take boat trips along the Gulf to visit some of Sardinia's most famous beaches including Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu and Cala Luna.
The Sardinian hinterland
Apart from the coastal areas there's a whole swathe of interior waiting to be discovered as well. The huge Gennargentu National Park offers opportunities for hiking and activity holidays while hill towns such as Dorgali, Orosei, Aggius, Burgos and Posada all have their own particular charms.
Sardinia's archaeological sites
History buffs will also find plenty to see in Sardinia; along with the fascinating Nuraghe sites of which there are dozens across the island, Nora on the south coast and Tharros on the Sinis Peninsula of the west coast are some of the most intriguing archaeological sites in Italy.
Reaching and getting around in Sardinia
The best way to reach Sardinia is by air and there are three airports on the island at Alghero, Cagliari and the port town of Olbia. If you don't wish to fly then you can sail to and from the Italian mainland with ferry ports including Golfo Aranci and Arbatax. The main towns and cities have train stations but car is the best way to explore the island via its excellent road network.
Regione Autonoma della Sardegna
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Regional capital: Cagliari
Population: 1,587,413 (in 2024 - source) Size: 24,090 km² Provinces: 5 Highlights: Santa Teresa Gallura, Bosa, Asinara, La Maddalena |
Sardinia Gallery
Metropolitan City of Cagliari
Torre delle Stelle, Metropolitan City of Cagliari
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Nuoro Province
Cala Gonone, Nuoro Province
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Oristano Province
Bosa, Oristano Province
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Sassari Province
Santa Teresa Gallura, Sassari Province
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South Sardinia Province
San Pietro Island, South Sardinia Province
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