Sights of the island of Sardinia. Sardinia Island - useful information for tourists Sardinia attractions old churches and monasteries

If foreigners are irresistibly drawn to vacation days, then Italians themselves dream of relaxing on. This island in the Mediterranean Sea is quite far from the shores of its native mainland, and is very different from it not only in weather, but also in cultural characteristics. First of all, Sardinia is a place of extremely comfortable relaxation: maximum bright, but not too scorching sun, impeccably clean sea and a feeling of distance from the bustle of the civilized world.

Sardinia contrasts markedly with others historically. This is explained by the significant distance from the mainland, in contrast to Sicily, which is “pressed” to the toe of the Italian “boot”. Sardinia was ruled by both the Romans and the Spaniards, and there were also periods of independence. Monuments and buildings bear imprints of those distant events. Of course, we should not forget about more ancient centuries, when representatives of a mysterious civilization lived on the island, from which the Sardinians inherited unique archaeological sites - .

It is undoubtedly most convenient to go to discover the most beautiful places in Sardinia by private car. To rent a car in Sardinia, the portal "Italy in Russian" advises you to turn to the services of the popular giant service Rentalcars, multifunctional and simple, which will allow you to choose the most suitable car at home and receive it immediately upon arrival in Italy.

For those who are accustomed to super convenience, we recommend ordering a taxi with a Russian-speaking driver in any city in Sardinia and Italy. You can select and order a taxi through the convenient Kiwitaxi service: You just need to choose where and where you need to get to. At the specified time, in the specified place, your personal driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name.

A resort town on the famous Coral Coast of Sardinia. It was founded by the Spaniards and still retains a strong connection with its indirect homeland, which is expressed primarily in the distinctive local dialect. The appearance of the city says a lot about the past resistance to sea robbers; many bastions today have been restored and turned into historical monuments.

Oristano

Formerly the capital of independent medieval Sardinia. The main city of the Arborean Judicate was located in the interior of the island, in relative safety from pirate raids. Among the architectural monuments one can highlight palaces and churches in the Baroque style.

Santa Teresa di Gallura

Facing the French Corsica, located from Sardinia across the Boniface Strait. The city is a favorite among sailing fans and is known for its varied nightlife.

Costa Smeralda

Legendary coast, favorite place celebrity vacation, where tourism infrastructure began to actively develop in the 70s of the last century. In addition to crowded beaches, there are also protected areas of the coast, which are prohibited by law from stepping on, but can only be admired from the sea or the surrounding hills. In the surrounding area there are several caricatured “typical Mediterranean villages” that have little in common with the real ones and serve solely to entertain wealthy tourists.

Gulf of Orosei

The coast of Orosei, unlike the Costa Smeralda, was not turned into a resort area. This natural paradise features hidden coves, beaches, underwater caves and unspoiled coastal nature. There are many rocky headlands here, and some stone blocks are so hewn by the sea that they seem to float above the water.

Caprera Island

Garibaldi was so in love with this island that he built a house on its shore where he lived last years own life. Today there is a museum here, which is one of Caprera's two main attractions (the other is a bird sanctuary). The island is also interesting for the unusual pinkish sand that covers its secluded beaches.

Valley of the Moon (Valle della Luna)

High in the Sardinian mountains in front of the city of Aggius lies a green valley. These free-flowing pastures are surrounded by granite rocks, which erosion has given amazing shapes that take on fantastic meanings in the human imagination. For this, the valley received its “cosmic” name.

Valley of Nuraghi (Valle dei Nuraghi)

Here, scattered across the flat terrain are several unique Sardinian stone towers, whose age is close to 5,000 years. Particularly interesting is the Santo Antin Nuraghe, which is one of the most complex structures, consisting of three floors. Neighboring the Nuragham are even more ancient tombs carved directly into the rock - their age exceeds 8,000 thousand years.

Tiscali

In ancient times, the inaccessible Mount Tiscali served as home to a tribe of primitive people. Judging by the results of the excavations, their settlement was located here in the Stone Age, which was not easy to find even then. The heyday of the Nuragic village is believed to have occurred in the 6th century BC. Archaeologists reached Tiscali at the end of the 19th century, and after them came hunters for ancient souvenirs, who caused significant damage to the historical heritage. Today, any tourist can get to the ancient village: the ascent to Tiscali, the excursion and the descent back take the whole day.

Nora

This unique area 30 kilometers west of the capital of Sardinia contains traces of almost all Mediterranean civilizations. According to archaeological data, Phoenician traders, Carthaginian warriors, Roman legionnaires and early Christian martyrs visited here at various times. The Phoenicians founded a city here, the Carthaginians conquered it, and Roman legionaries finally forced the inhabitants into the wild mountainous region known today as Barbagia (Land of the Barbarians).

Today, the remains of the once powerful city represent an almost continuous monument to the history of the island. A walk with a guide will help you keep track of everything, who will not only suggest an acceptable route, but also tell you many mysterious legends associated with local attractions.

Cagliari Fortress (Il Castello)

The white stone walls of the medieval fortress rise above the historical center of the city. Two have survived big towers, erected during the Pisan Republic. The Sardis themselves call the fortifications "Su Casteddu", meaning not only them, but also the old buildings located inside the walls.

Part of the city fortress is the Bastione di San Remy. First of all, the bastion is a historically valuable object, an example of medieval defensive architecture. The terrace of the fortress serves as a viewing platform from which a panorama of the entire city opens. Since the middle of the last century, a weekly market has been held on the territory of the bastion.

Until recently, the Cagliari fortress was in a deplorable state, but in recent years its restoration has been included in the list of priority tasks of the administration, as well as the city’s initiative groups.

Crypt of Holy Restituta

Not far from the Church of Sant'Efisio, famous for its big annual festival, there is a pre-Christian crypt in natural caves. This place, which is never quiet due to the sound of water dripping from the vaults, served as an object of worship back in pagan times. In the 5th century, one of the first Christian women of Cagliari, the martyr of Restituta, hid in the caves. After this, the rocky premises were somewhat ennobled, and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of the saint appeared on the walls. During the Second World War, the dungeons began to be used as bomb shelters, and military inscriptions appeared on the walls, which also became a local landmark.

Entrance to the crypt is free, but only allowed during daylight hours.

National Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale)

The Archaeological Museum of Cagliari presents almost all the major island finds. It contains exhibits from prehistoric times to the end of the Roman era. The pearl of the exhibition is the bronzetti collection. In the absence of written evidence, these small metal figurines remain the most important source of information about the culture of the mysterious Sardinian civilization.

Mount Ortobene

Seven kilometers northeast of Ortobene rises the granite peak, topped with a massive statue of the ascending Christ. The figure rose above the mountain in 1901, one of 19 statues across Italy called for by Pope Leo XIII, symbolizing one of the 19 centuries of Christianity. The famous Sardinian writer Grazia Deledda took a big part in organizing this event.

It is believed that Christ on Mount Ortobene is able to heal believers and perform miracles. Pilgrims from all over the island flock to the feet of the figure, and on August 29 a great celebration is held when parishioners of the nearest church dress in bright clothes and celebrate Mass on the top of the mountain. The rest of the time, Ortobene Peak is a popular picnic spot.

Museum of Art in Nuoro (Museo d'Arte)

The Museum of Art (its name is abbreviated as MAN) is the only large art gallery in Sardinia. His permanent exhibition includes many examples of local 20th century art. Represented are such eminent artists as Antonio Ballero, Giovanni Chiusa-Romagna, Mario Delitalia, Mauro Manca, as well as sculptors Francesco Chiusa and Costantino Nivola. In addition, the museum regularly hosts temporary and traveling exhibitions, and in the adjacent Portico Gallery you can buy paintings by contemporary Sardinian painters.

The Art Museum is open every day except Monday. On Sunday, visitors are accepted until lunchtime. The entrance ticket for an adult is 3 euros, for a child - 2 euros.

Piazza Satta in Nuoro

This square is named after the great poet Sebastiano Satta, who was born in one of the nearby houses. In the middle of the last century, sculptor Costantino Nivola turned a small area into a real work of art. On the paved space, he installed several large vertically oriented stones, reminiscent of ancient menhirs. Each of the boulders has a small niche in which bronze figurines depicting characters from Satta's poems are installed. Those who are at least a little familiar with the history of Sardinia will immediately notice the sculptor’s clear message to the Nuragic “bronzetti”.

Museum of the Sassari Brigade (Museo della Brigata Sassari)

Sardinia honors its military heritage, and is especially famous for the bravery of the Sassari Brigade during the First World War. In honor of the feat of the militia, who, in the most difficult conditions for themselves, managed to become a horror for the Austrians, who called the Sardis only “red devils,” a historical museum was opened in one of the city barracks. It contains photographs, documents, uniforms, weapons and other memorable evidence of rare courage. Part of the exhibition is occupied by models of trenches on the northern border of Italy, where soldiers of the Brigade fought at the beginning of the last century.

Neptune's Grotto (Grotta di Nettuno)

A dizzying staircase of 654 steps descends from a 110-meter sheer cliff and leads to a fabulous world of stalactites and stalagmites. There is a bus from Alghero to the top of the stairs every morning, with two additional trips from June to September. Those who are afraid of heights are offered an alternative - a ferry departing from the city four times a day, and summer season making flights hourly. Access to the grotto is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; entry costs 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for children.

Diocesan Museum of Church Art (Museo Diocesano D'arte Sacra)

The cathedral-museum is located in a large building of the former oratory. Silverware, sculptures, paintings and wood carvings are on display here. Particularly notable is the tiny skull, which is said to belong to one of the infants killed by King Herod.

It is unlikely that it will be possible to describe all the delights of Sardinia, but this is not required - each guest of the island discovers it from a special side. Some will like the 6-kilometer Poetto beach in the very center of Cagliari, which does not calm down for a minute; another will travel all the roads to explore the mysterious nuraghes, and the third will devote more than one day to immersing himself in the religious world of cathedrals and tiny churches. Here you can take a sightseeing train and visit villages where the old inhabitants speak exclusively in the local Sardu language.

Most of all, of course, tourists are attracted natural beauty Sardinia, and especially its coast. It is surprisingly safe, and those marine inhabitants that can inspire even the slightest horror can only be seen in large public aquariums, where piranhas, sharks, and large reptiles are represented. But numerous waterfowl, including beautiful pink flamingos, can be seen in the natural environment.

Sardinia (Sardegna) is an island that amazes tourists with many natural contrasts, and boasts ancient traditions and pure, wild nature. This remote piece of Italy attracts with its natural beauty - rocky shores, beautiful rivers and lakes, deep bays and capes.

The most populous provinces of the island are Cagliari and Sassari.

• The most common language is Sardinian dialect.

The locals are very friendly and polite, very loving and respectful of their island and its traditions. This is well reflected in the local festivals and holidays, as well as the cuisine and delicious typical products. Although this can also be said about residents of other regions of Italy.

Sights of the island of Sardinia

The island of Sardinia has many attractions that are worth visiting.

• Cagliari- in addition to the cleanest beaches, this city is also famous for the fact that it is home to an archaeological site included in the UNESCO World Heritage List - Barumini Nuraghe. It is also home to the national Archaeological Museum- which contains exhibits reflecting the life of ancient Sardinia.

• Alghero- can boast beautiful beaches, which are located just 5 kilometers from the historical city center. Near Alghero, there are places very visited by tourists - the archaeological site of Nuraghe Palmavera dating back to 1500 BC. e. Also, everyone can take a mini cruise to the most beautiful cape Capo Caccia and see Neptune's cave. In this place to be tallest lighthouse in Italy. The cost of such a mini cruise will cost approximately 45 €.
• Don't miss the village of Castelsardo with its medieval castle of Doria.

• A very beautiful place is small Capo Testa island, which is connected by a narrow isthmus to the mainland.
• The ethnographic museum, famous throughout Italy, is located in Nuoro.
• Another popular attraction in Sardinia can be called Gorropu Gorge(Gola di Gorropu), it is located in the province of Ogliastra and is one of the deepest in Italy, and in Europe too.

Airports in Sardinia

Sardinia has three international airports:

• Alghero - Fertilia(located 10 kilometers from Alghero).
• Olbia - Costa Smeralda (located 3 kilometers from the center of Olbia, the second busiest airport in Sardinia).
• Cagliari - Elmas (located about 6 kilometers from Cagliari, it can be reached by bus that leaves from railway station). The price of a taxi to the city center is approximately 40 €.

From all airports you can get to any Big City Italy or Europe. Although connections between airports within the island are limited.

Find a cheap air ticket

Beaches and resorts of Sardinia

The beaches in Sardinia are very clean, this applies to both wild secluded bays and busy city beaches.

• Costa Smeralda - this stunning resort is located in the northeastern part of Sardinia. He is famous place holidays among movie stars and very rich people from all over the world. The Costa Smeralda is also popular with sailing enthusiasts.
• Porto Cervo - one of the best resorts in Sardinia, famous for its crystal clear waters and ideal for diving.

• Gennargentu suitable for lovers of mountain landscapes. In winter, snow and ski lovers flock here.
• Stintino is a very beautiful town that offers endless opportunities for a leisurely holiday: diving, horseback riding, cycling, walking around the city.

• - is ideal place not only for sailing but also for horse riding and mountain biking, it includes 7 islands.
• Very popular resort Sardinia is town Chia , famous for its white sandy beaches.

Hotels in Sardinia

Without a doubt unforgettable vacation in Sardinia depends on choosing the right place to live, so start your search or compare hotel prices in advance using the most popular service Booking.com, or use their search form, which is located on our website :

Transport in Sardinia

Sardinia is the only region of Italy that does not have toll highways. But that's it roads are in excellent condition, with clear markings and signs. One disadvantage is that in some places they are very narrow, it is especially scary to drive in the mountains sharp turns. The speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h, on the highway 130 km/h.

For those who do not want to rent a car, the best option to explore the island is buses and trains. But it’s worth considering that in sparsely populated towns there are no train stations at all, and buses can only arrive once a day. And you can get to very remote villages. Therefore, you should think about renting a car when traveling to Sardinia - because you will have the opportunity to see many more remote and charming places.

Demand for rental cars typically increases in July and August, so it's best to book in advance. Today you can online, and in our experience, the best sites for booking a car are:

• Many gas stations Only locals accepted credit cards or just cash.

And yet, if you decide to use the services public transport(by bus), then tickets can be purchased at the ticket office of the railway station, at Western Union points or in the bars closest to the stops. If for some reason you did not have time to buy a ticket, you can purchase it directly from the driver. Also, flight schedules may be limited on Sunday.

• Railways in Sardinia are served by operators such as Trenitalia and ARST Gestione FDS.

Culinary traditions of the island of Sardinia

Sardinian sausages and cheeses are considered some of the best in Italy. Especially appreciated Pecorino Sardo cheese, made from the milk of local sheep.

Although the local cheeses are very tasty and prized in Italy, there are also some not so ordinary ones. One of them, its peculiarity is that it contains live insect larvae (cheese flies). Many of our fellow citizens have no idea what it is, because you won’t find this in our kitchen, so I suggest watching a short video about Casu Marzu cheese:

One of traditional dishes Sardinia can be called Porceddu - it is roasted pig on a spit. Moreover, its weight should not exceed 5 kilograms.

Of course, seafood also plays an important role in Sardinian cuisine, especially dishes from shellfish, tuna, mullet, lobsters and squid.

The traditional pasta of Sardinia can be called malloreddus, while different sauces can be used here, but the pasta itself remains unchanged.

Another dish that any good housewife of the island knows how to cook is culurgiones. The cooking technology is somewhat reminiscent of our dumplings, but the filling uses potatoes, pecorino cheese, fresh mint and garlic.

A popular service in Sardinia is yacht and boat rental. Renting a boat will cost approximately 70-90 € (one day). Yachts are a little more expensive and can most likely be rented for at least a week.

Also don't miss the opportunity to take a boat cruise around Maddalena archipelago, an excursion with food tasting, as well as visit a real Italian family and receive a master class on cooking lunch - detailed information See all excursions in Sardinia.

Porto Pollo is a great place for lovers of water skiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

The island of Sardinia is also a great place for sailing and diving. .

Souvenirs

Sardinia is famous for its artisan shops and local delicacies, so it won’t be particularly difficult to know what to bring from the island. Different areas are famous for their artisan traditions. Baskets weaved by local women are very common. Ceramics are an integral part of the history of Sardinia, with very popular blue painted ceramics on a white background. They can be found in almost any souvenir shop on the island. .

Finally, a video about holidays in Sardinia (not very short, but very beautiful):

Sardinia (Sardinia / Sardigna) - big Island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, located between the Balearic Islands and on the Italian peninsula in the south of Corsica. It is an autonomous region that currently belongs to Italy.

A list containing all the famous cities on the island of Sardinia:

• Cagliari
• Sassari
• Alghero - medieval city
• La Maddalena
• Nuoro
• Olbia
• Oristano
• Porto Torres

A list that includes well-known areas on the island of Sardinia:

• Wild areas of Barbagie and Ogliastra
• Budoni is the most beautiful area in the Mediterranean.
• San Teodoro is one of the most important seaside resorts on the island.
• Isola dei Gabbiani is a paradise for windsurfers and kiters.
• Punic and Roman archaeological sites of Nora and Tharros
• Stagno in Cabras.
• Costa Smeralda - Glamorous beaches.
• Costa Verde (Marina di Arbus) - unpolluted beaches and wildlife.
• Bosa is a small but beautiful medieval town.
• Stintino is a small fishing village on the northwestern edge of Sardinia, which boasts one of best beaches throughout Sardinia - La Pelosa.

On a note

Sardinia, with its typical Mediterranean beauty, will appeal to all lovers of beach and active holidays: boating, windsurfing, hiking, mountaineering, camping, especially in the hot month of August. The interior of the island is away from tourist places and takes longer to research. After all ancient civilization Nuragic Sardinia around 1500 BC, whose stone monuments still dot the ground.

How to get there

Do you want to know. how to get to Sardinia? For this you can use budget airlines and it will be cheaper: Ryanair, Easyjet, Airberlin, Germanwings and Meridianafly. You can view prices for air tickets.

By plane

Airports near Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero:

1. Cagliari-Elmas Airport (Mario Mameli Airport) is located in Elmas, about 6 km west of the city center of Cagliari. It is located on SS130 and is easily accessible by bus from the train station: runs every 30 minutes, arriving within 10 minutes. The airport is located in Sardinia, one of the 13 most crowded airports in Italy and the 97th most crowded in Europe. Cagliari offers directly domestic and international flights from Western Europe; well connected to Milan Linate Airport and Rome Fiumicino. Other airports can serve as intermediate stops in Cagliari.
2. Olbia Airport is the second busiest airport in Sardinia and 17th in Italy; it is the gateway to Costa Smeralda and the main center of Meridiana Fly. It is located 3 km southwest of the center of Olbia and is easily accessible by bus (ASPO, every 30 minutes). The airport has slightly fewer routes than Cagliari, but is nevertheless connected to France, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands.
3. Fertilia Airport - international Airport is the third busiest in Sardinia and the 20th busiest in Italy. It is located in Fertilla, 10.5 km northwest of Alghero. There are buses (Sardinian railways from Alghero (every hour, 20 minutes travel time) and Sassari (every 9 days, 30 minutes travel time). Fertilya operates domestic flights, but is also connected to London and Frankfurt.

By ferry

There are many ferries to Cagliari ( South coast), Porto Torres (North Coast), and Olbia, Golfo Aranci and Arbatax (East Coast).

Consider also the state ferry service of Tirrenia ( all year round). Private companies also serve Mobi lines, Sardinia Ferries, Grimaldi, SNAV.

Daily ferries depart to Northern Sardinia from Corsica (you can take day trip in Bonifacio, Corsica) from Santa Teresa di Gallura.

Ferry services also operate from Barcelona, ​​Porto Torres via Grimaldi Lines. They typically depart twice daily during the summer and will cost you €55 for a one-way ticket.

Ferries also operate from Trapani to the port of Cagliari, Sardinia.

Clue:

Sardinia - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Climate

Sardinia has a mostly Mediterranean climate. This is due to the close proximity to the Gulf of Genoa (barometric) and the low relative proximity Atlantic Ocean. Sardinia, being relatively large and hilly, has uneven weather in different areas; The East in particular is drier, but paradoxically suffers from rainfall: in the autumn of 2009, it rained more than 200 mm (8 in) in one day in Sinishol. The west coast is rainy even for modest altitudes (eg Iglesias, 200m high, average annual rainfall 815mm vs 750mm for London).

• Summers are dry with very warm weather. However, unlike the islands of Greece, for example, it is quite windy at this time of year.
• Autumn can be mild until mid-November, subject to heavy showers as noted above.
• Winters are usually mild on the plains but very cold in the higher elevations.
• Spring is mild and rainy, but not like autumn. The island is very windy, especially from September to April (northwest winds are locally called Mistral); to the southeast, winds (Schirocco) are frequent during the summer and bring consistently hot weather.

Tours to Sardinia can be viewed on search engine sites or, say,.

Sardinia - weather by month

Clue:

Sardinia - weather by month

Main attractions. What to see

Beaches. Which ones are better

The northern and northeastern part boasts many beautiful beaches. Below is a list of the most popular beaches on the island of Sardinia:

The east coast is also very interesting for tourists: Muraviera and Villasimius, for example.

It is quickly growing and becoming a major tourist attraction.

The West Coast is quite diverse; you can find huge beaches (Porto Pino, Marina di Gonnesa, Marina di Arbus). Of note is Piscinas (Marina di Arbus) with its 60 m height sand dunes. Finally, the Alghero area is famous for its underwater caves and grottoes and attracts many divers.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Monuments and sites

There are several in Sardinia famous monuments, but many will cost you a pretty penny to visit. Visit in particular Cagliari (Sarda. Castaddu Castle), Oristano, Sassari, Alghero, Olbia and Nuoro. Nuraghi and Domus de Janas (Sardes. Houses for witches) are found in many places, in particular in Barumini (Su Nuraxi on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997) and around Alghero. Tharros, Nora, and Monte Ciray (near Carbonya) are excellent examples of the Phoenician/Carthaginian period. Roman ruins are also found in Sardinia, among which are the Nora, the Sant'Antioco bridge or the amphitheater in Cagliari; the Antas site in Fluminimaggiore is also of interest, even if instead of a temple it is actually a reconstruction.

Pisa left important traces in the south (Cagliari, Iglesias) and the well-preserved Castello di Acquafredda (German: Cold Water Castle). Bosa is of interest with its medieval urbanism; Burgos (Goceano Castle) is also worth a visit for historical exploration. The island has several small churches from early Christian times to the Baroque era, in the above towns, but also in Porto Torres and Iglesias (Spanish for church).

Examples of industrial architecture can also be found around the city of Cagliari, in Porto Torres, and in the area of ​​Sulcis Iglesiente, where bookings can be made organized tours to visit a mine, for example from the Buggeroo Mine with galleries above sea level. Finally, there are several museums dedicated to Sardinia. The Museum of Anthropology of Sardo di ethnography and the National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari and the Ethnographic Museum of Surdo Nuoro are important starting places.

Food. What to try

On the island of Sardinia, food is very dependent on traditions and customs national cuisine. You will not be served pizza in restaurants until 7 pm, and be aware that you will not receive anything or be able to eat properly in restaurants between 4 pm and 7 pm, except for the Panini - a cold ham and cheese sandwich. An exception may be some tourist-oriented restaurants.

• Try Culurjones. They are similar to ravioli (made from typical Ogliastra pasta) filled with potatoes, pecorino cheese (sheep's cheese, see below), egg, onion, mint and garlic - available in many restaurants in Sardinia.
• Malloreddus is a type of dumpling served al dente (to the tooth) with tomatoes, meat or cheese sauce. There are many pizzerias that serve fresh, stone-baked authentic pizzas as well as pasta dishes.
• Porkeddu National dish in Sardinia, it is a specially wood-roasted suckling pig with an aromatic local shrub called Mirto.
• Sausages of many types, such as Salsiccia di cinghiale (boar sausage).
• Stufato di capretto is a casserole made from goat meat, artichokes, wine, eggs.
• Try Mediterranean fish (Blue fish). Check it out at the fish market in any small coastal town and buy it early in the morning, cook it and eat it: it's a fantastic barbecue. Bottarga (dried tuna roe in Carloforte or flat mullet in other places) is quite expensive, but incredibly tasty..
• Many locally produced vegetables and fruits are very tasty and are grown on small farms. Suppliers along the roads are a very common occurrence. In addition to the usual assortment of typical Mediterranean products (such as eggplants, bell peppers, oranges, grapes, etc.), you will also find wild asparagus, figs, watermelons, nuts and hazelnuts, chestnuts, walnuts, almonds). Spices (such as thyme, rosemary, fennel) can be found in abundance.
• Pecorino cheese is found everywhere in all degrees of maturity from fresh to mature (the latter with a strong specific taste, Sarda is a rotten cheese). The sale of KASU MARTZ is prohibited, but its production is completely legal and it can be found using local residents. As always, precautions must be taken for this type of product; highly recommended to eat it from trusted locals. Goat cheese can also be found everywhere.
• Seada (pl. Seadas or Sebadas), a typical Barbagie, is a dessert similar to ravioli, only filled with fresh cheese and a lemon rind that melts when cooked. Served fried with honey.
• There are numerous types of Sardinian bread and pastries, with varieties such as Carasau (a type of thin crusty bread), biscuits and macaroons. Sardinian dough is distinguished by the use of lard instead of shortening and honey instead of sugar.
• Nougat (Sardinian version of nougat), with honey instead of sugar, and almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts (all locally produced); nougat is produced in the capital of Sardinia, Tonara (province of Nuoro): it is worth paying attention to.

Beverages

Holidays

Folklore

On the island of Sardinia, entertainment is facilitated by strong national traditions which are expressed through celebrations and local dress. Quite often, even in small centers, local festivals are held where people dress in rich traditional costumes. However, it is easier than coming to large venues, since there is a significant influx of people from all over Sardinia. Not full list includes: Sant'Efisio (Cagliari, May 1st, actually lasts several days), Sagra del Redentore (Nuoro, last Sunday of August), Cavalcata Sarda (Sassari, penultimate Sunday of May), Faradda Di Li candareri (Sassari , August 14), Sat Sartiglia (Oristano, carnival period, horse racing), and celebrations during Carnival and Holy Week.

Safety. What to watch out for

A few basic precautions are enough to keep you out of trouble, especially in summer and autumn.

On the island of Sardinia, security is quite deceptive - since the island is sparsely populated, help is not always easy to find, and there are even areas where the mobile network does not work (for example, in the lower parts of river valleys). The terrain, despite the lack of high altitudes, is generally steep. This, combined with the heat and lack of water, can quickly lead to disaster. Carefully!

Summers are generally hot and the sun is strong enough to take the usual precautions to avoid heat stroke and sunburn. Always take plenty of water with you (especially when you go hiking), even if you plan to short trip, ; Bring fresh, juicy fruits (such as peaches) with you. Tap water is generally safe, but can be purchased mineral water in bottles.

Sardinia differs from Sicily and mainland Italy in not being prone to earthquakes.

Autumn is nice here, but the idyll can be disrupted by heavy downpours in the hilly areas, creating the possibility of mud slides. Always check the weather forecast before planning a trip, even on own car. Winter and spring are generally safer, with pleasantly warm weather (especially during the day) and plenty of water; but remember that higher elevations have colder weather and more rainfall. Many places in Sardinia (especially the western part) are very windy from September to April, all drivers, and in particular tourists, should take special care.

Some are open sea ​​beaches are famous for their strong underwater currents (in particular, on west coast); be careful, there are not always warning signs. Check with your hotel or local residents. The Mediterranean Sea is not a lily pond; every year several people die due to strong waves. Keep an eye on the weather.

Be careful when you go hiking in the old areas of Sardinia (Sulcis Iglesiente, Sarrabus, Nurra). Local authorities have closed many hazardous areas, but some still remain. Do not venture into restricted areas (look for the words Pericolo [Danger] or normal warning signs). If you want to explore the mines, go to local tourist information agencies; they will arrange a group tour for you. There you can meet people (mostly former miners) who organize their own tours: avoid them as they are illegal and it is extremely unsafe because there is a risk of cave-ins, water infiltration, etc.

Local fauna and flora can be dangerous or a source of nuisance. Three examples:

• Ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) carry infectious diseases and are endemic to certain areas: avoid tall grasses or close, prolonged contact with domestic animals (particularly sheep).
• Deadly mushrooms (including toadstool).
• Barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis, Sphyraena Sphyraena) is abundant in Sardinia.

Precautionary measures

1. According to a survey conducted in 2013 by Confesercenti (Italian trade, tourism and services association), Sardinia ranks first in terms of tourist safety in Italy.
2. Sardinia has a very low crime rate. But kidnappings, the victims of which are rich (and sometimes not so rich) people, have not yet completely disappeared.
3. Please remember that some urban areas (in particular the Sant'Elia area near the football stadium and the areas of San Michele and Cagliari) are unsafe.
4. Be careful - do not go to the desert during the period September-February (check with your hotel for the exact time). There are protected areas (this is the Oasis di Protezione della fauna).
5. From May to September, fires occur in Sardinia, as in the rest of the country. Mediterranean Sea. Some fires are spontaneous, but most are due to careless behavior (fires accidentally ignited). Observe normal safety precautions. Lighting fires in forests is generally prohibited.
6. It is worth considering that Sardinia is an autonomous region and Italian laws are replaced by local regulations.

Things to do

Don't know what to do in Sardinia? There's plenty to go and find and do, but the island is likely to appeal more to nature lovers than to so-called "clubbers" nightlife(with the exception of the Costa Smeralda region, one of the “hot spots” of the Italian show business Jet Set).

Sea

Sailing has become increasingly popular in the last thirty years, particularly in the area. The first Italian Challenge Cup in America came from there. There are many ports and some places can only be reached by boat. Don't miss this opportunity if you like swimming.

Islands

There aren't many islands yet that might pique your interest. But be sure to visit National Park Asinara (famous for its albino donkeys) and the Maddalena archipelago in the north of the island of San Pietro (a Genoese fishing community) and Sant (actually annexed to the main land since Roman times) in the south.

Hills and mountains

While the most high point Sardinia does not reach even 2000 m (6500 ft), do not be disappointed: the slopes there are steep, there is snow in winter and there are four ski resort in the Gennargentu area. There are hills everywhere in Sardinia, from the North-East ridge of Monte Limbara in the Iglesiente region in the southwest, even on the outskirts of the city of Cagliari.

The advantage is that people (including in Sardinia) tend to fill the beaches, leaving the rest almost deserted. Popular place for climbers is the Domusnovas area (near Iglesias), with its beautiful vertical limestone walls. Large caves are accessible (Dorgali, Oliena, Santadi Domusnovas, Fluminimaggiore, Alghero). There are many hiking trails(albeit not always well marked) for both beginners and professionals.

Horseback riding

Sardinia has a long tradition of horse riding. The Sardinian Anglo-Arab horse is a breed that was created in Sardinia. Currently there are several farms and B&Bs offering horse riding or walking tours on horseback. The drive through the forest along the beaches is a very popular attraction for tourists.

Castelsardo is a wonderful tourist town of Sardinia in the province of Sassari, with a rich and interesting story. Castelsardo, then Castelgenovese, was founded around 1102 by the Genoese Doria family. More precisely, the castle of Castelgenovese was founded, which played a very important role during the constant wars between the Genoese and Pisans. The castle offers stunning views of everything north coast Sardinia, the Gulf of Asinara and even Corsica. Travel business is now the main business of almost all the inhabitants of Castelsardo. The city is very pleasant and picturesque with its winding streets. The castle now houses a museum and a beautiful Observation deck to the city. And very close to this town is one of the symbols of Sardinia – the elephant rock or elephant rock (Elephant’s rock). This bizarre piece of erosion is located right next to the road. Externally, the rock-stone really surprisingly resembles the figure of an elephant. It is worth coming closer to see that the whole body of this natural monument the inside is disfigured by through passages and cameras. These are the so-called fairy houses - the ancient burial grounds of the Sardinians.

Nuraghi of Sardinia

Throughout Sardinia there are numerous stone towers that have no analogues in any known culture. Nuraghes of the disappeared civilization in Sardinia are megalithic towers, folded in the shape of a cone, with a flat top. Their height could reach 20 m.

Nuraghes were built from large stone blocks, which were laid on top of each other, circle by circle, and no fastening mortars were used. This entire structure, weighing several tons, was held together only by its own weight. The internal layout of the nuraghi is uniform: the upper part was a kind of terrace with a parapet, where you had to climb a spiral staircase. There were narrow windows punched through the thick walls that barely let in any light. At the top, at a height of 6 meters, there was an emergency exit, which, apparently, could be used using rope ladders or drawbridges. The construction included a main tower, an underground well, stones with solar signs and altars for sacrifices.

There were entire nuralogical “towns”, when others, of very different heights, grew up around the central tower, connected by a rampart, and between them were crowded “pinnetts” - round stone houses, the distances between which were sometimes less than a meter. Nuraghi could serve observation towers, towers for monitoring the sea, temporary housing for traders entering the port. Those towers that were built in community centers could be temples or houses of rulers. They could also be used for military purposes, and then turned into a ritual center.

The most important archaeological complex of Sardinia of the Nuragic period “Su Nuraxi” is a huge bastion rising among the ruins of stone houses built at different times. An interesting museum tells about the evolution of the settlement from the mid-Bronze Age to the 10th century AD. e. Scientists have come to the conclusion that such buildings, oddly enough, are the prototype of a medieval feudal castle

What attractions of Sardinia did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Su Marmori Cave

Numerous grottoes and caves are a natural attraction of Sardinia. And the largest of the local caves is called Su Marmori. A visit to this cave, along with some others, is a must. excursion program in Sardinia.

Su Marmori is remarkable not only for its size, deep grottoes, high and spacious “halls,” but also for its colorful stalactites and stalagmites. Almost no sunlight penetrates into the cave, and in the dark these majestic natural creations look especially impressive.

The name Capo d'Orso translates as "Bear Rock" and is located not far from the same name settlement. From the top of this massif, rich in bizarre rocks, a wonderful view of the sea opens up, and good weather Even French Corsica is visible.

Castello district in Cagliari

One of the four districts that make up historical Center the city of Cagliari (Sardinia), formed during the period of dominance of the Pisans in the 13th century. The area takes its name from the Castello hill on which it was founded and is now located. Today this quarter is called the symbol of Cagliari.

Like the rest of the historical quarters of the city, it is replete with attractions: churches, noble palaces and archaeological finds. Of these, the most interesting from a historical point of view are Cathedral Santa Maria and Bastion of San Remy.

Bastion of Saint Remy in Sardinia

A powerful structure that was once part of the chain of defensive structures surrounding the city of Cagliari (Sardinia). It was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the old city wall to unite the districts of Castello, Villanova and Marina. During the Second World War it was seriously damaged - a bomb hit the building and destroyed it triumphal arch and stairs. However, after some time the bastion was restored to in its original form and today it is one of the most visited tourist sites in Sardinia.

Experienced tourists advise you to definitely climb the bastion. Opens from above beautiful panorama for the whole city.

Resort Porto Cervo

The resort of Porto Cervo is located in the north-east of Sardinia on the historical site known as Gallura, and is considered a part of the Olbia-Tempio region. This resort occupies the main space on the Costa Smeralda and is considered one of the most notable tourist resorts, popular among the rich and famous.

Sardinia often called a small paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean. Coast of Sardinia and its snow-white beaches have become a symbol of the island, although it hides many corners and countless surprises that deserve attention. "" is a useful reminder of the sights that are worth seeing during holiday on the island.

1) Nurag Barumini

2) La Maddalena Archipelago

3) Kii Beach

The clearest waters washing 6 km of the coast of Kiya have glorified this town, the symbol of which is the tower of the same name. The view opens up from everyone local beaches. Near Chia there is the archaeological zone of Nora - this city, founded by the Punians, is considered the most ancient settlement in Sardinia. The Chii area extends to Cape Spartivento, the second southernmost point of the island, where the picturesque Faro di Capo Spartivento, which is still in use, is located, converted into a prestigious hotel.
Where to sleep? Chia Laguna, Hotel Aquadulci, Faro Capo Spartivento

4) Su-Gorroppu Gorge

The deepest canyon of the island and one of the deepest in Europe. Su Gorroppu is located in the Ogliastra region, in the southeast of Sardinia. It is recommended not just to see this place, but to explore it: here you will meet the most wildlife islands and walk along the road of centenarians. It is said that in Ogliastra there is a magical land: those who are lucky enough to walk through it will live a long time. Nobody knows where exactly it is, but who knows, maybe you will be lucky?
Where to sleep? Hotel Nascar, Lanthia Resort ( Santa Maria Navarrese)

5) Alghero and Bosa

Captivating and unique cities, Alghero And Bosa are definitely worth a visit. They are located on the northwestern coast of Sardinia, at a distance of about 50 km from each other. Alghero still retains traces of its Catalan past. The historical center and stunning beaches are especially striking here. The smaller Bosa is as charming and romantic as any river town. It represents a storehouse of traditions that have not lost their weight to this day. In our selection of hotels in Alghero and Bosa you will find the hotel that best suits your needs and wishes.
Where to sleep? Villa Mosca Charming House (Alghero), Corte Fiorita (Bosa)

6) Grottoes of Neptune

7) Wall painting "murales" in Orgosolo and the Mamoiada Museum

Mamoiada and Orgosolo are traditional Sardinian towns located in the very center of the island, in the Barbagia region (province of Nuoro). Orgosolo became famous for his wall paintings - Murales (there are about 150 of them), while Mamoiada became famous for his carnival masks. You can see them (like many other masks) in the city Museum of Mediterranean Masks.
Where to sleep?