guides Sardinia 1 Multiple faces of the same preservation of the uniqueness of its language and traditions that have remained intact over the island, different aspects centuries. of a single country. Sardinia Sardinia is like a play, offering a new scenario Geography. every time the curtain rises: ancient traditions and craftsmanship, wild and unspoiled nature, The largest footprint in the “Life in Sardinia is probably the best a man indescribable landscapes and beaches. However, Mediterranean. there is a common thread that leads you through this series of shapes and colours: the personality Sardinia is an island located in the middle of can hope for: twenty-four thousand miles of of an ancient land and its people. the Mediterranean Sea; 20 090 km2 make it the second largest in size. The island’s diamond shape and resemblance with a large footprint inspired forests, countryside and coastlines, the Greeks to call it ‘Hyknusa’ or ‘Ichnussa’ surrounded by a miraculous sea, are what (Ιχνουσσα). The Romans renamed it ‘Sardinae’, hence the present name, in reference to the legendary I would recommend God Sardus, son of Hercules, who is said to have led a group of Lebanese onto the island. give us as Paradise.” The island’s 64 000 acres of forest plunge into a good 1 850 km of coastline, making Sardinia the region with the largest coastal development in Italy. Sardinia has no high mountains due to the (Fabrizio De André) erosion caused by wind and rain. It is mainly hilly and characterized by plateaus as well as groups of smaller hills. The highest massif is the Supramonte del Gennargentu, whose peak is Punta La Marmora (1 In fact, Sardinia stands for traditions that are 834 m). The longest river in Sardinia is the Tirso, strongly rooted in its people. Active defence which joins into the Gulf of Oristano, meanwhile of the territory against external invasions and the only navigable river is river Temo, that runs ancient, continuous fighting against the people through the romantic town of Bosa. who tried to conquer the island have – over the centuries – contributed to the hardness of the people’s personality. The main attractions of the island are undoubtedly its beautiful beaches and the crystal clear sea, known to be one of the cleanest in the Mediterranean. However, the numerous historical sites, such as the archaeological sites of the early prehistoric times and the nuragic villages, should not be ignored, as they represent the importance of the geographical and strategic position of Sardinia in the Mediterranean. Many consider Sardinia to be the ‘least Italian’ region of all. In fact, its geographic isolation has led to the development of certain animal and plant species (such as the Sardinian mouflon or the white donkey from Asinara), along with the 2 3 The closure of rivers in some places in the remained virtually isolated for 10 000-8 000 years. past has led to the formation of artificial lakes, Among the first historical witnesses of the region including Lago Omodeo and Lago Coghinas. are the 7 000 ‘nuraghi’, scattered throughout the entire island. Nuraghic villages had been built from Sardinia has less than 1.7 million inhabitants. large blocks of very imposing stone in order to 17% of the land is used for agriculture and sheep secure the population from attacks by hostile tribes. farming, a percentage which is almost double of The nuraghi are the most impressive megalithic the European average. Pastoralism and mining, monuments in Europe. however, narrate the history of Sardinia and in more recent times, factories for the production Nuragic people worshiped the Mother Goddess, of chemicals, petroleum and textiles have started professed the water cult (made evident by the to develop. Highly important for the island’s multiple holy wells erected near their settlements) economy are also the production and processing and were highly dedicated to the cult of the dead. of grain, wine and olive oil. The prehistoric tombs carved into the rock are called ‘Domus de Janas’, literally meaning ‘houses of An ancient history. the fairies’, and were adorned with bronze figures and statuettes. Today they are the par excellence Between myths and legends. symbol of Sardinia. Sardinia is that old, its formation seems to date Nonetheless it is as important to mention the back to 600 million years ago. From a geological market towns of the Phoenician-Punic-Roman era, point of view it is one of the most ancient lands in the Paleo-Christian churches, the riches of the Europe, with a seismic risk of zero. medieval times and the obvious remnants of the Spanish domination found across Sardinia. Difficult to reach due to its position, the island Nuraghe 4 5 Cagliari Poetto Beach City of the Sun and capital of the island, cultural and political centre, international port, home to the university and the Archbishop, ancient capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia… Cagliari is all this, and much more. he city is located in the Golfo degli Angeli beaches of the island. Villasimius symbolizes this T(Gulf of the Angels), whose arms encircle it area, which remains etched in the memory for and – according to a legend – protect its waters. its fine, white, sandy beaches and the absolute Cagliari is a city of many faces and a million facets. transparency of its waters, seemingly painted in Developed around its castle in the heart of the shades of turquoise. Walking along the narrow old town, the city holds narrow alleys and massive country roads that connect towns to coves and walls bear witness to its ancient magnificence. beaches gives way to the Mediterranean shrubs Affectionately called ‘Casteddu’ (meaning ‘Castle’ and virgin landscapes, while the stunning coastal in the Sardinian language), Cagliari maintains the paths are worth a vacation on its own. charm of its history. During the winter months an introspective town, South West Coast: Pula during summer an explosive city, daily this city is Leaving Cagliari in the other direction, along the being built and enriched through the sunshine and coast of Pula and on the road that separates the the respect of its inhabitants. sea from the pond of Santa Gilla, one reaches the Cagliari is a city that breathes, a city that lives. territory loved by the pink flamingos (along the Molentargius pond). Forth the SS 195, through South East Coast: Villasimius different locations from Domus de Maria and Nora to Chia, one will pass through to those When moving towards the east coast, from places that relentlessly contend for the price of Cagliari, the horizons open to those beaches the most beautiful beach. that are considered amongst the most beautiful 6 7 Nearby The Nuraghe of Barumini Trattoria Lilliccu Cagliari bit by bit Called ‘Su Nuraxi’ (eng. ‘The Nuraghe’), the Mediterranean cuisine, fish name indicates that this is the par excellence Via Sardegna 78, Cagliari -Tel. +39.070652970 example of a nuraghe: located in the territory Out and about of Barumini, a visit offers a real and true plunge Ristorante Luigi Pomata into the past, the roots of the culture and the Revisited typical cuisine in the city history of the island. Viale Regina Margherita 18, Cagliari The Bastion Via Garibaldi and ends in the eponymous piazza. Tel. +39.070672058 Being the imposing edifice that overlooks the Other major streets: Via Dante, Via Paoli, Via Events city, the Bastion embodies a reference point, a Alghero. L’Archibugio meeting place for the people of Cagliari and a Medieval restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine must-see for every traveller. Climbing to the Castello – the Castle District The Holy Week in Cagliari Via Vincenzo Sulis, Cagliari -Tel. +39.070665877 top and laying eyes on the roofs of the houses, Nobody can be exempt from visiting the The Holy Week in Cagliari is an event that the boats moored at the harbour, the skyline Castello district, the heart of Cagliari and the should not be missed: the processions and Ristorante Basilio that rests on the sea and the growing city is largest of the four historic districts that have representations of the passion, death and Typical cuisine something that never becomes dull. written the history of the city. Do not miss out resurrection of Christ attract believers and Via Sebastiano Satta 112/A, Cagliari on the Cathedral and the Viceregio Palace. curious people from every corner of Sardinia, Tel. +39.070480330 drawn to the city purely by the grandeur of the The Botanical Garden celebration. L’Oca Bianca The botanical garden contains important Roman Pizzeria and restaurant remains and is ideal for nature lovers and all Sant’Efisio Via Napoli 38, 09124 Cagliari those wishing to get some fresh air into their It is the feast of the patron saint of the city, but Tel. +39.070664339 lungs at one of the city’s best green spaces. also the most important religious event of the island and one of the oldest processions in Italy. Antico Caffè dal 1855 Taking place on May 1st, Sant’Efisio involves all Monte Urpinu Park Breakfast, brunch, appetitive and cocktail bar folks of the island. The park offers several spaces for sports and Piazza Costituzione 10/11, Cagliari recreational activities. However, it is primarily a Tel. +39.070658206 refuge in which one can relax and to admire the Marina ‘Cafè Noir’ city from above. The event occurs at the end of summer in Da Marino al Saint Remy The Poetto Marina, the multi-ethnic district of Cagliari. It is Revisited traditional cuisine The city’s own beach comprises 8 km of sandy the festival of literature, cinema, theatre, music shores and shallow and clear waters. It is Marina District Via Torino 16, Cagliari -Tel.