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 Sardinia Luxury Hotels
Wellness & SPA Centers
Costa Smeralda Hotels
Porto Cervo Luxury Hotels
Sardinia Spiritual Powers
Sardinia Natural Products
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The island of Sardinia lies to the west of the Italian peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea. Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily, covering 24,090 km2, and it is known for its beautiful coastline, unspoilt natural beauty and perfect climate. Vacationers are drawn to Sardinia for the gorgeous white sandy bays lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters. The interior of the island is wild, inhabited by sheep and goats which graze among with strange conical stone structures called nuraghi. However, since the 1960s Sardinia has steadily grown in popularity, particularly with the lavish development of the Costa Smeralda as a luxury resort by the Aga Khan.
The capital city of Cagliari, on the south side of Sardinia, is the largest seaport and the main industrial area. Sardinia is divided into 8 provinces: Olbia Tempio, Sassari, Nuoro, Oristano, Ogliastra, Medio Campidano, Cagliari and Carbonia Iglesias. |
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Sardinia is easily reached from the mainland and there are many different means of transport.
There are regular International and National flights which arrive daily at Olbia on the northeast of the island, and Alghero Fertilia airport which is on the northwest coast.
These flights are supplemented with many additional charter flights during the summer season.
Ferry boat connections are available with different seasonal timetables and availabilities to the following Sardinian ports: Olbia and Golfo Aranci on the east coast and Porto Torres on the west coast, Ferries sail from many Italian ports including Genoa, Livorno, Naples and Palermo, as well as from France and the nearby island of Corsica. |
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| Once in Sardinia, it is easy to get around. The best option is to hire a car. The roads are good and there are plenty of beaches and attractions which are just waiting to be discovered. The beaches of Cala Moresca and Cala Sabina are popular and there are many charming villages such as of Golfo Aranci, Porto Taverna, Porto Rotondo, Porto Cervo, Cannigione and San Pantaleo. |
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Sardinia's climate is perfect for drawing visitors for vacations throughout the year. It enjoys around 300 days of sunshine, unlike its grey European neighbours. Most of the rainfall is during the autumn and winter with some occasional heavy downpours in the spring. The strong northwesterly ‘mistral’ wind keeps temperatures pleasantly bearable during the summer months.
As Sardinia is an island, much of its flora and fauna is indigenous to the island. Some species of moufflon, pink flamingo, the Sardinian deer, small quercino, rare eagles and vultures can only be found here. The unique natural environment and the marine parks of La Maddalena and Tavolara make this an excellent destination for naturalists and divers, for whom the emerald green waters are a marine-lovers paradise. |
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Sardinia proudly maintains its prehistoric past. More than 6500 nuraghi, which are conical stone blocks or towers, are scattered across the island and many are protected by the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prehistoric graves, "Tombe dei Giganti" and the ruins of the Phoenician-Punic cities can be found here as well as traces of the former Spanish domination.
One of the must-see Sardinian attractions are the village festivals, which are cultural events celebrated with traditional Sardinian music and dancing. Although Italian is widely spoken the original “Sardu” language is still kept alive and spoken in many family homes.
Sardinian wine and liqueurs are well known the world over. Traditional techniques and recipes handed down from generation to generation produce some memorable cakes, biscuits, cookies and sweets as well as honey, dried fruit, delicious cheeses, oil and pasta which delight visitors and make excellent souvenirs and gifts. |
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A tour of Sardinia's different area will reveal a unique geology with the amazing crater at Karst and the granites of Gallura along with the basalt plateaux of Giare, which are all interesting natural features to explore.
There are many national parks protecting the natural environment of Sardinia and the flora and fauna which depend upon it. Walking or joining a guided tour are the best ways to appreciate the natural wildlife. Nordic walking is a newer sport which is rising in popularity here.
Sardinia offers an opportunity to enjoy a quiet time of relaxation, with family and friends, or just as a couple. If further relaxation remedies are sought after, there are many luxury spa resorts offering beauty treatments and massages to really relax the body, mind and spirit.
With its warm, clean air and quiet surroundings, Sardinia is a great golfing destination. The Pevero Golf Club in Porto Cervo is among the best-known golf clubs in the world with a superb golf course. For the more energetic, the granite and limestone peaks offer some interesting challenges for climbers. Horse riding is also a popular local sport and trekking around the rural parts of Sardinia is a wonderful way to be at-one with nature.
On the coast, sailing and chartering a boat are a relaxing way to enjoy the waters and stay cool. Boat trips to the nearby islands are always a pleasant way to spend the day. Scuba diving and snorkeling are a wonderful way to see the rich marine life around Sardinia’s shores, while windsurfing and kite surfing take advantage of the summer breeze.
Exploring the delightful towns of northern Sardinia is part of the pleasure of visiting the island. Some of the best towns in north Sardinia are Golfo Aranci, San Pantaleo, Porto San Paolo, Porto Cervo and Cannigione which are all excellent places to browse for souvenirs and local crafts. Handmade rugs made from the wool of local sheep and goats can be bought from Barbagia, in central Sardinia, a world unchanged in centuries. Bosa, on the northwest coast is famous for its handmade lace, and elsewhere on the island handmade baskets and coral jewelry are popular souvenir handicrafts.
North Sardinia is still a secret gem, not yet spoilt by invading hordes of tourists. It offers a wonderful escape from everyday life with history, culture, nightlife and excellent cuisine making it the perfect place to spend a week or two. |
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