Five things plus one that affect Sardinia, what to see and what to taste typical, the traditions and rituals that make this land great, read the post.
La Sardinia it is a beautiful region and there are many reasons to love it. But the main protagonist is definitely the sea and what a sea! Difficult to choose, it is wonderful everywhere. But here are also other reasons that will make you appreciate this wonderful island.
Heavenly beaches
Le beaches of Sardinia they are the tourist destination par excellence. There is no beach like the other: hidden coves, inlets, mini deserts with dunes, sand, with stones, white, pink, red beaches, in short, truly for all tastes. They are always at the top of the rankings of the most beautiful beaches in Italy and in the world and some are compared to those of the Caribbean. Here are some of the most beautiful: La Pelosa in Stintino, Capriccioli Beach in Costa Smeralda, Cala Brandinchi on the Capo Cavallo promontory, La Cinta in San Teodoro, Cala Mariolu and Cala Luna in Baunei / Dorgali, Punta Is Molentis in Villasimius, Cala Domestica in Buggerru, Mari Ermi on the Sinis promontory, Spiaggia Rosa in Budelli.
Marine protected areas
Marine protected areas in Sardinia guard seabed full of fish and natural wonders. Lovers of diving and snorkelling will not be disappointed. Starting from the north, here are the main marine areas: Asinara and the Maddalena Archipelago to the north, Tavolara to the east, Capo Carbonara (Villasimius) to the south, Sinis and Capo Caccia to the west. In addition to the marine areas in Sardinia there are also 3 national parks, 2 regional natural parks and several WWF oases.
Natural monuments
In Sardinia nature has been generous and you can admire unique and wonderful formations. In addition to the geological monuments, there are also numerous ones represented by arboreal specimens particularly dated. The natural monuments officially recognized and protected by regional laws are 27. The most famous are certainly the bear-shaped rock in Palau, the Sugar Loaf or the stacks of Masua, the columns of Carloforte, Pedra Longa in Baunei, Punta Goloritzè and S'Archittu di Santa Caterina. Instead, among the secular trees to remember the olive trees of Santa Maria Navarrese, the millenary olive tree of Luras, that of Sini and the chestnut of Bortigiadas.
The mysterious nuraghi
I am one of the symbols of Sardinia: these are prehistoric constructions with a conical shape, made with stones placed one on top of the other without the use of concrete. The Nuragic civilization has always been shrouded in mystery and the true function of these buildings (temple, tomb or palace) has never been clarified. In any case, the presence in the territory is widespread and today there are more than 7.000. The most beautiful and important ones are Su Nuraxi in Barumini, Santu Antine in Torralba and the Nuraghe Losa in Abbasanta. The nuragic village of Barumini was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1997.
Gastronomy
In Sardinia you eat very well and, despite being an island, it is mainly remembered for its land dishes, such as little pig, lamb, sheep, sausage and pecorino. As for the first courses to try i malloreddus, culurgiones and spaghetti with bottarga. The typical dessert is the seadas, a big fried “ravioli” covered with honey and stuffed with pecorino cheese. To accompany every meal there is never a lack of good Sardinian wine, such as Vermentino or Cannonau. In summer there are always many festivals where you can taste typical food and wine specialties.
Sardinian tradition and identity
What has always struck me is how popular traditions are deeply rooted in Sardinian culture and express its strong identity. Processions, tournaments with a medieval atmosphere, reckless stunts on horseback are just some of the rites which have been repeated for centuries in the same way. The feast of Sant'Efisio is one of the most important events in Sardinia whose origins date back to the vow made by the city of Cagliari to honor the saint who freed the city from a violent plague. Another important event is the palio of Fonni, second only to that of Siena, and is characterized by the recurrence of ancient rites still today.
