What you need to know about holidays in Sardinia. Holidays in Sardinia: a paradise island among emerald waters Relax in Sardinia

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. There is also the National Archaeological Museum, which contains exhibits reflecting the life of ancient Sardinia.

• Alghero- boasts 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 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 the train station). The price of a taxi to the city center is approximately 40 €.

From all airports you can get to any major city in 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. It is a famous holiday destination 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 an ideal place not only for sailing but also for horse riding and mountain biking, includes 7 islands.
• A very popular resort in Sardinia is town Chia , famous for its white sandy beaches.

Hotels in Sardinia

Without a doubt, an unforgettable holiday in Sardinia depends on the right choice of accommodation, 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 downside is that in some places they are very narrow, making it especially scary to drive around sharp mountain 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 accept local credit cards or only cash.

And yet, if you decide to use public transport services (buses), 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 the traditional dishes of Sardinia can be called Porceddu - this 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 get a master class on cooking lunch - see detailed information about 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 figure out 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 is rugged mountains, slopes of vineyards, fishing villages, numerous groves of cork, oak, olive, and marvelous meadows. Sardinia is an island of 100 colors and 100 smells, an island of sea, mountains, sun and silence.

The history of Sardinia is incredibly rich and interesting: great peoples left their memories here: the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, and later the Spaniards. Numerous baths and amphitheatres, the fortified cities of Palmavera and Tiscali, Barumini, Santa Caterina and Santa Antine, watchtowers, of which there are more than 7,000, magnificent cathedrals in Romanesque and Gothic styles, all this awaits guests of Italy on this extraordinary, mysterious island. Its pristine, half-empty beaches, isolated lagoons and islets (so easily accessible by yacht) with fine white sand, emerald-colored water, and clean air are truly unique.

The ancient Greeks called this island "Sandaliotis", which meant "sandal". Since then, local residents have a legend that the Creator, having first set foot on the earth, left a sandal-shaped mark on it, which has been preserved in the sea to this day in the form of an island and reminds of divine providence. Around 2000 BC Sardinia was inhabited by the powerful Nuraghi civilization; it is assumed that the name of the ancient buildings “Nugari” came from them - a historical feature of this magnificent island. These fortresses and watchtowers, made of giant stones in the form of truncated cones, have been standing here for more than 25 centuries. The mystery of the origin of nuragha has not yet been solved. In addition to the nuraghe, guests of the island can visit: Costa Smeralda - the kingdom of granite rocks, green juniper bushes, pristine beaches and small islands. Sassari is the capital of the island of Sardinia during the reign of the Genoese and Spaniards, 15 kilometers from which the 22nd century church of Santa Maria di Sacargia has been preserved, and it is also interesting to visit the Sana Museum with archaeological finds and the 14th century Cathedral in the Baroque style. The city of Olbia, founded in the 6th - 4th centuries. BC.

The Roman port of Olbia connected Sardinia and Ostia. Not far from the modern airport is the medieval fortress of Pedreso Castele. In the ancient center of Olbia there are several churches from the 8th century. The city of Cagliari has been the capital of Sardinia since Roman times. The most interesting thing in Cagliari will be a visit to the cathedral of the 12th-14th centuries. with the tomb of Martin II of Aragon, city walls with the Torre del'Elefante tower of the 14th century, an ancient Roman amphitheater of the 2nd century. BC. and the early Christian church of San Saturino from the 5th century Arborea. Located west of the Canale delle Acque Medie. The city was founded in 1930. The houses are built in art nouveau and neo gothic styles. The municipal building houses a collection of archaeological finds.

To choose the best place to relax in Sardinia, let's get to know it a little.

Sardinia is an island that is part of Italy. It is located between Corsica and Sicily. On its territory you can find magnificent sandy beaches, archaeological and natural reserves. The capital of the island is the city of Cagliari.

Among the best resorts are Villasimius, Costa Smeralda and Costa Paradiso.

So, after all, where is the best place for couples with children to relax on the island of Sardinia, as well as fans of luxury and active recreation?

Leisure

The resort of Villasimius, located in the south-eastern part of Sardinia, is ideal for an active pastime.

This is a great place for diving and windsurfing. Off the coast you can find shipwrecks and a rich underwater ecosystem.

Villasimius has excellent nightlife. There is a huge number of discos, bars, clubs and restaurants.

From here there are often boat trips to nearby small islands. Activities include golfing, horse riding and hiking.

Family holiday

When traveling to Sardinia with children, it is better to choose Costa Paradiso as a holiday destination. The resort is famous for its secluded atmosphere, wind-protected beaches, fine white sand and clear sea.

Some of the best beaches on the Costa Paradiso are Li Cossi and Rena Bianca.

In Costa Paradiso, you and your family have the opportunity to rent a small cottage located near the sea. It is recommended to give preference to those houses where there is a kitchen and a children's playground. The rental cost will be approximately 1500-2500 euros per week.

Elite holiday

The most luxurious and expensive resort in Sardinia is Costa Smeralda, located in the southeast of the island.

Here, beautiful sandy beaches stretch for many kilometers, next to which five-star hotels and fashionable villas owned by millionaires have been built.

In addition, Costa Smeralda has the largest concentration of yacht clubs in the world. The best hotel in the resort is Cala di Volpe.

Sardinia offers holidays for every taste and budget. For fans of active water activities and vibrant nightlife, it is better to choose Villasimius. The Costa Paradiso resort is suitable for a family holiday, while the Costa Smeralda will delight lovers of luxury and comfort.

We hope you have chosen the right place for your holiday on the island of Sardinia!

Sardinia (Sardinia / Sardigna) is a large 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 tip of Sardinia that boasts one of the best beaches in all of 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 the tourist spots and takes longer to explore. After all, the ancient Nuragic civilization of Sardinia dates back to around 1500 BC, whose stone monuments still dot the land.

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 direct 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. Fertilla Airport - The 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 journey) and Sassari (every 9 days, 30 minutes journey). Fertilla has 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 Arbataxa (East Coast).

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

Daily ferries depart to Northern Sardinia from Corsica (you can take a day trip to 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 of the 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 parts boast 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 high 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

Sardinia has several 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 organized mine tours can be booked, such as the Buggeru Mine with galleries above sea level. Finally, there are several museums dedicated to Sardinia. The Museo Anthropologie di Sardo di ethnographia and the National Archaeological Museum in Cagliari and the Ethnographic Museum in Surdo Nuoro are important starting points.

Food. What to try

On the island of Sardinia, food is very much influenced by the traditions and customs of the 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 that is 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.
• Porqueddu is the national dish of 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, and 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 sight. 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 with the help of 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 costumes. 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. A non-exhaustive list includes: Sant'Efisio (Cagliari, May 1st, actually lasts several days), Sagra del Redentore (Nuoro, last Sunday in August), Cavalcata Sarda (Sassari, penultimate Sunday in 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!

Summer is usually hot and the sun is quite strong, so you need to take the usual precautions to avoid heat stroke and sunburn. Always take plenty of water with you (especially when you're hiking), even if you're planning a short trip; Bring fresh, juicy fruits (eg peaches). Tap water is generally safe, but bottled mineral water is available.

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 in your own vehicle. 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 open sea beaches are famous for strong undercurrents (particularly on the 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 Mediterranean. 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 see and do, but the island is likely to appeal more to nature lovers than to so-called "clubbers" - nightlife enthusiasts (with the exception of the Costa Smeralda area, one of the hot spots of the Italian showbiz 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 the Asinara National Park (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 Sardinia's highest point doesn't even reach 2,000m (6,500ft), don't be disappointed: the slopes are steep, there is snow in winter and there are four ski resorts 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. A popular destination 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 plenty of hiking trails (though not always well marked) for both beginners and experts.

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 horseback riding or walking tours on horseback. Driving through the forest along the beaches is a very popular attraction for tourists.

Who doesn’t dream of spending a vacation on an island in the middle of a gentle, warm sea? And not far away, in Europe? With ancient history, wonderful nature, mild climate... Meet Sardinia. This is where you have a wonderful, worry-free vacation! Sardinia (Italy) is located just two hundred kilometers west of the coast of the Apennine Peninsula. And twelve kilometers to the north there is another island, already French - Corsica. Experienced tourists say that it’s a good idea to take advantage of the short distance and lack of border controls to visit the homeland of Napoleon Bonaparte for a day. And in Sardinia they recommend combining a beach holiday with a rich excursion program. After all, most of the island is occupied by archaeological and natural reserves.

What's the best way to get there?

If you are planning a holiday in Sardinia during the summer months, you should not have any problems with flying to the island. Charter flights of travel companies depart there from Moscow and other big cities of Russia. But reviews from tourists warn that if you want to visit Sardinia at another time, you will have to fly with transfers. But maybe this is for the better? From Moscow you can get to Rome by Aeroflot or Alitalia planes. And after getting acquainted with the Eternal City, move on. There are three airports in Sardinia: in addition to the capital Cagliari, there are also in the cities of Alghero and Olbia. If we listen to those who have been here more than once, we will learn that there is another opportunity to get to the island - not by air, but by sea. Ferries from various carrier companies depart from mainland Italy (Naples, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Piombino, Livorno) and Sicily (Palermo and Trapani).

When is the best time to go to Sardinia?

The subtropical climate makes it possible to extend the tourist season beyond the summer months. Many travelers note that you should not go here when there are a lot of people. After all, already in mid-May the water warms up to a comfortable temperature for swimming. The sea cools down only in November, and even then in the second half of the month. The hottest month in Sardinia is August. The air temperature remains stable at + 34 °C, and the water temperature at + 25 °C. There is extremely little rain in summer. But, as Mediterranean lovers assure us, the best holiday in Sardinia is in September. The water has already warmed up well over the summer and has not yet had time to cool down. Temperature - optimal for obtaining a bronze tan without burns - + 27 ° C in the shade. Most vacationers - especially those with noisy school-age children - have already moved out. The winter storms have not yet begun. The sea is gentle and pleases with a comfortable +23 degrees. Lots of fruit, it’s not so hot to go on exciting excursions.

Where to stay

In fact, the entire coast of the island is covered with luxury resorts. The south of Sardinia is especially famous for its endless beaches stretching beyond the horizon. Stripes of sand alternate here with pine forests and palm groves surrounded by azure lagoons. For tourists who want a comfortable and luxury holiday in Sardinia, the area of ​​Santa Margherita di Pula is often recommended. This resort houses the Forte Village hotel complex for VIP clients. Nearby, in the southeast, is the resort of Villasimius. It attracts divers, because the remains of four sunken ships lie in the coastal waters. Another luxury holiday center that has received a lot of positive feedback is the Emerald Coast, Costa Smeralda. Its sandy beaches stretch for 55 kilometers. And in the north-west of the island there are two more resorts worthy of mention: Costa Paradiso (which translates as Paradise Beach) and the picturesque town of Stintino.

Holidays in Sardinia: hotels

If you travel on your own, you have the opportunity to book a hotel to suit every taste. There are both very affordable hostels and very expensive club hotels. However, not many hotels operate with the “All Inclusive” system, beloved by Russians. The vast majority of hotels offer either breakfast or half board. Russian travel companies send their clients to the south of the island, to Villasimius and Santa Margherita di Pula. There are many large hotel complexes with developed infrastructure and entertainment. The north of the island is considered more expensive and sophisticated. The most elite holidays in Sardinia are in Costa Smeralda, Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo. Tourists seeking solitude prefer to settle in Castelsardo and Stintino. Among boutique hotels, Capo D’Orso Thalasso & Spa 5* in Palau and Villa Macchia Blu in Stintino are often praised. Worthy fours are Bajaloglia Resort Super in Castelsardo and the Villa Oasis apartment complex.

Beaches of Sardinia

This small island has a fourth of all the beaches in Italy. And the lion's share of them were awarded the Blue Flag. Even native Sardinians have not visited all the local beaches. And there are more than 360 of them here, and you can read exclusively positive reviews about all of them! Among them there are sandy ones, pebble ones, and even rice ones. Big and small, well-groomed and wild. The most popular is La Pelosa on Capo Falcone (north of the town of Stintino). It is also called the “European Caribbean”. There are equally beautiful beaches. The snow-white sandy coast of the Costa Smeralda is extremely popular. Pebble lovers are welcome at Spiaggia Coccorocci in Gairo. Pink marble chips cover the shores of Bahia Sardinia and Cala Mariolu (Porto Cervo). Rice beaches are not a poetic metaphor at all. On the western tip of the island are Iz Arutas and Mari Ermi. These beaches are covered with small quartz stones. Over many thousands of years, the sea rolled them around, and they began to resemble grains of rice in appearance. Walking on them is a little uncomfortable, but what a massage! And the air above such a beach is healing. Recently, it has become very fashionable to come to this island with families. Gone are the days when it was believed that there was nothing to do here with children. Now special tours are organized here, and many hotels vie to offer the best conditions for children. Reviews say that holidays in Sardinia with children are preferable to Capriccioli and Liscia Ruja. Most tourists who came here claim that the sea here is calm, the entrance to the water is gentle, and the sand is surprisingly soft and silky, like powder for babies.

Excursions

It is pleasant to travel around this island on your own. After all, the bulk of attractions are located in ancient towns. An excursion holiday in Sardinia is impossible without getting acquainted with the mysterious ancient civilization. They say that the first inhabitants of the island were the Phoenicians. The Sardi people left behind a legacy of nuraghi - cone-shaped fortresses in the form of truncated pyramids. Ancient Rome left numerous necropolises, baths and amphitheaters on the island. The Middle Ages gave Sardinia churches and fortresses. Tourist reviews especially recommend going to the town of Sassari and the town of Castelsardo. The island has many nature reserves with salt lakes where pink flamingos are found. For the beauty of nature, reviews recommend going to the island of Asinari. If you are vacationing with children, then many tourists who travel with families suggest going to the famous local water parks - you will feel good and the kids will have a great time.

Holidays in Sardinia: reviews of cuisine and souvenirs

We briefly talked about what you need to see on the island. Well, what should you definitely try? The Sardinians themselves are undecided as to whether their land is more famous for its beaches or its wines. It looks like these two “calling cards” shared the first place. Even after trying the ordinary “Sweet Muscat”, you will probably feel that you have never tasted anything tastier in your life. A bottle of Cannonau Agriolas or Vermentino La Cala will be the best memory of your holiday in Sardinia. Reviews also advise visiting the weaving factory in Ogliastra and purchasing the famous local carpet made of cotton and wool.

Events

It is impossible to visit Sardinia and stay away from the vibrant life of the local people. Every month, interesting events, festivals, and holidays take place on the island. The most famous of them is Autunno in Barbagia (Autumn in the Land of the Barbarians). This is another argument in favor of why you should choose a holiday in Sardinia in September. There are festivities dedicated to the new grape harvest for almost a whole month. Tastings of the most popular drink are held in all cities of the island; residents in national costumes organize festive processions and treat them to local dishes.