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    • Sardinia

    Sardinia travel guide

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    Overview

    DH Lawrence passed through Sardinia in 1921, remarking on its geographic location as a place 'lost between Europe and Africa and belonging nowhere'. By Italian standards, it's off the beaten track; but therein lies its appeal, with its beaches being some of the cleanest and least crowded in Italy.

    The capital is Cagliari, a good base from which to explore other parts of the island. The National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari contains prehistoric tombs and other significant artefacts from the Punic and Roman periods. The resort of Costa Smeralda is a place of luxury and opulence, not suited to budget tourists but interesting for a brief stop.

    The Spanish-flavoured port of Alghero is the favoured package destination, especially among British holidaymakers. The inland town of Nuoro is a good station from which to explore the Gennargentu mountain range and enjoy the traditional village festivals. The Sardinian landscape is peppered with constructions from the ancient Nuragic civilisation, the UNESCO-listed stone structures being unique to Sardinia and are must-see sites. But they aren't easily accessible as they lie in isolated spots throughout the island.

    Sardinia has a typically Mediterranean climate, but the south is generally much drier than the northwestern region, which receives a lot of rain in winter. The wettest months are November and December, while July and August are the hottest and the driest, with an average temperature of around 95°F (35°C), sometimes reaching 104°F (40°C). In winter, temperatures average about 50°F (10°C) along the coast. Spring and early autumn are the best times to visit Sardinia.

    Cagliari

    Cagliari is Sardinia's capital. The biggest city in the region and a busy industrial port, its old centre is charmingly compact and contained within the city walls and Pisan fortifications. The main attractions are the National Archaeological Museum, containing prehistoric tombs and other significant artefacts from the Punic and Roman periods; the impressive cathedral; and a smattering of Roman ruins. The suburb of Poetto has a four mile (6km) stretch of sandy beach with some small bars nearby. The famous archaeological site of Su Nuraxi near Barumini is also within easy reach of the town. Sardinia's history and culture are found in the Citadel of Museums complex: the Archaeological Museum houses artefacts from all the ancient cultures of the island, such as ceramics from Phoenician tombs, Punic jewellery and Nuragic bronzes; the Picture Gallery boasts contemporary art and sculpture; the Siamese Museum exhibits fascinating items from the East; and the university houses sculptures by wax artist Clemente Susini.

    Su Nuraxi Su Nuraxi Michal Kosacky
    Nuraghe

    Having arrived in Sardinia around 1500 BC, the mysterious Nuragic people festooned the island with about 30,000 circular fortified structures, of which 7,000 remain standing today. The complex of Nuraghe in Barumini has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List and is the finest and most complete example of this prehistoric architecture. Other well-preserved Nuraghe can be seen at Sant Antine, while at Nora are the remains of an extensive Nuragic village including an amphitheatre, forum, baths, temple and kasbah. Other good Nuragic sites are near Villanovaforru, Alghero and Abbasanta. The purpose of the beehive-like buildings remains unknown but archaeologists assume they were used as religious temples, meeting halls and military strongholds.

    Opening time: Most Nuraghe are closed in the afternoon and on Sundays
    Website: www.nuraghi.org
    Nuraghe Nuraghe Roberto Cossu
    Trenino Verde

    Sardinia has an unforgettable coastline, but the interior of the island is equally as beautiful. A fun way to explore it is aboard the Trenino Verde (Little Green Train), a vintage steam locomotive that puffs its way through forests, over bridges and through tunnels into some of the island's most scenic mountain areas. The train runs on scheduled routes, connecting Nuoro and Bosa, Sassari and Alghero, Sassari and Palau, and Cagliari and Arbatax. The train is small and tickets are limited so it's best to book in advance. The train sometimes stops at scenic spots so that passengers can stretch their legs and take photographs.

    Trenino Verde Trenino Verde jeffwarder
    Neptune's Grotto (Grotta di Nettuno)

    A popular sightseeing expedition from Alghero is a boat ride to Neptune's Grotto, an impressive deep marine cave at the bottom of the sheer cliffs of Capo Caccia. At the cave, visitors take a 45-minute tour entering through the long meandering passage delved into the rock to view dramatically-lit stalagmites and stalactites. The contrast of the sun sparkling bright on the sea and orange cliffs against the dark depths of the cave is truly magical. But the grotto can also be reached by bus from the main terminal in Alghero, or by car, which on arrival necessitates climbing down 650 steps to the cave entrance.

    Address: Alghero
    Transport: Boats depart regularly (especially in Summer) from the port in Alghero to Neptune's Grotto. It is also possible to reach the Grotto by road from Alghero to Capo Caccia.
    Neptune's Grotto Neptune's Grotto Tobias Helfrich
    Garibaldi's House

    The famous Italian general and politician Giuseppe Garibaldi lived the last third of his life on the woody, undeveloped island of Caprera. Considered a 'founding father' by Italians, he's famous for his military campaigns in South America and during Italy's unification period. The elegant homestead has been preserved as he left it and visitors can learn a lot about his lifestyle from exploring the farm; on Caprera he lived a simple, peaceful life tending his gardens and orchards. Tours of the property end with his tomb in the garden, as well as a relic room filled with some of his personal belongings and historical artefacts. For many Italians and foreign visitors Garibaldi's house and grave are a pilgrimage of sorts, a place to pay homage to a national hero.

    Address: Caprera Island
    Website: www.compendiogaribaldino.it
    Tombstones at Garibaldi's House Tombstones at Garibaldi's House Daniel
    Costa Smeralda

    The jet-set strip of Sardinia, Costa Smeralda is a six-mile (10km) stretch of coastline between the gulfs of Cugnana and Arzachena. The local villages and towns around Costa Smeralda have become discreet upmarket resorts, crammed with private villas, luxurious holiday villages and huge yachting marinas packed with gleaming vessels. The main town of the area is Porto Cervo, a playground of the rich and famous with its ranks of pale pink and red villas climbing the hill from the busy marina. Another favourite retreat for celebrities is the town of Porto Rotondo, offering a wealth of beaches, nightclubs and restaurants, most clustered around its Piazza San Marco and the marina. But the main attractions are the numerous sequestered beaches, among the most scenic being Cappriccioli, Rena Bianca and Liscia Ruja.

    Costa Smeralda Costa Smeralda Evgeny Zhukov
    Alghero

    The flourishing fishing port of Alghero is Sardinia's tourist centre, consisting of a picturesque and well-preserved old town enclosed in stout walls. Outside, the new town sports a grid of parallel streets, filled with hotels and restaurants. A favoured package tour destination, Alghero offers beautiful beaches, hotels and restaurants, together with numerous places of interest. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with ornate churches, wrought-iron balconies and a number of boutiques and cafes, as well as the workshops of craftsmen working the famed coral of Alghero. The local cuisine has a taste of Spain, with Alghero renowned for its authentic Spanish paella, lobster Catalan and tasty fish soups, along with delicious sea urchin and aromatic wines. The coast offers many secluded bays, small inlets bordered by pine forests and high, jagged cliffs. Nightlife is sedate, tending more toward sipping cocktails at a sidewalk cafe and watching the sunset.

    Alghero Sunset Alghero Sunset Ivonne

    Phrase Book

    English Pronounciation
    Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport
    Location: The airport is located 2 miles (about 3km) southeast of the city of Olbia.
    Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).
    Getting to the city: Public bus lines 2 and 10 connect Olbia airport to the city. The journey takes 10-20 minutes.
    Car Rental: Car rental companies include Auto Europa, Avis, Budget, Ellepì Autonoleggio, Europcar, Hertz, Maggiore Rent and Sixt.
    Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the arrivals area. It should take about 10-15 minutes to reach the city.
    Facilities: Facilities include ATMs, bureaux de change, snack shops, Internet access, and luggage storage.
    Parking Short- and long-term parking available, at €2/hour, €15/day, €75/month.
    Website: www.geasar.it/home.asp?section=AEROPORTO&lang=3&hid_idgruppopalchettoHome=2

    The second largest island in the Mediterranean sea, Sardinia is mainly touted for its lovely beaches and hiking trails and draws windsurfers and boaters to its shores in droves. The coastal regions can get very busy in the summer, especially August. Apart from the wonderful landscapes and outdoor activities, Sardinia offers the remnants of mysterious ancient settlements: the ancient Nuragic civilization of Sardinia, which predates the mainland Etruscan civilisation by several centuries, left stone monuments dotting the island.

    La Maddalena Archipelago National Park (Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago di La Maddalena) is an almost uninhabited group of islands in a protected marine area, attracting visitors with its natural splendour and pristine beaches. Other gorgeous beaches in Sardinia include Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritze in Baunei, which are regularly lauded as the most beautiful beaches in Italy, and are a must for sun-seekers looking for the perfect Mediterranean setting. Costa Smeralda boasts the most glamorous beaches in Sardinia and attracts the jet-set with its luxurious villas and upmarket resorts. The city of Alghero, on the northwest coast, is also a tourist hub and has some great beaches.

    Those interested in the ancient Nuragic inhabitants of Sardinia can explore the thousands of fortified circular structures still remaining on the island. The complex of Nuraghe in Barumini has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List and is the finest and most complete example of this intriguing prehistoric architecture. Another interesting cultural diversion is provided by the home of Garibaldi, one of Italy's great revolutionary leaders, which has been turned into a museum. Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, has some cultural treasures, most notably in the Citadel of Museums complex which includes the National Archaeological Museum.

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