The second largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and just 11km from Corsica, the beautiful island of Sardinia has many faces. From sleek yachts and beaches of the Costa Smeralda, to the beauty of the mountainous interior, it is a popular destination for those who love watersports and beach life as well as those looking to explore the more uncommercialised parts of the island.
Sardinia’s picture-book coastline, with its white sandy beaches and crystal clear emerald water, is some of the best the Mediterranean has to offer. The island’s coastline is also marvellously varied, with dramatic limestone mountains dropping to secluded coves in the east, sand dunes in parts of the west, and glorious beaches to the north and south. Inland, the countryside view is of pasture and grain fields, wild macchia, vineyards and olive groves, whilst some spectacular woodlands and groves of pine trees run down to the sea. The mountain ranges are quite distinct, and each with its own character. The highest is the Gennargentu (1834m), near the central east coast, with its savage and seemingly impenetrable canyons and spectacular gleaming limestone domes. More approachable is the Limbara in the north, and perhaps the most untouched are the south-western mountains of Sulcis.
Sardinia is not only known for its unspoilt beauty and geographical position but also for its history, with Neolithic sites and traces of many invaders that mark the island’s turbulent past. Over the years, Sardinia’s shores have seen the arrival of Phoenicians, Romans, Genoans battling for supremacy with Pisans and Arabs, the Spanish, and finally the House of Savoy. The different cultures have all contributed to the art, architecture and cultural life of Sardinia and evidence is scattered throughout the island: prehistoric dwellings and fortresses from the earliest known inhabitants, ancient rock-cut tombs, and Romanesque churches. Sardinians tended to flee inland from invasions, which is one reason why there are relatively few coastal settlements today.
In Sardinia, the way of life is extremely laid-back and the welcome is genuinely friendly. There are many typically Italian features to life on the island, but the Sardinians have kept a strong sense of their own identity, expressed through their distinctive dialect, local festivals, unique costumes, music and cuisine. Many speak the Sard language amongst themselves, and in Alghero, Catalan is often spoken on the streets. There are also over a thousand festivals held each year, ranging from medieval pageants to dignified religious processions.
With many faces, Sardinia has something for everyone – whether you wish to sample the exquisite beaches, experience the Sardinian way of life or explore the island further afield, let us guide you to Sardinia!
