ABOUT AREA
Pula is a bustling agricultural and tourist town set inland from Nora. The long sandy coastline of Santa Margherita and the majestic Sulcis mountain range are just some of the varied landscapes that this charming town has to offer. By night the central square is throbbing with locals and visitors enjoying the warm summer evenings in one of the cafés and restaurants or just browsing the many shops which stay open until very late. Also not to be missed is the Tuesday market, abundant in fabulous fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, clothes, toys and beach equipment.
BEACHES
Nora
Nora beach is a pleasant sandy beach which extends south of the Roman ruins of Nora. A popular destination for the town folk of Pula, it can be crowded during the hottest months.
St Margherita
St Margherita is a long sandy beach with good facilities if you want to hire a speed boat or a sea scooter.
Chia
Chia is a dazzling beach and is perfect for those who love long sandy beaches. This idyllic beach, recently voted the 5th best destination for a beach holiday in Europe, has fine sand and is fringed with sand dunes. There are a growing number of ice-cream booths which have appeared over the years where you are able to buy refreshments. Unfortunately this is a beach to avoid when the mistral wind blows as the sand is swept across the beach at very high speed and can be quite painful! There are facilities here to hire windsurfs and sea kayaks.
FESTIVALS
Easter - Various locations
Costumes, processions and intense drama are the main ingredients of Sardinia's various festas commemorating Easter.
Sant’ Efisio - Cagliari - May
Offers a grand procession commemorating the end of the plague in 1656. It's a magical celebration of faith and folklore, the sacred and the profane.
Sagra delle Ciliege - Burcei - June
Festival celebrating the cherry harvest in the mountain village of Burcei.
Sagra delle Pesche - San Sperate - July
Peach festival held on the feast of the town’s patron saint.
THINGS TO SEE & DO
Ice-cream Parlour
The ice-cream parlour in Pula is definitely worth a visit with home-made ice creams and a variety of fresh fruit flavours.
Nora
Visit the Roman ruins at Nora including the amphitheatre, the raised Temple of Tanit, tombs, Roman baths decorated with mosaics - a spectacular and atmospheric setting by the sea.
Grotte di Is Zudas
An interesting trip can be made to the caves of Is Zuddas, on the road between Teulada and Santadi. Discovered in the 1970s, they are among the most beautiful natural caves on the island.
Sant' Antioco and San Pietro Islands
Among the area's most appealing destinations, both islands are haven for nature lovers and also offer some excellent restaurants.
Cagliari's old town
The old town stands on a dramatic hilltop site, with extensive lagoons and salt flats to each side. Take time to wander through the narrow streets to explore the old citadel and stop at Bastione San Remy for majestic views over the city, sea and mountains beyond.
Water sports
Discover the exquisite coastline from the sea and enjoy the excellent conditions of the north-east coast for windsurfing, sailing, diving, snorkelling, etc.
Agriturismo
Sample traditional Sardinian cuisine in a farm restaurant.
