My Sardinia

There is nowhere more intriguing and interesting in Sardinia that its own capital, Cagliari. This is where the stories and lessons of the past merge with the relevance and innovation of the present, symbolized by the iconic statuettes of the island’s culture to the newer structures of contemporary times. Much of the general attraction is accorded to the ruins found at Nora, a ways from the town, which simply shows the extent to with Sardinia was revered and respected. The mining culture and industry of the island also count toward its reputation in the Mediterranean context, particularly in the regions of Sulcis and Iglesiente in the southwest. Prime white beaches and objects of archeological interest are also present off the Sulcis coast, while the most breathtaking scenery may be seen in Costa Verde, in Iglesiente.

The scenic Iglesiente is separated from the beautiful hilly region of La Mamilla by Campidano, Sardinia’s only significant plain. Beaches and other prime resorts are to be found at the unspoilt Sarrabus territory, east of Cagliari. More historical and archeological ruins and evidences lie in abundance in the province of Oristano, on Sardinia’s western coast; the ruins of Tharros, found on the Sinis peninsula, is defined by the lagoons and beaches that are inhabited by aquatic birds. Fishing ports and tourism are common activities in the northern region of Bosa and in Alghero, respectively, and the northwestern Stintino offers some of the best beaches this side of Europe.

If your itinerary mostly includes touring churches and other historical structures, it would be best to travel to Sassari, which is Sardinia’s second city. The classic Pisan churches are located throughout the southern and eastern points of the city, in Logudoro. Castelsardo in the north is the main town of Anglonan territory, and is largely associated with Genoa’s Doria family. Surrounding this area is the forest-covered Gallura, upon whose coast lies the entrancing Costa Smeralda. Other lengths of water, sand, rock, and shore may not be as renowned yet equally impressive, such as the Santa Teresa di Gallura and Palau. The former is the key to Corsican trade connections, and the latter opens up avenues and business in the Maddalena achipelago.

The Sardinian eastern coast is generally off limits, due to its intimidating cliff wall structure and the scarcity of developed and earmarked areas for tourism. However, the last remaining evidences of the island’s traditional culture, down to authentic costumes and rituals, can be experienced in the central province of Nuoro. At this point the romantic image alluded to Sardinia us probably at its best, since the time-forgotten villages and rock formations come together to punctuate the setting. Another area similar in appearance and atmosphere is Barbagia, whose staunch village-only lifestyle and setup attest to the peace and calm of the island’s mountain societies. Sardinian peaks, while not impressive in height, make up for it in beauty and danger of terrain, specifically in the Gennargentu mountains. These peaks in the area’ central ring are usually covered in layers of snow during the winter months from November to March.