My Sardinia

If Sardinia wasn’t charming enough with its unspoiled tourist spots, then Bortigali, a small town located in Sardinia beside Macome, possesses a certain allure that must be seen by people. The island has become a revelation as it has slowly been picking up a stream of visitors due to the unadulterated beaches and tropical getaways. However, there is more to Sardinia than the sand and sea.

Deep in its history is a grounded culture that values the camaraderie shared among townspeople. The brutal history of invasion experienced by Sardinia has made its people closer with each other and tourists will get to see this in certain parts of the island, albeit in a negative light. Ever since, Sardinians have become apprehensive and doubt over the motives of some of the tourists.

However, the same cannot be said of people in Bortigali due to their surprising friendliness. Tourists in the town are treated like long lost friend as no hints of doubt can be detected from the townspeople. There is a genuine air of sincerity in Bortigali as people really enjoy the company of each other. This is proven by how they spend half of their time hanging around the cafes and triangular piazza along the main road. All they do is talk and just have fun, which is something that’s sorely missed in today’s world. There is too much disconnect between people nowadays due to the Internet and other communication tools that prevent people from really talking with each other. Thankfully, Bortigali serves a reminder of things that we take for granted: face-to-face encounters.

Bortigali shows off its rural affectations as sheep are everywhere in the town while dairy cows make their appearances at the fringes of town from time to time. At night, trucks loaded with steel cans containing fresh cow milk fill the main street as they deliver the milk for processing. The trucks get to pass through old nuraghes that are used as a rest house by shepherds while their flock grazes during the early days.

Bortigali is distinct among other towns in Sardinia due to its unique landscape in which the houses are built around an inclined curve. Once people round up the curve to the top, the entire splendor of Bortigali is in plain view. Also, the town boasts an old-world feel in the community. For instance, the designs of the houses exude a nostalgic feel in their faded walls and quaint architecture.

There are no landmarks and establishments that stand out in Bortigali, which takes prides in being a rural settlement despite constant changes in the fast-paced world. The nearest town where people can at least take a whiff of civilization is at Nuovo, which is just a couple of kilometers away.

At best, Bortigali is a complete getaway from the hassles and stress produced by the modern life. Whereas most people find solace and comfort by taking a vacation at attractive beaches, a select few would definitely appreciate the quietude that Bortigali offers to visitors.