Sardinia is one of the most popular touristic destinations in Italy. Best known for its sea and its strong and thriving nature, the region has long been synonymous with luxury tourism and exclusive locations. But the truth is that Sardinia has many wonderful spots accessible to everyone. Let’s go discover them.
In the 1960s the Indian Prince Aga Khan, conquered by the beauty of the Gallura coast, then empty, purchased it with the intent to build a refuge for elite tourism. The result is the Costa Smeralda, famous for its beautiful beaches, clear blue sea, and lush islands. The builders kept in mind that this was the poorest areas of Sardinia, and the architecture took much of its inspiration from the typical local styles, creating a modern and elegant enclave inserted harmoniously into the landscape.
Porto Cervo is the center of the Costa Smeralda. The port is modern and efficient, and summer home to the yachts of celebrities from entertainment, politics, and industry. The Piazzetta is the meeting point for those who want to see and be seen, and for those who want to show off. Inside and on the waterfront are nightclubs and restaurants that have made a fortune of this stretch of coast.
Although not part of the Costa Smeralda, Porto Rotondo is commonly associated with it. It tends to be a tourist destination for young people, and it is one of the areas in which it is easy to spot VIPs.
The archipelago of islands of La Maddalena is also famous for its breathtaking beaches. Among all, the Pink Beach.
Alghero, in addition to the beauty of the surrounding sea, is distinguished by the important monuments and archaeological sites found inland.
Cagliari, the capital of the region and seat of the university, is the richest city of the island and was the epicentre of the Island’s power, especially during the rule of the Savoia. The cathedral, the affluent suburb Castello, and the Roman amphitheater are some of its most famous monuments. Also worth a visit are the charming alleys and quaint streets of this elegant seaside town.
All the beaches of Sardinia are beautiful, but we must not forget the inland. The island has been inhabited by proud people since prehistoric times, as testified by the remains of dolmens and the nuraghe, the main type of ancient megalith found in Sardinia.
Nature is harsh and there are areas a few kilometers from the main tourist centers that are still completely unexplored. The local variety of elements that characterize the island makes it feel like a real miniature continent. The fauna is diverse and many protected species inhabit the coasts and the interior.
Sardinia is also an island of strong traditions. Religious festivals, linked to agriculture or related to pagan legacies, follow one another in every season of the year. The cuisine is rich and powerful, made of the simple and natural ingredients derived from the sea and from the interior. After the meal you need to drink the myrtle, a typical product of these lands. Also check the best luxury hotels in Sardinia for a perfect stay!
The entire region is a wonderful area, and should be on everyone’s list.
See also: History of Sardinia
