Sardinia
A Mediterranean island characterised by dramatic rolling hills and mountains covered in grassland mingled with prickly pears and dwarf oaks. A little less than 120 miles from the Italian mainland, covering an area of 9,300 square miles, the island of Sardinia enjoys soft sandy beaches and some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean, combined with a mountainous and wooded interior. The rugged terrain and unhurried pace offer a perfect base for a relaxing beach holiday.
Although, not known for its cultural riches, this island holds some remains of various civilisations that passed through here. Its central Mediterranean position ensured that it was never left alone for long, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Spanish and Tuscans left apparent traces of their civilisation, not to mention some impressive Gothic and Baroque architecture.
Sadinia holiday highlights
- D.H. Lawrence once wrote that Sardinia was ‘left outside of time and history’, indeed traditions from ancient Europe have survived here, evident in Sardinia’s many festivals, colourful language and architecture.
- Plenty of traces of the islands prehistory survive, most conspicuous of which are the Nuraghi, rough conical stone fortresses built from huge bassalt blocks from extinct Volcanoes. Most of them were built between 1550 and 500 BC, both for defensive purposes and habitations. They can be seen everywhere in Sardinia as one of the most typical sights. The biggest ones at Su Nuraxi, north of Cagliari, and further north at Losa and Sant’Antine.
Sardinia truly offers a combination of idyllic coastal resorts and stunning white sandy beaches, scenic rural places and the fascinating tradition of its wonderful people.
