A selection of news, tips, ideas, edited by Sardinia Unlimited.
Island Tavolara and Cala Brandinchi
One of the most beautiful beaches in north east Sardinia
This large stretch of both land and sea includes some of the most beautiful and famous beaches of Sardinia: among them there is Cala Brandinchi, which has often been classified as the most beautiful beach of Sardinia, and one of the most beautiful all over the world. When you visit this beach you feel like being in Polynesia or in the Caribbean, because you can admire a real paradise! Its fine white sand, the crystal clear and shallow waters are simply amazing.
To get there, take the State Road 125 from San Teodoro towards Capo Coda Cavallo , and then drive straight on until you reach an unpaved road which leads to "Salina Bamba" where you can park the car and easily walk to the beach.
As soon as you get out of the car, the feeling is that of being immersed in the garden of Eden, a paradise! You will immediately assailed by the scents of the typical Mediterranean plants and the breeze of this wonderful sea. Especially in low season, the beach stands out in all its pristine beauty.
Cala Brandinchi is equipped for tourists, who can hire sun chairs and sun umbrellas, kayaks, boats and rafts as well. There is also an area where there is a pond and a pine forest ideal for birdwatchers due to the presence of peculiar species of birds such as the pink flamingos of Sardinia.
From Cala Brandinchi you can reach on foot the beach of Lu Impostu, where you can easily find some beautiful villas and houses for rent. This type of accommodation will give you the possibility to be more free in visiting these places: think about enjoying baths at the sunset in the evening, when the beaches are less crowded.
We believe that the villas like - Villa Sogno Indaco and - Villa Zaffran will be perfect to explore this area.
The 5 most beautiful beaches in Sardinia: our tips for visiting them
Which is the most beautiful beach in Sardinia?
But today, let’s focus just on the beautiful beaches .
Never heard of the white sand, the sea with colors ranging from intense emerald green to the light turquoise of Sardinia!? There are many beaches with these characteristics on the island, and they are evenly distributed between the north, south, west and east coast.
If we would ask the locals to rank the 5 most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, we would receive a different answer for each interlocutor! In this case the old Sardinian say seems very appropriate: "Chentu concas', chentu berrittas'!" - literally translated: one hundred heads, one hundred typical Sardinian hats!, because everyone has got his own idea on the matter -.
It is almost impossible to establish which are the best beaches in Sardinia, there are too many that are just fabulous. In fact, there are too many elements that contribute to making a certain stretch of coast pleasant to us. To which are added several variable factors, such as weather conditions, the period of the year, or even the time of day we visit a particular beach. Just think of the color difference of the waters, determined by the incidence of sunlight during different hours of the day.
Therefore, it just is impossible to crown the number one beach in Sardinia, without awakening atavistic regional disputes (fortunately, only verbal).
The 5 most beautiful beaches in Sardinia: our tips for visiting them : Read More
Folk festivals in Sardinia to visit
History and tradition
Sant'Antonio Abate is a festival also known as a festival of fires. It is one of the oldest festivals in Sardinia and it happens every year during the night from the 16th to the 17th of January. In many villages people make big fires of different kind of wood and also Mediterranean plants. It is the beginning of Carnival and the first time of the year, when the people put their traditional costumes on and dance around the fire. The tradition requires that they make 3 rounds around the fire in clockwise direction and counterclockwise direction to ask the spring to bring warm weather and good crop.
Processione dei Misteri "Lunissanti" takes place in Castelsardo in the week of Easter. On Easter Monday, in the early morning there is a mass in the church of Santa Maria and afterwards there is a parade where the participants of the "processione" sing the old religion songs. The parade bring them to the Basilica "Nostra Signora di Tergu" where another mass is celebrated and then there is a lunch all together on the open air and then the return to the village in the evening. At the end of the parade there is a dinner for all like the last dinner of Jesus with his apostles. Also on Thursday and Friday there are parades but the smaller ones. With these festivals and ceremonies people welcome the spring.
Sagra di Sant'Efisio is a huge festival in the south of Sardinia at Cagliari. Every year since 1657 at Cagliari they celebrate this festival / parade at the first May. The legend says that thanks to the Saint Efisio the black death found an end in Sardinia. The parade start in the church with the name Efisio and goes to Nora at the end. The parade is accompanied by almost all folk groups of Sardinia in the traditional costumes and also with horsemen at the end.
San Simplicio is the patron of Olbia and of the region of Gallura and in his honor every year, in the week around the 15th May there is a big festival in Olbia, in the north of Sardinia. Every day of that week there are different festivals in the city. From parade in traditional costumes over concerts to traditional food you can find everything. It is really one of the biggest celebrations in Sardinia, we recommend you absolutely to take part in it!
I Candelieri is a religious holiday in Sassari, Nulvi, Ploaghe and Iglesias. In the evening of the 14th August in Sassari, there is a parade through the city with over 100.000 visitors and participants from all over the world. It is an old tradition in honor of the Madonna Assunta and with the pray that she will protect the persons from illness and epidemics. You will find small markets and of course traditional food during this evening in Sassari.
Sagra del Redentore is the biggest summer folk festival in Sardinia in Nuoro. With its different parades through the city at the end of August, it is a spectacular for all tourists. Whole Sardinia presents its traditional costumes and in the evening there are traditional Sardinian dances and choirs. The small markets offer traditional food and the whole city is celebrating. This festival is dedicated to the redeemer. Don't miss it!
Sagra del Bovino Gallurese is a festival in honor of the cattle of the region of Gallura which takes place at the end of August. The idea of this festival is to remember the persons to eat good quality and local beef. But recently it has become just a huge festival with more and more visitors. There is a big parade with the folk groups of Sardinia and also with the famous cattle of Gallura. In the evening they bring big tables for all the persons and everyone can try the beef of Gallura and other typical plates of Sardinia.
Festa del Turista also known as Sagra della salsiccia arrosto e del formaggio is a festival for all who love the Sardinian traditions. A parade with the costumes and afterwards celebrations with concerts and Sardinian dances. During the festivities you can try the local sausages and cheeses. There are also small markets with handmade local souvenirs. The festival is always in the mid of August in Aglientu.
Carnevale estivo takes place in Orotelli in the region of Nuoro. In August a summer carnival is celebrated with the traditional masks of Sardinia. It is a wonderful festivity with a lot of participants. At the end of the carnival parade you can try lamb and Cannonau wine. In the city center there is an open air disco where you can dance and celebrate with the habitants of Sardinia and also many tourists! Enjoy the party!
The most suitable villas for these events are:
- Villa Lumière;
- Villa Mariù e Amelie;
- Villa Sa Mola.
The Costa Smeralda
The most fascinating destination in Sardinia
Costa Smeralda, the most fascinating and exclusive destination in Sardinia, is a part of the north-eastern coast of Sardinia from Capo Ferro to the Golfo di Cugnana, with plenty of beaches and romantic hidden coves. It is considered the most beautiful part of Sardinia, of the Mediterranean Sea and even of the whole world.
The colour of its sea is emerald green, as the precious stone, and you will find amazing coves such as Cala Granu and Cala Petra Ruia and also the most beautiful beaches of the world such as Capriccioli, Cala di Volpe, Piccolo- and Grande Pevero and Romazzino. The enchanting beach of Il “Principe” is located just in the heart of this coast, near the famous town of Porto Cervo.
It is not easy to think about how this land used to look before the sixties of the last century: it was a wild deserted land, mostly countryside and uninhabited. Today it represents, thanks to the investments made by prince Aga Khan and the setting up of the Consorzio Costa Smeralda, one of the most popular places for the international jet set.
This area still dictates fashion and trends and represents at the same time the holiday destination for excellence, full of magic and of unique places.
Despite the construction and its sudden population, the Costa Smeralda has maintained the distinction of original and evocative area: the landscape, marked by smooth granite rocks sculpted by time and the emerald sea.
Also famous for its nightlife and gossip, the Costa Smeralda hosts one of the most famous clubs in the world, frequented by celebrities and wealthy entrepreneurs from all sides: The Billionaire, which is a sumptuous club where everything is full of unbridled luxury; the Ritual, a discotheque carved inside a rock, according to a plan of an eclectic architect.
If Porto Cervo is the most important point in Costa Smeralda, Porto Rotondo, just a few kilometres away from Olbia, with its squares and prestigious shops is the perfect place for people who love shopping.
The best villas to explore the area of Costa Smeralda are:
- Villa Naytiri;
- Villa Esmar.
The Costa Smeralda is absolutely a place to visit during your vacation in Sardinia. See to believe!
Diving and Snorkeling in Sardinia
Diving and snorkeling in Sardinia are among the most popular activities during the holidays of all the guests on this wonderful island. Sardinia is known as one of the most beautiful places in Europe to explore the underwater world. The sea is so clear and the rocks of this unique island are the perfect home for many inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea.
In the northern part of Sardinia you find several diving schools which offer you the possibility to do excursions or to get the PADI certificate, which is required in the whole world as a certificate for divers. They offer the possibility to learn from home the theory basis required for the certificate, so that during your holiday you can directly dive to enjoy the spectacular flora and fauna under the sea.
For all who love snorkeling with kids, we recommend the wonderful rocky coasts in the north-west of Sardinia. There you can explore the wonderful underwater nature, e.g. near the breathtaking bays of Santa Teresa di Gallura or near the wonderful red rocks of Costa Paradiso. The many rocky beaches of Costa Paradiso offer many possibilities to enjoy what you love most: to watch the colored sea life and his creatures. With the diving center you can try something new, as they offer boat excursions to other beaches. Alternatively, you can also rent a boat by yourself, to discover those spots on your own, stopping whenever you prefer to go snorkeling or diving.
Turtles, starfishes, dolphins: you can spot many different underwater creatures in the Mediterranean Sea. Of course, there are also many shellfishes and mussels. You will never forget the wonderful coral reefs you'll see here.
To explore the underwater world of Sardinia we recommend you to stay in one of the great holiday houses and villas in the north of Sardinia with its stunning beaches and spectacular coves.
Here are some villa ideas which will be perfect to explore the underwater world:
- Villa Il Saluto Del Sole;
- Villa Salinedda;
- Stella Marina.
Best kitesurfing beaches in Sardinia
If you love riding and waves and jumping up in the sky, Sardinia is the place to be, not only for its nature and vegetation, crystal clear sea, tradition and culture, but also because it is considered a jewel for kite surfers and windsurfers from all over the world. This peculiar island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea is very windy, with plenty of secluded and not crowded beaches. A great meeting point for all water sports lovers.
The north-eastern part of Sardinia represents one of the windiest shores of the Island, and therefore the ideal spot for these kinds of water sports. Especially kitesurf has lately spread like wildfire in places which are the perfect setting for such sport; ranging from the beach of Badesi to San Pietro a mare, in Valledoria, from La Marinedda to Porto Pollo and Palau, up to the long sandy beach of La Cinta in San Teodoro.
Beaten by the mistral, west, libeccio, grecale and east winds, the beaches of Eastern Gallura offer entertainment and inspiration to pro-kiters and beginners from around the world. A lot of kite schools are born, which assist you to gradually dive into this adrenaline laden sport, in touch with the pristine nature.
Porto Pollo has recently been the spot of the "Sardinia Grand Slam", the final stage of the World Kite League, where the strongest kiters in the world compete. An event which is a pride for Sardinia and that brings great emotions to viewers and curious.
If you are wondering why we know the kitesurfing spots in Sardinia so well, it is because we have staff members who occasionally go kitesurfing, taking advantage of the favorable geographical position and the opportunities given to us by our land.
It is a wonderful feeling to ride on the waves or shallow water with your kite, admiring the beauty of the sea and the nature that surrounds you.
Seeing is believing!
This area is very well equipped to welcome guests from all over the world, especially fans of water sports, thanks to comfortable accommodations like the stunning villas for rent located along the coasts of northern Sardinia.
Some nice accommodations for these activities are:
- Villa Smeralda;
- Villa Le Sfumature Del Melograno;
- Villa Sol Diesis.
«No wind is favorable for those who don't know where to go but since we know also the breeze will be precious».
- Rainer Maria Rilke -
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Climbing in Sardinia
A sport that is getting very popular
Climbing in Sardinia is getting very popular, especially thanks to many pro climbers, who have drawn thousands of climbing routes. Today, in Sardinia you can find to perfect climbing route that fits your experience and climbing skills.
There are many climbing schools that offer courses for beginners and for professional climbers.
You can choose between the different types of outdoor climbing: there are courses that last just one day, and courses that last a week or longer.
The whole equipment can be rent, so you don't have to bring it with you.
Most of the cliffs that you can climb in Sardinia are limestones, like in the whole Mediterranean area, or granitic rocks.
Many routes have been created for bouldering. Bouldering is a form of free climbing, without any rope. It is recommended only to professional climbers with lot of experience. You need strong climbing skills and a good technique and strength to climb these routes. It is also possible to book a bouldering course in one of the climbing schools.
The great rock climbing areas in Sardinia are Cala Gonone on the eastern coast, Capo Caccia by Alghero and Capo Testa by Santa Teresa di Gallura on the North. You will find routes for all levels, so you can also introduce some friends, who have never climbed before. The teacher-guide will teach the basic skills required to climb the rocks in a right and secure way.
At Cala Conone for example the routes are all close to the village and you can enjoy one of the wonderful beaches after climbing, like Cala Luna or, you can visit the Bue Marino caves in Cala Gonone .
If you are professionals or free climbers with advanced skills, you will find an infinity of rocks to climb and experience unforgettable adventures.
To relax after climbing we recommend you to rent a nice holiday house or villa near the beach in the North of Sardinia
Our suggestions:
- Villa White Elegance;
- Villa Le Sfumature Del Melograno;
- Villa Filugnana.
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Villas for wedding in Sardinia
If you are looking for an intimate ceremony or a luxury reception in a unique venue, a wedding in villa in Sardinia will add a magical scenery to your wedding.
Our locations are all very charming, whether you choose our villas close to the sea (La Bitta, Zaffran) or our villas with amazing sea view (Smeralda, Sogno Indaco), surrounded by olive grove and Mediterranean bush. The sea with its emerald green nuances and its white sandy coves will make your special day unforgettable creating a dreamlike atmosphere!
We can assist you in choosing the right location for your wedding, with lots of flowers and scents, and typical food and wines, to create a unique moment of joy. We can also suggest some photographers that can help you take back home some great memories.
In Sardinia there is an ancient tradition of backing wedding bread and sweets, strictly home made and richly decorated with birds, flowers and leaves patterns: all symbols vowing a long, healthy and happy life. Decorating your wedding banquet will surely improve the atmosphere at your ceremony.
Inviting guests for a wedding in villa in Sardinia means in fact to present a vacation to your loved ones. We also can help you arrange lots of activities. Here are some ideas:
- wine and food tasting with a private sommelier to add to Sardinian sunset with your friends that cozy atmosphere to make it unforgettable;
- massage sessions by the pool with certified masseuse to relax all together;
- special excursions on private boat to the marine park of the Arcipelago de La Maddalena. You can choose between sailing- or motor boat. The tour will make you appreciate one of the most wonderful sea parks in the world, with lots of stops for swimming in stunning coves and a Sardinian meal on board;
- horse riding excursions by the sea during sunset; experience wild Sardinia on the horse back, like the ancients used to ride.
Here is our suggestion of villas for wedding in Sardinia:
- Villa few steps from the beach and private pool
- Villa with wonderful garden and pool
- Villa with wonderful view and privacy
Happy wedding wishes!
A Sardinian wine route: a top chart of local wines
A Sardinian wine route is one of the best ways to know the deep tradition and flavors of this beautiful island.
We start by mentioning a red wine that is called Cannonau, the oldest and most famous wine of Sardinia. Recently, some studies have demonstrated that Cannonau represents the oldest type of wine in the whole Mediterranean sea region. It is characterized by a dry and strong flavour. The history tells us that its name originates from a grapevine imported from Spain. Recently, after the discovering of small grapeseeds in a nuragic settlement, it has been proved that its origin is local. The main production area is the central part of Sardinia in the region of Ogliastra and Nuoro. We advise to visit the Cantina Dorgali, where you can taste this wine and get more information about it.
Another famous Sardinian wine is the Malvasia of Bosa: a white and dry wine, with a light bitter smell and aftertaste. This is produced in many areas of Sardinia especially in the Planargia, which is a subregion located in the west central part of the island. Bosa's Malvasia is beautifully accompanied by almond made dry typical Sardinian pastries (sospiri, pirichittos and amaretti). Some people prefer to drink it as an aperitif.
Another great wine is the Vernaccia a dry white wine coming from the region of Oristano. We would suggest you to visit the Cantina Sociale della Vernaccia in Oristano, where you will have the possibility to taste it. It matches perfectly with fish dishes with strong taste and smell, such as bottarga (mullet or tuna eggs), hot or smoked cheeses. It is also excellent as a dessert wine, especially if paired with some sweets made with almonds, which are typical in Sardinia.
The Cagnulari of Alghero is a dry red wine typical of the region of Alghero, Olmedo and the surrounding area, which is characterized by a soft flavor with some notes of red fruits. It matches very well with red or white grilled meats, tomato sauce, legume soups and medium seasoned cheeses.
The Torbato of Alghero is a brut sparkling wine typical of the region of Alghero, Olmedo and the surrounding area. Very suitable as an aperitif or together with fish recipes, crustaceans and white meats. It is also known as Catalan Grapes or Turbat. The warm and dry climate fits perfectly to this wine. You can visit the winery Sella & Mosca in Alghero where you can enjoy a whole day by discovering the peculiarities of this wine.
Another typical wine is Carignano del Sulcis: dry red wine most of all belonging to the region of South Sardinia. We suggest you to taste the Terre Brune of the Cantine Santadi. This wine has received different prizes because of its high quality. It combines well with first dishes with meat sauces and spicy meats (ideal for the famous Sardinian lamb) and seasoned cheeses.
The Moscato of Sorso and Sennori is a sweet and gold coloured wine, produced most of all in the Romangia subregion of Sardinia, between Nurra and Anglona. Its very peculiar flavur perfectly accompanies dry cakes with marmelade or handmade sweets.
One of the most famous Sardinian wines (together with the Cannonau) is the Vermentino di Gallura. A magnificent dry white wine produced purely from Vermentino grapes grown on eluvial fields of granite rocks. Its delicious flavor is the best match with the precious crustaceans of Sardinia. We advise you to visit the Cantina del Vermentino in Monti and to take part of the “sagra del Vermentino di Monti” that occurs every year in the first days of August and attracts many tourists every year!
Best taste the wines in a charming Sardinian villa during sunset. We recommend:
- Villa Il Segreto di Nereo;
- Villa il Rosso di Tramonto;
- Villa Reina De Tavolara.
And Cheers!
A Sardinian wine route: a top chart of local wines : Read More
Boat trips in the North of Sardinia
Boat trips in the North of Sardinia are highly recommended, due to the presence of many little islands and an outstanding sea. Therefore, we would like to suggest you a few itineraries.
A boat trip within the Arcipelago de La Maddalena is a must for your holiday in Sardinia. You may start your tour from different places, like Palau or Santa Teresa di Gallura. The boats stop many times during the trip, in which you can dive directly into the water of the Archipelago or take a breath in some of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches. Therefore, you can visit a few different places in a day trip, while your children have fun watching the fish that swim all around them. In most of the boats the lunch is served, but there is also the possibility to take something from home, if you wish. The water of the Archipelago is crystal clear with some peculiar shades of green and blue.
The Asinara Island is situated off the coast of Stintino, and has got the status of national park.
There are many tours of different length that enable you to visit the sea and the underwater world. Most of them start directly from Stintino, and touch all the most famous beaches, but also the hinterland. There you may find the famous white donkey, from which the island takes its name. This day trip is especially suitable for children.
Other boat trips could be organized starting from Cala Gonone, in order to visit the Bue Marino’s Cave. Moreover, it is often possible to join a combined tour, with a visit to the cave and a long break at the famous Cala Luna beach, to refresh yourself in its crystal clear waters. There you may also have an ice cream or a fresh juice, going to the restaurant behind the beach. From Cala Gonone it is also possible to visit other unique beaches, hardly reachable by foot, such as the paradise beaches Cala Goloritzè and Cala Mariolu.
For all the lovers of water mammals, we recommend a boat trip where they can observe the dolphins from Alghero or Golfo Aranci. Here, different tours are offered, even with biologists on board, who describe all the most important features of these water animals.
Here are some villas with private pool, that we recommend to discover our sea by boat:
- Villa Brandinchi;
- Villa Zaffran;
- Rifugio degli Architetti.
Enjoy our sea and... ship ahoy!