A selection of news, tips, ideas, edited by Sardinia Unlimited.
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) or our villas with amazing sea view (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!
Traditional festivities in Sardinia
Not only spectacular beaches and wonderful nature, there are also many traditional festivities in Sardinia, and we will tell you some interesting details about some of them.
We recommend you to visit one of these unique events during your holiday.
Il Carnevale (Carnival) is a festivity which is known all over the world and in Sardinia this tradition is very popular. The carnival of Tempio-Pausania is one of the most popular in Sardinia. Different villages in Sardinia take part in this parade and you can see many traditional costumes and all the cars are decorated with care and love.
An old tradition of the carnival is to "sacrifice" the king Giorgio at the end of the carnival to propitiate a fertile ground and a good crop. Also one of the most famous costumes is the costume of the “mamuthones”, from a town named Mamoiada, with his bells which are always part of the carnival at Tempio-Pausania.
La Sartigila from Oristano is an old knight tourney which takes always place the last Sunday and Thuesday of the carnival. It has been celebrated since 1546. The knights in wonderful colorful costumes on their horses try to catch stars with their lance in full gallop. According to tradition, the more stars they catch, the better will be the crop of the year. After the tourney other horsemen in costumes show the public some spectacular stunts on horses, also done in groups riding very close to each other.
Pasqua (easter) in Alghero is also a very well known and important festivity. The religious parades take place almost every day during easter week and on Easter Sunday there is the most important parade. The whole city takes part of this very old tradition and of course in the evenings you find many people celebrating outside. They decorate the old city in a particular way with red lamps and we recommend you to participate at least once in this old ritual.
The cavalcata sarda is a wonderful event in Sassari that takes place at the end of May. The parade counts around 75 / 80 folk-groups who display the typical traditional costume of their Sardinian village. They bring also traditional food, like bread or sweets and offer them to the public. The participants wear also traditional handmade jewelles which often are more than 100 years old. Furthermore, at the end of the parade there are over 20 groups of horse-riders, all in traditional costumes, over 100 horses take part in the parade. In the evening in the center of Sassari there is a stage where it is possible to enjoy traditional Sardinian folk music and dances. Don’t miss it!
Le cantine aperte is an old traditional celebration of the new wines. Every village celebrates this festivity in a unique way, from August till December you can find such events all over the island. Usually, you should buy a wine of glass and then you can start your tour exploring the village and its new wines. In every wine cellar you can try the wines with your glass. Normally, traditional food and local specialties are offered in the wine cellars. In the streets you can hear local melodies and also see traditional dances. Moreover, in some of the wine cellars local choruses will sing for the public during the visits.
Don’t miss these unique Sardinian events while you are staying in one of our villas! Great ideas for a villa are:
- Villa White Elegance, with private pool in Capo Coda Cavallo;
- Villa Belle, with private pool in Portobello di Gallura.
- Il Rifugio del Bandito, holiday house in Stintino.
The most beautiful dog beaches in the north of Sardinia
It is important to know that generally the access to dogs to beaches in Sardinia is not allowed from 1. May to 31. October during the year. Dogs are allowed only during the winter or during a definite period, except from the dog friendly beaches, obviously. To allow our four-legged friends the access to the beach you should fulfill some conditions: the dog should have a chip and a valid dog passport and, of course, all mandatory vaccinations.
The beaches for dogs in Sardinia usually offer drinking water, games and a veterinary emergency service. It is important to be aware that pregnant dogs and aggressive dogs do not have access to the beaches. Only a definite number of dogs and holders are allowed which however varies depending on the beach size.
Here is a selection of the most beautiful dog friendly beaches in the northern part of Sardinia:
On the Costa Smeralda you will find the beach Poltu Liccia, which has been specially designed for your four-legged friends.
The beach Ira Beach Privé, located in the beautiful territory of Porto Rotondo is advised because of its white sand and crystal clear water.
In Palau we recommend the beach of Punta Nera and, if you have enough time, it is worth taking a trip to the island of Caprera to visit the beach of Porto Palma.
For all guests who are close to Badesi, there is the beautiful beach Baia delle Mimose, where you can spend a day at the beach with your four-legged friends.
To explore all these beaches for dogs with your faithful friend, we advice you to book a pet-friendly villa for rent in the north of Sardinia.
Our suggestion:
- Villa Incanto di Gallura, with private pool in Santa Teresa di Gallura;
- Villa Kalli Bloom, with private pool close to Golfo Aranci;
- La Dimora del Falco, with private pool in Costa Paradiso.
The most beautiful dog beaches in the north of Sardinia : Read More
Traditional sweets of Sardinia
Seadas or “seada” is a traditional Sardinian dessert, made from fried pastry filled with delicate lemon-scented cheese and topped either with warm honey or sugar. Normally, the cheese used for Seadas is a young Pecorino (sheep cheese).
Amaretto is a cookie with the taste of bitter and sweet almonds and a dash of lemon. It is a bit crisp outside and very soft inside. Absolutely to try, one of the best cookies in the world.
Pan' e saba is a traditional sweet which is baked in autumn, for the first of november (all saints day) and during grape harvest, when also the liquor called sapa is made. Sapa is one of the ingredient for this sweet. In addition, different sorts of nuts and raisins give the sweet taste to this dessert, typical in the region of Gallura.
Papassini are cookies which usually are filled with almonds and raisins and a bit of orange. Every region on the island has its own papassini recipe and they all are different. The basic dough is always the same, obtained with eggs, lard, flour, sugar and milk. Externally the so-called "cappa" (hood) is applied, made with sugar and egg white. Sugar pearls or chocolate chips can be applied on top of it, as desired.
10 spots to visit in Sardinia
10 unmissable places in Sardinia
We recommend you the following 10 spots to visit in Sardinia during your holidays. Explore the most beautiful places of this unique island!
Arcipelago de La Maddalena: this is a “must to see” place in Sardinia, thanks to its crystal clear water with all the degrees of blue colour and wonderful nature.
Alghero: this fascinating Catalan town hosts in its territory the prehistoric Neptune's Grotto, Porto Conte natural reserve, Capo Caccia promontory and plenty of typical restaurants.
Stintino: this town is located on the northern part of Sardinia in front of the Asinara Island and has the most famous beach of Sardinia, called La Pelosa which is just breathtaking!
Castelsardo: this characteristic Medieval town was originally a village of fishermen. It is located on a hill and has a wonderful castle on top of it.
Capo Testa: a suggestive promontory which seems to be a “mountain on the water” which offers unique landscapes and beaches such as Cala Spinosa, Rena di Levante, Rena di Ponente and Baia Santa Reparata.
Palau: it is a nice town by the sea with beautiful beaches and the famous “Roccia dell'Orso” (bear’s rock), shaped during the years by the wind and weather.
Isola dei Gabbiani: a small island which is connected to the mainland with a 50 meters long stretch of sand. It is a very windy place and that is the reason why it is a point of interest for kitesurfers and windsurfers from all over the world.
San Pantaleo: is a town in “Gallura”, located in the interior part of Costa Smeralda. It is very rich of tradition and is built in typical Sardinian style, with granitic stone a sight. A place where you are surrounded by nature and beautiful mountain landscapes but in the beautiful Costa Smeralda at the same time.
Cala Mariolu: located in the Gulf of Orosei. Unspoiled place, very difficult to reach on foot. Peculiar are the small white stones which compose this beautiful beach. Once you reach the bay, you will see a breathtaking view!
Cala Goloritzé: for bravest excursionists. It takes about 1 hour of walk to reach it, but when you arrive there you will be deeply impressed by the unspoiled nature and dramatic view, it is a unique experience!
The best way to visit these beautiful places is to rent an independent villa in Sardinia and on the northern coast, there are different types of villas you can rent. This kind of accommodation offers the possibility to take your time and enjoy the beauties of this fascinating Island.
Take a look at these villas in particular:
Villa Domus Ardea - can accommodate up to 12 people, in San Teodoro, the ideal base for visiting the entire northeast of Sardinia.
The property has a private pool and panoramic view;
Villa La Bitta - can accommodate up to 14 people, in Badesi, a great location to explore Castelsardo and its surroundings
The villa has a private pool and sea view;