A selection of news, tips, ideas, edited by Sardinia Unlimited.
The best beaches in the North of Sardinia
The best beaches in the North of Sardinia are located in the National Park of La Maddalena which represents a real jewel of the Mediterranean Sea. Some of the most famous and suggestive beaches of Sardinia and of the world are located here, in this group of beautiful islands.
The peculiarity of this amazing places is the presence of coves which, together with the seabed produce bright water colors, ranging from all shades of turquoise to those of deep blue. There are beautiful and famous beaches such as the Spiaggia Rosa (whose colour of the seabed is given by the shells of a particular single-celled organism), the Spiaggia del Cavaliere on the island of Budelli, the beaches of Cala Coticcio; the Cala Napoletana and the Spiaggia del Relitto in Caprera; Cala Corsara and Cala Granara in Spargi.
The National Park of La Maddalena is also very important from a cultural and historical point of view, as there is the house where Giuseppe Garibaldi spent the last years of his life, and which today is a museum of memories and history, of one of the greatest Italian personalities of the eighteenth century.
There is the opportunity to visit Caprera and the other islands through different private companies which offer boat trips. Moreover, this area is well organized to welcome tourists, who could easily rent apartments or detached villas for example in Palau, Costa Paradiso and Santa Teresa di Gallura, which are located in a strategic position, so that you can visit the north Sardinia without difficulty also in a short time.
For example the marvelous beach of Spiaggia Rosa: Is told that long years ago the current guardian of the island was traveling on board of a catamaran, and when he saw the sea of Budelli Island he decided to change his life, enchanted by the beauty and charm of the beach of Spiaggia Rosa. Instead of traveling to Polynesia, he decided to stay in this little corner of paradise, turning an old military building into his house and enjoying his status of unique inhabitant of a real heaven: Spiaggia Rosa.
In our mind these villas for rent will be perfect to explore the area:
Villa Incanto Di Gallura
Villa Naytiri
Villa Brandinchi
Holiday home, villas for rent: 3 tips for Stintino
Villas for rent in Stintino: how to find the one that's right for you!
We already wrote about Stintino in our north Sardinia Tour proposal, highlighting various peculiar aspects of the area. In addition, we have also published some information about the island of Asinara, part of the majestic scenery of the far north-west of Sardinia.
Today, we want to reveal why the peninsula represents an essential stop for those who want to discover Sardinia and all the possible facets of this mini continent.
Stintino is unique! There is no other such place in Sardinia. Unique from a landscape point of view, unique for its scents, traditions and nature. You can tell when, leaving the industrial center of Porto Torres behind you, you drive on the road that crosses the hamlet of Pozzo San Nicola and then leads to the Stintino peninsula.
Along the way, from time to time you can see stretches of blue sea from Ezzi Mannu and the Saline beach, the motionless surface of a pond inhabited by water birds, grazing cattle. Even the Mediterranean scrub gets thicker as you drive towards the extreme northwestern tip, with scents of broom, rosemary and rock rose. Pure serenity!
Following the final stretch of the road, skirting the enchanting village of Stintino, you reach the crossroads between the town and the La Pelosa beach and Capo Falcone: both directions lead to extraordinary destinations.
The small village of Stintino was founded by families who were forced to leave the island of Asinara in 1885, following the construction of the maximum security prison. The center of the town is characterized by two large inlets that host two small harbors where sailing- and fishing boats are moored. In fact, the inhabitants of the village lived for years mainly on fishing and farming. Of vital importance was the tuna fishing, by now ritualized and imprinted in the collective memory of the people of Stintino. The past is shown in the MUT, the Tonnara di Stintino Museum and by some buildings in the area, which testify to a past of tradition and hard work. Do not miss to stroll along the seafront, to discover both the small ports and the side alleys, where you can taste the typical dishes of the maritime tradition of the village.
You will not miss the enchanting Lateen sailing boats, which are icons of Stintino, so much that, since the 1980s, the Lateen Regatta has been held here, during which proudly is deployed the splendid sailing rig of the Mediterranean tradition. The marinas are surrounded by low houses, typical of seaside towns, with facades covered in local stone: the dark schist, with silver reflections, known throughout Sardinia as Stintino stone. Breathe in a touch of tradition and great serenity by adapting to the slow pace of life of this remote Sardinian village that is a must to discover.
If, on the other hand, you drive north at the crossroads between the village and Capo Falcone, after crossing the last hill, you will be driving on an incredible panoramic road. A gentle descent with a fabulous view over the Asinara and the Stintino peninsula. The entire length of the road is bordered by a sidewalk that crosses the Mediterranean scrub and reaches the beach of La Pelosa. If you enjoy jogging and walking, it is best to get up at dawn to stroll along the sidewalk in the fresh morning air. The nature that awakens with you and the inhalation of the healthy, salty air containing iodine, mixed with the natural aromas of Mediterranean plants, will bring you into a dimension of great inner peace. You might encounter small wild animals along the way, as if they wanted to accompany you during your morning exercise. This could be the ideal way to start your day if you are going to spend a few days in these surroundings.
The final stretch of the road leads to the famous beach La Pelosa, then goes up the rocky ridge of Capo Falcone, and finally rejoins the panoramic road with a loop. Few ecosystems on earth can match the beauty of this corner of Sardinia. Everything is in full harmony. The beach is white and fine, almost like talcum powder. The seabed is shallow for several meters: you can walk immersed up to your knees in invigorating water, transparent like air and with crazy colors. The beach is enclosed by shale rocks, which shine with the sun, alternating with spots of evergreen vegetation and beautiful old junipers. In front of the beach there are several islands and islets: the “Piana” island, which was owned by the Berlinguer family, the islet that houses the iconic fortified tower, and the pearl among the major Sardinian islands: Asinara, with its unique nature.
An incredible area, a rare beauty that is good for the soul, and just waiting to be discovered!
Holiday home, villas for rent: 3 tips for Stintino : Read More
Villa in Sardinia with sea view: where to look for it!
The most beautiful sea view in Sardinia from our 5 villas
Few things in the world are able to make us feel at peace with the world and with ourselves as a glimpse of the intense blue of the "Mare Nostrum", of a bay and a golden beach framed by luxuriant Mediterranean scrub. Even better if it is the Sardinian Sea.
We at Sardinia Unlimited know it well!
That's why we have made a selection of the best villas with sea view from our portfolio. All the villas in Sardinia for rent listed below have an enviable dominant position near the sea, and a unique view.
Villa in Sardinia with sea view: where to look for it! : Read More
Tips for choosing the right villa with pool for rent in Sardinia!
Holidays in villas for rent in Sardinia with swimming pool
If you have not yet decided where to spend your holidays, and which type of accommodation to book, our experts’ advice can surely help you.
Are you a regular on a holiday in a hotel or village? Have you ever considered spending your holidays in a villa at your complete disposal, and why not, with a beautiful swimming pool all for yourself?
The exclusive access to the swimming pool and the adjacent relaxation areas takes the holiday to the next level, as well as guaranteeing more privacy.
Furthermore, having a beautiful and well-kept villa swimming pool at your disposal 24 hours a day is extremely fun!
The ideal location for a villa holiday is the island of Sardinia, which offers a wide choice of luxury properties and villas suitable for any need, located in unique natural settings.
Especially in recent times, when it is increasingly important to safeguard our and our beloved ones health and privacy, villa holidays are becoming more and more the first choice for countless guests.
In the following paragraphs we will try to explain the reason for that choice and how to identify the structure that best suits your needs.
Tips for choosing the right villa with pool for rent in Sardinia! : Read More
Alghero, Catalan town in the North-West of Sardinia
A charming Catalan town in the North-West of Sardinia
Alghero is a wonderful city in the Mediterranean sea with massive ancient defensive walls and a stunning city center. You will find there so many nice bars, restaurants, small shops and a lot of culture. The walls with its old arms for the defense of the city are absolutely to see. In the old town you'll find amazing handcrafted jewels, of gold and silver and the famous Sardinian red coral of Alghero, which is known as one of the finest and most expensive in the world.
Starting from the touristic port of Alghero you can take part at some great boat excursions. For example, you can book a dolphin watching excursion. Dolphins often swim near Alghero. Another great experience is to explore the Grotte di Nettuno at Capo Caccia - one of the most famous caves in Italy. You will see how the water formed the rocks over the years. You can visit the grotte also walking from Capo Caccia, using the "Escala del Cabirol" steps to reach the cave. From there you have a spectacular view over the Mediterranean sea.
Near Alghero you can explore another precious historic monument of Sardinia - the Nuraghe Palmavera. Nuraghi are typical Sardinian old stone towers from the bronze and iron age.
Alghero offers also beautiful sandy beaches, both in the city and also a bit outside. If you are staying in Alghero for more than a day, we recommend you to also visit Stintino, a village near Alghero with beaches with sand so fine and white that you will never forget it.
From the touristic harbor of Alghero you can also take a boat to the shores of Capo Caccia which are mainly reachable only by boat or with a long walking and climbing session.
So, don't miss to visit Alghero and vicinities when staying in one of the villas in Sardinia:
Villa Reina del Mar
Villa Il Rifugio del Bandito
Villa Linayre.
Alghero, Catalan town in the North-West of Sardinia : Read More
What to do in Sardinia with children?
What to see in Sardinia with children? 5 top places
We at Sardinia Unlimited know very well, from personal experience, how beautiful, fun and rewarding it is to spend our holidays with children. Spending some time in the company of the little ones can also be challenging; you must always find a way to stimulate their imagination, to get them involved in playful and educational activities. A holiday in Sardinia provides endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation, in enchanting natural settings, but offers also a lot of attractions for families. This magical island is not just turquoise sea, beautiful beaches and dream landscapes: it has much more to say, even for the youngest. Below we list five of the main Sardinian attractions for children of all ages, tested directly by our little ones.
Donnortei Natural Park.
Donnortei Park is a real gem, almost a secret place that we would like to suggest to anyone visiting Sardinia, at any time of the year. It is a wonderful natural park set in a unique mountain context, in the territory of Fonni, part of the Barbagia di Ollolai. The park is private, and is managed by the family that owns these lands, as well as the homonymous farmhouse. The management of the park is done in collaboration with several Italian and Sardinian universities, which study the unique flora and fauna present within the park itself, including various endemic species. In the farmhouse you can try the typical dishes of Sardinian and Barbagian cuisine and you can stay overnight in comfortable rooms. But the main reason why we suggest visiting this wonderful structure is the possibility of booking a guided excursion inside the park itself, which is not otherwise accessible since it is fenced.
The excursion is a unique experience, to live at least once in a lifetime. A long trekking path, which winds through a dense forest of native oaks on the steep slopes of a mountain, leads to the heart of the park. An expert guide explains the natural wonders of this majestic landscape, accompanying the visitors into a little valley. Here the magic takes place every day, leaving no one indifferent - from the oldest to the youngest -. Attracted by food distributed by the guide, dozens of fallow deers, fawns and Sardinian deers materialize in front of the incredulous children, as in a fairy forest. Males with sumptuous antlers, shy females and cute "bambies", approach visitors, eating directly from their hands, despite living in the wild. Few other experiences restore harmony with nature like this, which can be experienced just a few steps from the iconic Gennargentu Mountain.
Absolutely not to be missed!
Aquarium of Cala Gonone.
Not far from the wonderful coves of the Gulf of Orosei, such as Cala Luna and Cala Goloritzé, and the spectacular Bue Marino caves, there is the Cala Gonone aquarium. If you happen to be here with children - but also without! -, take the opportunity to visit this interesting attraction. The modern structure houses 25 exhibition tanks, representing a path that crosses different seas and aquatic areas of the world. About 300 marine species live in them, from piranhas to loggerhead turtles. Educational play activities can also be carried out, to teach about respect for the oceans. Halfway through, the cute fox Rosa Fumetta, mascot of the aquarium, raises awareness of the victims of wildfires, which she miraculously survived. At the end of the visit, it is possible to play with some species in the tactile tank. There is also an outdoor playground, snack bar and ample parking.
Didactic and playful. Kids will love it!
Sardegna in Miniatura Park.
The Miniature Sardinia Park, as stated on their website, is a real integrated scientific pole, spread over an area of about 50,000 square meters. It is a complex of various attractions and theme parks of great interest, and of undoubted charm for children. The park is located near the nuragic village of Su Nuraxi in Barumini, not far from the Giara di Tuili. The first nucleus of the park, which dates back to 1999, is made up of Sardinia in miniature, where it is possible to walk along scale reproductions of some Sardinian monuments and sites. It is even possible to circumnavigate the attraction by boat. Furthermore, at the nuragic pavilion, it is possible to relive the customs and traditions of the nuragic populations during the iron age. All this by visiting the reconstruction of a typical village of the Nuragic civilization, dating back to 3,000 years ago.
An interesting Nature Park is also part of the complex. It hosts a biosphere and a tunnel aquarium, unique in Sardinia, which allows you to visit a tropical ecosystem, while learning the importance of respecting the environment. A tank with large koj carps will surely please the little ones, who will be fascinated by the wonderful colorful fish. The amazement of the children will also be great in front of the kaleidoscopic birds that cheer up the parrot aviary, followed by the oasis of succulents.
There is also an astronomy museum, a real scientific research center, where you can experiment with different activities and learn notions of astronomy and astrophysics. Of great interest is the dome of 11 meters in diameter, under which the planetarium is projected, countrywide one of the largest and most technological.
The highlight is in our opinion the Dinosaur Park, the largest of its kind in Italy, which will leave the youngest visitors speechless. The little ones of the house will certainly have fun in this part of the park, and the adults will like it too. Kids and parents will be amazed by the huge animatronic reproductions of Tyrannosaurus-rex, Apatosaurs and other Jurassic species, including baby dinosaurs, who really move and roar! You cannot miss a visit to the Megalodon, the king of the seas of prehistory, and to the recent area dedicated to the ice age, where mammoths and large prehistoric cats dominate. Are you ready to go back in time and feel like in a Hollywood blockbuster?
Top educational and fun for your children!
BittiRex.
If you are in the north of Sardinia, and you have little time available, or if Tuili and Barumini seem too distant and you don't feel like tackling such a long journey with children, we have a valid alternative for you. Near Bitti, in the historical region of Barbagia, on the border with the province of Sassari, there is BittiRex. It is another small theme park displaying real-size statues of dinosaurs. If your little ones are also passionate about paleontology and the living beings that preceded us on earth, then it is definitely worth visiting this park.
100% recommended!
Water Parks of Sardinia.
On windy summer days, when the sea is too rough and dangerous to swim safely, why not visit one of the many water parks on the island? There are several, scattered throughout the Sardinian territory. Children love sliding down the the tubes and feel the water gliding during those exciting descents. In addition, several parks offer refreshment and entertainment services, involving adults and children with fun activities, choreography and music. The largest water amusement parks, from north to south Sardinia, are: Aquafantasy in Isola Rossa, Trinità d’Agultu e Vignola; Water Paradise in Eden Beach, Sorso; Aquadream in Baja Sardinia; Parco acquatico in Baradili; BluFan in Sarroch; Diverland in Quartucciu.
Cool off by diving into the blue swimming pools!
The 5 best beaches in Costa Paradiso
Our tips for visiting the 5 best beaches in Costa Paradiso
Costa Paradiso is a fantastic tourist resort in the north of Sardinia, halfway between Castelsardo and Santa Teresa di Gallura, frequented by thousands of visitors especially during the high season. It is like a chest full of naturalistic treasures, waiting to be unearthed.
Costa Paradiso is a hamlet of Trinità d’Agultu e Vignola, a municipality since 1958 with a double soul: hilly and maritime. Hilly, because the main urban center of Trinità d’Agultu, built around the eighteenth-century Holy Trinity Church, is located on the hills at about 360 meters above sea level; maritime, thanks to the many coastal hamlets enclosed in its vast territory. It includes the agglomeration of Vignola mare, the tourist village of Isola Rossa and the Marinedda beach, the beach of Li Feruli, Cala Sarraina, Tinnari and the hamlet of Lu Colbu. A wonderful stretch of the coast of Trinità d’Agultu and Vignola is called the Red Coast, due to the predominant color of the granite rocks and islets in the area. This portion Sardinian coast is very famous for the presence of pristine beaches and hidden coves, bordered by cliffs which, especially at sunset, take on red shades.
The hamlet of Costa Paradiso is 13 km from Trinità d’Agultu away. It opens to the visitor's eyes with an evocative and wild landscape, a natural setting for fiery sunsets. In this context, the holiday homes of the residential village and the exclusive villas for rent with sea view fit perfectly, harmoniously integrated into the landscape, retaining the charm of the area. The buildings, built with local materials, respect defined aesthetic standards, and have colors and shapes that recall those of the surrounding nature.
Whoever drives along the coastal road that leads to the village of the same name, finds himself immersed in a breathtaking promontory. It is dotted with pink granite and a dense and evergreen Mediterranean scrub, leading to wonderful bays and natural pools with crystal clear water and emerald green, turquoise and deep blue shades. Nomen omen; a true paradise!
The beaches of Costa Paradiso and surrounding areas are among the most evocative of western Gallura, known for the incredible color of the sea and delicate beaches. We mention what we believe are the 5 most beautiful beaches in the area, aware that there are others nearby, which deserve just as much attention.
The wonderful Li Cossi beach comes first with merit. It is absolutely worth taking the path that leads to the welcoming beach of fine golden sand, enclosed by enveloping reddish rocks, which give a sense of protection to bathers. We are talking about an absolute masterpiece of nature, set like a rare gem in this superb stretch of coast. The beach, as well as by sea, can be reached via a romantic path that winds along pink granite rocks eroded by the elements, with the most varied and imaginative shapes. The surrounding promontory is covered with green Mediterranean scrub that perfumes the air, cheering up the days at the beach for adults and children.
We continue with Cala Sarraina, one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, which encloses a welcoming pinkish beach, made up of coarse sand of granite origin and micro fragments of coral. It is bathed by a transparent sea like crystal and is surrounded by marvelous rocks sculpted by the mistral and by hills that smell of the typical aromas of the local vegetation. The cove is also a small natural harbor that can be reached from above, being immediately captivated by the intense color of the water. The beach can be reached in a few minutes by car, and is equipped with restaurant services and beach equipment rental.
Another gem that we point out is the Cala di Porto Leccio, set in a position sheltered from the east winds, with an old typical shepherd’s house. The beach is made up of small pebbles and fits perfectly into a setting of high and jagged coasts covered with dense scrub. The water that bathes the cove is crystal clear and tending to turquoise in color. If you are looking for a quiet place where you can sunbathe even in high season, Porto Leccio is the ideal location as it is not very crowded even in summer. The beach can be reached via the same path that leads to Li Cossi, from which it is just a few minutes away. The same path leads also to Cala Tinnari.
We continue with the romantic Cala Tinnari, part of the Red Coast, between Costa Paradiso and Isola Rossa. The beach has the shape of two converging arches and is made up of fragments of shells, tiny grains of granite and pebbles deposited from the nearby Rio Pirastru, which bring a greyish color. The hue of the sand offers a remarkable chromatic contrast with the red cliffs and the intense green of the vegetation, as well as with the wonderful clear emerald sea tending to blue. Ideal location for snorkeling, thanks to the rich marine fauna that lives in the wonderful polychrome seabed. A real oasis of peace and tranquility, this lonely bay is easily accessible by sea directly from Costa Paradiso, as well as through the natural path leading to Li Cossi.
The last beach we suggest to visit if you spend your holidays in Costa Paradiso, is about one kilometer from the town of Isola Rossa, that takes its name from an iconic islet. We are talking about La Marinedda beach, an unmissable bay with a beach of fine white sand among the most beautiful in northern Sardinia, which slips docile into the sandy seabed. In the background you can see Punta Canneddi, while all around the typical aromatic vegetation of the Mediterranean Sea, including helichrysum, and junipers, completes the idyllic landscape. The stretch of sea that laps the shoreline has shades between turquoise and intense blue, depending on the refraction and intensity of the light. It is flat and soothing in the absence of wind and somewhat turbulent when the Mistral blows. The beach is popular with water sports enthusiasts and hosts an international surfing competition.
La Marinedda is easy to reach, along the coast road that leads to Isola Rossa. The beach is equipped with refreshment services, deckchair and bathing and sports equipment rental. There is also a windsurfing and surfboarding school.
5 tips on New Year's Eve in Sardinia
What to do for New Year's Eve in Sardinia?
New Year's Eve in Sardinia is a special time. Celebrating the departure of the old year and the arrival of a new one, drawing up a list of good intentions by looking at the sea, attending concerts and parties with our loved ones, are all things that have a special charm on this magical island. You can also use the opportunity to spend a carefree time in one of our villas for rent for New Year's Eve in Sardinia.
Various Sardinian towns usually offer a rich calendar dotted with events, comparable to that of the most important Italian cities. It includes international stars’ concerts, cultural events, food and wine tastings, and much more. The cities of Sardinia that usually have a great program for New Year's Eve are the ones with a double soul; cosmopolitan and traditional. They also have a strong tourist identity: Cagliari, Sassari, Alghero, Olbia, Castelsardo.
What to do in Sardinia in November? 5 Top tips
Holidays in Sardinia in November, all you need to know!
Those who have scheduled holidays in the autumn period may wonder what to do during this period. Besides staying in our pajamas, sipping hot chocolate, and watching TV series - all of which we love!—for the month of November, we suggest you visit Sardinia, for several good reasons, which are explained below.
Let's start by saying that this is a special island, which has so much to offer throughout the year. There are many things to do in Sardinia in September, October, and even November.
- Transport and connections with Sardinia.
During the autumn and winter season, the main air and sea connections with the Italian peninsula are guaranteed, also by virtue of the “Territorial Continuity Policy”, as well as numerous flights to and from various European cities.
The main airports are those of Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero. The main ports are in Cagliari, Olbia and Porto Torres.
- Climate in Sardinia in Autumn.
Temperatures during daytime are still mild even during autumn, especially in the coastal locations, where we have temperatures around 20°C are recorded, with infrequent rains, alternating with sunny periods.
While in continental Europe almost everyone starts thinking of Christmas, we in Sardinia look back to summer.
A slight temperature difference is also recorded between the north and south of the island, since the latter area is slightly milder during autumn and winter, also because it is less exposed to the northern and northwestern winds.
In the hilly and mountainous interior, temperatures are colder, and it could happen that at the end of November the first snow falls on the Gennargentu Massif and on Monte Limbara, which could be the ideal opportunity for a pleasant walk on the white slopes of these mountains.
- Advantages of deseasonalization.
Visitors from Central European and Scandinavian countries are well aware of the advantages of visiting Sardinia in October and even in November, representing the largest tourist group during the autumn months. We should learn from them, to fully enjoy an island with many facets, more liveable when uncrowded, not neglecting the undoubted economic advantages compared to the summer months, due to the lower costs for a villa or a holiday home to rent in Sardinia.
Read on to discover our 5 tips on autumn in Sardinia.
Winter in Sardinia: all about the spots to visit
Rites, traditions and destinations for the winter in Sardinia
In fact, this island holds many surprises and is full of attractions, events and things to do in every season, even during the winter.
• Skiing in Sardinia.
Probably, if you love skiing, Sardinia is not the most suitable destination for you... even if, to be honest, there is a ski area on the island spread over the territories of Fonni, Villagrande Strisaili and Desulo. You didn't expect it, did you?The main ski slopes are located on the summit of Bruncu Spina, part of the Gennargentu massif, and extend for several kilometers in the heart of the province of Nuoro, with facilities of ascent.
The ski season lasts 2 to 3 months, usually from December to March, when abundant snowfalls occur, attracting several thousand Sardinian and non-Sardinian enthusiasts.
• Visit archaeological sites.
The attractions in Sardinia in winter are certainly not limited to activities in the ski resorts.The cold season is particularly suitable for visiting archaeological sites, which are distributed far and wide throughout the island, to be included in trekking itineraries and healthy open-air walks.
In Sardinia there are between 7,000 and 8,000 Nuraghi: massive truncated conical towers dating back to the Bronze Age, built with stone boulders of different sizes, using revolutionary construction techniques for the time.
Several Nuragic villages have been brought to light through massive archaeological excavations, and are perfectly preserved. We strongly suggest you to visit one of the major complexes. Depending on where you are, you will surely have an archaeological site nearby: Nuraghe Arrubiu, Palmavera, Santu Antine, Su Nuraxi, Sa Prisgiona, Nuraghe Losa, Riu Mulinu, and so on.
To grasp the essence of these impressive monuments and the fascinating Nuragic culture, it is good to rely on an expert guide, who will introduce you to a highly evolved civilization, of which too little has been said in the past.
Further important monuments, from the prehistoric or nuragic era which are worth visiting, are the Domus de Janas, the Sacred Wells and the Tombs of the Giants. Also to discover these monuments it is good to rely on expert archaeological guides.
The magnetic and imposing statues of the Giants of Monte Prama deserve more attention: we have already talked about them, in the blog about Sardinian legends and myths.
• Participate in the Sardinian “Karrasegare” celebrations.
The months of January and February in particular, in addition to being among the coldest periods of the year, hold important and surprising events related to Karrasegare: the Sardinian Carnival.All manifestations and rites of the Barbagia Carnival, which mixes the sacred and the profane, are of enormous interest. This period of the year has great anthropological and socio-cultural value, due to the strong identity imprint it has on local populations.
The carnival in the Barbagia begins with the rituals which take place on January 16, on the eve of the feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot. Masked figures dance around the ritual fires that are lit in the squares in many villages.
Several towns have their own traditional carnival masks.
The most famous masks, known even beyond the island's borders, are those of the town of Mamoiada, which celebrates the beginning of Carnival on January 17th, and where the anthropomorphic figures of the Mamuthones and Issohadores perform a suggestive parade.
Tradition provides that twelve Mamuthones (one for each month of the year), personified by vigorous local actors, proceed at a rhythmic pace in two parallel rows. The solemn footsteps and leaps of the imposing figure covered in black sheepskins make the cowbells resound loudly. The bells are clasped on their shoulders and weigh around 55 lbs.
Mamuthones’ faces are hidden behind the viseras, which are traditional wooden masks made of peartree wood. The visera is painted black and has grotesque features from which only the penetrating eyes of the actors can be seen. It is handycrafted by local artisans, or by the Mamuthones themselves. They also wear the characteristic handkerchief on their heads, called Muncadore, which is tied under the chin.
Their pace has a strong magnetic power, also arousing awe in the audience: as soon as the Mamuthones appear, a respectful silence falls, the crowd dodges to make room for the procession and the children run away in fear.
The ritual is completed by a further costume, a colored one (dominant colors are red and white): the Issohadores. Eight of them proceed alongside the Mamuthones, who they watch over and to whom they dictate the pace. In addition, the Issohadores jokingly capture the spectators, using a rope called "sa soha", thrown as a lasso on the crowd enjoying the parade.
The Issohadores also wear a wooden mask, called "sa visera 'e santu", painted white and with more delicate features, in contrast to the black one with the rough features of the Mamuthones.
Other towns in the interior of Sardinia have their own anthropomorphic masks and their own propitiatory rituals, which you can discover by spending the days of Carnival in Sardinia. We point out the Boes and Merdùles from Ottana and the Thurpos from Orotelli.
In other Sardinian municipalities, far from the province of Nuoro and from the ancestral tradition of the Barbagia Carnival, it is celebrated in an evocative way. Interesting is the very ancient "Karrasegare Osinku": a peculiar carnival of the seaside town of Bosa, on the west coast of Sardinia.
One of our favorite ways to celebrate carnival is to attend the spectacular and evocative equestrian event called the Sartiglia in Oristano. It is a horse race, where the knights try to catch a silver star while riding fast through the town. It takes place on the last Sunday and Tuesday of Carnival and which includes wonderful rituals and choreography.
Other Sardinian towns offer more modern and widespread celebrations and events, with allegorical floats and dances that involve the whole population, as happens for example in the heart of Gallura, in Tempio Pausania.
• Celebrating Christmas and the New Year’s Eve at the sea in Sardinia.
Celebrating Christmas and New Year's Eve in Sardinia could prove to be an unexpectedly interesting experience, especially if you choose a city or coastal location.Waking up on Christmas Day with a view of an intense blue sea, after spending the eve with loved ones, or mingling with the hospitable inhabitants of the island in clubs and Christmas markets, is priceless.
Among the places that offer an optimal combination of tradition and fun on the sea we mention Alghero, Cagliari, Olbia and Castelsardo: tourist cities that usually have a very rich events calendar for New Year's Eve, with various events and free concerts in the town squares by internationally renowned artists.
Winter in Sardinia: all about the spots to visit : Read More