A Sardinian vacation is a dream come true for many people, with a
pleasant Mediterranean climate, rich culture and colourful history. If
you want to make the most of your trip, you should add these notable
sights to your itinerary of things to do and places to visit while on
this wonderful Italian island.
1. Costa Smeralda - Located in Arzachena, this particular stretch of coastline has become a hotspot for tourists. With villas, resorts, marinas, shops and restaurants, this is the place to go if you want to kick back and really enjoy your Sardinian vacation.
2. Museo Archeologico - Located in Olbia, this museum is dedicated to the maritime and commercial history of the island as well as the conflicts between the Romans and the Carthaginians. Often you can even catch a concert while the exhibits are in progress.
3. Su Nuraxi di Barumini - Located in Barumini, this ancient bastion is one of the oldest and most impressive examples of Nuraghic architecture. The dressed stone and circular defensive towers offer quite the treat for the history lover.
4. Is Zuddas Caves - Located in Cagliari, these connected caverns are filled with hauntingly beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. There is even a formation that looks eerily similar to a pipe organ. As well, you can encounter the even eerier horizontal aragonite formations, which researchers have yet to fully understand.
5. Nora - Located near Pula, the ancient ruins of this site are recorded as the oldest on the island, and home to the Nora Stone - the oldest document mentioning the name Sardinia in the Phoenician alphabet.
6. Spiaggia Le Dune di Piscinas - Located in Arbus, this stunning beach brings forth the refreshing appeal of the azure sea coupled with mesmerizing views of sand dunes and inland vegetation. This particular beach is particularly attractive to visit if you manage to come during the off-season.
7. Le Bombarde Amusement Park - Located in Alghero, this amusement park is great if you are travelling with children on a Sardinian vacation. Aqua bumper rides, electric mini quad tracks, inflatable play areas and even trampoline areas make this a fun destination for the whole family.
8. Sa Sartiglia - Located in Oristano, this festive event is the Sardinian version of "Carnivale". It comes complete with equestrian events and its own "king of celebrations" - Su Componidori - who appears replete in an implacable white mask and representative of the duality of many things in life.
9. Basilica San Gavino - Located in Porto Torres, this former cathedral is built in the proto-Romanesque style of vaults and rounded arches. While the structure itself is a simple but delightful example of early Roman architecture, it is worth noting that the church allegedly houses the remains of martyrs venerated through the ages.
10. Tenute Olbios - Located in Olbia, this winery offers guided tours covering the wine-making process as well as a wine-tasting event where you can sample classic local vintages. You can even expand the tour to cover the vineyard and sample cheeses, antipasti and salumi - a definite must for foodies on a Sardinian vacation.
1. Costa Smeralda - Located in Arzachena, this particular stretch of coastline has become a hotspot for tourists. With villas, resorts, marinas, shops and restaurants, this is the place to go if you want to kick back and really enjoy your Sardinian vacation.
2. Museo Archeologico - Located in Olbia, this museum is dedicated to the maritime and commercial history of the island as well as the conflicts between the Romans and the Carthaginians. Often you can even catch a concert while the exhibits are in progress.
3. Su Nuraxi di Barumini - Located in Barumini, this ancient bastion is one of the oldest and most impressive examples of Nuraghic architecture. The dressed stone and circular defensive towers offer quite the treat for the history lover.
4. Is Zuddas Caves - Located in Cagliari, these connected caverns are filled with hauntingly beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. There is even a formation that looks eerily similar to a pipe organ. As well, you can encounter the even eerier horizontal aragonite formations, which researchers have yet to fully understand.
5. Nora - Located near Pula, the ancient ruins of this site are recorded as the oldest on the island, and home to the Nora Stone - the oldest document mentioning the name Sardinia in the Phoenician alphabet.
6. Spiaggia Le Dune di Piscinas - Located in Arbus, this stunning beach brings forth the refreshing appeal of the azure sea coupled with mesmerizing views of sand dunes and inland vegetation. This particular beach is particularly attractive to visit if you manage to come during the off-season.
7. Le Bombarde Amusement Park - Located in Alghero, this amusement park is great if you are travelling with children on a Sardinian vacation. Aqua bumper rides, electric mini quad tracks, inflatable play areas and even trampoline areas make this a fun destination for the whole family.
8. Sa Sartiglia - Located in Oristano, this festive event is the Sardinian version of "Carnivale". It comes complete with equestrian events and its own "king of celebrations" - Su Componidori - who appears replete in an implacable white mask and representative of the duality of many things in life.
9. Basilica San Gavino - Located in Porto Torres, this former cathedral is built in the proto-Romanesque style of vaults and rounded arches. While the structure itself is a simple but delightful example of early Roman architecture, it is worth noting that the church allegedly houses the remains of martyrs venerated through the ages.
10. Tenute Olbios - Located in Olbia, this winery offers guided tours covering the wine-making process as well as a wine-tasting event where you can sample classic local vintages. You can even expand the tour to cover the vineyard and sample cheeses, antipasti and salumi - a definite must for foodies on a Sardinian vacation.
Carolyn Spinks is COO of ABTOI - The Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy. If you're looking for the perfect Sardinian vacation
their LoveItaly website provides destination information, contact
details of tour operator members to help you plan the best Italian
holiday, 'insider' tips, year round special offers and information on
everything from beach holidays in Sardinia, cycling in Sicily, to a
wedding or honeymoon in Tuscany.
