Montevecchio, near Arbus, Once one of the most important mining centers in the region, become a mine of historical importance of Sardinia. The mining town, located in the south-west of the island allows visitors to visit a range of facilities. The place is now abandoned, nonetheless still exude a special charm. The site date back to the period from 1848 until 1991, year in which the mine was officially closed.
Among the Sardinia legends, on the famous is the one of Sella del Diavolo. This is a headland overlooking the Gulf of Cagliari. Legend tell that the devil enjoyed a lot that area and decided to settle there. Then God sent an army of angels on earth to drive out the devil. The latter, in flight, dropped his saddle that froze and became what is today called Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle).
A place full of peace and greenery in Sardinia? The spa of Casteldoria. Located in the municipality of Santa Maria Coghinas, not far from Badesi and Valledoria, these baths are characterized by the presence of the Doria castle, dating from the twelfth century, which dominates the surrounding landscape thanks to the high position. The manor seems that fighters with its grandeur on the healing waters of the river below Coghinas, whose healing properties were known since the times of ancient Romans.
The Aragonese castle of Siviller, located near Villasor in the province of Cagliari, is one of the most unique castles of Sardinia. The reason lies in its curious architecture that combines civilian and military architectural style.
The style of this fortress is medieval but its size and structure of civil residence, give it something really special. It was built at the behest of the customs officer of the Castle of Cagliari, John Sivilleris, with permission of the bishop of the capital of Sardinia, for military purposes: in fact it had to defend the area against attacks by the rebels of Arborea.
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The caves in Sardinia are a world apart, little know among the people visiting this beautiful island. But these caves are as beautiful as the beach and the coast of Sardinia. One of the most beautiful is the cave of Is Janas. It is located in the territory of Sadali, near Nuoro, and it’s 240 meters long. It extends horizontally, so the visit is within reach of anyone and is not particularly difficult.
The manor of Castelsardo is among the most visited and fascinating castles in Sardinia. Once it was a vital center of the town of Castelsardo, in the province of Sassari; now it is still surrounded by fortified walls that had only one access road: you can still see the hinges on which was mounted the massive door. As a matter of fact, there was also a maritime access to the castle that was used during the sieges: hence came the ships loaded with supplies from Genoa.
To see something different from the usual Sardinia, another way to discover the island is to travel off-road by a 4×4. A way to get to know with the deepest and fascinating wilderness of Sardinia.
Wildlife in its element breathtaking views and more. During the stops in the villages of the hinterland you can discover traditions and culinary specialties.
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Among the castles of Sardinia, the Castle of Sassari had a very troubled history, and has passed several times with difficulty. Built in the XIV Century, it was used by the population of Sassari to resist the Crown of Aragon. Later, from 1535, it was used by the Inquisition and was converted into a barracks for the Royal Italian Army until 1877. The demolition of this castle began in that year, to make space for squares and for the barracks of Lamarmora, headquarters of the Brigata di Sassari (“Sassari brigade”).
Tuerredda beach, a few miles from the center of Teulada, located in a beautiful bay between Cape Malfatano and Cape Spartivento, is known to be one of the ten most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. Its sand, as white as flour and water colors, so intense, give an exotic atmosphere to the place.
It’s in the south of Sardinia, not far from Cagliari, yet this beach of 600 meters in extent is still wild: a kind of a pristine beauty that has become increasingly hard to find.
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Among the beaches of Sardinia, the Dunes of Piscinas, near Arbus, are among the most fascinating. And in fact, UNESCO declared them World Heritage. They are so large that go over two miles inland and can reach 100 feet tall (which makes them among the highest in Europe).
It ‘s the perfect place for long, quiet walks in nature, especially in the early hours of the morning: this is the ideal time to spot deer and the other species that cross the beach to return to their shelters in the groves of juniper. The fauna and flora found in this environment a great refuge: here, between June and July, nests the Caretta Caretta, one of the most protected species of turtle in Italy. And you can also see various birds of prey like golden eagles and peregrine falcons.
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For the first time, the Castle of Orguglioso was mentioned in 1286, in a treaty between the court of Arborea and the Municipality of Pisa. The fort was part of a defensive system that suffered in later centuries, the turbulent fortunes of all the disputed territory of Sardinia.
Around 1326 the Castle of Orguglioso, with the other Sardinian castles hitherto held by the Municipality of Pisa, passed to the Aragonese. But its fortifications buckled under the onslaught of seven hundred knights loyal to the court of Arborea during the conflict against the Crown of Aragon (1353). Since then, the Castle of Orguglioso lost its defensive function: it became a mere geographical reference point for travelers and it was renamed Castle of Sassai, in honor of the village located near it.
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Near Dorgali, south of Cala Gonone, there is a karst canyon that faces near the see: the Codula Fuili. The amazing cave of Crystals is there. Among the numerous Sardinian Caves and among the caves Supramonte marino di Dorgali area, the cave of Crystals can boast a specificity that makes it unique.
Inside, in fact, it was discovered a Roman burial place, dated thanks to the presence of two oil lamps fund close and traced to the historical period. Setting to this testimony ancient charm collected from this cave and this Sardinian area, the calcareous concretions, columns, stalagmites and stalactites continue to impress the visitor of the telluric deepness.
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The best way to know a city’s population is through its food culture, and if this is always true it is a fortiori for a gourmets location like Sardinia. Among the many well-known markets famous is the San Benedetto, that offers the opportunity to discover and capture the true spirit of Cagliari.
A challenge between 238 operators to offer their customers the freshest products at the best price which creating an exuberant commercial and human atmosphere. The San Benedetto market is composed by two level: the lower, the most famous, contains the stalls of fish, shellfish and crustaceans; the upper level is home to the market of meat, cheese, fruit and vegetable, wines, confectionery and typical Sardinian cuisine. The San Benedetto structure also did to have the record of the largest covered market in Europe to Sardinia and Cagliari: 8000 square meters rich of flavor and humanity typical of this land.
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With its 1.800 meters of rooms and tunnels (yet explored), Grotta del Fico Caves, in the area of Baunei, is one of the most attractive and important cave in Sardinia. Starting from its location: the cave entrance is on the limestone walls of the Gulf of Orosei, 10 meters over the sea level. A real paradise for speleologists and geologists.
The lovers of nordic walking in Sardinia have a place that boasts beautiful paths totally immersed in nature: it’s the Iglesiente, along the west coast of this Mediterranean island. And the best trails for nordic walking in this area of Sardinia are six, all different from each other and with varying difficulty.
The easiest trails for nordic walking in Iglesiente are two: the first one starts from Pranu Dentis and comes to the mine San Luigi, through places important for their nature and for the industrial archaeology; the second path, from the bridge over the Rio Gutturu Cardaxius to Genna Arenas, passes through canyons, near ancient mines and nearby rural villages.
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Orosei Gulf, in the area of Nuoro, is one between the wildest Sardinia beaches.
There, you can find paradise corners on Earth where you can relax and enjoy the view.
Some of the most beautiful Sardinia beaches are there, in Orosei Gulf, but they are not busy with tourists because they’re not so easy to reach. In some cases, you’ll have to walk between rocks and narrow paths, in other cases you can reach there only by sea. Read more »
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Visiting Sardinia, it happens to run out of breath in front of the vision of pink flamingos, because this is a rare species of bird.
And they live in the Molentargius Saline Regional Park, located in the hinterland of Cagliari and easy to access thanks to its many road, but you need to book a guided tour to visit it. Read more »
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In the month of June takes place in Belvì, the traditional Cherry and Caschettas Festival, where you can eat the excellent fruit cropped in Gennargentu and discover the typical sweets of these area.
Belvì is a small town located in central-eastern Sardinia, in the province of Nuoro, where since 1600 are prepared caschettas. In the past, this delicacy was prepared for important occasions such as weddings, because the tradition required that the groom offered these sweets to the bride.
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The town of Bosa, located in the province of Oristano, is the only urban center of Sardinia, built on the estuary of a river, where small boats can navigate.
Thanks to this characteristic, every year the first Sunday of the month of August, here one of the most important events of the sacred tradition of Bosa is celebrated, the feast of Santa Maria del Mare.
The boats for the feast of Santa Maria del Mare are decorated with flags, canes and colorful flowers to accompany the Madonna on the way along the river from the church to the Cathedral of Bosa Marina, located in the historic city center, where the morning mass is celebrated the morning mass. Read more »
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Along the coasts of Sardinia there are many small islands, with a rich history. The island of Asinara is one of them, located between the Sardinian Sea and the Sea of Corsica.With its characteristic elongated shape and very jagged coasts, this island covers an area of about 51 km and has a hilly area largely covered with maquis.
During the ancient Rome age, the Sardinian island of Asinara was known as the Herculis insula (“island of Hercules”) and it was considered a benchmark for all sailors who wanted to reach Sardinia. Before becoming a national park with animals threatened with extinction as the white donkey and some types of wild sheep, this territory has experienced a long periods of discomfort. Read more »
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Known throughout the World, Costa Smeralda is considered one of the main touristic area of Sardinia. The place takes its name from the shades of green and turquoise waters that wash the beaches of Sardinia composed of fine white sand.
The Costa Smeralda is a perfect combination of nightlife and nature, because the day offers unique landscapes where you can visit or snorkeling through crystalline waters and relax. And during the evening the centers of the coast can offer the best entertainment for every kind of tourists. Read more »
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The Coast of Oleander is situated in the northern province of Nuoro. These beaches of Sardinia, as the name points out, are characterized by the massive presence of oleander flower, which adds to the beautiful place a touch of color and unique scent.
The Coast of Oleander has a dual composition: it was formed from granite rock, and in the southern zone from rock of volcanic origin.
The beaches in this part of Sardinia are characterized by fine white sand and the low sea backdrops, where the water changes color depending on the surrounding vegetation and currents. Read more »
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Each year in Carloforte, since ten years, the appointment with the festival of Girotonno is renewed. And 2012 won’t be an exception. A meeting with an ancient tradition of tuna fishing by the tonnara which, the area of Isola di San Pietro, is deep rooted in the whole population.
Girotonno 2012 will represent also the chance to meet other costal Mediterranean cultures linked to the tuna fishing and it’s also a chance to discover new and unique blend of culinary flavors, with the soundtrack of folkloric music and performances summoning the old seamen lifestyle.
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The Grotte di Nettuno (“caves of Neptune”) are among the most famous of Sardinia: they are located 24 km from the city of Alghero, inside of Capo Caccia. This place was unknown until the Eighteenth Century when a local fisherman discovered it by accident. And since its discovery, the turnout in this Sardinian cave has never diminished.
The tourists have two possibilities to reach it: the first, more convenient and fast, is to go by boat from Alghero and to reach the main entrance; the second possibility is to start from the center of Tramaglio and to reach the cave by the Escala del Cabirol, a staircase of 654 steps that winds around the headland of Capo Caccia. Read more »
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Sardinia is a land that always has a great tradition of craftsmanship. The handicraft that are produced have been tools of everyday life and in some cases means of livelihood of the local economy but now are also popular souvenirs for tourists, curious and lovers of beauty.
There would be many handicrafts of Sardinia to speak about, but certainly some products are distinguished by reputation such as the famous Mamoiada masks that are worn by Mamuthones during the Carnival representation of the city. Read more »
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Even in 2012 we will celebrate Sa Die de sa Sardigna. Lately the Regional Council has approved a new program for the festivities that will take place during the days between April 24 to 28.
With Sa Die de sa Sardinia, also known as the “Sardinian Vespers”, identify the days dedicated to the people of Sardinia Sardinian identity. During the days preceding April 28, commemorates the little people’s revolution of 1794 that followed the refusal of the real Piedmont to meet some demands of political and economic order made by the Sardinian people. The result was the expulsion of the Piedmontese rulers from the island. But this was only the culmination of discontent arising from many causes and that had the effect of strengthening and bringing to light the strong identity and character of the island of Sardinia.
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Su pirichittus de bentu are typical Sardinian sweets, prepared with lard and eggs. This is a very popular delicacy especially around Cagliari. And the women of this land jealously guard the secret of this recipe.
Ingredients for Sardinian sweets pirichittus de bentu:
Preparation:
The last operation before serving these traditional Sardinian sweets is to prepare the icing with sugar and water and brush at least twice each pirichittus de bentu.
Image source: www.flickr.com/photos/twwilliams
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The Sardinian tradition is rich in festivals and fairs covering the most important moments of the religious calendar and of rural life. Often, these two dimensions are inextricably linked, creating a long-standing folk tradition.
This is the case of the feast of St. George Martyr of Perfugas, rural event from the distant origins. The tradition of the festival is renewed every year in the second half of April.
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The horses of the Gesturi’s Giara are an ancient breed of horses become famous for their small size. Elegant and proportionate, with a thick mane, have nothing to envy to normal horses. The origin of these animals, who still live in the wild plateau of the Giara, is shrouded in mystery. The most credible theory confirm that they are not a native breed of the island, but were brought by Phoenician or Greek sailors.
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In the city of Olbia, thanks to ongoing excavations of archaeologists, it has been possible with the passing years to bring to light many artifacts, and to establish with certainty that in the same place in the past there was an ancient Roman necropolis.
With the passage of time have been uncovered rings, ships, spas that have enriched the archaeological heritage of the city.
Over the last few days in the yard of Olbia’s excavation, were found archeological finds of great historical importance as the treasures of San Simplicio, considered sacred, and tombs dating back to imperial’s age. Read more »
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