Rough guide to Sardinia: Olbia - Costa Smeralda - Badesi [Travel Guide]

SARDINIA „In Italy you won’t find what you find in Sardinia and in Sardinia you won’t find what you find in Italy“ that wrote the natural scientist and Jesuit monk Francesco Cetti during a visit at the end of the 18th century . Sardinia, that means respect for the traditions which are deeply laid down in the minds of the people and they are living them day by day. This means passionate resistance against every invasion as a result of an ancient and constant fight against the ambitious Mediterranean Empires who wanted to enlarge their territories. During the course of the history the Sardinians had only few contact with the sea. Their history and their activities developed in the interior part of the country where they retired in order to escape from the coasts that were occupied by the invaders and conquerors. There they developed a civilisation which is firmly connected with the mountains and plains as well as the meadows. The origins of the Sardinian economy lay in the animal breeding (especially sheep) and agriculture. Sardinia has a lot to offer! Most peoples visit the second biggest island in the Mediterranean sea because of it’s 1.850 km long coast line and the crystal clear seawater that gleams in all facets of green, blue and turquoise. In fact, the water around Sardinia is among the cleanest in whole Mediterranean basin. On the other hand there is a lot of history to discover: thousands of years old archaeological sites are testimonies of the strategic and geographic importance of Sardinia and the peoples who settled on it. Starting with the prehistoric tombs caved in the rocks – Domus de Janas, followed by the “nuraghe” buildings which are unique in Sardinia and the most monumental and astonishing buildings of the ancient history after the pyramids – giant tombs, sacred wells continuing with Phoenician-Punic-Roman trade centres and commercial cities – Paleo-Christian churches, Medieval abundance and richness and the Spanish occupation as well as the modern live of today. Centuries old traditions, wild, uncontaminated nature, intact landscapes give Sardinia a strong taste of originality – get enchanted by the magic of the island! Also discover the interior of the country the landscapes where olive trees grow on granite rocks and longhair sheep graze the highland meadows around the villages of the mountains.

Feasts of Sardinia dream beaches of Sardinia Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: [email protected]

GEOGRAPHIC ASPECTS Sardinia is situated almost in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea. It has a surface of almost 24‘090 km2 and is therefore the second biggest island of Italy and the whole Mediterranean Sea. It’s about 3 times Corsica and 7 times Mallorca. The rhomboidal shape of the island explains the name that it was given by the Greek Ichnusa (Icnos = trace footprint) and Sandaliotis (sandal). The Roman name Sardinae is supposed to result from the legendary Sardus son of Hercules, who is supposed to have brought a group of Libyans to the island. Sardinia has a lot of space and landscape but the population is rather few with only 1.7 million inhabitants. 17% are occupied with sheep breeding and agriculture which is the double of the European average. In Sardinia there are about the double of sheep rather than inhabitants! Sardinia is mostly hilly, the biggest mountain massif is the Supramonte – Gennargentu in the centre of the island. The highest summit is Punta La Marmora with 1‘834 m. Nevertheless the mountain chains seem very majestic because of their bizarre granite rocks looming up to the sky. The steep cliffs of the mountains that end in the sea on the West and East coast, the fertile plains, of the West or the fjords in the North are typical imagines of this very individual island. The short rivers which deserve their name only in spring during the melting of the snow and the rain period. After short flooding periods most of them dry out in summer. The biggest river is the Tirso. It has its source in the mountains close to Buddusò and leads to the Golf of Oristano. The only navigable river is the Temo which passes through Bosa. When the river deltas were dried out in order to extinguish the marshland because it was dominated by malaria flies which transmit the malaria disease until the 1950’s, the water was blocked and accumulated at the beginning of many rivers. In this way small lakes were created like the Lago Omodeo (not far from the Tirso), the Lago Coghinas etc. In the rivers there can be found eels, trouts and mullets. Sheep breading and minery have a long tradition in Sardinia. Coal, iron, lead, zinc, copper and silver were mined. Lead and zinc mineries were founded as well as petrol refineries, chemical and textile works. In the Gallura, in the North-East of Sardinia, there are many granite caves and also the cork production and elaboration is an important economic branch. Another good is sea salt from the Salinas of Cagliari for example which has been traded since ancient times. But Sardinia is also famous for wine- and olive-oil production. Sardinia has about 64‘000 acres forest territory with mostly cork oaks which are the origin of this branch. Sardinia for a long time was leader in the cork production until it was passed by Portugal and Spain.

Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: [email protected]

HISTORY In order to understand Sardinia better we would like to introduce you to Sardinian history. Sardinia never “made” history but it always only bore it. Some parts of Sardinia are 600 million years old. The island has situated in its today’s position for 65 million years. Geologically it is one of the oldest territories of Europe, older than Italy, and has been inhabited for about 10.000 – 8.000 years The Sardinian people of the prehistory lived in villages with huts or pile dwellings, in grottos along the lagoons or in megalithic fortresses (nuraghs). Their religion consisted in the symbols of life and fertility. They worshiped the mother goddess and the bull deity, did the death cult and buried their death in tombs caved in the rock which were called “Domus de Janas” – fairy tombs. From the year 2.200 – 1.800 B.C. other peoples of the East arrived in Sardinia, spread over the whole island and constructed buildings megalithic style, that means with big stone blocks, on heights, on the promontories or at the valley’s ends. From this nuraghe civilisation there are still today 7’000 nuraghe ruins on the island. The nuraghe people worshiped the water cult with their sacred wells “pozzo sacro” and venerated their ancestors with the “giant tombs” by offering them bronze figures.

archaeological monuments historic monuments

Sardinian culture


OLBIA & SURROUNDINGS The town has 40’000 inhabitants and connects North Sardinia with the rest of the world thanks to its big harbour „Isola Bianca“ and the airport „Costa Smeralda“. The industries of the city are fishing, breeding of mussels and food-industry like the thuna-works. Olbia is also called the “shopping centre of the Gallura” which is the name of the North-Eastern part of Sardinia. In most cases the place is only the arrival and departure station for a holiday in North Sardinia. But Olbia has some nice things to offer, for example Corso Umberto I. This street is lined by boutiques and shops leads from the harbour to the Piazza Margherita which is the vital heart of Olbia where cafés and “gelaterias” invite to a pleasant break. Close to Olbia there are beach areas like Pittulongu, Capo Ceraso and Porto Istana where beautiful beaches can be found and visitors can enjoy there the marvellous view on the majestic “island Tavolara” which is a huge granite rock that stands 600 m out of the sea and seems to be a dragon of ancient times. Golfo Aranci Times ago Golfo Aranci was a small fisher village. When in the harbour was built wharfs for the ferry boats of the Italian train company (FS) in 1960 the place developed rapidly. Different ferry boat companies (transport- and passenger traffic) dock in the harbour of Golfo Aranci. Contrarily to other places which seem deserted during winter, in Golfo Aranci live about 2’000 peoples throughout the whole year. Some of them are still fishermen and you can see repairing their nets in the harbour. From Capo Figari visitors can enjoy a beautiful view on the Golf of Olbia and the “island” Tavolara. For those who want to go swimming, the beaches of the areas Cala Moresca, in front of the small island „Figarolo“ at the end of the village Golfo Aranci, and the beaches Cala Sassari, Cala Banana or Pittulongu along the panoramic route of Olbia may be suitable. Golfo di Marinella North-West from Golfo Aranci the bathing place Golfo di Marinella is situated which has a long white sandy beach. According to a tradition this sand has curative therapeutic qualities. There is a good choice of bars, gamble- and play possibilities as well as entertainment. The biggest part of the beach is occupied by the hotel complex Abi d’Oru. Golfo di Marinella has been known as a holiday place long time before other places but was developed only in the past years by building new and better infrastructures. Famous peoples who want to escape from the publicity of the Costa Smeralda rather chose this small holiday place. Porto Rotondo Is also called the “little sister” of Porto Cervo but “geographically” is not anymore part of the Costa Smeralda. However, the style and architecture is likewise. The place was founded by the Venetian noble brothers Delle Rose. Some names and characteristics indicate the origin of the founders as for example the Piazzetta San Marco and some small canals with wooden bridges. Also Porto Rotondo has a modern yacht harbour (630 places) and is an alternative if it becomes too straight in Porto Cervo in summer. The place has a lot of boutiques and shops, bars and restaurants. Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: [email protected]

BADESI – ISOLA ROSSA

Along the scarcely settled West coast of the Gallura region between Santa Teresa and Valledoria, the two holiday villages Badesi Mare and Isola Rossa are situated. Badesi Mare is located along a 8 km long sandy beach which extends on

one side to the red porphyr-rocks from Isola Rossa and on the other side, almost uninterruptedly to Castelsardo. It is surrounded by an uncontaminated nature which consists in a landscape of dunes, pine trees, and Mediterranean macchia with it’s scents and vineyards. Also during the high season one can find silent places here. Badesi is an old fisher village on the mountain side, above the plains of the river Coghinas and with a wide view over the landscape and the Gulf of Asinara. It’s not a typical tourist place but there are all shopping facilities; bank, post office bars and restaurants.

Isola Rossa is a picturesque place and was founded by the fishermen of the Gulf of Asinara. The characteristic island with red rocks is famous for the majestic guardian tower, the beautiful beach, the harbour and the beach promenade. Beaches Badesi Mare, Sa Marinedda (Isola Rossa), Spiaggia “Coghinas” (Valledoria), Spiaggia “Li Cossi” (north-east of Isola Rossa), Monte Tinnari (with rose coloured pebbles) and other beautiful beaches are to find are along the coast, numerous small bays with clear sandy beaches and crystal clear sea water. Often it is worth to do a detour away of the main road. Places around Badesi and Isola Rossa Valledoria The holiday village Valledoria is situated on the bay between Isola Rossa and Castelsardo. The river "Coghinas" leads here into the “Golfo dell'Asinara”. Around the mouth of the river Coghinas there is a Laguna in front of which a large white sandy beach extends.

Castelsardo This little town is situated about 20 km west of Badesi. You should not miss a visit of the historic old town in the Genoese fortress. It’s a picturesque little town with it’s granite houses and buildings situated on the promontory within the fortress Castello dei Doria. Castelsardo is famous for its baskets therefore in the small streets you can see old ladies weaving baskets and offering their

products. Not far from Castelsardo the famous elephant-shaped rock “roccia dell’Elefante” can be viewed. It’s a rock of about 10 m heights in the shape of an elephant. Trinità d’Agultu While the coastal places get crowded in summer in the countryside the typical gallurese village Trinità d’Agultu still offers tranquillity. Tempio Pausania Once was the main town of the Gallura area and still is the “main town of the granite“. It is situated at the foot of the Mount Limbara. The small town was built in granite, many middle class houses have been built and also the pavement of the small roads of the old town is of this for this region typical stone. Santa Teresa di Gallura The town most north of Sardinia is a vital holiday place and from here start ferry boats to Corsica several times a day. Four kilometres west there are the rock gardens of Capo Testa. Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: [email protected]

COSTA SMERALDA

The story of this holiday paradise for high quality standards started in 1961 when two English Gentlemen John Duncan Miller (banker) and Patrick Guiness (brewer) went for a trip with their yacht along the Sardinian coast. There were enthusiastic from the crystal clear emerald green water of the sea, the marvellous beaches and the uncontaminated nature. So after their return they talked enthusiastically about this place to a friend. They were that convincing an passionate that this friend came here in order to see the place with his own eyes. This friend was

the Ishmaelite prince Karim Aga Khan who is a urbane, weel-informed, cultured religious leader of more than 15 millions of Ishmaelite. He saw the chance and founded a consortium in 1962. In this way the original “Monti di Mola” became “Costa Smeralda” which means emerald coast according to the colours of the sea. It should become a “mating” call for the international Jet-Set. The first was Jaques Couëlle one of the most famous architects of the sixties and member of the Consortium Costa Smeralda, he built the 5-star hotel Cala di Volpe in the most beautiful bay of the whole coast area and created a new architectonic style which was called the „neo Sardinian“ style. From that moment on in all projects that were realised and all structures that were built was paid great attention to environmental suiting. The buildings were inserted in the natural landscape without destroying or modifying it too much. All the buildings are low, little towers, arcade windows and doors, consumed stair steps and plaster artificially flaking off set new accents. Natural materials like granite, clay and wood, especially juniper were used as well as natural colours like brown, ochre, yellow, pastel colours, rock- grey or white. The development of the Emerald Coast went on very fastly: Luxury hotels, villas, apartment areas, entire villages and yacht harbours were built. In 1964 the airway company Alisarda was founded which is today Meridiana, and at that time was an important link to connect the island of Sardinia with the European continent. In 1977 the Pevero Golf course was founded (18 holes). The Consorzio Costa Smeralda with more than 2000 members, consisting in hotel owners and owners of holiday villas and apartments, controls severely that no “environmental sins” are made regarding new buildings and constructions and they therefore decide if a project will be approved or not.

In the centre of this 55 km long beautiful coastal landscape Porto Cervo is situated which is the main place of the Costa Smeralda. The small town was created like a fisher village by the star architect Luigi Vietti and offers all that peoples may desire. The yacht harbour „Marina di Porto Cervo“ has more than 700 places and is among the biggest and best equipped of the whole Mediterranean sea. Also the little white church “Stella Marina” is very famous. It is situated on the promontory which divides Porto Cervo Marina from Porto Cervo and it is built in Greek style. It contains precious art objects like for

example an organ from the 16th century and the altarpiece shows the world famous Madonna of El Greco (this is a donation of the Thyssen family). The meeting point of Porto Cervo is the centrally situated piazzetta. No cars are allowed in the centre. Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: [email protected]

COSTA SMERALDA

Beaches Along the whole coast of this area beautiful beaches are lined up like pearls on a chain:

− Spiaggia del Principe (named after the Prince Aga Khan)

− Capriccioli

− Liscia Ruia / Petra Ruia

− Pevero

− Cala Granu

− Liscia di Vacca

Al beaches are public and accessible for everybody. In order to arrive at the bathing bays sometimes it is necessary to do a little walk. Some of the beautiful beaches are accessible only by boat.

We suggest you following hotels from www.CharmingSardinia.com around Olbia:

Hotel Cala di Volpe – Costa Smeralda http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel-costa-smeralda/cala_di_volpe.html

Hotel Romazzino – Costa Smeralda http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel-costa-smeralda/romazzino.html

Hotel Pitrizza – Costa Smeralda http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel-costa-smeralda/pitrizza.html

Villa Armony – Porto Cervo http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel_costa-smerlda/hotel_villa-armony.html

Hotel Don Diego – Costa Dorata http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel_costa_dorata/hotel_don_diego.html

Hotel Villa del Golfo – Cannigione http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel_cannigione/villa_del_golfo.html

Hotel Pellicano d’Oro – Pittulongu http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel_olbia/pellicano_oro.html

Hotel Arathena – San Pantaleo http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel_san_pantaleo/arathena.html

L’Ea Bianca Luxury Resort – Cala dei Ginepri http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel_costa_smeralda/hotel_ea_bianca_luxury_resort.html Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: [email protected]

PLACES AROUND COSTA SMERALDA Costa Dorata This beautiful spot located between Olbia and the lovely village San Teodoro is a fantastic place for relaxing moments. All around you find nice beaches and directly in front, there is the magnificent Island “La Tavolara”. Baia Sardinia This holiday place is not part of the Consortium Costa Smeralda – but the style, peoples and atmosphere is very similar. Above a semicircular white fine-sandy beach hotels, holiday apartments, small villas as well as a small shopping mall are situated around a small stone-paved piazza. Cosy cafés invite for a short break. There is the Acqua-Dream water fun park at the entrance of the village. San Pantaleo This small village is situated only a few kilometres away from the coast in the countryside surrounded by majestic granite rocks. It is very typical and its location is breathtaking.

Arzachena Is a vital small town and the administration town of the Costa Smeralda. Don’t miss “Il fungo” which is a mushroom-shaped granite rock block and it is easy to find if you follow the indications. Cannigione Along the Western shore of the Gulf of Arzachena Cannigione is situated which is an old fisher village and today a holiday village with fisher- and yacht harbour. Palau The small town is famous as departing place for excursions to the La Maddalena island which is located in front of it and is part of the nature park of the La Maddalena archipelago which is composed of 7 islands. Moreover Palau is known for the bear shaped granite rock which is situated about 5 km east from Palau. And the best place to spot it is from the sea while you are crossing over to La Maddalena or coming back from there. This rock sculpture is the “work” of wind and weather throughout thousands and millions of years. Island-Archipelago La Maddalena is the main island and connected with the island Caprera. Other islands are: Santo Stefano, Spargi, Budelli, Ràzzoli, Santa Maria. In summer there are boat trips to the uninhabited islands. Crystal clear water, fine sand and virgin nature promise a relaxing beach day. The whole archipelago has become nature park in 1997. Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: [email protected]

WHERE TO GO

Porto Cervo − Restaurant “Gianni Pedrinelli”, Località Piccolo Pevero

− Restaurant “La Mola”, Località Piccolo Pevero

− Restaurant / Pizzeria “La Bricciola”, Località Liscia di Vacca

− Pizzeria “Dante”, Località Sottovento

− Restaurant “Il Pescatore”, Vecchio Porto

Baia Sardinia − Restaurant “La Rocca” (around 3 km outside the village)

− Restaurant “Casablanca” (Club Hotel)

− Restaurant “Azzurra” (Piazza)

− Restaurant “Grazia Deledda” (on the road direction Arzachena)

Porto Rotondo − Restaurant / Enoteca da Giovannino, Piazza Quadrata

− Restaurant “La Loggia”

San Pantaleo − Restaurant “Giagoni”, Via Zara, 1

Cannigione − Restaurant “Entro Fuori Bordo”, Lungomare 8

Palau − Restaurant “Da Franco”, Via Capo d’Orso, 1

Golfo Aranci − Pizzeria / Restaurant “D’Andrea”, Via Baia Caddinas

Pittulongu − Trattoria Rossi

Olbia Stadt − Restaurant “Gallura”, Corso Umberto 145

− Restaurant “Da Bartolo”, Viale Aldo Moro, 133

− Restaurant / Pizzeria “La Sosta”, Via Talenti, 27

NIGHT LIFE

Porto Cervo − Disco “Sopravento” und “Sottovento”

− Disco “Pepero Club”

− VIP-Disco “Il Billionaire”

− “Finger’s Club” at Cervo Tennis Club with Jet-Set people

Forte Cappellini − “Phi Beach” the place to be at the Costa Smeralda

Cala Granu − “The Nikki Beach” well known bar at the beach front of Cala Granu

Baia Sardinia − Disco “Ritual”, special location surrounded by Granite landscape

Porto Rotondo − Country-Club, Monte Maiore

Poltu Quatu − “Smaila’s” bat located at the hidden harbour Poltu Quatu Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: [email protected]

NORTH SARDINIA – GALLURA

The Costa Smeralda belongs to the communal administration of Arzachena, is part of the area of the Gallura (which is the name of Sardinia’s North-East) and of the district “Provincia” of Sassari. Beside of the fantastic beaches and the sea that gleams in all shades of blue and green the typical landscape of the Gallura is characterised above all by granite, cork and vineyards. 80 percent of Italian cork comes from Sardinia, especially from the Gallura because it has the biggest extension of cork oak forests. At Calangianus there is the only specialised school for cork elaboration and cultivation in Italy. Souvenirs are produced from it like postcards or the bottles of the typical “Mirto” liquer is wrapped in cork but also isolation material for walls and pavements are made of cork. Only the very best cork quality is taken as cork to close wine bottles.

Granite is the typical stone of the Gallura. Wind, rain and weather have created bizarre shapes. Natural sculptures like the Capo d’Orso close to Palau (bear-shaped rock) or the rock garden of Capo Testa close to Santa Teresa di Gallura. Natural grottos were built and they were used by the shepherds as a protection for their sheep and themselves. The strong mistral wind that blows from France is always continuing to model new shapes. During a trip through the countryside many vineyards can be noted. This is where the delicious white Vermentino wine is cultivated. In the Gallura there are numerous, famous vineyards. Some of them are: Cantina del Vermentino – Monti, Cantina Gallura – Tempio Pausania, Tenute di Capichera – Sant’Antonio di Gallura, Cantina Sociale – Berchidda.

We suggest you following hotels from www.charmingsardinia.com :

Valle dell’Erica Resort – Valle dell’Erica, Gallura http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/wellness_hotel/hotel_valle_dell_erica.html

Hotel La Coluccia – Conca Verde http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel_santa_teresa_di_gallura/la_coluccia.html

Hotel Capo d’Orso – Palau http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/wellness_hotel/hotel_capo_d_orso.html

Park Hotel Cala di Lepre – Palau http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/wellness_hotel/hotel_cala_di_lepre.html

Marinedda Thalasso & Spa – Isola Rossa http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/wellness_hotel/hotel_marinedda.html

Hotel Relax Torreruja – Isola Rossa http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/wellness_hotel/hotel_relax_torreruja.html Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: [email protected]

GENERAL INFORMATION Beach Generally the water is very clean: small bays divided by rock formations and

fjords are characteristic for the North-Eastern Coast, especially the Costa Smeralda. The area Palau – S. Teresa di Gallura – Capo Testa are famous for their bizarre rock sculptures which were created by wind and weather during thousands and millions of years.

Bus/Taxi Public busses are more frequent during the main season (June – September).

The hotel reception will call a Taxi for you. Car rental Charming Sardinia will helps you with renting a car. Please follow this link

http://res.rent.it/sites/EN/Default.aspx?l=EN&siteid=13-80B6E139 Doctor In case of emergency the hotel reception calls a doctor at any time. Important:

You will have to pay right away for every visit. Please keep the receipt in order to get refunded by your insurance.

Drinking water Water is very precious in Sardinia. Water from the tap generally is clean, if not

indicated differently. However, we recommend to use bottled water for drinking. There is “frizzante/con gas“ (sparkling) or “naturale/senza gas“ without carbonic acid.

Duty Free There are no duty free shops in Sardinian airports. Golf The Pevero Golf course in front of the Cala di Volpe hotel is one of the most

beautiful golf courses of the world. It’s a 18-hole-camp, handicap 36. Horseback Horseback riding and scuba diving places are possible in the surrounding. Riding / Diving The hotels will give you more information. Markets Typical Italian markets where you can get fruit, vegetables, fish, cheese but also

clothes, shoes, leather articles, household and handcraft articles. They take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

Monday Dorgali Tuesday Orosei Wednesday Olbia, Via Roma, Arzachena, La Maddalena Thursday Santa Teresa di Gallura, Dorgali Thursday San Pantaleo – Piazza Friday Palau, Santa Teresa di Gallura, Orosei, Nuoro Saturday Olbia, Viale Aldo Moro Sunday Tempio Pausania Newspaper International newspapers are usually available only in the peak season from June –

September. Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: [email protected]

GENERAL INFORMATION

Post office «Ufficio Postale» in Porto Cervo and Baja Sardinia is located next to the church

(June-Sept.), in Palau in Via Nationale and the main post office is located in the centre of Olbia next to the «city market».

General opening hours: Monday to Saturday 08.30 a.m. – 13.00 p.m. Charges: Letters and postcards within the EU: 0.65 Euro Precious objects Cash, cheques, jewellery and other precious objects can be deposited in the

hotel safe or in your room safe. No hotel is responsible if precious objects are stolen from your hotel room.

Shopping Usually the shops are open as follows: Morning 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Evening 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and in tourist areas during high season shops are

often open from 6 p.m. until midnight. Souvenirs Baskets, products of cork, wooden sculptures or caved patterns on furniture,

ceramics, hand-woven Sardinian carpets, embroidery, golden jewellery and leather articles.

Sardinian wines are among the best in Italy. The Romans called Sardinia “a

swimming vineyard”. You can find good Sardinian wines in every supermarket. Sport You can play tennis or rent bikes in most of the hotels. Further the Tennis Club

of Porto Cervo offers following activities: Tennis, Squash, Fitness room. Telephone 0789 93 11 11.

Tips Normally tip is included. However, every employee of the hotel will be pleased

about a further recognition. In the restaurants, if not especially indicated, tips are not included and you are expected to give about 10% of the amount of the bill.

Traffic rules It’s compulsory to fasten the seat belt.

Speed limit is 50 km/h within cities.

There are no highways in Sardinia. The speed limit on the “superstradas = SS” the fast roads is 90 km/h.

Drive carefully and defensive, Italian drivers can hardly be previewed.

Always be aware of animals (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) on the road, especially in the mountain regions. Keeping animals in stables is not very common in Sardinia.

In the case you may have an accident please always call “Polizia” or “Carabinieri” and fill out the accident report “CID”. Your rent car is insured therefore you can’t do without the damage report. Please note the no-claims bonus. We ask you kindly to inform the Charming Sardinia Team.


SARDINIAN SPECIALITIES

Carta da Musica very thin flat bread

Pane Frattau Carta di Musica with tomato sauce and fried eggs

Zuppa Gallurese a kind of “Lasagne” bread with broth baked in the oven

Gnocchetti Sardi small noodle “Gnochetti” wit tomato sauce and pieces of meat

Ravioli alla Ricotta Ravioli filled with a fresh cooked cheese

Porcetto suckling pig (about 6kg)

Capretto small goat

Agnello Lamb

Orata, Spigola, Cernia, Dentice, gilthead, sea brass, brass, dentex, Pagello, Triglie, Ricciola, Sarago red sea bream, red mullet, other local fish

Aragosta Spiny lobster

Arselle Venus clams (white)

Vongole small Venus clams

Cozze black mussels

Bottarga Dried fish eggs which are served with spaghetti or with celery as starter.

Pinzimonio Raw vegetables consisting in tomatoes, celery, radishes, carrots served with a dip from olive oil, lemon juice and salt.

Seadas Sweet dessert: “pastry bag” foiled with fresh Pecorino cheese, fried and served with a spoon of honey or sugar on top.


LOCAL DRINKS Dry white wines Torbato, Cala Viola, Terre Bianche, Funtanaliras, Vermentino,

Seleme, Giogantinu, Ladas und Balari lightly sparkling Dry red wines Thaora, Rosé di Alghero, Filieri rosato Red wines Cannonau, Monica, Tanca Farra, Filieri, Terre Brune, Santa

Cristana Abbaia, Nepente As an aperitif you may have “spumante“ or “frizzante“ which is a dry sparkling white wine. Vernaccia is a kind of dry Port wine as aperitif or the sweet “moscato” and among the dessert wines there is “Malvasia di Bosa” or “Malvasia di Alghero” which is a kind of “Vin Santo” sweet white wine for after meals, ideal digestive. The most produced liqueur of the island is the “Mirto”, red (berries) or white (leaves) made from the myrtle bush. The famous “Filu e Ferru“ is another “effective” digestive. It’s the Sardinian grappa which is very strong. “Fil de Ferru” means a peace of wire.

„Antipasti“ artichoke starters „Mallureddus“ typical Sardinian pasta Variety of Sardinian cheese, dry sausage, typical bread and wine

Dolci Sardi“ Sardinian sweets grilled suckling pig – the traditional main course

Choice of fresh fish Spiny lobster sea speciality Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: [email protected]

Looking forward and interested coming to Sardinia, spend some beautiful and unforgettable holidays on this wonderful island? Book here and now with www.charmingsardinia.com , your online specialist for luxury hotels in Sardinia. We are pleased to give you more information or further particulars, kindly contact us on [email protected]. The general office opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

OFFICE Royal Travel Jet Sardegna S.r.l. Via S. Tommaso D’Aquino 18

09134 Cagliari – Italy tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964


Rough guide to Sardinia: Olbia - Costa Smeralda - Badesi [Travel Guide]

Travel

Transcript of Rough guide to Sardinia: Olbia - Costa Smeralda - Badesi [Travel Guide]