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Sardinia Multiple faces of the same island, di�erent aspects of a single country.Sardinia is like a play, o�ering a new scenario every time the curtain rises: ancient traditions and craftsmanship, wild and unspoiled nature, indescribable landscapes and beaches. However, there is a common thread that leads you through this series of shapes and colours: the personality of an ancient land and its people.

In fact, Sardinia stands for traditions that are strongly rooted in its people. Active defence of the territory against external invasions and

who tried to conquer the island have – over the centuries – contributed to the hardness of the people’s personality.The main attractions of the island are undoubtedly its beautiful beaches and the crystal clear sea, known to be one of the cleanest in the Mediterranean. However, the numerous historical sites, such as the archaeological sites of the early prehistoric times and the nuragic villages, should not be ignored, as they represent the importance of the geographical and strategic position of Sardinia in the Mediterranean. Many consider Sardinia to be the ‘least Italian’ region of all. In fact, its geographic isolation has led to the development of certain animal and

the white donkey from Asinara), along with the

preservation of the uniqueness of its language and traditions that have remained intact over the centuries.

Geography. The largest footprint in the Mediterranean.Sardinia is an island located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea; 20 090 km2 make it the second largest in size. The island’s diamond shape and resemblance with a large footprint inspired the Greeks to call it ‘Hyknusa’ or ‘Ichnussa’ (Ιχνουσσα).

The Romans renamed it ‘Sardinae’, hence the present name, in reference to the legendary Sardus, son of Hercules, who is said to have led a group of Lebanese onto the island.The island’s 64 000 acres of forest plunge into a good 1 850 km of coastline, making Sardinia the region with the largest coastal development in Italy. Sardinia has no high mountains due to the erosion caused by wind and rain. It is mainly hilly and characterized by plateaus as well as groups of smaller hills.

The highest massif is the Supramonte del Gennargentu, whose peak is Punta La Marmora (1 834 m). The longest river in Sardinia is the Tirso, which joins into the Gulf of Oristano, meanwhile the only navigable river is river Temo, that runs through the romantic town of Bosa.

“Life in Sardinia is probably the best a man can hope for: twenty-four thousand miles of forests, countryside and coastlines, surrounded by a miraculous sea, are what I would recommend God give us as Paradise.”

(Fabrizio De André)

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The closure of rivers in some places in the

including Lago Omodeo and Lago Coghinas.

Sardinia has less than 1.7 million inhabitants. 17% of the land is used for agriculture and sheep farming, a percentage which is almost double of the European average. Pastoralism and mining, however, narrate the history of Sardinia and in more recent times, factories for the production of chemicals, petroleum and textiles have started to develop. Highly important for the island’s economy are also the production and processing of grain, wine and olive oil.

An ancient history. Between myths and legends.Sardinia is that old, its formation seems to date back to 600 million years ago. From a geological point of view it is one of the most ancient lands in Europe, with a seismic risk of zero.

remained virtually isolated for 10 000-8 000 years.

are the 7 000 ‘nuraghi’, scattered throughout the entire island. Nuraghic villages had been built from large blocks of very imposing stone in order to secure the population from attacks by hostile tribes. The nuraghi are the most impressive megalithic monuments in Europe.

Nuragic people worshiped the Mother Goddess, professed the water cult (made evident by the multiple holy wells erected near their settlements) and were highly dedicated to the cult of the dead.

The prehistoric tombs carved into the rock are called ‘Domus de Janas’, literally meaning ‘houses of

and statuettes. Today they are the par excellence symbol of Sardinia.

Nonetheless it is as important to mention the market towns of the Phoenician-Punic-Roman era, the Paleo-Christian churches, the riches of the medieval times and the obvious remnants of the Spanish domination found across Sardinia.

Nuraghe5

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T he city is located in the Golfo degli Angeli (Gulf of the Angels), whose arms encircle it

and – according to a legend – protect its waters. Cagliari is a city of many faces and a million facets.Developed around its castle in the heart of the old town, the city holds narrow alleys and massive

A�ectionately called ‘Casteddu’ (meaning ‘Castle’ in the Sardinian language), Cagliari maintains the charm of its history.

During the winter months an introspective town, during summer an explosive city, daily this city is being built and enriched through the sunshine and the respect of its inhabitants. Cagliari is a city that breathes, a city that lives.

South East Coast: VillasimiusWhen moving towards the east coast, from Cagliari, the horizons open to those beaches that are considered amongst the most beautiful

beaches of the island. Villasimius symbolizes this area, which remains etched in the memory for

transparency of its waters, seemingly painted in shades of turquoise. Walking along the narrow country roads that connect towns to coves and beaches gives way to the Mediterranean shrubs and virgin landscapes, while the stunning coastal paths are worth a vacation on its own.

South West Coast: PulaLeaving Cagliari in the other direction, along the coast of Pula and on the road that separates the sea from the pond of Santa Gilla, one reaches the

Molentargius pond). Forth the SS 195, through di�erent locations from Domus de Maria and Nora to Chia, one will pass through to those places that relentlessly contend for the price of the most beautiful beach.

City of the Sun and capital of the island, cultural and political centre, international port, home to the university and the Archbishop, ancient capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia…

Cagliari is all this, and much more.

Cagliari Poetto Beach

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