The Costa Verde, is on the south-east side of Sardinia. My favorite place here is Piscinas, located at about 25 KM from Arbus. What it is so special about it are the huge dunes of unbelievable thin amber sand that dominate this side of the coast, together with the usual stunning crystal waters of the sea. It is such a powerful and spectacular view that made Piscinas one of the Unesco world heritage sites. It is not so easy to get here (do not worry, we will give you directions!) which means no crowds (yes!) but also not bars or toilets..
This area of Sardinia used to be full of mines, then dismissed, which have being turned into fascinating geo-mineral parks open to visitors in recent times. If you visit Montevecchio, you will have the chance to explore the mines galleries and some of the historic villas that were built by the owners of the mines. Montevecchio is surrunded by woods and if you love trekking you may be lucky and see a some of the beautiful Sardinian deers or wild boars!
Other interesting places to visit are Ingortosu (ex miners village), Fluminimaggiore; Gonnosfanadiga (archeaology) and Guspini. There are many activities that you can take in the Costa Verde: trekking, horse riding, snorkeling, diving, excursions by Quad..and apparently you can take a tour on carriages pulled by donkeys (never tried this last one but let us know if you do!!).
If you want to spend some days in Arbus try clicking on our Hotel category on the right or look at our villas in the area like the The Danish Villa….
Enjoy!
Manuela
PS. Be aware that there are two places called Picinas in Sardinia!
Again, a piece of paradise on earth.. a place of rock and crystal water
Cala Gonone is a little fishermen village located in the Gulf of Orosei. It looks over a stretch of cost where you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in the med. Some are wilder, such as Cala Luna & Cala Mariolu, others also suitable for families such Palmasera, or even Centrale. The nearest airport is Olbia.
Apart from the incredible beaches, it is also a great destination for those who love trekking or even free climbing and bungee jumping (not my case!). Su Gorroppu, S’Abba Durche, Cala Fuili – Cala Luna are all enchanting and very popular itineraries for the trekking lovers.
Finally, you can take a boat excursion to the grottoes of del Bue Marino or visit some of the nearby archaeological sites like Tiscali (yep…this is where your broadband name comes from!). To visit the Bue Marino’s grottoes you will need to visit the information point in Cala Gonone’s pier.
Actually I forgot the food! Superb! Do not miss the local gnocchi: “anzellottos”
Manu
Now, I can not wait to go there again !
The Cape of Saint Elia lays in the center of the Gulf of Cagliari and it consists in limestone rocks that were once covered by the sea (that is why there are so many fossils!). Despite the wind that constantly blows on these dry rocks, a wild & strong vegetation flourishes here. It is a very particular mix of Mediterranean vegetation with evergreen bushes.
The cape is formed by two hills (Saint Ignazio and Saint Elia) which look of a different colour every season depending on the flowers that bloom on that period. From November to January you get romantic light blue and purple and in spring an amazing bright red. Many other flowers and “officinali plants” (herbs and plants that have a beneficial influence on human body) grow there as well.
For its strategic location, with spectacular views on the south coast, the cape has always been a natural defense point and a safe place where to live. Defensive towers and underground tunnels were built over the centuries and in use until to the Second World War.
Today you can, as I do, have lovely walks around this not very visited area of Cagliari enjoying great views and breath some marine fresh air! Definitely worth it!
Massimo
Every year at the end of Carnival, normally in February in Oristano (west of Sardinia) a very ancient and characteristic horse race takes place. This medieval tournament has been going on for more than three centuries and every moment and every symbol is meaningful.
King of this tournament is one and is called “Su Cumponidori”, usually a man, he is dressed in public by beautiful women in traditional costumes. This ceremony called “Vestizione” transforms the man in a God of fertility not male nor female. Dressed now with a rich costume a mask and hat, he cannot touch the ground to preserve his purity.
Read the rest of this entry »
This was a Punic, Phoenician and then roman city located on the very tip of the Gulf of Oristano. Nowadays, it is basically an open air museum surrounded by the sea.. spectacular! You can walk around the ancient ruins and then up to the top of the promontory to the Tower of San Giovanni that dominates this site. I recall enjoying the views of the endless sea and the peace of this place from there. Even you are not a heritage fan, you will love this.
The ticket to the site is cheap, about 4 euro, and also includes entrance to the museum of Cabras (not far from Tharros), where many of the objects that where discovered in Tharros are displayed.
If you want to mix culture and sunbathing, drive north to the beautiful and famous beach of “Is Arutas”, this is a must if you are visiting in Spring or Summer. It is also worth to take a panoramic drive along the cost going north to enjoy the blue views. There are many other things to see and do around here so you might want to book an hotel or a farmhouse and spend some days in this area.
Looking for an unusual winter break? have a thought about going to the “Sartiglia”, the traditional carnival of Oristano. It is a spectacular, colorful and very ancient equestrian game in which brave horsemen compete with one another in a tournament. The aim is to select the figure of Su Componidori, a horseman that wearing a mask of a mysterious God will pierce a star. The Sartiglia is a festival of magic & prosperity and it is very important to the locals. Dates change every year but it is normally in February.
Top tips:
If you go to the Sartiglia, book an hotel or alternative accommodation well in advance as it get very busy!
and…directions Cagliari-Tharros!
Ciao
Manuela
Since I was a teenager Alghero was one of the top favourite places to go for my summer holidays, main reasons being its fabulous night life, good camping sites and lots of nice beaches nearby…(Le Bombarde was my favourite one).
But now that I am older and wiser… Read the rest of this entry »
Which is the best part of Sardinia Manuela?
I have been asked this question so many times and here is my answer for you: Sardinia is all beautiful from north to south. Where you go depends on what you are looking for, but if you are looking for the unusual and the most authentic side of Sardinia, then you have to aim for its rocky heart.
From the villages of Oliena and Orgosolo with those beautiful and controversial Murales (graffiti) to Mamoiada and its mysterious carnival masks; from the spectacular views of the “supramonte” of Oliena down to the woods of Gavoi, Tonara, Fonni. And if you still miss Sardinia’s blue waters among all this green, head for Tortoli and visit its golden beaches, or go all the way up to the Gulf of Orosei stopping every now and then to enjoy its paradise bays. Read the rest of this entry »
Last summer, for the first time, we hired a boat and went sailing.
As usual, at the end of this post some useful info and a link for driving directions, but now I would like to begin from the end of the story: at the end of our sailing weekend, my sister and her boyfriend, who is an experienced sailorman, asked me if everything was all right, it didn’t look like I had fun. The truth is that I was speechless and a bit sad that the amazing experience was over. Thanks again guys, I really did have fun!
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Canoeing in Nora’s lagoon is certainly one of those experiences that I will never forget and I will surely repeat..
It is such a relaxing feeling to visit the lagoon, especially first in the morning, when the waters are so calm, smooth and still fresh. It is so peaceful that you can only hear little crickets and birds singing, few fishes jumping and the noise of the oars sinking in the water. The canoe slides silently, nearly by itself, while you wonder….how could I possibly live anywhere else? This is life! There is a beautiful small aquarium and a sea rescue centre that you can see here. Injured turtles and fishes are taken care of until they are well and ready to go back to the sea. Some of them suffered very much, but despite this they are exceptionally friendly and seem to enjoy visitors! I was particularly impressed by the skates. Read the rest of this entry »
Turistic Harbour in Cagliari, Marina Piccola is the ideal place to arrive in the city if you are sailing in Sardinia or the Mediterranean Sea.
The harbour has always being used as a glamorous place where to have a coffee or a drink after dinner, you can find people from Cagliari just having a walk waiting to head to clubs or discos at the week end or just there for some fresh air after the hot day.
During the summer an outdoor cinema shows the latest movies and you can find many ice cream or drinks kiosks. Bars and restaurants are nearby.
If you are driving there, remember that despite a large car park it can get very busy at night in July and August.
To see how to get there and harbour info click on the title of this post. Read the rest of this entry »
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