Blog Sardinia

Picture of the day

Luca — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 07:12:38 +0000

Car or not car?

Manuela — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:50:46 +0000

The answer, most of the times, is yes.
If you are going to Sardinia for a short city break of two or three days in Cagliari or Alghero, then you probably do not need it.
The airports are not too far from the towns and you can easily get a cab from there. You can visit the city centre by foot and you can reach the local beaches by bus, even if the public transport can be a little bit slow…
If you are planning a tour of different areas of Sardinia also taking many day excursions or visiting the most secluded areas of the island, then you really need to hire a car.
Top tips:
1) Sardinian drivers are very “creative”, as Luca says, so be careful

2) Directions are not always good, so check your route on a recent maps before you start going.

Ciao

Manu

A train in the wilderness

Manuela — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:41:59 +0000

It is a really tiny train that goes very slowly and allows you to enjoy stunning wild views and small hidden villages. Probably the very first British persons to board one of these trains were DH Lawrence and his wife in 1921.

There are four lines:

From Nulvi to Palau and return (North Sardinia)

From Bosa to Macomer and return (East Sardinia, Bosa is not too far from Alghero)

From Isili to Sorgono and return (centre of Sardinia)

From Mandas to Arbatax and return (West Sardinia)

There are many stations in-between so you can jump in at any time, but you do need to check timings very well, as even small part of the journey can take around 3 hours or more! It is an experience for people who like to observe, explore and take it easy. You can buy the ticket at the train station or on the train itself and this is valid for 3 days. Then, you can stop in some of the villages for a walk and take the following train or also spend a night there and continue the day after. It is not even expensive, depending on which route you choose it will cost you 12-15 euro. The normal train service also connects you to some of the routes.

So, if your holiday in Sardinia is not just about lying on the beach, it is definitely worth trying!

I have used this number in the past for information: 0039 070 343 112 but you can also ask at any tourist information point when you are there.

TOP TIP:

Even if D.H. Lawrence said “it does not matter where the train goes just catch it”, do check timing and routes in advance and be aware that some trains do not run every day…!

Manuela

The wild Green Coast

Manuela — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 20:51:52 +0000

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.

Enjoy!

Manuela

PS. Be aware that there are two places called Picinas in Sardinia!

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Cala Gonone

Manuela — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:39:00 +0000

Again, a piece of paradise on earth.. a place of rock and crystal water

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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 !

Archaeology and natural sites from Massimo

Luca — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:25:51 +0000

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.

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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

Eating in Cagliari… the real thing

Manuela — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:07:24 +0000

Cagliari’ s natives are crazy about seafood and, if you do not only want to visit Cagliari but live Cagliari, you must try some of the local specialties where the locals go.

Among these are the kiosk/restaurants in the Poetto area. Originally born as very simple booths where fishermen would sell sea urchins, they slowly turned into sort of “trattorias”.

I would not really call them restaurants as the facilities and service are very basic (you eat and drink with plastic cutlery and plates) but the seafood is fresh and normally of excellent quality. The kiosks are usually very busy and noisy but fun! Specialties are off course the”bottarga”, sea urchins & cuttlefish but you will also find sea basses, sardines, sea breams etc. Everything is cooked with very few spices and flavorings, mostly roasted or grilled. My favourite off course pasta with sea urchins.

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Enjoy!

Manuela

My favourite pizza in Cagliari

Manuela — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:00:27 +0000

Hey guys, we are back to London after 10 days in Sardinia and here are some tips for you (at the end, as usual pics and directions):

For a quick and delicious slice of pizza, do not miss “Federico Nansen” in Corso Vittorio Emanuele, n 320 (city centre). You can buy pizza by weight and take it away to eat or have it there if you can find a seat! This is a very popular place for the “Cagliaritani” where you can eat well for not much money and Stefania, Maurizio & Serena are extremely friendly. You can choose among so many toppings but do not miss the nutella’s pizza!

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If you go there, tell them that Manuela & Luca from London sent you (they are really good friends of ours)…but do not expect any discount for it!

Enjoy!

Manu

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Tuerredda

Manuela — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:15:22 +0000

Am I in the Caribbean islands?

This is what you will wonder if you go to beach of Tuerredda (the little tower) on the South cost of Sardinia and at only an hour drive from Cagliari.

One of my favorite: an amazing bay, crystal waters, clear sandy beach and a little Spanish tower overlooking it all.

There is a kiosk bar and some deckchair and parasol hiring facilities as well, even if last summer, I found the bar very overpriced and the barman not the most pleasant person..

For the rest.. it is paradise on earth.. but if it gets very busy in August and late July!

Manuela

Oristano’s Sartiglia

Luca — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:40:15 +0000

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.

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