 |
home | upload | map | videos | photos | transport | travel |
Welcome to GoSardinia.com
Sardinia
Sardinia is an island of 24,000 sq Km, west of mainland Italy, right in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Its mountainous interior (the highest peak is Gennargentu: 6,016 feet or 1,834m high) is contrasted by a number of low costal plains. With a population of less than 1.7 million people large parts of the island are wild and uninhabited.
Sardinia is a land where the unspoilt and impenetrable mountainous hinterland enchants just as much as the spectacular rugged cliffs, white sandy beaches and crystalline waters. Nature and sceneries charm visitors with a variety of different habitats, panoramas and wildlife.
Glorious weather can be enjoyed from early March to early November. Winter temperatures average about 10 degrees (January and February are the coldest months), but it is colder and it can snow on the highest peaks. Spring is the perfect time to visit Sardinia when the countryside is in bloom.
Beaches and Coast
Sardinia has been blessed with stunning beaches and coastline and the azure crystal clear sea is an irresistible invitation to dive in. There is something for all tastes, from long sandy beaches to rice like quartz gravel, rocky promontories or huge sand dunes. A number of coastal areas are protected Marine Parks, such as Torre Seu, the Sinis Peninsula and La Maddalena island.
Countryside
Sardinia is a big island with a small population, that is why there are vast areas of awesome wilderness. That is not to say that the rest of the civilized countryside is less inspirational. During the mild winters and long springs you can enjoy flower carpeted countryside. A walk or bike ride in the Sardinian countryside, any time of the year, is a totally relaxing and pleasing experience.
Activities
The image of Sardinia as a summer holiday destination offering only sun, sand and sea is, at long last, gone. The range of activities available here is endless, not only water sports (diving, sailing, fishing, surfing) but also rock climbing, trekking, golf, biking, canyoning, horse riding..... and there is plenty of culture and history to explore..... More info»
Food
Sardinian cuisine is healthy and genuine and mostly meat based. Dishes vary according to location but roast suckling pig & baby lamb are famous specialties across the island. In fact, also vegetarian dishes are often cooked with animal fat and meat cuts.
Adventurous eaters should sample horse and donkey meat dishes, animal brains, entrails and scrotums, or 'Casu Marzu' (maggots ridden ewe cheese) amongst a variety of unusual delicacies.
As a digestive ask for a Mirto (traditional liqueur made of myrtle berries), or if you fancy something stronger the local Aquavite (Fire Water) will put hair on your chest..... More info»
Up and Coming EventsGirotonno (Tuna fair): from 29th May to 1st June, CarloforteThis lively Tuna fish fete attracts participants not only from all over Italy, but also from international tuna fishing countries as far as Japan and the United States. Here international chefs compete to propose the best tuna dishes creations. The fair starts every morning at 9 with the traditional tuna fishing at the Diving Centre, which finishes at 12.30. The calendar of events is filled with photographic and arts and crafts exhibitions, food tasting, cookery classes (book in advance at the local Tourist Office in Corso Tagliafico 2, Tel. 0781 854090) and street entertainment till late night. This is also the first time that Carloforte organises the "Buskers Festival", a constant presence at the event. For more information (official site, Italian version only) click here » S’Ardia: 6th and 7th July, SediloA death defying horse race to celebrate the bravery of the emperor Constantine who, in 312 A.D., defeated Maxentius at the Milvio bridge battle putting an end to the persecution of Christians. About 100 riders participate to the event which re-enacts the battle of Milvio. The most skilled and courageous riders are selected to protect the main standard, carried by the leader (the leader and his escorts represent Constantine and his army), and prevent the other participants (the pagan enemies lead by Maxentius) from overtaking the standard. Riflemen shoot blanks to start the race and excite the horses. The race is run first on the afternoon of the 6th July and is repeated at dawn on the 7th July in a more relaxed atmosphere. Of interests:Horse Trade Fair – 1st to 3rd June, St. Lussurgiu/ St. Leonardo (for real horse fans). Madonna dei Martiri – 1st and 2nd June, Fonni (with traditional procession, horse parades, music and street entertainment). Cherries Fair – 2nd June, Bonarcado (in the afternoon chefs will attempt to bake a cherry cake of 120 metres for inclusion in the Guiness book of records). Beer Festival – 5th July, Guspini/ Montevecchio (an opportunity to explore this wild and remote mining area and stunning beaches off the beaten track). |
Special Feature: Birdwatching - A paradise for twitchers.
 Sardinia’s rich and diverse territory is home to a huge variety of both endemic and migratory bird species that regularly seek refuge on the island during the winter and spring months. The highest peaks of Sardinia and the rocky cliffs and outcrops are the realm of birds of prey: Griffon vultures; shoughs; goshawks; sparrowhawks. The Golden eagle and the rare Bonelli's eagle can be found in very isolated peaks. Different types of falcons, such as the Peregrine falcon and Eleonora's falcon, can be seen anywhere from rocky cliffs to swamps. Eleonora's falcon (so called because only Eleonora d'Arborea had exclusive hunting rights to it) is a protected species which can be admired from observation points and paths in San Pietro Island (South Sardinia). Coastal areas are nesting ground for the Manx shearwater; the Collared pratincole; the plover; the Common redshank and Pallid and Alpine swifts. It is possible to catch sight of dippers by small rivers. Easily spotted everywhere in the island are Red kites, Common buzzards, Common kestrels, Lesser kestrels, Barbary partridges, Common ravens, Great Spotted woodpeckers, woodpigeons, shrikes, goldfinches, Citril finches, warblers, Little bustards, Crag martins and nightjars amongst many other species. You might have a chance to spot a Sardinian partridge (this sun loving bird from North Africa was brought to Sardinia by the Romans) in the sand dunes of Piscinas. Most exciting of all is bird life in the numerous Sardinian marshlands. The province of Oristano has the most interesting and the largest wetlands in Italy. The LIPU (the Italian version of the RSPB) oasis of Stagno di Sale Porcus near Putzu Idu is populated by Pink flamingos, Wild ducks, mallards, Great cormorants and shags in winter and spring. In the summer the lagoon dries up and can be explored on foot. Cabras wetlands, the Mistras and the Mar' e Pontis lagoons (i.e. all the region between Torregrande, Cabras and the Sinis Peninsula) have areas of fresh water and salt marshes that welcome an incredible variety of species: flamingoes; herons; cormorants; Purple gallinules; cranes and falcons just to mention some. Wetlands between Oristano, Santa Giusta and Arborea (SP49) are crowded with migrating and endemic birds: Little egrets; Great Crested grebes; Purple herons; mallards; coots; Common moorhens; Swamphens; Woodcocks; Avocets; Blackwinged stilts; Black terns; Purple gallinules and Kentish plovers. In the Santa Gilla and Molentargius salt flats (outskirts of Cagliari) flamingos and Kentish plovers can be observed all year round. At least 170 species of birds have been spotted here. For guided bird watching trips click here » |
| Home | Contact Us | Travelbugs.TV | Powered by DatumWeb |