Sardinia - Italian Paradise

For some, the Canary Islands are synonymous with luxury relaxation, for others, the Bahamas or the Caribbean. There are also many people who think of Sardinia, the second largest Italian island. It is washed by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and the island itself lies halfway between Europe and Africa, tempting tourists with paradise views, a string of picturesque islets and fairy-tale bays. Visitors are delighted with beautiful, sandy beaches, which make up over 1,800 km of extremely diversified coastline . There are also raw, rugged rocks jutting sharply into the water of a wonderful emerald color and crystal clarity. Anyone who has come here will understand why so many people associate an exclusive holiday with this place.

A synonym for a luxury holiday - Sandalon

In the past, the island was called "Sandalon", meaning the footprint left by the divine foot. A remnant of ancient times are thousands of nuragi, megalithic structures of mysterious origin. They are a big tourist attraction and can be found all over the island. The most famous and also the largest nuragi complex in Sardinia is Su Nuraxi , located in the center of the island. Sardinia is also famous for its vines and, of course, its wine itself, which is one of the oldest in the world. In 2010, research was carried out which showed that it may be the wine with the oldest origin in the world - it was produced as early as 1200 BC. The research results refuted the commonly repeated error that wine appeared on the island in the Middle Ages, imported from Siville. However, regardless of the research, it is known that the roots of Sardinian wine production lie deep in the ancient past and the most important thing is that after arriving on the island, take advantage of the opportunity to try the delicious, strong red Cannonau.

Sardinia coast

Every tourist visiting Sardinia will sooner or later head to the northern part of the island. In this region, the infrastructure has developed the most, which is not surprising - the pearl of the island, Costa Smeralda , i.e. the famous Emerald Coast, is located here. It owes its name to the wonderful color of the sea, which is a great attraction in itself. Combined with the varied coastline, fanciful rock formations rising above the water, hills descending straight to the sea and lush vegetation, it creates a paradise landscape.

Sardinian beaches are characterized by romance and intimacy. They are created not only for lovers - due to the fact that they are hidden in coves and gently shelving into the sea, they are very popular among families with children who can enjoy relaxation among the beauty and peace. On the other hand, Sardinia has no shortage of noisy and crowded places. On the bay of Arzachena, in Baia Sardinia, there is the Aquadream water park, and a little further away there is the popular Ritual disco. You cannot also miss Porto Cervo , the most famous resort on the Emerald Coast, very popular with celebrities. Luxury can be seen at every step, the town includes, among others: a large marina, dominated, as if by contrast, by the small church of Stella Maris.

North of the Costa Smeralda lies the popular resort of Palau with a number of beautiful beaches, rocky islets and rock formations. The symbol of the city is one of them - it is called Orso, it rises to a height of 122 m and resembles a bear looking at the sea. From Palau you can go on a cruise around the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago, where you will also find beautiful, practically virgin beaches. Also known is Porto Rotondo, a resort located south of the Costa Smeralda. In its center there is Piazza with numerous restaurants, boutiques and cafes, and in close proximity there is the famous Marinella, a beach popular among water sports enthusiasts.

Something for trekking enthusiasts

It would be tempting to write that it is definitely worth going to the Su Gorropu gorge, located in the Supramonte massif, between the communes of Orgosolo and Urzulei. It's definitely worth it, but it's not an adventure for everyone. Such a trip requires good fitness and, above all, you need help. Every year, several tourists get lost here, so it is best not to try to explore unknown terrain on your own, but to use the help of an experienced guide. The walk lasts all day, you have to spend about 6 hours on the walk, so you will need some food and a lot of water. Recently, you can only visit the gorge after paying a fee - tickets cost from 3.5 to 5 euros.

Even more extreme is Selvaggio Blu , a route for trekking enthusiasts that runs through the heart of the island. It is considered by many to be the most difficult in Italy, it lasts several days, so you have to carry food and water supplies with you, and you sleep in really harsh conditions (outdoors, in tents or in cuiles, i.e. shepherds' huts). However, if someone knows they can overcome it, they will spend 3 to 7 days wandering between the sea, rocky land and sky.

A stopover in paradise

When asked whether it is possible to visit Sardinia in a few days, the answer is short: absolutely not. Such a beautiful place deserves at least a week's stay, and even then you will leave the island feeling very dissatisfied. Therefore, it is worth getting acquainted with the offer of Sardinia's campsites . Because the former Sandalon is extremely popular among tourists, we come across a hotel or campsite at every step. For example, in Palau there is Camping Capo d'Orso with a view of the La Maddalena archipelago and with wide price ranges: an adult will pay from 6 to 9.5 euros for accommodation, while prices for a camper range from 6 euros in the off-season to even 27.5 euros. at the peak. It's worth it, because it's really beautiful here.

We will spend our holiday on an island smelling of Mediterranean flowers, surrounded by an emerald sea and rock formations with mysterious shapes. Coral reefs and various species of fish tempt gourmets of frutti di mare and lovers of diving and windsurfing. Welcome to paradise!