11 Reasons Why You Should Go To Sardinia

...other than the fact that it is an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.

1. Castles

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These things are everywhere – you could round the bend and a castle will just appear. Many of the castles date back to the Medieval Ages, some in excellent condition, and others not so much. The castle at Burgos sits on a hill in the center of a quaint town. Not much is left of it, but the views from the top of the remaining tower are stunning. Also check out Castel Sardo, located in a town of the same name overlooking the sea. On the way up you will pass by local women weaving baskets for sale in the doorways of their homes. If you’re up for the climb, these hilltop castles are worth visiting, although they are just as breathtaking from a distance.

2. Beaches

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Sardinia certainly has its fill of beaches, both rocky and sandy. Stintino, Mugoni, Torre di Bari, and Cala Luna are some of the more popular ones. Sardinia’s beaches are among the best in the world for turquoise waters and fine white sand. Often accompanying the beaches are bars, gelato stands, and views of the rolling hills. Camping sites are often found close by.

3. Nuraghe

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The Nuraghic civilization left behind their material culture throughout the entire island. The Nuraghic people first inhabited Sardinia in the late Bronze Age, building large towers called nuraghe, which look a lot like sandcastles. Little is known about the function of the nuraghe, but they were most likely used as fortresses or watchtowers located in the center of the small villages. Many are open to the public for self-guided tours – check out the nuraghes of Santu Antine and Ruju – you can even climb to the top using the ancient staircases and look out at the rolling landscape. If you want to see a Nuraghic village being excavated, head over to the site of Sant’Imbenia in Alghero.

4. Painted Towns

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In Bosa you will find houses painted lime green, sunflower yellow, hot pink, and turquoise. You can spend hours just walking the cobblestone streets while taking in the beautiful colors. It is just as beautiful as Cinque Terre, and far less touristy. Make your way to the top of the hill where a castle overlooks the city and harbor.

5. Donkeys

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Sardinia is known for its wild donkeys that roam the countryside. There is even an island named Isola Asinara (“donkey island”), declared a nature preserve, for the large population of albino donkeys that inhabit it. Visitors are allowed on the island, but only by means of guided tours. Donkey meat is also a delicacy in Sardinia, although it is not as common as other meat.

6. Pane Carasau

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The most popular and perhaps the most ancient bread in Sardinia, it is found in most restaurants and trattorias. Thin and crispy, it is best served drizzled with oil and herbs, but is just as delicious plain. It is known as carta di musica in Italian for its paper-thin size.

7. Alghero

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This old town boasts a culture with a unique blend of both Spanish and Italian artistic influence. Catalan is spoken here, along with Italian and Sardo. The old town walls still separate the city from the sea. The marina is very active with the coming and going of fishing boats and boats that will take tourists to the famous Neptune’s Grotto. Small shops and bars line the bike path that flows through the marina, along the ancient walls, and past some of Alghero’s best beaches. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful churches that are dotted throughout the cobblestone streets.

8. Capo Caccia

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A breathtaking limestone mass suspended in the sea, Capo Caccia is just a short distance from Alghero. It hosts the famous Neptune's Grotto, an underwater cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. If you're up for climbing over the rocky ground and relaxing atop the boulders, it is the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic.

9. Museums

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Mainland Italy maintains an overwhelming amount of museums filled with Roman art and artifacts. Sardinian museums offer a fair amount of Roman history, but focus a lot on the local history of the Nuraghic culture. Sardinia reflects a long history of the interaction of many cultures, including Phoenician, Carthaginian, Roman, and Spanish culture. Some of the best museums in Sardinia for seeing this blending of cultures include Museum G.A. Sanna, National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari, and Nuoro Archaeological Museum.

10. Sardinian Culture

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The language of the island itself is unique, because it is distinct from Italian, and varies greatly between villages and regions. The people of Sardinia place a lot of importance on tradition, as reflected in many festivals held throughout the year that celebrates Sardinian culture. The unique culture is further reflected in their traditional dress and handmade goods.

11. Churches

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The churches in Sardinia are absolutely worth a visit, many of them reflecting Italian and Spanish influence. Colorful domes characterize San Paolo in Olbia and San Michele in Alghero, reflecting the Catalan influence. Basilica di Saccargia is the perfect example of the Romanesque tradition, constructed of alternating black basalt and white limestone.