The Mediterranean’s Best Kept Secret
Featuring miles of untouched beaches, underground caves and festivals all year round; Sardinia is the new Mediterranean hotspot to hit this summer, for those after something different from their holiday.
The island boasts nearly over 300 days of sunshine each year. It has 2000km of golden coastline surrounded by clear blue seas, with some of the best beaches found at Costa Smeralda, while all over Sardinia there are plenty of things to do; below are some of our suggestions for a really great holiday.
Things To Do
Check out Cagliari – known as “The City of Sun”; Sardinia’s capital should definitely be on your to do list while on the island, and at the top of that should be to see the Roman Amphitheatre. Built in the 2nd century, the north-east side of the theatre was carved directly into the surrounding rock, and was once used as a location for gladiator battles and public executions; however today it acts as a concert venue for the region.
Another place of interest that should be seen are the ruins of Nora, an open air museum which was once an amphitheatre, tombs, Roman baths and a temple, which now offer an ideal photo opportunity by the sea.
The Old Quarter of Castello – the oldest area in the city; the castle district was built by the Pisans in the 13th century. Many of the towers, walls and bastions still stand proud in the medieval streets today, with the most notable monuments being Pisa and San Pancrazio dell’Elefante, the Bastion of Saint Remy and Porta dei Leoni, the Cathedral of Santa Maria, and the Royal Palace of Viceregio.
Poetto Beach – stretching over 8 kilometres, Cagliari’s main beach is the perfect location to enjoy temperatures which top 30 °C in the summer months, while there are plenty of water sports available along the sands.
Away from Cagliari, Sardinia still has much to offer….
Costa Smeralda
home to some of the finest beaches in the world, Costa Smeralda is a region in northern Sardinia that is one of the most popular areas on the island. At the centre of Costa Smeralda is Porto Cervo, a seaside town with shops, bars and restaurants that overlook the luxury yachts docked in the marina.
Sa Sartiglia of Oristano:
A huge horse racing festival through the town centre of Oristano, Sa Sartiglia dates back over 500 years and is one of the most celebrated days in Sardinia. The carnival is led by ‘Su Componidori’ – a god like figure selected to be the centrepiece of the festivities. His arrival is announced with trumpets and drums, before he races through the town on his steed, followed by a procession of many other horsemen. A silver star is hung in the air, and Su Componidori’s role is to use a joust to pierce the star for good luck, the more times the star is pierced , the more prosperous the year ahead will be for all those in attendance. The ceremony also features stunts performed by experience riders on horseback, while small silver stars are given out to the crowds.
Neptune’s Grotto
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Sardinia, Neptune’s Grotto is a collection of caves near Alghero discovered in the 18th century. The caves can be accessed by boat, with daily trips running from Porto Conte and Alghero, or if you don’t mind climbing down 650+ steps then there is also a bus from Alghero to the caves.
Arcipelago di La Maddalena National Park
A small collection of islands make up La Maddalena National Park, which can be toured via boat from the nearby town of Palau. Dolphins can often be spotted swimming nearby, so remember to take your camera with you if you go on a boat trip.
Festivals And Events
Despite the quiet and relaxed outlook on life, there are parties, festivals and events all year round in Sardinia, an overview of which can be seen below:
April – San Giorgio festival in the towns of Bonnanro, Bitti and Onifai is celebrated by a large procession led by horses through the centre of town.
April 28th – Sardinia Day – 
Fireworks, parades and music performances commemorate the anniversary of the release of Sardinia from Piedmont ruling.
May – Sant’ Efisio Festival – An effigy of Sant’Efisio is carried through the city, to a fanfare by a Sardinian wind instrument called a launeddas. In the 17th century, thousands of Sardinians died during a plague, and the people of Calgiari prayed to Sant’Efisio to save them.
3rd Sunday in May – Cavalcata Sarda features a gathering of over 3000 horses, horse races, dancers and musicians.
June 24th – St John the Baptist Day – again, horses, dancers, music and fireworks are the centrepiece of this traditional Sardinian celebration.
July – S’Ardia horse race – honouring of the patron saint of Sedilo, St Constantine; the main spectacle is a horse race, where the best rider of the town of Sedilo is pursued by over 100 other horse riders.
August – The Archer’s Tournament – skilled archers take part in a tournament, while a medieval parade and feast takes place afterwards.
August 14th – fireworks and fried fish in Alghero, at the port on Busquet walkway; a fireworks display is put on for spectators, while there are stalls selling various different fried fish dishes.
September – The Shoeless Men Run – a huge re-enactment of the fight between locals and the Saracens.
September – The Festival of Sant Miquel – the patron saint of Alghero is celebrated in traditional Sardinian style; with parades, musical performances and a fireworks display.
October – Sagra della Castagna – a ‘Chestnut fair’ which includes wine tasting and food stalls.
November – Mountain Products Agricultural Fair – showcasing the Island’s arts and crafts, the fair gives locals the chance to put their talents on display with paintings, exhibitions musical concerts.
There is plenty to see and do on the island of Sardinia, so why not head there next time you’re looking to get away for a week or two?
Written by travelsupermarket.com, who offer great deals on Sardinia holidays