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These are not
yet 'household' names for an Italian vacation but that should soon change
when Sardinia to those with a quest for fun, fascination and, of course,
the flavours of truly unique Italian cuisine.
| "Sardinia remains
the great undiscovered gem of an Italian vacation, " according to Flavia
Jaber, VP of Production Development and Operations. "So many of our clients
have asked us for 'more, more, more' of Italy and we have responded by
introducing the wonders of Sardinia to our friends who love to travel."
Sardinia is a
mere 200 KM from the coastal city of Roma, 300 KM from Napoli - so close,
yet seemingly so far away from the tourist sites of the mainland. (Note:
You can take a one-hour flight but many opt for the leisurely, overnight
16-hour car ferry across the Tyrrhenian Sea from Naples).
This historic
island is approximately 250 KM long and about 125 Km wide (at its maximum
point from Porto Torres to Capo Comino). |
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So of course
you could drive around the island in one long day - but why would you want
to?
This is a slow-paced
island with scenic coastal roads, deserted coves of white sand beaches
and crystal clear water, magnificent and ancient sun-bleaches rock formations
created through years of wind and rain. In other words (in any words!)
Sardinia is an island that entices the visitor to explore its roots in
a relaxed and leisurely fashion. It is mainly Europeans who have discovered
this island - English, French and German tourists use the north coast (Costa
Smeralda) as their personal playground of beaches, boats, swimming, scuba
diving and the occasional au natural sunny coves for all-over sun tanning.
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This is an area
of rugged rocky beauty, private sandy coves, azure blue waters as well
as man-made amenities such as fishing harbours and yachts marinas, residential
villas and luxury hotels, seaside tavernas and five-star dining.
It is the spectacular
scenery - especially at Capo d'Orso and Capo Testa - that has enticed the
tourists to the Costa Smeralda with its luxury resorts and tourist amenities.
Most of the island, however, remains almost oblivious to the tourists of
the north. Mario Delitala, tour guide extraordinaire and Road to Italy's
dedicated representative in Sardinia, is readily available to supply advice
on where to eat and suggestions about what to see. (Road to Italy, though
based in Toronto, has a dozen employees connected with its Rome office.
In other words, when you leave Toronto, they are sending you to the care
of their staff in Italy.) |
Mario will also
offer suggestions on where to buy your "must have" souvenirs from any visit
to his island. "The islanders are known for fine handcrafted items, such
as lace-making (especially in the tiny towns of Oliena or Bosa) and you
can find special woven rugs and tapestries of colourful, floral patterns.
(The Sardinian pibbiones rugs are created by embroidering raised patterns
on classic beige fabric.)
As
for food, well, this is Italy so eat anything. Eat everything. You will
discovery both sweet and savoury dishes that are unique to this island
paradise, not found on the mainland.
| Of course, fish
must be the most popular dish, right? Nope. The traditional feast
for special dinners and celebrations is Porceddu - suckling pig roasted
over an open fire -served on traditional cork plates with myrtle leaves
with plenty of thin, crisp Carasau bread. Of course everyday culinary fare
includes mounds of pasta dishes such as Pane Frattau, a mixture of breads,
percorino cheese, tomato sauce and eggs; Malloreddus - gnocchi with minced
sausage, tomato sauce with a hint of saffron and the hearty Zuppa gallurese
- a mixture of wheat bread, grated perconino cheese and slowly baked in
wood-burning oven. Seafood lovers need not worry - visitors can also order
the zesty Catalan lobster, an antipasti combination of buccinis and arselle
(mollusks and clam) and Burrida, the island specialty of cooked fish marinated
for a day in garlic, parsley, bazelnuts and vinegar. |
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The history
of Sardinia coexists with the present in the form of some 7,000 round stone
dwellings (nuraghi) scattered throughout the island - a constant reminder
of the Bronze Age (4000 to 2000 BC) warriors and shepherds who populated
this land. These megalithic ruins, especially the ones in the Su Nuraxi
settlement at Barumini, are often in a perfectly preserved state.
Sardinia is the
perfect addition for those who have been to Italy once, twice, or many
times - it is Italy, but different. The island Italians, separated from
their cousins by the sea, have maintained their traditional styles of culture
and cuisine, fishing and sheep-herding, hospitality and charm.
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/ Sardinia
Featured Self-Catering / Sardinia
Featured Hotels
About the Author
- Steve
Veal is a professional travel writer currently living in Toronto, Canada. |
FEATURED
SARDINIA ISLAND SELF-CATERING / VACATION RENTAL ACCOMMODATION
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1
bedroom apartment, Castelsardo (Ref: 28278)
Self catering
apartment in Castelsardo, Italy
Castelsardo
a charming small medieval town situated in the North West of Sardinia.
The historic centre is a bit of a climb but well worth it. Take the scenic
walk around the castle walls leading up to the cathedral. From here you
can enjoy some wonderful views across the bay of Asinara. The castle was
built by the Doria family in the 12th century, close by you can see the
16th century church of Santa Maria and the bell tower of the Cathedral
of Sant’Antonio Abate. The town itself is well known for basket weaving
quite often when you are wondering around the little lanes you will find
the locals sitting on their doorsteps producing their craft. If you want
to get a further insight into basket weaving you can visit the museum which
is located within the castle. 1 Bedroom (sleeps 2-4) Apartment. |
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2
Bedroom Apartment, Castelsardo (Ref: 31629)
Self catering
apartment in Castelsardo, Italy
Castelsardo
a charming small medieval town situated in the North West of Sardinia.
The historic centre is a bit of a climb but well worth it. Take the scenic
walk around the castle walls leading up to the cathedral. From here you
can enjoy some wonderful views across the bay of Asinara. The castle was
built by the Doria family in the 12th century, close by you can see the
16th century church of Santa Maria and the bell tower of the Cathedral
of Sant’Antonio Abate. Recently decorated and newly furnished top
floor (with wide external steps) apartment. Large double bedroom
with double wardrobe and window onto terrace. Smaller double/twin
bedroom (small wardrobe).... Sleeps 5. |
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Beautiful
apartment with bikes, Alghero, Sardinia (Ref: 21327)
Self catering
apartment in Alghero, Italy
Spacious apartment
, bikes included, 5 min. to old town of Alghero, 15 min. to beach, completely
furnished and equipped, sleeps 4/6. The Nuraghi Apartment is
located in the charming island of Sardinia (Italy), the second largest
island in the Mediterranean Sea and a natural reserve, plenty of calm beaches
and a slightly mountainous countryside full of towns with enchantment,
prehistoric ruins, Roman and Carthaginian rests, romanic churches and gothic
temples and quarters. The island is perfectly communicated with many
countries of Europe thanks to its 4 airports and its ferry connections
with Italy and France. The apartment is completely furnished and it is
spacious (77 m2) and very bright. Sleeps 6. |
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One
bedroom flat (Ref: 20909)
self-catering
apartment in Badesi[ss], Italy
This little
Sardinian town sits in the hills over looking the sea. There is a beautiful
view from the balcony. Alghero [Ryanair] and Olbia [Easyjet] are equal
distance from Badesi. About one hours drive. You will need to hire a car
for this holiday. They can be hired from the airport. The Island can be
reached by road and car ferry from either France or Italy. There
are several restaurants and supermarkets in the town. .Most watersports
can be reached near by. The old city of Alghero with its beautiful Grotto
and the Esmeraldo are within an hours drive. The apartment comprises
1 bedrooms in total; 1 twin and 3 cots. Beautiful view from balcony. Sleeps
5. |
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Sardinia,
Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena (Ref: 1760)
Self catering
villa in La Maddalena, Italy
Villa in magnificent
position, on the sea-side, private wharf and little bay. 3 bedrooms, 2
bathrooms, american kitchen, dining-room and patio in front of the sea.
Villa's view on the private beach and on the bay from the Patio and terrace.
You will always eat beside the patio in front of the sea-side. The
typical sardinian style twin bedroom with view on the sea-side. A
look on the open kitchen. While cooking you see the sea-side!
Sleeps 6. |
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Villetta
Mariarte/Sardinia (Ref: 23501)
Self catering
villa in Trinita D'Agultu, Italy
The villa consists
of a large lounge with TV and with double sofabed and dining area, with
venetian windows leading to the garden, patio and the shared swimming pool,
with spectacular views out to sea. Kitchen area with doors leading to back
patio with built in barbeque, outside sink and shower for after beach.
There is a washing machine in a small laundry room.The master double bedroom
has venetian windows leading to the patio and bathroom with all commodities.The
second bedroom has venetian windows leading to the veranda and garden and
the pool. There are also 2 verandas with the spactacular view to the sea
and a table and chairs to eating "al fresco" and also a private parking
space. Sleeps 6. |
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Villa
Porto Conte, Alghero (Ref: 26765)
Self catering
apartment in Porto Conte, Fertilia, Alghero, Italy
Located in the
beautiful bay of Porto Conte, a place where you can relax and really have
a great time. This Villa is located in the beautiful bay of Porto
Conte. In the past it was called Nympharum Portus of Romans and now
it is, doubtless, the biggest natural port of the Mediterranean.
Porto Conte is very close to Alghero (12 km), and Capocaccia (10 km).
The house is ideal for those are seeking peace and relax. Car hire is recommended.
In the flat, on the attic , there is 1 double bedroom, 2 sofa beds, a bathroom
and a kitchen. It has a great view of the Porto Conte Bay. The flat can
host maximum 4 people. Sleeps 4. |
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Villa
with panoramic sea view in Sardinia (Ref: 15097)
self-catering
villa in Porto San Paolo, Italy
Spacious 3-bedroom,
3-bath villa with panoramic view of sea and mountains. Located on a hill
above Porto San Paolo and easy access to beach. House includes full kitchen
facilities and barbecue. Private parking. Easy access to tennis, windsurfing,
golf, cycling and diving opportunities. 10 kilometers to Oliba airport
and port. Because of the hillside location and proximity to the sea there
is a consistent breeze that cools even the hottest July and August days
and nights. The master bedroom includes bathroom as well as a private
terrace with a view of the sea. There is a queen-sized bed and closet.
The second bedroom also features a queen-sized bed, private bath and bedroom.
The third bedroom, also downstairs, features a bunk and closet and is ideal
arrangement for children. Sleeps 8. |
Use
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