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ITALY TRAVEL, HOTEL, HOLIDAY & ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
SELF-CATERING VILLAS & HOLIDAY RENTAL  APARTMENTS ON SARDINIA ISLAND

Costa Paradiso, Sassari Province, Island of Sardinia, Italy, Mediterranean
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Pan Di Zucchero, Scoglio, Rocky Islet, Southwest Coast, Sardinia, Italy, Mediterranean, Europe
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The Costa Rei - Sardinia's Quieter Alternative

Exploring the hidden gems of Sardinia

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Exploring the hidden gems of Sardinia    by Steve Veale

Sardinia Featured Self-Catering  /  Sardinia Featured Hotels

CAGLIARI, Sardinia --- No vacation to Italy would be complete without seeing the amazing sights of ancient Rome, artistic Florence, romantic Tuscany or the watery Venice.

But what about the picturesque harbour of Cagliari? The sandy dunes of Piscinas beach? The 12th Century city of Alghero?


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). 

Cala Mariolu, Cala Gonone, Golfe Di Orosei (Orosei Gulf), Island of Sardinia, Italy
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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.
Bay of the Angels, Island of Sardinia, Italy, Mediterranean
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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.
Castelsardo, Sassari Province, Island of Sardinia, Italy, Mediterranean
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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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About the Author - Steve Veal is a professional travel writer currently living in Toronto, Canada.

FEATURED SARDINIA ISLAND SELF-CATERING / VACATION RENTAL ACCOMMODATION

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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