2009-11-27

Sardinia island tour: Sights and stops

A trip across the island of Sardinia is absolutely worthwhile. Not only because the road network is dense and the distances manageable, but also because of the great diversity this Mediterranean island is offering.

We like to begin our tour in Olbia, with around 50,000 inhabitants, one of the island’s largest cities. This is where most of the travellers arrive to Sardinia, and aside from the airport there are also numerous ferries anchoring in Olbia.

Despite the hustle and bustle Olbia has retained a distinct character and is enticing with plenty of old houses and winding alleys. One of the attractions in Olbia is the San Simplicio Church, which still dates from the 11^th century.

From Olbia we proceed along the world-famous Costa Smeralda to the north to the port city of Palau. But this is just a station along the way to arrive on the island of La Maddalena. Believe it or not, this archipelago is composed of 62 islands. Here, rocky landscapes are forming a harmonious contrast with picturesque sandy beaches.

We continue along the northern coast until Porto Torres. Located in the province of Sassari this city with 21,000 inhabitants is an important port and is likewise the place where the biggest Romanesque church on the island, the cathedral of San Gavino is located.

The next stop is likewise located in the province of Sassari, however, already on the west coast of Sardinia. We are talking about Alghero, the “Little Barcelona”. This medieval town is surrounded by thick walls and one of the hotel strongholds on the islands. Of course there are beaches in Alghero too.

Along the west coast the next destination is Carloforte. To be precise, this place however lies on the island of San Pietro, about ten kilometers off the Sardinian coast. This place became known particularly for its close ties to Genoa, and it speaks its own language, which is based on Ligurian. But the highlight of Carloforte is the Ristorante Da Nicola, which is considered one of the best places to eat in Sardinia.

Well strengthened we continue to the capital of the island. Cagliari has 160,000 inhabitants and is situated on the southern coast of Sardinia. Here there are so many sights that it is hardly possible to list them down all, but at least the cathedral and the two towers are part of the “compulsory program”, which has to be mentioned.

From the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city, we then recover on the east coast, particularly around Muravera, the city of oranges. Here one sunny beach connects to the other, and especially the area between the “cala Sinzias” and the “capo Ferrato” is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

By this time you should already have bought your souvenirs. Suitable here are especially the pecorino, a tasty sheep’s cheese, but also many beautiful items made of ceramic may be worth it.

Also famous is the Sardinian wine, which among other places can be bought in the small town Badde Nigolosu, namely in the vineyard Tenute Dettori. This is located in the center of the island, in the province of Sassari and provides an appropriate conclusion of the Sardinia trip.

For a comfortable stay on the island find here our Escapio Sardinia hotels.