Sardinia ist the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and about three times as big as the French island of Corsica.
Together with a few smaller islands it is an autonomous region of Italy. The capital of the region is Cagliari.
Sardinia © flickr/xurde
Sardinia is one of the most ancient cultures in the Mediterranean Sea and also geologically one of the oldest bodies of land in Europe; on the island also live the oldest people. More than 300 people are 100 years of age or even older.
Well know especially with tourists are the costal regions Costa Smeralda, Costa Rei, Costa Verde or Costa Paradiso. But the Sardinia has a lot more to offer. There are many historical sights that are worth a visit.
The town of Alghero has architectural sights that are typical for a medieval town and has one of the most beautiful historical town centres of the island. With it harbour it is one of the touristical centres and you can visit numerous churches, squares, towers and museums. Alghero als so has many good hotels.
One of the most important necropolis in Sardinia is Anghelu Ruju, about 10 kilometres north of Alghero. The necropolis was discovered in 1903 and excavated. It is of such and importance because up to the day it was found it was still untouched. You can get into the chambers via stairs or shafts.
Probably the oldest town in Sardinia is Nora which was founded by the Phoenicians. Vandals occupied it and in the early middle ages it was left because of to many attacks by pirates. Today only ruins are left but they are nevertheless interesting.
Very old too but in a better condition are the numerous churches on the island; either in Pisan or Provencal style or Byzantin.
Visitors who rather like the nature can visit one of the many parks in Sardinia. There are 4 National Parks and 26 regional parks. From famous Capo d’Orso on the northern coast oft the island you have a view of Corsica. The rock is shaped like a bear and that is where it got its name from.
Sardinia © flickr/-Chiotas-
About 900 metres of the flowstone caves of Bue Marino are open to the public but they can only be reached by boat.
The Sardinian cuisine is excellent. You can get lots of fresh seafood of course but also the famous sheep cheese called Pecorino, traditional bread, grilled pork and of course traditional pasta. And of course you can also get the typical wine of the region and even Sardinian beer.
