Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, located 120 miles off west of Italy’s mainland. The striking beauty of the island with its turquoise sea and white sandy beaches rival the tropics, making for an ideal holiday destination. While the peak of summer brings blistering temperatures as well as the crowds, the month of September brings a more tolerable climate as well as fewer people and the barefoot run.
Held on the first Sunday in September, the La corsa degli Scalzi, or barefoot run, celebrates the festival of San Salvatore and is a sight to behold. At dawn, over 1,000 barefoot men run wearing a white robe and carry the simulacrum of San Salvadore for six miles from the village of Cabras to the church of St. Salvatore.
Where to stay
With the island filled with friendly and welcoming people, a stay at a Bed and Breakfast offers a perfect way to get to know the locals as well as Sardinia’s culture. Marina di Castello is highly recommended, offering a clean and comfortable stay along with an especially kind hostess, Sabrina.
Sabrina will direct her guests to some of the mouth-wateringly delicious food you might ever experience as well as the historic sites and attractions on Sardinia.
Beaches
Sardinia’s lavender covered mountains dip down to the sea offering many private, romantic coves for relaxing and taking a dip in the crystal clear water. The northern coast of the island offers the best chance to experience tranquility, and Rena Majori is a breathtaking beach away from the mass of tourists even in high season. This quiet cove is an ideal oasis for peace and privacy.
Pula on the southern coast is also well worth exploring. Here you’ll find a diversified stretch of coastline with balmy beaches and coves as well as fascinating Roman excavations. At Nora, you’ll discover a large Roman amphitheater lying directly out on the sea, used as a music festival in the summer. Stark white sand dunes contrast with the brilliant blue of the water for a picture-perfect setting.
Historic sites and the inland region
Sardinia’s inland region is filled with thousands of round fortresses known as Nuraghi. Built in prehistoric times, they still survive as powerful symbols of the tenacity of the Sardinian people. A site dating back to the Nuragic period is the Nuragic Sanctuary of Santa Cristina, and well worth a visit. This amazing site is almost hypnotic with its powerful feeling of history. Visitors can climb inside and onto the top to really experience its mystical power, and seems to belong in Ancient Egypt and certainly not Sardinia.
While inland, take time to explore the island’s narrow winding roads and discover spectacular mountains, caves and gorges, where few other tourists can be found.
Sardinia cuisine
Hundreds of restaurants on Sardinia offer some of the most delectable fare you may ever experience. Typical Sardinian food includes seafood, freshly baked bread and homemade cheeses, olives, fine wines roasted suckling pig, and of course, pasta. Foodies may find this island paradise.
Try some of the best cuisine at Bella & Monella, filled with local, classic favorites or Su Gologone located in the countryside near the pure water spring called Su Gologone. Here you’ll find an atmosphere of ancient times with traditional dishes including homemade pasta, fresh cheese and wonderful fresh, local produce served with some of the most amazing regional wines you’ll ever have the pleasure to taste.
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