introduction to Sardinia
A brief introduction to Sardinia
Sardinia offers many pursuits for those that love nature and the outdoors, as well as featuring some notable UNESCO World heritage sites. With the exception of the glitzy Costa Smeralda, an area popular with the leading lights of Italian show business, much of the island is quiet and unspoilt.
As well as the notable nightlife, Costa Smeralda has become an established center for sailing over the last thirty years or so. If you fancy trying out the sport for the first time, make sure that you check your travel insurance provisions. Many of the more budget travel insurance policies exclude activities like sailing, so you will need a slightly more comprehensive type of cover. Luckily, the competition offered to the traditional insurance market by alternative providers of travel insurance like Santander to the means that you should be able to find a reasonable deal that will provide adequate cover with just a quick search online.
There are several smaller islands around Sardinia that are well worth visiting, such as San Pietro and the Maddalena archipelago. The Asinara National Park is famous as a home to some albino donkeys, and will prove a firm favourite with children.
Sardinia is a natural haven for all nature enthusiasts. Something which the island is worth visiting for, especially in terms of wildlife, is the diving potential. Sardinia is an unspoilt land, romantic and sweeping. Often described as a dry climate, this is offset by the amount of white sandy beaches which are perfect for diving in. The sheer amount of things to see even near the coast is unbelievable. Colourful fish, beautiful rockeries and swirling plants will enrapture beginners to advanced divers alike. Diving courses are available from a number of establishments, making for a memorable holiday experience.
Another great reason to visit Sardinia is the cuisine. With everything offered from seafood to the famous suckling pig (even better than Spanish Segovia’s variety) there is no doubt that Sardinia is a gastronome’s paradise. Expect freshly baked breads in cafe, restaurants and bakeries, a delicious selection of cheeses (including pecorino) and a rich collection of seafood. The local Sardinian speciality, Burrida, consists of Dogfish marinated with walnuts along with a melody of delicious spices.
Before visiting any country, it’s useful to have a low down on what to expect in terms of culture and local customs. As a people, Sardinians are friendly and polite. There is a strong sense of the family, as well as age old traditions playing a crucial part in today’s modern society. Many families still go to Church as well as meeting for large gatherings, such as Sunday lunches. There are many festivals throughout the year which are incredibly tourist friendly and although not a prosperous island in terms of finance, the island is certainly rich in personality, warmth and dazzling scenery.
