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Con questa bella giornata di sole non si può non pensare all'estate..
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Nuovo sito per affitti e vendite in Sardegna!!Estate 2011...estate sarda!!

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Voglia di estate??

Cosa state aspettando prenotate ora la vostra vacanza in Sardegna..www.architettocapello.com

RIPPING special guest: MATTIAS

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Cosa state aspettando?? prenotate il vostro bellissimo appartamento in Sardegna!!

Siete una coppia, una famiglia o semplicemente un gruppo di amici?
Nessun problema! Tra le nostre proposte protrete trovare facilmente quella più adatta a voi.
Abbiamo a disposizione appartamenti, villette e monolocali pronti a rispondere a tutte le vostre esigenze ed a farvi trascorrere la vacanza che tanto desiderate.

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Nuovo sito per affitti e vendite in Sardegna!!Estate 2011...estate sarda!!

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Nascerà a Caprera il museo nazionale dedicato a Garibaldi

Tremila metri quadrati intorno al Forte Arbuticci, affacciati su uno dei mari più belli d'Italia, per raccontare l'eroe che l'Italia rese un unico paese. Mito nazionale, ma conosciuto in tutto il mondo, Giuseppe Garibaldi entro fine autunno avrà un museo nazionale a Caprera, l'isola della Sardegna dove si ritirò gli ultimi vent'anni della sua vita e dove, in quella che fu la sua casa, sorge già un importante museo.http://lanuovasardegna.gelocal.it/dettaglio/articolo/3164841?edizione=EdRegionale

L'isola di Atlantide? Esiste, è la Sardegna

Sono secoli che studiosi, filosofi, scienziati e letterati tentano inutilmente di ricollocare il mitico continente di Atlantide nella geografia interpretando ora Platone ora tutte le leggende mediterranee che ne hanno fatto il proprio fulcro, e sono secoli che ogni tentativo viene frustrato da mancanza di prove concrete, ma anche solo di indizi, testimonianze, idee. Sembra che oggi si sia sul punto di arrivare a uno stravolgimento delle convinzioni tradizionali e che una nuova luce possa essere gettata sulla madre di tutti i miti e sulla nostra stessa genesi come popolo italico. In questa, che è soprattutto un'operazione culturale, giocano un ruolo da protagoniste l'archeologia e la geologia (oltre alla rivisitazione storica e filologica) in un recupero del metodo scientifico come approccio risolutivo anche per le questioni apparentemente solo umanistiche o sociali.
Di volta in volta l'isola di Santorini, le isole britanniche, le Azzorre e le Canarie (e recentemente anche l'arcipelago nipponico o le coste turche) sono stati i luoghi maggiormente indiziati come gli ultimi retaggi del contineente perduto narrato da Platone nel Crizia e nel Timeo. Protetta da mura circolari di metallo e dotata di grande disponibilità di beni naturali, beneficiata da raccolti tre volte all'anno e da minerali preziosi del sottosuolo, Atlantide era una terra promessa situata al di là delle Colonne d'Ercole.
Già, ma dov'erano quelle mitiche colonne 2000 anni fa? Oggi tutti le collocano a Gibilterra, ma le analisi dei testi precedenti la nuova geografia di Eratostene (il primo a destinarle fra Spagna e Marocco) dimostrano che c'era molta confusione su dove piazzare i limiti del mondo quando la geografia non la facevano ancora i greci, ma i fenici e i cartaginesi, eredi di quegli antichi popoli del mare di cui si erano perdute le tracce dopo un avvenimento catastrofico (Atlantide non si è a un certo punto clamorosamente inabissata?).
La geologia dei fondali del Mediterraneo a questo proposito parla tanto chiaro che anche un non geologo, ma giornalista e archeologo come Sergio Frau (commentatore di Repubblica e novello scrittore di Le colonne d'Ercole, un'inchiesta, pubblicato da NUR-Neon di Roma) ha potuto notare che c'è una sola zona che poteva fungere da confine del mondo conosciuto prima che i commerci si spingessero più a Occidente, la sola che possedesse quei fondali insidiosi, e soprattutto limacciosi e costellati di secche, che gli antichi indicavano come Colonne d'Ercole, il Canale di Sicilia. Lo stretto di Gibilterra ha fondali profondi più di 300 metri e non c'è mai stato fango laggiù, come potevano sbagliarsi i tanti che avevano chiaramente descritto il canale di mare fra Sicilia e Tunisia?

E se le Colonne d'Ercole erano davvero a largo della Sicilia quando Platone scriveva, perché Atlantide avrebbe dovuto essere alle Canarie o, tantomeno, a Sanotrini? I geologi avevano già escluso da tempo l'isola cicladica per via delle prove paleomagnetiche: i manufatti in terracotta dell'antica Thira (Akrothiri) si comportano come argille naturali in cui i granuli magnetici normalmente presenti si riorientano parallelamente al campo magnetico terrestre se riscaldati al di sopra di una certa temperatura (come quella dei forni in cui venivano cotti o di incendi). Confrontando quei dati con quelli provenienti dell'eruzione spaventosa di Santorini (XVI secolo prima di Cristo) si è escluso che la distruzione della civiltà minoica potesse essere contemporanea ai maremoti conseguenti a quella catastrofe, dunque, che Atlantide potesse coincidere con la Creta dei palazzi di Cnosso.
Ma al di là di quelle Colonne ora ricollocate c'è un'isola che ha un clima straordinario (capace di dare più raccolti in un anno), che è ricchissima di metalli e che è stata abitata per lungo tempo da un popolo che costruiva torri (i nuraghes dei Tirreni) e che forse è fortemente imparentato con gli Etruschi e con i Fenici e i Cartaginesi. Un'isola che poteva costituire un forziere naturale molto più vicino della lontana Spagna cui, chissà perché, dovevano preferire arrivare i naviganti del Libano e della Libya. Un'isola da tenere tanto segreta da farla quasi sparire dalle rotte, una specie di riserva naturale da oscurare nella notte del mito, un'idea di terra promessa che avrebbe potuto chiamarsi Atlantide. Quell'isola si chiama Sardegna e numerosi riscontri archeologici mostrano come sia stata repentinamente abbandonata attorno al 1178-1175. I nuraghes della costa sarda meridionale e occidentale, quelli a quote basse, sono tutti distrutti, capitozzati, con le grandi pietre gettate a terra, mentre quelli contemporanei della Sardegna settentrionale sono ancora oggi in piedi: sono possibili terremoti o maremoti in un'isola da sempre ritenuta tranquilla da un punto di vista tettonico?
La geologia potrebbe tentare di dare una risposta decisiva attraverso sondaggi opportunamente collocati nella valle del Campidano, vicini ai nuraghes ricoperti da una melma fangosa che ha tutta l'aria di essere un residuo di un'inodazione, o, addirittura, di un maremoto. In tutto il mondo le rocce di maremoto (tsunamiti) permettono di riconoscere le catastrofi del passato: l'ipotesi dell'asteroide che avrebbe causato la scomparsa dei dinosauri riposa in parte su prove come queste. Ma se tutto trovasse ulteriori conferme molte idee andrebbero cambiate: la storia e l'archeologia dell'intero Mediterraneo rischiano di essere stravolte in una nuova visione del mondo antico la cui origine sarebbe più vicina di quanto pensassimo.

How to get around Sardinia??

By car

While it is possible to get around Sardinia by bus and train, doing so may well limit how fast you travel and where you go. If you can, hire a car. It is well worth the outlay, and it will allow you to visit some of the more remote and enchanting places and areas.

There are no toll highways in the island; the main axes are Porto Torres-Sassari-Oristano-Cagliari (Strada Statale [State Road] 131, European denomination E25) and its bifurcation to Nuoro (SS131 d.c.n.), Iglesias-Cagliari (SS130) [the SS130 and SS131 are the only fully 2 x 2-lane roads in Sardinia], the SS125 (Cagliari-Villasimius), SS126 (Sant'Antioco-Carbonia-Iglesias-Guspini-Terralba), SS127 (Olbia-Tempio Pausania-Sassari), SS128 (East-Central Sardinia), SS129 (Orosei-Nuoro-Macomer), SS195 (Cagliari-SS126 through Pula), and the SS291 (Sassari-Alghero). Many other roads are also of great interest for the tourist, such as the SS133 (Tempio Pausania-Palau) or the Chia-Teulada 'panoramica'.

Many roads are narrow and wind through hilly terrain; be careful and do not hesitate to use your car horn to signal your presence: because of the light traffic, oncoming drivers may not expect to encounter other vehicles. Remember that locals know their roads: they can drive faster than you because of that, do not try to race with them! Beware also of domesticated animals (sheep, goat, cows, pigs) crossing roads in large or small units, especially in rural areas.

Engine overheating may happen in summer because of the heat/topography combination; take the usual precautions.

Paving is generally good on the main axes; it may vary for secondary axes and urban areas, but is often in correct conditions. There are local unpaved roads of touristic interest; these can be in any state, especially after heavy rains, so it is better to go there with a sturdy 4-wheel drive car.

Traffic can become heavy during summer in and around touristic areas, in particular on the SS 125, 126, 127, 195, 291.

A roadmap and a GPS tracking unit (handheld ones are also useful for trekking) are recommended: road signs, in particular directions, are somewhat lacking, especially on secondary roads, whereas crossroads are generally well signalled.

Beware of high winds; gusts in excess of 100 kph (60 mph) are common from September to April.

Many villages have installed speed traps and automated cameras at the entrances: these are almost always signalled and fines for speeding are generally heavy. Quite often, you will cross villages with no pavements, and find elder people there: drive with caution.

By bus

Regular, cheap buses between the main centres: Cagliari, Sassari, Alghero, Nuoro etc. You may end up changing buses (or trains) in Macomer. Less frequent buses, but worth persevering for the smaller villages. The main bus company is the public-owned and managed ARS.

By sailboat

Sailing is one of the best way to see Sardinia. Most charters offers many solutions from bareboat to crewed and cabin charter, with all the type of the boats.

• ItalyCharter, ☎ +39 3483337796 (info@italycharter.it)                 

By train

Regular trains from the edge of Alghero to Sassari and from Sassari to Cagliari, although buses are usually quicker. Change at Macomer for trains or buses to Nuoro. Less frequent trains on this and other routes. Both Trenitalia and Ferrovie della Sardegna operate trains in the Island.

In the summer period, twice a week, there's a small train that travels from Sassari to Tempio and back. It runs especially for tourists and is highly recommended. The train in called "trenino verde".

By bicycle

At many places it is possible to rent a bike quite cheaply, for as little as 9 euros per 24 hours. Compared to the scarce local bus connections a bicycle provides great flexibility for local exploration. With high quality roads and great scenery the bike is very pleasant to ride. 

What to do in Sardinia??

There is much to do in Sardinia, but the island will probably appeal more to nature lovers than to clubbers (with the exception of the Costa Smeralda area, one of the 'hot spots' of the Italian show-business jet set).

• Sea: sailing has become increasingly popular in the last thirty years, in particular in the Costa Smeralda area; the first Italian challenge in the America's Cup hailed from there. There are many ports everywhere, and some places are reachable only by boat. Do not miss this opportunity if you like to sail.

• Islands: while not many, the islands are generally of interest; check in particular the Asinara National Park (famous for its Albino Donkeys) and the Maddalena archipelago in the North, the islands of San Pietro (a community of Genoese fishermen) and Sant'Antioco (actually connected to the main land since Roman times) in the South.

• Beaches and coasts: the North and Northeast (from Stintino to Budoni) boast many beautiful beaches. The Eastern coast is also very interesting: Cala Gonone, Arbatax, Muravera and Villasimius, to name a few. The deep South (Chia, Pula) is quickly growing as a major tourist attraction. The western coast is of a very different character; large beaches some kilometres long can be found (Porto Pino, Marina di Gonnesa, Marina di Arbus). Of note is Piscinas (Marina di Arbus) with its 60 m-tall sand dunes. Finally, the Alghero area is renowned for its underwater caves and grottoes and attracts many scuba divers.

• Hills and 'Mountains': while Sardinia's highest elevation does not reach 2000 m (6500 ft), do not be fooled: terrain is steep, snow falls in winter, and there is even a ski resort in the Gennargentu area! Hills are everywhere in Sardinia, from the Northeastern Monte Limbara Range to the Iglesiente area in the Southwest, even at the outskirts of Cagliari. The rainiest areas are quite lush with Mediterranean vegetation. Another advantage is that people (including Sardinians) generally fill the beaches and leave the rest nearly deserted. A popular destination for mountain climbers is the Domusnovas area (close to Iglesias), with its nice vertical walls of limestone. Large caves are accessible (Dorgali, Oliena, Santadi, Domusnovas, Fluminimaggiore, Alghero). There are many hiking trails (though not always well signalled) for beginners and veterans alike.

• Monuments and sites: Sardinia has few known monuments but many are well worth visiting. Check in particular Cagliari (Sard. Casteddu, Castle), Oristano, Sassari, Alghero, Olbia, and Nuoro. Nuraghi and Domus de janas (Sard. for witch houses) are found in many places, in particular in Barumini (Su Nuraxi, in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1997) and around Alghero. Tharros, Nora, and Monte Sirai (just off Carbonia) are fine examples of the Phoenician/Carthaginian presence. Roman remains are also found in Sardinia, among which Nora, the Sant'Antioco bridge or the Amphitheatre in Cagliari; the Antas site in Fluminimaggiore is also of interest, even if the present temple is actually a reconstruction of the original. Pisans have left important traces in the South (Cagliari, Iglesias) and the well-preserved Castello di Acquafredda (It. for cold water castle) near Siliqua is worth a visit, as well as the back country. Bosa is of interest for its medieval urbanism; Burgos (Castle of Goceano) is also worth a visit. Some fine churches are found in the island, from the early Christian times to the Baroque period, in the aforementioned cities but also in Porto Torres and Iglesias (Spanish for church). Examples of industrial architecture can also be found in and around Cagliari, in Porto Torres, and in the Sulcis-Iglesiente area, where organized tours can be booked to visit mines, for instance the Buggerru mines with galleries just above the sea. Finally, several museums dedicated to Sardinia are of interest; the Museo sardo di antropologia ed etnografia and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Cagliari, and the Museo etnografico sardo in Nuoro are important starting places.

• Folklore: Sardinia has strong traditions which are expressed also through costumes and celebrations. Quite often, even small centres have local celebrations where people dress in rich traditional costumes. However, it is simpler to go to the major venues as there is a considerable afflux from all over Sardinia. A non comprehensive list includes: Sant'Efisio (Cagliari, 1 May, actually lasts several days), Sagra del Redentore (Nuoro, last Sunday of August), Cavalcata sarda (Sassari, penultimate Sunday of May, horse parade and races), Faradda di li candareri (Sassari, 14 August), Sa Sartiglia (Oristano, Carnival period, horse races), and everywhere the celebrations during Carnival and the Holy Week.

What to eat and drink in Sardinia?

The traditions and habits are very strong. You will not get any pizzas in restaurants before 7PM, furthermore be aware that you will get nothing to eat in restaurants between 4PM and 7PM, besides 'panini' that is usually a cold sandwich with ham and cheese. The exception may be some tourist-oriented restaurants in tourist-oriented places.

• Try the Culurgiones. They are similar to Ravioli (made with typical pasta of Ogliastra) with a filling of potatoes, 'Pecorino' cheese (sheep's milk cheese, see below), egg, onion, mint and garlic - available in many Sardinian restaurants.

• Malloreddus are a type of gnocchi that are served al dente with a tomato, meat or cheese sauce.

• There are a number of Pizzerias serving fresh, stone oven baked authentic style pizzas as well as pasta dishes.

• Porcheddu is a local specialty of inner Sardinia, it's a young pig roasted in a special manner over a wood fire with an aromatic local shrub called mirto. The pig is frequently basted.

• Sausages are of many types, for instance the Salsiccia di cinghiale (wild boar sausage).

• Stufato di capretto is a rich casserole made from kid goat, artichokes, wine and also egg.

• Try the mediterranean fish (pesce azzurro). Look for a fish market in any small coast town and buy early in the morning, cook and eat: it's simply fantastic barbecued. The Bottarga (the dried roe of tuna [Bottarga di tonno] in Carloforte or of flathead mullet [Bottarga di muggine] elsewhere) is rather expensive but quite good.

• Many locally-produced vegetables and fruit are very tasty, as they are grown in small farms and are mostly organic; vendors along the roads are a frequent sight. Apart from the usual assortment of typical Mediterranean products (such as eggplants, bell peppers, orange, grapes, etc) you will also find among others wild asparagus, figs, water-melons, and nuts (hazelnuts, chestnuts, walnuts, almonds). Spices (such as thyme, rosemary, fennel) are found in abundance in the country.

• Pecorino cheese (It. Pecora, sheep) is found everywhere with all degrees of ripeness from fresh to seasoned (the latter being stronger in taste). Sale of Casu marzu (Sard. for rotten cheese) is forbidden; but its production is perfectly legal and it may be found with the help of locals. As usual with this kind of product, precautions must be taken; it is highly recommended to eat it with trusted locals. Goat cheese can also be found.

• A Seada (pl. Seadas or Sebadas), typical of Barbagia, is a dessert similar to Ravioli. It comprises of a characteristic filling of fresh cheese and lemon rind, and melts when Seada is cooked. It must be fried and served with honey.

• There are numerous types of Sardinian bread and pastries, with specialties such as Carasau (a type of thin crispy bread), sponge biscuits and almond pastries. What distinguishes Sardinian pastry is the use of pig lard for fat and honey for sugar.

culurgiones

porcheddu

seada

• The torrone (Sardinian version of nougat), with honey instead of sugar, and almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts (all locally produced); the torrone capital of Sardinia is Tonara (Nuoro province): just going there is worth your time. 

• Cannonau is a very strong red wine. Beware!
• Mirto is an alcoholic drink that's a local speciality. It is made of wine spirit flavoured with the berries of mirto, a local shrub.

• Fil'e ferru is another alcoholic local speciality. Its name means "iron wire" because in the XIX^th century it was clandestinely distilled and hidden in small holes covered with soil. Only a small iron wire came out from the soil, to remember where the bottles were hidden.

• Limoncello is a sweet drink made with lemon rind, usually best served chilled. It is widely produced in locally.

• Vernaccia di Oristano is a high alcoholic wine produced in Oristano zone. It's a special wine to drink with pastry.

• Vermentino di Sardegna is light wine with a strong minerally taste. 

cannonau

mirto

Olbia

Olbia, located on the Northeast coast, is the doorway to the Emerald Coast with daily flights to and from main land Italy and Europe. Tourists also arrive by Ferry as Olbia is one of the main ports in Sardinia. Those arriving via water will admire the spectacular view of the city resting on a plain surrounded by hills. The city of Olbia many forms of entertainment and a good selection of restaurant, bars and shops, but the main tourist attractions are centred around the territory and particularly the coastline. Beaches and rocky coastline alternate creating a beautiful spectacle of nature with long stretches of fine white sands and crystal clear water. North from Olbia the natural inlets one after the other contribute to the beauty of this part of the island. The hamlet of San Pantaleo set in the rocks is loved by many international artists who have chosen it as their home. Porto Rotondo, the heart of the emerald coast famous the world over and very popular destination amongst the rich and famous, is only 15 km away from Olbia. This coast is a natural paradise by day that wakes up at night with some of the most fashionable and exclusive clubs, such as the Billionaire owned by formula 1 boss Flavio Briatore.

The islands of Tavolara & Molara

The islands of Tavolara and Molara off the Northeast coast of Sardinia can be reached by boat with a journey of about 20 minutes from Porto San Paolo, Olbia and Golfo Aranci. Tavolara with its stretched rectangular shape is a large limestone rise resting on an underwater granite base. The island is 4 km long with the rocky part in the middle reaching levels as high as 565m above sea level. The coastline is characterised by high vertical cliffs, which are very difficult to reach, unfortunately a large part of the island is not accessible due to a military restricted area. The side of the island that faces Sardinia, which is also the part where the boats arrive and is called “Spalmatore di Terra”, is flat with a little marina, a small built-up area with a few restaurants and some nice beaches.
The island of Molara, set South from Tavolara, has a slight circular shape and is rather flat with only 150m at his highest point. It is the emerged part of a large underwater granite base surrounded by beautiful beaches. The ruins scattered on the island show signs of human presence since ancient times, like the ruins of the Medieval village of Gurguray. On a hillock called Monte Castello, one can see the ruins of Medieval fortification walls, built to defend the island from the Saracens.
For the joy of the nature lovers, this paradise still has about 150 mouflons, rare wild goats that only leave in Sardinia and large flocks of Cormorans.
The crystalline water and the interesting coastline make the two islands a very popular destination with divers.

San Teodoro....

San Teodoro has reinvented itself. Once a simple fishing village a half hour’s drive south of Olbia, it is now a popular resort town. This is mainly attributable to the nearby beaches, particularly three kilometre-long La Cinta with its superlative white sand. Also contributing to San Teodoro’s popularity are the almost unreal clarity of the water and the play of turquoise tints upon it, as well as the numerous worthwhile sights and excursions in close proximity to the village. The panorama is also greatly enhanced by the islands visible from shore, the largest and highest being Isola Tavolara who''s weird and wonderful granite formations are a joy to behold. Behind the dunes lie Stagno di San Teodoro, a marshland area with a lake that is the habitat for many species of wildlife.

Visitors have a wide range of activities to choose from: For active vacationers, surf boards and sailboats are for rent. There is also a scuba diving centre, a riding stable, a bicycle rental place, as well as tennis courts and a golf course. The sidewalks are not rolled up at night in San Teodoro, which is well supplied with restaurants, bars and discos. Before dinner, we recommend an appetizer in Ambra Day, which offers a beautiful ambiance with its tasteful interior, very good drinks and a rich buffet. During high season live music is offered. Afterwards, the evening can be finished at Ripping, Ambra Night (great night club for teenagers in Cala D'Ambra) or at Luna (nice ambiance, very suitable for adults). A certainly very exclusive venue to have dinner or a drink is Bal Harbour. Another venue for the young and the young at heart is Budda del Mar and, in Agrustos, Smaila's. Fortunately, the hustle and bustle that characterizes San Teodoro today has left the village’s charm completely intact.  You can easily withdraw from the hubbub by sitting under a palm tree on the Piazza Mediterraneo and enjoying some Sardinian ice cream.  Nearby are some of the more typical mass tourism restaurants such as Li Scopi and Casteddu.

Sardinia Festivals and Events

Throughout the island and throughout the year there are numerous festivals which provide a good opportunity to see traditional costumes and local handicrafts, hear local music with singing and dancing, and taste local produce at typical Sardinian food stalls.

Sardinian festivals are usually religious in origin, but others celebrate annual events such as the harvest. There are also many gastronomic events as local products come into season, such as the artichoke festival in Uri in March and the Cherries festival in Nuoro in June.

There are also many equestrian events such as Sa Sartiglia Carnival in Oristano in February and L’Ardia Horse Race in Sedilo in July.

1st January 'Cap d'Any a l'Alguer' New Year’s Eve in Alghero – a variety of live music or performers, on stage, in most of the piazzas in the Old Town, culminating in a grand firework display over the harbour. It is a hectic night, with firecrackers in the streets, restaurants full to capacity and most bars remaining open until at least 6am the following morning!

January to mid February ‘Bogamarì’ Sea Urchin Festival in Alghero – every weekend on Lungomare Barcelona, one can savour sea urchins (already cut open for you), bread and a glass of local wine for a fixed price of €5 and some restaurants have special menus for the occasion.

February Shrove Tuesday ‘Carnival’ celebrating throughout the island – a 3 day event ending on Shrove Tuesday with music, dancing and fancy dress and typical local food and sweets for the children.

End of February ‘Sa Sartiglia’ in Oristano – the most spectacular and choreographed Carnival in Sardinia. An equestrian game with ancient origins in which brave horsemen compete with one another in a tournament to select the figure of Su Componidori, the horseman that wearing a mask of a mysterious God will pierce the star.

Second Sunday in March ‘The Artichoke Festival’ in Uri (just 20kms from Alghero) – presentation and tasting of many artichoke based recipes accompanied by cultural and sports events. The festival draws thousands of people, increasing every year.

March/April ‘Pasqua’ Easter Passion and Holy Week in Cagliari and in villages throughout the island – raising of the cross parades.

Holy Week ‘Riti della Settimana Santa’ in Alghero – Traditional Catalan religious events.

2nd Sunday after Easter ‘Nougat (Torrone) Festival’ in Tonara.

23rd April ‘San Giorgio Festival’ St George's Day at Bonnanaro, Bitti and Onifai – celebrated by religious processions and prayers in Sard, horseback processions.

28th April ‘Sa Die de Sa Sardigna‘ (Sardinia Day) in Cagliari and other towns – festival of Sardinian people in commemoration of the “Sardinian Vespers”, the popular revolt of 1794.

1st – 4th May ‘Sant’Efisio’ in Cagliari – the effigy of the martyred Sant’Efisio is carried from Cagliari to Pula and is claimed to be the biggest, most colourful religious procession in the world. Some 5,000 people take part, all dressed in traditional costume.

15th May ‘San Simplicio’ in Olbia – fireworks, distribution of sweets and wine, games, water competitions.

Second to last Sunday in May ’Cavalcata Sarda’ in Sassari – procession of 3000 horse riders dressed in traditional costumes. Also horse riding events.

First Sunday in June ‘Horse Fair’ near Santu Lussurgiu – the island's biggest.

Second to last Sunday in June ‘Cherries Festival’ in the small village of Belvi’ in the province of Nuoro – promoting cherries from the Gennargentu area distributing cherries and caschetta sweets typical of this region made of transparent thin pastry filled with a fruity paste.

24th June ‘San Giovanni’ (St John the Baptist) celebrated in many villages – with processions, fireworks, horse races, songs and poetry competitions.

24th June ‘Sagra della Pecora’ Sheep Festival in Bauladu and Milis – feast of boiled mutton in the village square.

6th – 7th July ‘S’Ardia Horse Race’ in Sedilo between Oristano and Nuoro – in honour of San Constantino, the exciting route around the sanctuary, accompanied by gun shots and the stirring up of great clouds of dust, attracts thousands of spectators.

First Sunday in August ‘Festa della Madonna degli Angeli’ in Castelsardo – a striking procession with dancing, singing and performances by Sardinian singer-song writers.

7th August ‘The Archers Tournament’ in Iglesias in the South of Sardinia – 24 archers taking part in medieval attire. The tournament is followed a week later by the Medieval Parade, which takes place on 13th August.

14th August ‘Fireworks and Fried Fish’ in Alghero – fireworks display takes place in the port along the Busquet walkway. After the fireworks, fried fish for everyone.

15th August ‘Ferragosto’ mid August bank holiday – with fireworks all over Italy to celebrate the assumption. Processions throughout the island.

End of August ‘Sagra del Redentore’ (Redeemer) in Nuoro – parade with the people making their way to the top of Monte Ortobene.

28th September ‘Festa Sant Miquel’ in Alghero – the patron saint of the city is celebrated with fireworks and parades.

Last Sunday in October ‘Sagra della Castagne’ Chesnut Fair in Aritzo.

First week of November ‘Mountain Products Agricultural Fair’ in Desulo – handicraft and painting exhibitions.

Why Sardinia?

Sardinia, or in Italian 'Sardegna', is not a mainstream Mediterranean destination but a sophisticated Italian island, west of mainland Italy and south of Corsica. With over 1000 miles of unspoilt coastline, it is renowned for beautiful beaches, translucent azure blue sea and fascinating rock formations.

Yet being the second largest Mediterranean island, it has so much more to offer with an interesting history, wild mountainous interior, vibrant towns with local traditions, colourful festivals.  The people are warm and friendly and enjoying themselves in a way of life.  A warm welcome awaits you in Sardinia.

Why Choose Sardinia?

• 2 hour flight from regional airports throughout the UK
• Not a mainstream Mediterranean destination but a sophisticated Italian island
• Beautiful beaches with azure blue sea, ideal for swimming and snorkelling
• Diverse island with mountainous interior and natural countryside
• Vibrant towns with local traditions, colourful festivals and warm friendly people
• Great restaurants, pizzerias and gelaterias with Sardinian specialities and local wines
• Many Activities including watersports, cycling, golf, tennis and horse riding
• Excursions including boat trips, scenic train journeys, 4 wheel drive safaris, trekking and climbing, wine tasting, archaeology sites and Roman ruins
• Accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets 

• Climate

  Sardinia has a pleasant 6 month summer, hot and dry from May to October but often with a breeze due to its location in the centre of the Mediterranean. The winter months are mild with a good amount of sunshine, particularly in March and April when all the flowers are out and it can be hot during the daytime and cooler in the evenings.
  Sardinia can be reached by just a 2 hour flight from the UK. There are now direct flights from many regional airports including Gatwick, Stansted, Bristol, Manchester, Nottingham East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Edinburgh and Dublin.  There are 3 airports in Sardinia: Olbia in the north east, Cagliari in the south and Alghero in the north west.
  
  Sardinia is an island that allows you to truly experience the very essence of Mediterranean life. The cuisine offers a rich repertoire of dishes, heavily influenced by the country’s various neighbours including Corsica and Italy, accompanied by impressive local wines. The mixing of game and farm produce (traditional with inland towns) and fish and seafood (traditional with coastal towns) result in a combination of flavours and appearance that is unique to Sardinia.
  
  Sardinia has something for everyone from the jet set world famous Costa Smeralda, with breathtaking scenery and exclusive hotels, to the unspoilt south coast with many deserted beaches and Caribbean-like turquoise sea.  Wherever you are in Sardinia, there will be a stunning coastline with beautiful bays and beaches, vibrant yet uncommercialised towns and villages, a mountainous interior with wonderful views of the island, refreshing lakes and waterfalls, and an interesting history. For example, there are around 7,000 ‘Nuraghi’, (mysterious stone dwellings dating back 3,500 years), throughout the island as a permanent reminder of its prehistoric occupation, as well as numerous examples of Roman architecture as a catalogue of their dominance.
  
  We love the island, its people and its way of life. Let us tempt you with sailing and swimming in turquoise sea (Active Sardinia). Learn about its 4000 year history, its archaeology, architecture, flora and fauna (Sardinia history and culture). Discover its traditions and festivals (Sardinia Festivals) and experience its mouth-watering foods and wines (Taste Sardinia).
   

The Beautiful Island of Sardinia

http://www.livinginitaly.com/sardinia.htm

Tra le 20 mete di viaggio del 2011 di National Geographic c'è anche la Sardegna!!

La Sardegna è stata scelta dalla famosa rivista National Geographic tra i 20 viaggi da fare assolutamente nel 2011. Il prestigioso magazine ha pubblicato una classifica delle mete fuori dal comune, destinazioni “diverse” e fuori dai soliti canoni di viaggio. Sono state così selezionate dal National Geographic 20 località considerate il meglio per una bella e suggestiva vacanza in questo nuovo anno. Tra queste 20 mete c’è anche la Sardegna: in particolare le rocce del promontorio di Capo Testa dominato dal faro omonimo, un vero e proprio paradiso per il free climbing, a soli 5 km a ovest di Santa Teresa di Gallura.

Nell’articolo si parla della Sardegna e delle sue meraviglie, non solo “il mare più bello del mondo” ma anche il suo interno, i suoi nuraghi, i panorami mozzafiato, le città, i paesi dell’entroterra, l’archeologia. Insomma un mondo tutto da scoprire, dal nord al sud dell’Isola, un paradiso da visitare non solo in estate.

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/best-trips-2011-photos/#/5-sardinia-italy-capo-testa-rocks_30424_600x450.jpg 

Carnevale 2011 in Sardegna con i Merdules e i Mamuthones e Issokatores e i Bundos

Inizia ufficialmente con il 16 e 17 Gennaio per i festeggiamenti di Sant Antonio Abate il Carnevale Barbaricino. In occasione del rito propiziatorio, che ha radici ancestrali in Sardegna, escono ufficialmente le maschere tradizionali sarde ed un unica occasione ad assistere ad un spettacolo naturale che unisce il sacro ed il profano.

In molti paesi per esempio il via all'accensione dei fuochi viene dato il 16 pomeriggio, al tocco delle campane della chiesa ed il sacerdote girerà intorno al fuoco assieme ai fedeli recitando le preghiere con riti che avriano a seconda del paese. Le braci e la Statua di S.Antonio verranno poi benedette al termine dei fuochi.
Insieme alle preghiere vengono preparati tutte le princiali specialità che insieme al vino vengono distribuite e condivise nelle vie del paese. E' un ottima occasione quindi per assaggiare le mille specialità della tradizione culinaria sarda. Dai dolci di Mamoiada alle prelibatezze di pasta e formaggio di Ottana al tradizionale Su Pistiddu di Orani, dolce tipico preparato per S. Antonio e benedetto durante la processione. Il tutto innaffiato dall'ottimo vino cannonau , uno dei vini più buoni della Sardegna.

Ma l'evento della festa è l'uscita delle maschere che in Barbagia.
I Merdules di Ottana, che richiamano il culto del Bove, i Mamuthones e Issokatores con i loro balli, e i Bundos di Orani, la maschera colorata che veste i panni del contadino.
Origini e riti diversi per queste maschere che durante Sant'Antonio abate escono all'imbrunire per festeggiare il santo. La vestizione delle maschere, la danza attorno ai fuochi, le pelli di animale e i campanacci man mano che il cielo si fa scuro rendono l'atmosfera carica di elettricità che non mancherà di affascinare i visitatori.
Lo spettacolo nasce dalla tradizione sarda e negli anni è rimasto pressochè immutato anche grazie a numerose associazioni e proloco che si sono impegnate per continuare a tramandare e organizzare le manifestazioni legate alle maschere sarde.

Punta Molara anche meglio di Malindi no??

Tre giorni di festa per la venticinquenne Befana di Gregorio (Olbia)

http://www.comune.olbia.ss.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1133:tre-giorni-di-festa-per-la-venticinquenne-befana-di-gregorio&catid=46:news-dalla-citta&Itemid=87

L'offerta è ANCORA valida!!!

Perchè limitarvi ad ammirare la bellezza di quest'isola, delle sue spiagge, del suo mare e della sua tradizione dal vostro computer?Cogliete l'opportunità di farne parte! L'acquisto della vostra casa  a Monte Petrosu vi darà la possibilità di poter godere di tutto questo in totale libertà, in ogni momento dell'anno.

Venite a visitare il nostro immobile  e potrete vedere con i vostri occhi ciò che noi stiamo provando a raccontarvi.

Noi saremo lieti di ospitarvi per una notte in una camera matrimoniale!

1° Festival itinerante di letteratura per bambini e ragazzi

Dal 6 al 9 Gennaio 2011 a Sassari Palazzo della Frumentaria
http://www.festivalinsardegna.it/

Il parco marino dell' isola di Tavolara

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSu_NVK9lCI&feature=player_embedded#!

Epifania in piazza a Nuoro 2011

Per la sera della vigilia dell'Epifania, l'amministrazione sta organizzando un appuntamento riservato ai bambini. Alle otto di sera due "Befane" speciali - grazie alla collaborazione e all'impegno della ditta Ampere - si caleranno dal tetto di Palazzo Civico con una carrucola per arrivare sino alla pista di pattinaggio; ai bambini presenti nella pista, l'amministrazione offrirà in omaggio dolci e cioccolati.  L' iniziativa è stata programmata grazie alla collaborazione tra gli assessorati alla Cultura, alle Attività Produttive e la presidenza del Consiglio Comunale e i capigruppo di maggioranza.

Inoltre il 25 gennaio ad OLBIA

Conversione di San Paolo
Chiesa San Paolo - Piazza Civitas - Olbia
E' la prima festa religiosa olbiese. Si svolge il giorno 25 o la domenica più vicina. Caratteristica la processione del Santo, trasportato a spalla dai fedeli e accompagnato dalla banda musicale cittadina.

Dal Natale alle feste patronali...

Fuochi di Sant’Antonio Abate.

Una tradizione originariamente appartenuta alla Sardegna dell’interno, solo da un paio di decadi viene festeggiata anche a San Teodoro. La sera del 17 gennaio (data in cui ricorre appunto Sant’Antonio Abate) presso le chiese consacrate al santo eremita egiziano è usanza dare alle fiamme covoni di arbusti accatastati. Il rito affonda le sue radici probabilmente nelle profonde plaghe di liturgìe pagane dimenticate, forse in ossequio al sole rinato dalle oscurità dell’inverno, tuttavia oggi la pira di lu fuculòni comunica simbolicamente rinnovamento e speranza per il futuro, anche presso le marine di San Teodoro.
Lu fuculòni. La festa è tenuta nella frazione di Straula (presso la chiesa dedicata a Sant’Antonio) la sera del 16 gennaio, accompagnata da una cena tipicamente approntata con prodotti locali, vini e balli.
Eccezionalmente si tiene un secondo “fuculoni” la sera del 17 gennaio presso la frazione de La Suaredda, con cena, canti e balli e fuochi d’artificio.

Poesia di una terra..... lo dice il titolo stesso....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXurrDHEQI0&feature=player_embedded#!

Buon 2011!!! naturalmente da passare in Sardegna!!