Why choose a holiday home in Sardinia?
The second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is also Italy's second largest island. Local festivals on Sardinia have ingredients from conquering cultures. They reflect the influence of invaders that include Byzantines, Romans, Arabs, Carthaginians, and Phoenicians.
The modern day invasion is by tourists on ferries or airlines, eager to absorb the fascinating history and recreational pursuits offered on the island.
The Indiana Jones in you will be impressed with the Grave of Giants or exploring Olbia's landmark monument, The Nuraghe of Cabu Abbas. Trade adventure stories at one of the many lounges or seafood restaurants crowding the main town square. The Piazza Regina Margherita is bursting with internet cafes, bars, and street performers.
A unique experience waits in Cagliari, the capital city, where a cosmopolitan atmosphere has drawn visitors for decades. Cutting edge technology and pampered attention are mainstays along the beautiful and crowded sandy beaches.
The Marina area of Cagliari is picture perfect and robust. Artist studios, cafes, shopping, and restaurants somehow blend with the ancient in perfect proportion.
Take an extra roll of film to the Torre Dell'Elefante where you will find two white towers remaining and at the base is the expertly sculpted elephant that fostered the name of the monument. This was the site of many beheadings during the rule of the Spaniards.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria was constructed in the 13th century and has been updated many times. Imagine standing where others labored so hard hundreds of years ago and an hour later you are checking your email at a popular internet caf.
The old quarter of Sassari guards evidence of past civilization everywhere. You can feel the medieval karma in traditional restaurants and ancient architecture. Sassari is the second largest city on the island and deserves a few days of comfortable inspection.
Sharing day to day life with the locals is an experience that leads to many "behind the scenes" quests the average tourist may not uncover. Who knows what friendships are waiting to be formed on Sardinia.
Contribution post: 01 August 2010
