South Sardinia is a small paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean. It has much to offer
Thanks to its extraordinary natural riches and its cultural and food and wine heritage it manages to conquer and satisfy any type of traveler in every season of the year. Its coasts and its enchanting beaches are well-known but there are many other wonders and attractions that are just waiting to be discovered and admired.
The most important and fascinating city in south Sardinia is Cagliari, a place where history, culture and nature blend together, creating a combination that is as unique as it is precious. The city is well-known for its beaches, natural parks, museums, and archaeological sites. It is famous for some of its historic buildings and sites: the Bastion of Saint Remy, a majestic monumental complex built at the end of the 19th century in a classical style; the Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century but modified several times over the centuries; the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Bonaria, which is an exceptional example of a Gothic-Catalan church; the two evocative towers of the Elephant and of San Pancrazio; the Roman Amphitheatre, built between the first and the second century AD. There are numerous museums, among which the following stand out: the National Archaeological Museum, with over 4000 items on display, from 5000 BC onward; and the Municipal Art Gallery, where you can admire a vast collection of works of art from the twentieth century. Not to be missed is the Botanical Garden, which preserves thousands of plant species from all over the world. Cagliari is a point of arrival but also an excellent starting point for those who want to reach, easily and in a short time, the main places of interest in south Sardinia. Apart from Cagliari, the whole coast and the hinterland are scattered with small villages rich in history and great charm. These include Carbonia, Muravera, Carloforte and Iglesias, just to name a few. Two important archeological sites are in Barumini (Nuragic civilization) and Nora (Phoenicians and Ancient Romans).
The south of Sardinia is renowned in particular for the beauty of its coast, characterized by long dream beaches bathed by a crystalline sea. Among the unmissable destinations there is the coast of Costa Rei, a seaside village belonging to the municipality of Muravera, famous for its beaches of fine white sand that stretch for kilometers. The shallow water, which slopes gently, makes these beaches particularly suitable for families with children. A short distance from the town of Costa Rei stands the white beach of Cala Sinzias, an expanse of fine and soft sand surrounded by dense vegetation behind it. It is bathed by a wonderful sea of various shades of blue, officially classified as among the most pristine and clean of the whole island. A few kilometers from the center of Cagliari is the wonderful Poetto beach, which has been awarded the Blue Flag award several times over the last few years. Among the other beaches not to be missed: Porto Giunco in Villasimius, Portu de S’Ilixi beach in Muravera, Cala Cipolla in Chia and Tuerredda beach in Teulada. In addition, in Cagliari numerous activities and events are organized both for experienced sailors and for those who want to get closer to the world of sailing.
South Sardinia is also well-known for its unspoiled nature and beautiful landscapes. It is in fact rich in protected areas and parks. Among these, the Molentargius Saline Regional Natural Park stands out, which extends over an area of about 1600 hectares between Cagliari and Quartu Sant'Elena. This natural jewel is home to a great variety of plant and animal species, including the fascinating pink flamingos, "the red people" as they are called by the inhabitants of Cagliari. This park offers various activities, for adults and children.
Another area of considerable interest is the Sette Fratelli Park, one of the largest wildlife oases in the region. It includes the mountainous peaks and the state-owned forest of the same name, the forests of Castiadas and that of Monte Genis. For trekking enthusiasts, there are a large number of hiking trails. In the south of Sardinia there is also the largest WWF reserve in Italy, the oasis of Monte Arcosu, where the Sardinian deer, symbol of the island’s fauna, roams undisturbed.
The natural riches are accompanied by the historical ones. Sardinia is an ancient land and there many archaeological sites that testify to the presence of ancient peoples and civilizations. One of the most important is that of the ancient city of Nora, founded by the Phoenicians at the end of the eighth century BC on the promontory of Capo di Pula. From the site comes the stele of Nora, one of the most important examples of Sardinian archeology (now preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Cagliari). On one of the seven hills of Cagliari stands the Phoenician-Punic necropolis of Tuvixeddu, the largest in the whole Mediterranean basin. Also worth a visit is the village of Su Nuraxi in the municipality of Barumini, the greatest testimony of the millenary Nuragic culture, and the large Archaeological Park of Monte Sirai near Carbonia, which dominates an extraordinary landscape from its plateau.
A holiday in south Sardinia will certainly not disappoint lovers of good food.
As in the whole island, the culinary tradition ranges from land to sea with imagination. There are numerous excellent products and delicious dishes to try. Among the first courses it is impossible not to mention the fregula, a semolina pasta similar to cous cous, which goes well with fish, and the malloreddus, also known as Sardinian gnocchetti, preferably seasoned with meat sauces. The second courses include the porceddu, the Sardinian suckling pig rigorously cooked on a spit, and the burrida, which is prepared with catfish and walnuts. Last but not least the desserts, among which one can mention the pardulas, small cakes filled with ricotta and saffron, and the seadas, stuffed with fresh cheese flavored with lemon zest.
