The document provides information about Sardinia, Italy. It discusses [1] how Sardinia has maintained its own distinct traditions and culture while resisting foreign invaders throughout history; [2] the natural beauty of Sardinia's coastline and beaches as well as its archaeological sites dating back thousands of years; and [3] the development of the Costa Smeralda region in the 1960s and 1970s as a luxury tourist destination for the international jet set.
Rough guide to Sardinia: Olbia - Costa Smeralda - Badesi [Travel Guide]
1. SARDINIA
„In Italy you won’t find what you find in Sardinia and in Sardinia you won’t find what you find in
Italy“ that wrote the natural scientist and Jesuit monk Francesco Cetti during a visit at the end of
the 18th century .
Sardinia, that means respect for the traditions which are deeply laid down in the minds of the
people and they are living them day by day. This means passionate resistance against every
invasion as a result of an ancient and constant fight against the ambitious Mediterranean
Empires who wanted to enlarge their territories. During the course of the history the Sardinians
had only few contact with the sea. Their history and their activities developed in the interior part
of the country where they retired in order to escape from the coasts that were occupied by the
invaders and conquerors. There they developed a civilisation which is firmly connected with the
mountains and plains as well as the meadows. The origins of the Sardinian economy lay in the
animal breeding (especially sheep) and agriculture.
Sardinia has a lot to offer! Most peoples visit the second biggest island in the Mediterranean sea
because of it’s 1.850 km long coast line and the crystal clear seawater that gleams in all facets of
green, blue and turquoise. In fact, the water around Sardinia is among the cleanest in whole
Mediterranean basin.
On the other hand there is a lot of history to discover: thousands of years old archaeological sites
are testimonies of the strategic and geographic importance of Sardinia and the peoples who
settled on it. Starting with the prehistoric tombs caved in the rocks – Domus de Janas, followed
by the “nuraghe” buildings which are unique in Sardinia and the most monumental and
astonishing buildings of the ancient history after the pyramids – giant tombs, sacred wells
continuing with Phoenician-Punic-Roman trade centres and commercial cities – Paleo-Christian
churches, Medieval abundance and richness and the Spanish occupation as well as the modern
live of today.
Centuries old traditions, wild, uncontaminated nature, intact landscapes give Sardinia a strong
taste of originality – get enchanted by the magic of the island!
Also discover the interior of the country the landscapes where olive trees grow on granite rocks
and longhair sheep graze the highland meadows around the villages of the mountains.
Feasts of Sardinia dream beaches of Sardinia
Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: booking@charmingsardinia.com
2. GEOGRAPHIC ASPECTS
Sardinia is situated almost in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea. It has a surface of almost
24‘090 km2 and is therefore the second biggest island of Italy and the whole Mediterranean Sea.
It’s about 3 times Corsica and 7 times Mallorca. The rhomboidal shape of the island explains the
name that it was given by the Greek Ichnusa (Icnos = trace footprint) and Sandaliotis (sandal).
The Roman name Sardinae is supposed to result from the legendary Sardus son of Hercules,
who is supposed to have brought a group of Libyans to the island.
Sardinia has a lot of space and landscape but the population is rather few with only 1.7 million
inhabitants. 17% are occupied with sheep breeding and agriculture which is the double of the
European average. In Sardinia there are about the double of sheep rather than inhabitants!
Sardinia is mostly hilly, the biggest mountain massif is the Supramonte – Gennargentu in the
centre of the island. The highest summit is Punta La Marmora with 1‘834 m. Nevertheless the
mountain chains seem very majestic because of their bizarre granite rocks looming up to the
sky. The steep cliffs of the mountains that end in the sea on the West and East coast, the fertile
plains, of the West or the fjords in the North are typical imagines of this very individual island.
The short rivers which deserve their name only in spring during the melting of the snow and the
rain period. After short flooding periods most of them dry out in summer. The biggest river is the
Tirso. It has its source in the mountains close to Buddusò and leads to the Golf of Oristano. The
only navigable river is the Temo which passes through Bosa. When the river deltas were dried
out in order to extinguish the marshland because it was dominated by malaria flies which transmit
the malaria disease until the 1950’s, the water was blocked and accumulated at the beginning of
many rivers. In this way small lakes were created like the Lago Omodeo (not far from the Tirso),
the Lago Coghinas etc. In the rivers there can be found eels, trouts and mullets.
Sheep breading and minery have a long tradition in Sardinia. Coal, iron, lead, zinc, copper and
silver were mined. Lead and zinc mineries were founded as well as petrol refineries, chemical
and textile works. In the Gallura, in the North-East of Sardinia, there are many granite caves and
also the cork production and elaboration is an important economic branch. Another good is sea
salt from the Salinas of Cagliari for example which has been traded since ancient times. But
Sardinia is also famous for wine- and olive-oil production.
Sardinia has about 64‘000 acres forest territory with mostly cork oaks which are the origin of this
branch. Sardinia for a long time was leader in the cork production until it was passed by Portugal
and Spain.
Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: booking@charmingsardinia.com
3. HISTORY
In order to understand Sardinia better we would like to introduce you to Sardinian history.
Sardinia never “made” history but it always only bore it.
Some parts of Sardinia are 600 million years old. The island has situated in its today’s position for
65 million years. Geologically it is one of the oldest territories of Europe, older than Italy, and has
been inhabited for about 10.000 – 8.000 years
The Sardinian people of the prehistory lived in villages with huts or pile dwellings, in grottos along
the lagoons or in megalithic fortresses (nuraghs). Their religion consisted in the symbols of life
and fertility. They worshiped the mother goddess and the bull deity, did the death cult and buried
their death in tombs caved in the rock which were called “Domus de Janas” – fairy tombs.
From the year 2.200 – 1.800 B.C. other peoples of the East arrived in Sardinia, spread over the
whole island and constructed buildings megalithic style, that means with big stone blocks, on
heights, on the promontories or at the valley’s ends. From this nuraghe civilisation there are still
today 7’000 nuraghe ruins on the island. The nuraghe people worshiped the water cult with their
sacred wells “pozzo sacro” and venerated their ancestors with the “giant tombs” by offering
them bronze figures.
archaeological monuments historic monuments
Sardinian culture
Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: booking@charmingsardinia.com
4. Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: booking@charmingsardinia.com
5. OLBIA & SURROUNDINGS
The town has 40’000 inhabitants and connects North Sardinia with the rest of the world thanks to
its big harbour „Isola Bianca“ and the airport „Costa Smeralda“. The industries of the city are
fishing, breeding of mussels and food-industry like the thuna-works. Olbia is also called the
“shopping centre of the Gallura” which is the name of the North-Eastern part of Sardinia.
In most cases the place is only the arrival and departure station for a holiday in North Sardinia.
But Olbia has some nice things to offer, for example Corso Umberto I. This street is lined by
boutiques and shops leads from the harbour to the Piazza Margherita which is the vital heart of
Olbia where cafés and “gelaterias” invite to a pleasant break.
Close to Olbia there are beach areas like Pittulongu, Capo Ceraso and Porto Istana where
beautiful beaches can be found and visitors can enjoy there the marvellous view on the majestic
“island Tavolara” which is a huge granite rock that stands 600 m out of the sea and seems to be
a dragon of ancient times.
Golfo Aranci
Times ago Golfo Aranci was a small fisher village. When in the harbour
was built wharfs for the ferry boats of the Italian train company (FS) in
1960 the place developed rapidly. Different ferry boat companies
(transport- and passenger traffic) dock in the harbour of Golfo Aranci.
Contrarily to other places which seem deserted during winter, in Golfo
Aranci live about 2’000 peoples throughout the whole year. Some of
them are still fishermen and you can see repairing their nets in the
harbour. From Capo Figari visitors can enjoy a beautiful view on the Golf of Olbia and the “island”
Tavolara. For those who want to go swimming, the beaches of the areas Cala Moresca, in front
of the small island „Figarolo“ at the end of the village Golfo Aranci, and the beaches Cala
Sassari, Cala Banana or Pittulongu along the panoramic route of Olbia may be suitable.
Golfo di Marinella
North-West from Golfo Aranci the bathing place Golfo di Marinella is situated which has a long
white sandy beach. According to a tradition this sand has curative therapeutic qualities. There is
a good choice of bars, gamble- and play possibilities as well as entertainment. The biggest part
of the beach is occupied by the hotel complex Abi d’Oru. Golfo di Marinella has been known as a
holiday place long time before other places but was developed only in the past years by building
new and better infrastructures. Famous peoples who want to escape from the publicity of the
Costa Smeralda rather chose this small holiday place.
Porto Rotondo
Is also called the “little sister” of Porto Cervo but “geographically” is
not anymore part of the Costa Smeralda. However, the style and
architecture is likewise. The place was founded by the Venetian
noble brothers Delle Rose. Some names and characteristics
indicate the origin of the founders as for example the Piazzetta San
Marco and some small canals with wooden bridges. Also Porto
Rotondo has a modern yacht harbour (630 places) and is an
alternative if it becomes too straight in Porto Cervo in summer. The
place has a lot of boutiques and shops, bars and restaurants.
Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: booking@charmingsardinia.com
6. BADESI – ISOLA ROSSA
Along the scarcely settled West coast of the Gallura region between Santa
Teresa and Valledoria, the two holiday villages Badesi Mare and Isola
Rossa are situated.
Badesi Mare is located along a 8 km long sandy beach which extends on
one side to the red porphyr-rocks from Isola Rossa and on the other side, almost uninterruptedly
to Castelsardo. It is surrounded by an uncontaminated nature which consists in a landscape of
dunes, pine trees, and Mediterranean macchia with it’s scents and vineyards. Also during the
high season one can find silent places here.
Badesi is an old fisher village on the mountain side, above the plains of the river Coghinas and
with a wide view over the landscape and the Gulf of Asinara. It’s not a typical tourist place but
there are all shopping facilities; bank, post office bars and restaurants.
Isola Rossa is a picturesque place and was founded by the fishermen of the Gulf of Asinara. The
characteristic island with red rocks is famous for the majestic guardian tower, the beautiful beach,
the harbour and the beach promenade.
Beaches Badesi Mare, Sa Marinedda (Isola Rossa), Spiaggia “Coghinas” (Valledoria), Spiaggia
“Li Cossi” (north-east of Isola Rossa), Monte Tinnari (with rose coloured pebbles) and other
beautiful beaches are to find are along the coast, numerous small bays with clear sandy beaches
and crystal clear sea water. Often it is worth to do a detour away of the main road.
Places around Badesi and Isola Rossa
Valledoria The holiday village Valledoria is situated on the bay between Isola Rossa and
Castelsardo. The river "Coghinas" leads here into the “Golfo dell'Asinara”. Around the mouth of
the river Coghinas there is a Laguna in front of which a large white sandy beach extends.
Castelsardo This little town is situated about 20 km west of Badesi. You should
not miss a visit of the historic old town in the Genoese fortress. It’s a picturesque
little town with it’s granite houses and buildings situated on the promontory within
the fortress Castello dei Doria. Castelsardo is famous for its baskets therefore in
the small streets you can see old ladies weaving baskets and offering their
products. Not far from Castelsardo the famous elephant-shaped rock “roccia dell’Elefante” can be
viewed. It’s a rock of about 10 m heights in the shape of an elephant.
Trinità d’Agultu While the coastal places get crowded in summer in the countryside the typical
gallurese village Trinità d’Agultu still offers tranquillity.
Tempio Pausania Once was the main town of the Gallura area and still is the “main town of the
granite“. It is situated at the foot of the Mount Limbara. The small town was built in granite, many
middle class houses have been built and also the pavement of the small roads of the old town is
of this for this region typical stone.
Santa Teresa di Gallura The town most north of Sardinia is a vital holiday place and from here
start ferry boats to Corsica several times a day. Four kilometres west there are the rock gardens
of Capo Testa.
Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: booking@charmingsardinia.com
7. COSTA SMERALDA
The story of this holiday paradise for high quality
standards started in 1961 when two English Gentlemen
John Duncan Miller (banker) and Patrick Guiness (brewer)
went for a trip with their yacht along the Sardinian coast.
There were enthusiastic from the crystal clear emerald
green water of the sea, the marvellous beaches and the
uncontaminated nature. So after their return they talked
enthusiastically about this place to a friend. They were that
convincing an passionate that this friend came here in
order to see the place with his own eyes. This friend was
the Ishmaelite prince Karim Aga Khan who is a urbane, weel-informed, cultured religious leader
of more than 15 millions of Ishmaelite. He saw the chance and founded a consortium in 1962. In
this way the original “Monti di Mola” became “Costa Smeralda” which means emerald coast
according to the colours of the sea. It should become a “mating” call for the international Jet-Set.
The first was Jaques Couëlle one of the most famous architects of the sixties and member of the
Consortium Costa Smeralda, he built the 5-star hotel Cala di Volpe in the most beautiful bay of
the whole coast area and created a new architectonic style which was called the „neo Sardinian“
style. From that moment on in all projects that were realised and all structures that were built was
paid great attention to environmental suiting. The buildings were inserted in the natural landscape
without destroying or modifying it too much. All the buildings are low, little towers, arcade
windows and doors, consumed stair steps and plaster artificially flaking off set new accents.
Natural materials like granite, clay and wood, especially juniper were used as well as natural
colours like brown, ochre, yellow, pastel colours, rock- grey or white.
The development of the Emerald Coast went on very fastly: Luxury hotels, villas, apartment
areas, entire villages and yacht harbours were built. In 1964 the airway company Alisarda was
founded which is today Meridiana, and at that time was an important link to connect the island of
Sardinia with the European continent. In 1977 the Pevero Golf course was founded (18 holes).
The Consorzio Costa Smeralda with more than 2000 members, consisting in hotel owners and
owners of holiday villas and apartments, controls severely that no “environmental sins” are made
regarding new buildings and constructions and they therefore decide if a project will be approved
or not.
In the centre of this 55 km long beautiful coastal landscape
Porto Cervo is situated which is the main place of the Costa
Smeralda. The small town was created like a fisher village by
the star architect Luigi Vietti and offers all that peoples may
desire. The yacht harbour „Marina di Porto Cervo“ has more
than 700 places and is among the biggest and best equipped
of the whole Mediterranean sea. Also the little white church
“Stella Marina” is very famous. It is situated on the promontory
which divides Porto Cervo Marina from Porto Cervo and it is
built in Greek style. It contains precious art objects like for
example an organ from the 16th century and the altarpiece shows the world famous Madonna of
El Greco (this is a donation of the Thyssen family). The meeting point of Porto Cervo is the
centrally situated piazzetta. No cars are allowed in the centre.
Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: booking@charmingsardinia.com
8. COSTA SMERALDA
Beaches
Along the whole coast of this area beautiful beaches are lined up like pearls on a chain:
− Spiaggia del Principe (named after the Prince Aga Khan)
− Capriccioli
− Liscia Ruia / Petra Ruia
− Pevero
− Cala Granu
− Liscia di Vacca
Al beaches are public and accessible for everybody. In order to arrive at the bathing bays
sometimes it is necessary to do a little walk. Some of the beautiful beaches are accessible only
by boat.
We suggest you following hotels from www.CharmingSardinia.com around Olbia:
Hotel Cala di Volpe – Costa Smeralda
http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel-costa-smeralda/cala_di_volpe.html
Hotel Romazzino – Costa Smeralda
http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel-costa-smeralda/romazzino.html
Hotel Pitrizza – Costa Smeralda
http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel-costa-smeralda/pitrizza.html
Villa Armony – Porto Cervo
http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel_costa-smerlda/hotel_villa-armony.html
Hotel Don Diego – Costa Dorata
http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel_costa_dorata/hotel_don_diego.html
Hotel Villa del Golfo – Cannigione
http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel_cannigione/villa_del_golfo.html
Hotel Pellicano d’Oro – Pittulongu
http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel_olbia/pellicano_oro.html
Hotel Arathena – San Pantaleo
http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel_san_pantaleo/arathena.html
L’Ea Bianca Luxury Resort – Cala dei Ginepri
http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel_costa_smeralda/hotel_ea_bianca_luxury_resort.html
Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: booking@charmingsardinia.com
9. PLACES AROUND COSTA SMERALDA
Costa Dorata
This beautiful spot located between Olbia and the lovely village San Teodoro is a fantastic place
for relaxing moments. All around you find nice beaches and directly in front, there is the
magnificent Island “La Tavolara”.
Baia Sardinia
This holiday place is not part of the Consortium Costa Smeralda – but the style, peoples and
atmosphere is very similar. Above a semicircular white fine-sandy beach hotels, holiday
apartments, small villas as well as a small shopping mall are situated around a small stone-paved
piazza. Cosy cafés invite for a short break. There is the Acqua-Dream water fun park at the
entrance of the village.
San Pantaleo
This small village is situated only a few kilometres away from the coast in the countryside
surrounded by majestic granite rocks. It is very typical and its location is breathtaking.
Arzachena
Is a vital small town and the administration town of the Costa Smeralda. Don’t miss “Il fungo”
which is a mushroom-shaped granite rock block and it is easy to find if you follow the indications.
Cannigione
Along the Western shore of the Gulf of Arzachena Cannigione is situated which is an old fisher
village and today a holiday village with fisher- and yacht harbour.
Palau
The small town is famous as departing place for excursions to the La
Maddalena island which is located in front of it and is part of the nature park of
the La Maddalena archipelago which is composed of 7 islands. Moreover Palau
is known for the bear shaped granite rock which is situated about 5 km east
from Palau. And the best place to spot it is from the sea while you are crossing
over to La Maddalena or coming back from there. This rock sculpture is the
“work” of wind and weather throughout thousands and millions of years.
Island-Archipelago
La Maddalena is the main island and connected with the island Caprera. Other islands are: Santo
Stefano, Spargi, Budelli, Ràzzoli, Santa Maria. In summer there are boat trips to the uninhabited
islands. Crystal clear water, fine sand and virgin nature promise a relaxing beach day. The whole
archipelago has become nature park in 1997.
Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: booking@charmingsardinia.com
10. WHERE TO GO
Porto Cervo − Restaurant “Gianni Pedrinelli”, Località Piccolo Pevero
− Restaurant “La Mola”, Località Piccolo Pevero
− Restaurant / Pizzeria “La Bricciola”, Località Liscia di Vacca
− Pizzeria “Dante”, Località Sottovento
− Restaurant “Il Pescatore”, Vecchio Porto
Baia Sardinia − Restaurant “La Rocca” (around 3 km outside the village)
− Restaurant “Casablanca” (Club Hotel)
− Restaurant “Azzurra” (Piazza)
− Restaurant “Grazia Deledda” (on the road direction Arzachena)
Porto Rotondo − Restaurant / Enoteca da Giovannino, Piazza Quadrata
− Restaurant “La Loggia”
San Pantaleo − Restaurant “Giagoni”, Via Zara, 1
Cannigione − Restaurant “Entro Fuori Bordo”, Lungomare 8
Palau − Restaurant “Da Franco”, Via Capo d’Orso, 1
Golfo Aranci − Pizzeria / Restaurant “D’Andrea”, Via Baia Caddinas
Pittulongu − Trattoria Rossi
Olbia Stadt − Restaurant “Gallura”, Corso Umberto 145
− Restaurant “Da Bartolo”, Viale Aldo Moro, 133
− Restaurant / Pizzeria “La Sosta”, Via Talenti, 27
NIGHT LIFE
Porto Cervo − Disco “Sopravento” und “Sottovento”
− Disco “Pepero Club”
− VIP-Disco “Il Billionaire”
− “Finger’s Club” at Cervo Tennis Club with Jet-Set people
Forte Cappellini − “Phi Beach” the place to be at the Costa Smeralda
Cala Granu − “The Nikki Beach” well known bar at the beach front of Cala Granu
Baia Sardinia − Disco “Ritual”, special location surrounded by Granite landscape
Porto Rotondo − Country-Club, Monte Maiore
Poltu Quatu − “Smaila’s” bat located at the hidden harbour Poltu Quatu
Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: booking@charmingsardinia.com
11. NORTH SARDINIA – GALLURA
The Costa Smeralda belongs to the communal administration of
Arzachena, is part of the area of the Gallura (which is the name of
Sardinia’s North-East) and of the district “Provincia” of Sassari.
Beside of the fantastic beaches and the sea that gleams in all
shades of blue and green the typical landscape of the Gallura is
characterised above all by granite, cork and vineyards.
80 percent of Italian cork comes from Sardinia, especially from the
Gallura because it has the biggest extension of cork oak forests.
At Calangianus there is the only specialised school for cork
elaboration and cultivation in Italy. Souvenirs are produced from it
like postcards or the bottles of the typical “Mirto” liquer is wrapped
in cork but also isolation material for walls and pavements are
made of cork. Only the very best cork quality is taken as cork to
close wine bottles.
Granite is the typical stone of the Gallura. Wind, rain and weather have created bizarre shapes.
Natural sculptures like the Capo d’Orso close to Palau (bear-shaped rock) or the rock garden of
Capo Testa close to Santa Teresa di Gallura. Natural grottos were built and they were used by
the shepherds as a protection for their sheep and themselves. The strong mistral wind that blows
from France is always continuing to model new shapes.
During a trip through the countryside many vineyards can be noted. This is where the delicious
white Vermentino wine is cultivated. In the Gallura there are numerous, famous vineyards. Some
of them are: Cantina del Vermentino – Monti, Cantina Gallura – Tempio Pausania, Tenute di
Capichera – Sant’Antonio di Gallura, Cantina Sociale – Berchidda.
We suggest you following hotels from www.charmingsardinia.com :
Valle dell’Erica Resort – Valle dell’Erica, Gallura
http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/wellness_hotel/hotel_valle_dell_erica.html
Hotel La Coluccia – Conca Verde
http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/hotel_santa_teresa_di_gallura/la_coluccia.html
Hotel Capo d’Orso – Palau
http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/wellness_hotel/hotel_capo_d_orso.html
Park Hotel Cala di Lepre – Palau
http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/wellness_hotel/hotel_cala_di_lepre.html
Marinedda Thalasso & Spa – Isola Rossa
http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/wellness_hotel/hotel_marinedda.html
Hotel Relax Torreruja – Isola Rossa
http://www.charmingsardinia.com/sardinia/wellness_hotel/hotel_relax_torreruja.html
Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: booking@charmingsardinia.com
12. GENERAL INFORMATION
Beach Generally the water is very clean: small bays divided by rock formations and
fjords are characteristic for the North-Eastern Coast, especially the Costa
Smeralda. The area Palau – S. Teresa di Gallura – Capo Testa are famous for
their bizarre rock sculptures which were created by wind and weather during
thousands and millions of years.
Bus/Taxi Public busses are more frequent during the main season (June – September).
The hotel reception will call a Taxi for you.
Car rental Charming Sardinia will helps you with renting a car. Please follow this link
http://res.rent.it/sites/EN/Default.aspx?l=EN&siteid=13-80B6E139
Doctor In case of emergency the hotel reception calls a doctor at any time. Important:
You will have to pay right away for every visit. Please keep the receipt in order to
get refunded by your insurance.
Drinking water Water is very precious in Sardinia. Water from the tap generally is clean, if not
indicated differently. However, we recommend to use bottled water for drinking.
There is “frizzante/con gas“ (sparkling) or “naturale/senza gas“ without carbonic
acid.
Duty Free There are no duty free shops in Sardinian airports.
Golf The Pevero Golf course in front of the Cala di Volpe hotel is one of the most
beautiful golf courses of the world. It’s a 18-hole-camp, handicap 36.
Horseback Horseback riding and scuba diving places are possible in the surrounding.
Riding / Diving The hotels will give you more information.
Markets Typical Italian markets where you can get fruit, vegetables, fish, cheese but also
clothes, shoes, leather articles, household and handcraft articles. They take
place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.:
Monday Dorgali
Tuesday Orosei
Wednesday Olbia, Via Roma, Arzachena, La Maddalena
Thursday Santa Teresa di Gallura, Dorgali
Thursday San Pantaleo – Piazza
Friday Palau, Santa Teresa di Gallura, Orosei, Nuoro
Saturday Olbia, Viale Aldo Moro
Sunday Tempio Pausania
Newspaper International newspapers are usually available only in the peak season from June –
September.
Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: booking@charmingsardinia.com
13. GENERAL INFORMATION
Post office «Ufficio Postale» in Porto Cervo and Baja Sardinia is located next to the church
(June-Sept.), in Palau in Via Nationale and the main post office is located in the
centre of Olbia next to the «city market».
General opening hours: Monday to Saturday 08.30 a.m. – 13.00 p.m.
Charges: Letters and postcards within the EU: 0.65 Euro
Precious objects Cash, cheques, jewellery and other precious objects can be deposited in the
hotel safe or in your room safe. No hotel is responsible if precious objects are
stolen from your hotel room.
Shopping Usually the shops are open as follows:
Morning 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Evening 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and in tourist areas during high season shops are
often open from 6 p.m. until midnight.
Souvenirs Baskets, products of cork, wooden sculptures or caved patterns on furniture,
ceramics, hand-woven Sardinian carpets, embroidery, golden jewellery and
leather articles.
Sardinian wines are among the best in Italy. The Romans called Sardinia “a
swimming vineyard”. You can find good Sardinian wines in every supermarket.
Sport You can play tennis or rent bikes in most of the hotels. Further the Tennis Club
of Porto Cervo offers following activities: Tennis, Squash, Fitness room.
Telephone 0789 93 11 11.
Tips Normally tip is included. However, every employee of the hotel will be pleased
about a further recognition. In the restaurants, if not especially indicated, tips are
not included and you are expected to give about 10% of the amount of the bill.
Traffic rules It’s compulsory to fasten the seat belt.
Speed limit is 50 km/h within cities.
There are no highways in Sardinia. The speed limit on the “superstradas = SS”
the fast roads is 90 km/h.
Drive carefully and defensive, Italian drivers can hardly be previewed.
Always be aware of animals (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) on the road, especially in
the mountain regions. Keeping animals in stables is not very common in
Sardinia.
In the case you may have an accident please always call “Polizia” or
“Carabinieri” and fill out the accident report “CID”. Your rent car is insured
therefore you can’t do without the damage report. Please note the no-claims
bonus. We ask you kindly to inform the Charming Sardinia Team.
Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: booking@charmingsardinia.com
14. SARDINIAN SPECIALITIES
Carta da Musica very thin flat bread
Pane Frattau Carta di Musica with tomato sauce and fried eggs
Zuppa Gallurese a kind of “Lasagne” bread with broth baked in the oven
Gnocchetti Sardi small noodle “Gnochetti” wit tomato sauce and pieces of
meat
Ravioli alla Ricotta Ravioli filled with a fresh cooked cheese
Porcetto suckling pig (about 6kg)
Capretto small goat
Agnello Lamb
Orata, Spigola, Cernia, Dentice, gilthead, sea brass, brass, dentex,
Pagello, Triglie, Ricciola, Sarago red sea bream, red mullet, other local fish
Aragosta Spiny lobster
Arselle Venus clams (white)
Vongole small Venus clams
Cozze black mussels
Bottarga Dried fish eggs which are served with spaghetti or with
celery as starter.
Pinzimonio Raw vegetables consisting in tomatoes, celery, radishes,
carrots served with a dip from olive oil, lemon juice and salt.
Seadas Sweet dessert: “pastry bag” foiled with fresh Pecorino
cheese, fried and served with a spoon of honey or sugar on
top.
Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: booking@charmingsardinia.com
15. LOCAL DRINKS
Dry white wines Torbato, Cala Viola, Terre Bianche, Funtanaliras, Vermentino,
Seleme, Giogantinu, Ladas und Balari lightly sparkling
Dry red wines Thaora, Rosé di Alghero, Filieri rosato
Red wines Cannonau, Monica, Tanca Farra, Filieri, Terre Brune, Santa
Cristana Abbaia, Nepente
As an aperitif you may have “spumante“ or “frizzante“ which is a dry sparkling white wine.
Vernaccia is a kind of dry Port wine as aperitif or the sweet “moscato” and among the dessert
wines there is “Malvasia di Bosa” or “Malvasia di Alghero” which is a kind of “Vin Santo” sweet
white wine for after meals, ideal digestive.
The most produced liqueur of the island is the “Mirto”, red (berries) or white (leaves) made from
the myrtle bush.
The famous “Filu e Ferru“ is another “effective” digestive. It’s the Sardinian grappa which is very
strong. “Fil de Ferru” means a peace of wire.
„Antipasti“ artichoke starters „Mallureddus“ typical Sardinian pasta Variety of Sardinian cheese, dry
sausage, typical bread and wine
Dolci Sardi“ Sardinian sweets grilled suckling pig – the traditional main course
Choice of fresh fish Spiny lobster sea speciality
Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: booking@charmingsardinia.com
16. Looking forward and interested coming to Sardinia, spend some beautiful and unforgettable
holidays on this wonderful island?
Book here and now with www.charmingsardinia.com , your online specialist for luxury hotels in
Sardinia.
We are pleased to give you more information or further particulars, kindly contact us on
booking@charmingsardinia.com.
The general office opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
OFFICE
Royal Travel Jet Sardegna S.r.l.
Via S. Tommaso D’Aquino 18
09134 Cagliari – Italy
tel.: +39 070 513 489
fax: +39 070 554 964
Featured by Charming Sardinia www.charmingsardinia.com tel.: +39 070 513 489 fax: +39 070 554 964 e-mail: booking@charmingsardinia.com