Belonging to Nowhere: Sardinia

Did you know that although Sardinia is Italy's second-largest island, it is often described as "belonging to nowhere"?

Sardinia holds a unique and isolated position both geographically and culturally. Its distance from the rest of Italy has allowed the island to remain largely untouched by external influences throughout its history, resulting in a culture that is quite different from the mainland, from its language to its cuisine.

Sardinia's History and Longevity Culture

While many different civilizations have influenced Sardinia throughout history, none have ever fully dominated the island. From the Phoenicians and Romans to the Arabs and Spaniards, various powers have left their mark, but Sardinia has followed its own path, preserving a distinct identity that doesn’t fully align with any other.

Certain regions of Sardinia, especially Ogliastra, are known as "Blue Zones" because they boast some of the highest life expectancies in the world. In these areas, where genetics and lifestyle factors play a significant role, people truly live longer than anywhere else. This is yet another of Sardinia's unique features.

Sardinia's culture is also highly original due to the island's isolated location. The Sardinian language, which is Latin-based but quite different from Italian, is spoken on the island. It's almost needless to say that this language is unique to the Sardinian people.

Places to Visit in Sardinia

This beautiful island is filled with enchanting spots waiting to be discovered, so we’ve prepared a list of must-see places to ensure you have an unforgettable trip. If you're planning to visit Sardinia, take a look at this list and use it to help plan your itinerary.

1. Costa Smeralda

At the top of our list is Costa Smeralda, one of the island's most famous tourist areas. Located on Sardinia's northeastern coast, this region is a paradise of luxury resorts and marinas. Costa Smeralda is famous for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, making it a favorite destination for those who love luxury vacations. The Porto Cervo area is also well-known for its shopping centers, upscale restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

2. La Maddalena Archipelago

Next, we take you to a group of islands located in northeastern Sardinia. Nature lovers will enjoy visiting the Maddalena Archipelago, which is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Our favorite is definitely the Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa), famous for its pink sands. The picturesque streets and historic buildings of La Maddalena, the main island, add to the unforgettable experience of visiting this archipelago.

3. Cagliari

Sardinia's capital, Cagliari, is a must-visit city for history and culture enthusiasts. Cagliari is filled with important historical sites like the Roman Amphitheatre (Anfiteatro Romano), which will delight history buffs. The Castello District, located at the highest point of the city, is one of the most popular areas, known for its narrow medieval streets, ancient churches, and stunning views. Cagliari is also a fantastic place to experience Sardinian cuisine.

4. Alghero

Alghero, known for its Spanish-Catalan influences, is one of Sardinia’s most visited places. The coastline of Alghero, on Sardinia's western shore, offers plenty of opportunities for sea lovers, while the stunning Neptune's Grotto (Grotte di Nettuno) can only be reached by boat or by climbing steep stairs, making it a perfect adventure for those who love exploration. You can also visit structures like Alghero Cathedral, which reflect the region’s Spanish heritage, and witness Sardinia’s grand history.

5. Bosa

Bosa is a colorful town located on the banks of the Temo River. Known for its pastel-colored houses, narrow streets, and palm trees lining the river, Bosa is also a great place to shop for traditional Sardinian handicrafts. For those wanting to take in a panoramic view of the surroundings, a visit to Malaspina Castle, perched on a hilltop above Bosa, is a must.

6. Orgosolo

Now, let’s talk about Sardinia’s most popular village: Orgosolo, located in the Barbagia region in the island's interior. As one of Sardinia’s most culturally rich villages, Orgosolo is famous for its murals (murales) that decorate the streets. These murals reflect the village’s past and social issues, and they’re also known for conveying political messages. To experience Sardinia’s pastoral lifestyle and traditions up close, we recommend adding Orgosolo to your itinerary.

7. Su Nuraxi di Barumini

Su Nuraxi di Barumini is the best-preserved Nuraghe complex in Sardinia and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to around 1500 BC, this ancient structure consists of a massive tower built from stone blocks and the remnants of a surrounding village. Su Nuraxi offers valuable insights into Sardinia’s prehistoric period, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

8. Gola di Gorropu

Although Sardinia has many places to explore, we’ve saved the last spot on our list for Gola di Gorropu, one of the island’s deepest canyons. Surrounded by steep cliffs that rise up to 500 meters in some places, this canyon is an enticing destination for those who want to hike through one of Europe’s most impressive natural formations.