SARDINIA, ITALY

So, you’ve been almost everywhere in Europe. Well, at least all the places that were deemed worthy of a visit! But you know that there’s so much more out there. Just that you don’t know how to get to it? Let us help you.

TAKING THE NOT-SO-BEATEN PATH

If you’re up for the adventure of spending your holiday on a not-so-explored island; we have the perfect solution for you – SARDINIA.

WHAT DID I MISS?

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean islands. It is categorized as being an autonomous region of Italy.

It gets its name from the dominant ethnic group in this region – the Sardini (as they’re called in Latin).

THE LANGUAGE

The language spoken here is Italian, given the fact that it’s the national language. However, you may still bump into the locals speaking in a tongue that you’ve never heard before. This is their Sardinian language, and is widely popular among the inhabitants of this island. Please note, Sardinian language IS NOT a dialect of Italian.  With passing time, however, the language is losing its literary hold over the people of this island.

THE LANGUAGE THAT CUTS ACROSS BORDERS – MUSIC!

Sardinia is famous for cantu a tenore, which is one of the oldest forms of vocal polyphony. Several musicians, including Frank Zappa and Peter Gabriel, have found the beauty of this form to be irresistible.

An instrument that is unique to this island is the launeddas. It is created using reed canes, which are joint together using beeswax.

Sardinian culture is very much alive in the streets of the island. Befriend some locals at the neighborhood bar and get to know of all the places where this musical interaction happens.

MUST SEES AND MUST DOS

• Nuraghe i.e. Bronze Age stone towers that are exclusively a property found on this island.

• Santa Cristina sacred well

• Roman baths at Fordongianus

• Tiscali – An ancient village nestled inside a mountain
• The murals of Orgosolo

• Hog on seafood in one of the cafes close to the coast
• Indulge in roasted meat while you visit the interior
• Try mirto. It is myrtleberry liquor; not commonly found elsewhere.

BEST TIME TO GO

Since it gets awfully hot in summer, it is advised that you plan a trip to this serene island only in the spring or when fall comes.