Introduction to Sardinia
Mysterious remnants of the Nuragic civilisation, evergreen thickets, limestone rocks hiding the forgotten Atlantis. All of that crowned by the exceptional Italian culture. Sardinia – one of the biggest islands of the Mediterranean Sea will provide you with great memories of yoga holidays.
Sardinia is the land of true longevity. It combines hundreds of years of turbulent history with Italian traditions and exquisite culture. Presence on the islands helps people to experience the real idyll and that’s because of mountains, olive groves, the smell of a sea breeze, afternoon siesta and delicious healthy food. Relaxing spas and the evening practice of Lunar Regeneration under the star-filled sky in the Asinara island will equip you with a sense of deep regeneration.
The Meditteranean climate will allow you to mix the daily yoga practice with water sports and other outdoor activities of your own preference. The best time of the year to visit the island is the early autumn, when the sea water is still warm after the hot summer and the air temperature ensures the relaxing break, but is less crowded than summer months. A visit in one of traditional Italian spas will be warmly welcome after days spent on practicing regular yoga, climbing or trekking. There are special places which offer the proximity of nature by using unique techniques leveraging extracts from local vegetables and minerals. Thanks to them the body and mind can regenerate quickly and more efficiently.
A place where local residents pay a lot of attention to their customs and long-standing traditions. The secret to Sardinians long lifespan is probably the healthy and natural nourishment. Traditional methods of processing food are still in use, cultivated and highly appreciated by local families. You can find plenty of fresh sea fruit, juicy oranges or olives from nearby groves in local food markets with small stalls.
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s got a characteristic narrow rocky coastline with many headlands, deep bays with crystal water and other smaller islands nearby. Sardinia is situated west from the Apennine Peninsula, in the close vicinity of Sicily and Corsica. It is divided into five provinces which form an autonomous part of Italy. The rocky island is all covered in maquis – the evergreen shrubs and small trees, characteristic of Mediterranean coastal regions. It is the warmest location on the Italian map with 300 days of sunshine throughout the year. Even in winter the temperature does not go down below 10C degrees.
Secret to longevity
It is inhabited by Sardinians who are one of the longest-lived societies in the world. The secret of the long lifespan troubles many scientists who attempt to find out why the island records the highest number of people aged 100 years and older (22 in 100 000 Sardinians reach this age). The average age of women is 85 years and for men it equates to 78 which makes it comparable to Japan. One of reasons might be a healthy light diet, but also long physical activity, strong family relationships and many sunny days all year round. According to various rankings, Sardinia is regarded as one out of five healthiest places to live in the world. Local people say that the aura of the island “kills the depressions” and ensures the life deprived of sadness.
Cagliari
The capital of this region is Cagliari. The city, with its narrow and steep streets, creates an atmosphere of the Italian past. The fortified hill overlooks the city, where tightly built tenements and churches are surrounded by the high defensive wall. It is situated in the middle of the Golfo di Cagliari, backed by lagoons, and often regarded as the most impressive of Sardinian cities. Castello district was officially the centre of Sardinia’s administration, aristocracy and highest ecclesiastical offices. Lack of traffic makes this quarter a good place for a pleasant stroll along shadowed alleys during the day while there is low-level activity. Out of many monuments and impressive buildings, a place worth paying a visit is Orto Botanico. It is one of the most important botanical gardens with an abundant number of species of Mediterranean and tropical plants. Everyone can enjoy this quiet and shady retreat, especially with a scorching sun above the head. Northwest side of the garden will take you to the spring situated at the base of the cliff. This is a small reservoir with turtles and remains left from Carthaginian and Roman times. Monte Urpinu will take you away from the city life and will offer breathtaking views of the centre, nearby lagoons and the coast. The rocky character of the place forms Cagliari’s most extensive public gardens and is a perfect spot for “keep-fitters”. You will easily be able to find a peaceful area for some time off and a relaxing picnic or a nap there.
A paradise for climbing and trekking enthusiasts
The island is characterized by a typical Mediterranean climate with mild and rainy winter and hot and dry summer. That helps maquis to stay green throughout the whole year. This kind of greenery has been formed as a consequence of human activity leading to deforestation and overly intensive grazing on pasture lands.
Gennargentu and Orosei
Sardinia has one of the most interesting trekking trails in the entire Mediterranean area. Gennargentu mountains are a massif in the east part of the island and include its highest peak – Punta La Mormora (1,834 m). The mountain range runs through a beautiful environment with numerous cliffs, volcanic rocks, caves, grottos and scarps. Countless limestones, granites and basalts make Sardinia a place willingly visited by climbers from all over Europe.
The real pearl on the Sardinian map is the Gulf of Orosei. It’s popular with crystal turquoise water, clean sandy beaches and quite abundant greenery. A picturesque trail from Cala Gonone leads to one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe – Cala Luna – with the shape of a bowed crescent, which is a truly secluded scenic place with few caves. On the way to the beach you should also visit Grotte del Bue Marino, the most famous 15-kilometre long Italian cave with colorful stalactites, stalagmites and Neolithic wall carvings. Nowadays it’s one of favourite destinations for nature lovers and Italy’s biggest system consists of 70 kilometers of tunnels beneath Gennargentu. It creates the perfect bond between sea and mountains.
Fascinating fauna and flora of Sardinia
Asinara
Sardinia has outstanding national parks. One of them is Parco Nazional dell’Asinara, situated on a separate island, unspoiled by the tentacles of civilization and human settlements. It attracts lovers of shooting stars and observers of a starlit sky. It’s also a home for countless native species of animals, especially birds. If you are lucky you might even see breeding turtles. However, the most famous “residents” of Asinara are donkeys amongst which many specimens are wild Albino donkeys. The island is still used to pasture cattle. A prison colony from 1885 until late 1990’s, the island has been converted to wildlife and marine preserve forming a spectacular national park. If you like swimming you will be able to do it only on three designated pristine beaches of Fornelli, Cala Sabina, Cala d’Oliva. The place can be easily regarded as the oasis of tranquility and a perfect spot for some silent relaxing walks.
La Maddalena
Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena is an archipelago consisting of multitude islands and islets that separates Sardinia from Corsica. It’s known as the oasis of peace. Wild, rocky beaches located amongst mountains are shaped by the strong wind and the current of the Strait. Bays mix with the crystal-clear waters of the sea for which the place is known all over the world. The National Park covers the whole marine area of La Maddalena and the terrestrial area. Unlike other small islands, this archipelago managed to preserve its natural features and ecosystems and did not suffer from a deep transformation due to mass tourism. Most people come here for beautiful beaches. There are restrictions on sailing activities, fishing and building, and some of the smaller islands are totally off-limits. There is no better place in Sardinia to find some solitude and peace than this park which offers a great network of walking trails away from the tourist bustle.
The Island of 100 beaches
Sardinia with its majestic coastline can boast some of the most spectacular Mediterranean’s beaches. They can be explored from the land or from water and they reveal hidden treasures at every corner. Most of them are very clean and free from pollution. They offer different facilities in season months such as sunbeds and parasols for rent or sea bars with cooling drinks and snacks. Plenty of outdoor activities are available there as well i.e. windsurfing or canoe/kayaks rentals. However, if you prefer more secluded places for your relaxation you can choose from many other beaches in less popular areas and enjoy the tranquility. And don’t forget to bring your own shade.
The most frequently recommended beaches to visit include Liscia Ruja in Costa Smeralda, Rena Bianca in Santa Teresa Gallura, Capo Carbonara, Cala Sinzias in Costa Rei, Piscinas in Costa Verde or Cala Corsara on Spargi island belonging to La Maddalena archipelago. They attract crowds of tourists in the peak season.
Liscia Ruja is said to be the biggest beach in the Smeralda coast with soft white sand but not too overcrowded. It’s quite filled with local people so will give you a nice authentic Sardinian experience.
Rena Bianca on the other hand is very popular with tourists. It’s packed with fishing vessels and yachts which can easily take a cruise to the nearby Corsica.
Capo Carbonara is the magic place where the narrow peninsula is backed by the peaceful lagoon where flamingos gather in winter for the stopover.
Cala Corsara is known for its transparent waters. Nearby this beach, you will find a Roman shipwreck from the second century BC. Cala Corsara definitely represents the beauty of La Maddalena. It’s got everything including rocky outcrops, soft dunes and dazzling aquamarine water colour. You can jump into a kayak and drift across the glass-like surface, explore the shore, or just lay down on the pleasant warm sand.
Sardinia also has plenty of off-the-beaten-track places which are yet to be discovered. For more secluded beaches ensuring a proper yoga escape you should review one of the spectacular Gulf of Orosei beaches: Cala Goloritze, Cala Mariolu or Cala Fuili.
Cala Goloritze
Cala Goloritze is located in the south corner of the gulf and simply cannot be missed. The colour of its water is sensational topaz blue. High limestone cliffs surround the calm white sand beach. It’s a great place for rock climbing which gives you a chance to scramble the 148 metre-high Aguglia rock and enjoy breathtaking views from the top. You can reach the beach only by 1-hour walk down the mule trail or by sea which makes it a perfect remote place for peaceful relaxation. This is one of the best spots to meditate and rest away from other people.
Cala Mariolu
Cala Mariolu is rated as one of the most beautiful Italian beaches. What makes it outstanding is the water that swirls in different shades of blue, green and turquoise contrasting with light pink and white stones dispersed around the seashore. The place can be accessed by sea so quite often becomes a stop for yachts. Once you reach the spot you will have an opportunity to snorkel or scuba to admire the clear underwater world. A gentle yoga practice in such a place will definitely guarantee unforgettable experience.
Cala Fuili
Lastly, go and explore Cala Fuili which is a great place to see shallow, crystal sea with light splashing waves. The beach is situated only a few kilometres from the famous Cala Gonone. You will be surprised how this tiny cove blends beautifully with grand cliffs and lush greenery of the National Park of the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu. Truly a holiday place where you can recharge your battery and disconnect from the outside world.
A land of ancient civilisations
In ancient times Sardinia was densely populated by the Nuragic civilization. Its history is linked with the legend about mythic Atlantis which, according to one theory, could be located in Sardinia. Ruins of nuragic buildings and monuments are scattered all over the island. The most known are nuraghi towers which have been built in the second half of 18th century BC and probably served as fortified observation points. There are about 7000 discovered nuraghis, but up to 30,000 may have been constructed. The most famous complex of these megalithic buildings placed on the UNESCO list is Nuraghe Su Nuraxi. The real purpose of the Nuragic construction is unknown until today.
In the central part of Sardinia you will find remains of another ancient culture which inhabited the island in the past – Carthaginian. This was an informal empire of Phoenician city-states, controlled by the city of Carthage. It was located in the region of North Africa and western Mediterranean Sea.
In Sardinia you can stroll slowly and dive into the past to discover a different world than the one we know today. On this great island lie many eco gems and places where you can truly immerse yourself in natural surroundings and find the bond with nature. The island’s countryside, ancient stone formations, cork forests and quiet beach coves will let you enjoy and taste genuine yoga holidays. Many would agree this is a very special spot on the map of Europe.
Practical information
You can get to Sardinia by plane or ferry. There are three airports available to you: Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero. Ferry cruises run regularly from Naples, Piombino and Genoa. The most economical and comfortable way of travelling around the island is by car. Local buses and trains are also available, however the travel time is quite long and they run infrequently.
Sardinia belongs to the EU. You will need a valid passport or national ID to cross the border. The officially spoken language is Italian and Sardinian. English is not widely spoken so it would be useful if you spoke a few words in Italian. The valid currency is Euro.
Sun, food, sea and friendly people – these are distinct features of Sardinia. It offers more than you can imagine. Not only will you find a healthy life balance there but you will also be able to rejuvenate your mind and body and come back to your own routine with a completely different outlook on life.