Sardinia has always been considered a true holiday paradise: crystal clear sea, pristine beaches, majestic cliffs, but what really makes this island unique is its delicious cuisine and wonderful, healthy wines. Some of the island's culinary specialties are widespread throughout Italy and the world, as are excellent white and red wines of the highest quality. 1800 km of extremely diversified coastline and incredibly diverse cuisine attracts connoisseurs from all over the world.
Sardinia is a unique and magical island. A clean, unpolluted environment, close contact with nature, great food and excellent wines make the inhabitants of Sardinia enjoy a longevity that is surprising in the world. It is so surprising that the phenomenon of their longevity is the subject of scientific research. The Sardinians themselves apparently claim that the elixir of longevity is wine from a local variety cannonau.
The Mediterranean climate, mountainous terrain and windy weather are particularly favorable for growing vines. There are both classic Mediterranean varieties here (e.g. Muscat), as well as a whole range of endemic varieties (characteristic only of the island), including, among others: just mentioned above Cannonau, Carignano, Nuragus, Vermentino, Torbato or Vernaccia di Oristano.
What are the best wines from Sardinia?
The king of red wines from Sardinia is undoubtedly Cannonau. Cannonau wine is the secret ingredient of the longevity of the people of Sardinia, who are famous for the fact that many people there live up to a hundred years. The Cannonau di Sardegna variety is very demanding in cultivation, but the best conditions for its cultivation can be found on high slopes in the Nuoro province. The character of the wine is determined by two weeks of maceration with skins and seeds, which makes it rich in flavonoids that strengthen blood vessels. Cannonau wine contains up to three times more of them than other drinks of this type. This wine is characterized by a ruby color, fruity notes of red and black fruits and a spicy and aromatic aftertaste of herbs. In the dry version, the wine is an ideal accompaniment to red, stewed and grilled meats. The Sardinians have been exporting this vine throughout Europe for centuries during their travels. There are also liqueur and passito variants of Cannonau, which can be perfectly combined with desserts and cheeses.
If Cannonau reigns supreme among red wines, the choice among white wines is wider. It is worth tasting several of them, but above all Vermentino, Vernaccia i nuragusto discover the exquisite quality of Sardinian wines. Typical features of Vermentino are: pale color with greenish reflections, very delicate, pleasant smell with fruity notes and a fresh, slightly sour taste. Vernaccia in turn, it has opposite characteristics: a warm color, sometimes even golden-amber, a subtle and slightly almond scent, and a warm and full taste with an aftertaste of bitter almonds. On the other hand nuragus it is pale yellow in color with greenish reflections. Naturally sparkling and very lively, often chosen as an addition to aperitifs and shellfish.
Sardinian cuisine
Sardinia's culinary scene is as diverse as the island itself. Most of the dishes have little in common with typical Italian cuisine as we know it from Tuscany or Northern Italy.
The cuisine of central Sardinia is primarily simple, peasant dishes of shepherds and farmers. The daily table is never without the bread of shepherds from the mountains, i.e Mr. Carassau. This is typical bread who spent most of their time high in the mountains, with their flock of sheep. Delicious and crunchy carassau bread is traditionally prepared and baked by the women in the family.
Sardinian cuisine uses a lot of local herbs, especially mint, dill, myrtle and juniper. The tables are full of meat, dried sausages, salami and excellent quality cheeses. Sardinia is known as the island of sheep and you will often hear the opinion that the number of these animals exceeds the number of inhabitants. Sheep's cheese pecorino DOP, produced in Sardinia since 1700, is one of the the most important products of local farmers and a well-known export product. The coast of the island is rich in many species of fish, including bluefin tuna, octopus, mussels and other seafood. The Ogliastra region is worth tasting some delicious dishes culurgions, i.e. Sardinian dumplings stuffed with potatoes, pecorino cheese and mint leaves.
Tourist attractions and attractions of Sardinia
Today, Sardinia is one of the most popular and elite tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. This is a little corner of paradise that offers excellent, healthy cuisine, many attractions to visit and many activities. This Italian island is desirable among travelers for its crystal clear sea, breathtaking beaches, amazing rock formations and great hotel facilities. In addition to the Emerald Coast (Costa Smeralda in Italian), where you will admire the Mediterranean vegetation, you must visit famous holiday resorts such as luxurious Porto Cervo, Baja Sardinia, Golfo Aranci, Isola Rossa or palau with the amazing Orso rock formation whose shape resembles a large bear. It's virtually impossible to get bored here, regardless of whether you are traveling as a couple, with friends or family.
Holidays in Porto Cervo – a millionaire's paradise
Sardinia is one of the sunniest places in Italy, famous for its luxurious resorts and fashionable ports with yachts, which like a magnet attract famous people from all over the world. One of the main attractions of the island is the Costa Smeralda, i.e. the Emerald Coast, which is characterized by an incredibly intense color of water. Exclusive Porto Cervo in the north of the island is a famous marina for the largest yachts with expensive restaurants and elegant boutiques of world-class designers. Porto Cervo is actually the "Italian Saint Tropez" and a real playground for owners of super yachts and the wealthiest travelers.
The town and marina were designed by Luigi Vietti in 1960 for the billionaire and real estate investor, Prince Aga Khan IV. Real estate prices here are among the highest in Italy. It's hard to believe that in the 50s the Emerald Coast was the wildest and poorest part of Sardinia! Fans of films about the British agent James Bond are recommended to visit Cala di Volpe on the Emerald Coast, where "1976 - The Spy Who Loved Me" was filmed in 007.
When visiting Porto Cervo during your holidays, it is hard to believe that this town is permanently inhabited by only a few hundred people. The population of this seaside town is mainly wealthy Europeans who have summer residences in the area. The town is mainly aimed at wealthier tourists visiting it until late autumn, taking advantage of the rich offer of exquisite restaurants, expensive boutiques, five-star hotels and an elite yacht club.
Houses and villas for rent in Sardinia
Sardinia is exceptionally beautiful, both in the north and in the south, so no matter where you book your accommodation, you will know that you are in a wonderful place. If you are looking for a private holiday, with family or a group of friends, renting a villa with a private pool or access to the beach will be a great idea. Renting a holiday home in Sardinia will save you a lot of money. Cooking exquisite dishes yourself, apart from providing new experiences, can significantly reduce the costs of your holiday on this wonderful Italian island.
For more inspiration on how to spend the best holiday in Sardinia, please contact our office: travel@carter.eu.
Author: Travel Agency CARTER®
