Chill out on the Island all year round!

The main reasons to go on holiday in Sardinia are its crystal sea and getting away from all stress of life lying on paradisiacal beaches.
Nevertheless, there are many ways to chill out in the Island and many different ways to enjoy your holiday in Sardinia not only during your summer holiday, but also in the winter-spring season.

Sardinia boasts indeed some of the best Italian health spas and wellness centers that should please the most discerning of spa goers. Sip a stem glass of frozen Vermentino and let me introduce you to the best Sardinia Hotels with Thalasso, Spa, Wellness and Beauty Centre.

Pullman Timi Ama
Location: This 5-star Spa Hotel is placed in Villasimius, a stunning location between the south-east part of Sardinia and the Marine protected area of Capo Carbonara. It covers 11 hectares of land divided from the sea and from a salted lake.

It is usually suggested not only to sea lovers (500 m from a fine white sandy beach, one of the most beautiful of the Island) and families (Baby & Mini Club Service), but also to those who want to discover the many treatments offered by one of the most famous Thalasso centers of the Mediterranean.

Why does it deserve a mention?
Thalasso & spa services offered by the hotel Pullman Timi Ama Sardegna is guaranteed by Thalassa Sea&Spa brand which motto is “luxury on one side, well-being on the other”. Whether you are looking to get back into shape, slim down or quite simply enjoy a break of well-being, you can choose from a number of formulas and programmes: facial and body treatments, Sardinian rituals, shiatsu, watsu and Tibetan massage, thalassotherapy.

Colonna Pevero Hotel
Location: Just a few kilometers away from the lively Porto Cervo (Località Colonna Pevero) and within walking distance from the private beaches of the Piccolo and Grande Pevero.

Surrounded by the thick vegetation of the Mediterranean scrub, Colonna Pevero is a 5-star hotel characterized by luxury, exclusivity and glamour. It provides a high quality service and a meticulous attention to detail able to impress and pamper their guests.

Why does it deserve a mention?
The Wellness Center of Colonna Pevero Hotel is dipped in the garden and surround by swimming pools and small waterfalls. It is the ideal place after a sunshine bathe and a shopping tour in the Emerald Coast as well as an oasis of relax for a relaxing weekend after the crowded Sardinian summers. Run by experienced and safe hands of qualified professionals, the Wellness Center offers massages and beauty treatments rigorously based on ancient therapeutic traditions  as Thai, Abhyanga Ayurveda, Tui Na, Reiki. At guests disposal is also the Fitness Centre (Technogym equipment) located on the second floor of the hotel.

Villa del Parco & Spa Forte Village Resort
Location: Surrounded by 25 hectares of lush Mediterranean vegetation, Villa del Parco & Spa is one of seven Hotels of Forte Village Resort. It is located in Santa Margherita di Pula, a sea side destination in he south-west Sardinia.

Villa del Parco & Spa presents 25 rooms and 22 bungalows dipped in a tropical garden and characterized by an elegant and informal atmosphere. The Thermal Spas of Forte Village is communicating with the Hotel via a private passage.

Why does it deserve a mention?
The Thermal Spas of Forte Village is the most famous Spa of Sardinia and provides the unique “thalassotherapy method”, based on six seawater pools at different temperatures with varying salt concentrations. It includes a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, Mediterranean bath, vertical Kneipp, sensory showers, salt room, ice cascade, heated indoor pool with jet showers, Jacuzzi and a fitness center.

Saturday, June 28 – Special night in Santu Lussurgiu, Oristano

The Antica Dimora del Gruccione is a renowned  “albergo diffuso” located in Santu Lussurgiu (Oristano Province), a Sardinian village of medieval origin. It is pleased to invite you Saturday, June 28 at the first of some special nights dedicated to music, reading, food and wine tasting.

At the court of the hotel,a microphone will be at writers and musicians disposal to share with the guests of the hotel (but not only) songs, poems, short tales, thoughts.

The event recalls the typical Sardinian competition of poetry as well as the modern Poetry Slam and surely, it will be an exciting evening...

Furthermore, the performers and their performances will be accompanied by the excellent slow cuisine of the Antica Dimora del Gruccione and  by the best local wines.

 

Event + tasting: € 15,00.
Check online the availability or contact us for more information.

Fashion lovers, ready for the third edition of the Porto Cervo Fashion Week?
 

From July 10 to 16, the Costa Smeralda – and particularly Porto Cervo - will host creations from top stylists, in an intense and exclusive week: an event organized by the Hotel Cala di Volpe, from the Starwood Luxury Hotels.

Each designer will present his fall/winter collection in a dedicated evening, according to the following calendar:


Friday 10 - Philipp Plein 
Saturday  11 - Versace
Sunday 12 - Brunello Cucinelli
Monday 13 - Emilio Pucci
Tuesday 14 - Antonio Marras
Wednesday 15 - Les Copains
Thursday 16 – Pinko
 

The event will be held at the "Bar Pontile" and will include collection previews and cocktail parties.
 

Do not miss it!

Discover the East Coast of the Island

Villasimius is a popular and loved beach destination, ideal for both Sardinia family holidays and romantic weekends.

Wilderness in contrast with the sweet blue of the sea are awaiting you all along the south east coast of Sardinia.
The fame of the south east coast of the Island was born spontaneously, thanks to those individuals who fell in love with the white Sardinia beaches during the 70s. Today, the area is able to satisfy all needs while retaining the charm of an attractive seaside village.

Reachable from Cagliari in about 50 km along the coastal road, the Sardinia south east coast is a paradise for enjoyment and life: you will find beautiful landscapes, colour gradients and remarkable transparency of the water to leave you breathless, while rugged coves and wild vegetation proudly surround and protect every little corner of the zone.

Villasimius is the name of the town, the undisputed symbol of this coastal stretch which comes alive during the long island summers. Among the major centres that stand out, each characterized by captive beaches, coves and their historic centres, are Castiadas and Costa Rei.

The territory of Villasimius covers an area of 58 square km. It starts at Punta Molentis till Porto Sa Ruxi - Capo Carbonara in the very South East of the island and it connects, in a natural way, directly to the Gulf of Cagliari. In early history this area has been populated grace to the very good strategically location. The youngest testimony goes back to 1820 where proves of a little neighbourhood district has been found. 

In 1998, the sea around the Villasimius coast has been declared a Natural Sea Park. Therefore fishing and water sports can be practiced only on a limited way, nevertheless with the professional diving schools you are able to discover more of the fascinating underwater world! It houses a well-equipped modern marina with 750 berths and the full range of services for pleasure boaters. It is the starting point for sea excursions along the East Coast.

If you take the panoramic and coastal road to reach the south east coast of Sardinia (SP 17), before arriving to Villasimius, you will see the marvellous beaches of Mari Pintau, Geremeas, Torre delle Stelle and Solanas slapped by a turquoise-blue and emerald-green water.

The most known and famous beaches of Villasimius are Capo Boi, Porto Sa Ruxi, Campulongu, Spiaggia del Riso, Porto Giunco while in front of Capo Carbonara there are located two small islands the “Isola dei Cavoli” and “Serpentara”. Additionally, you don't want to miss the most amazing Costa Rei beach: Scoglio di Peppino (Peppino’s Rock) in Santa Giusta area.

During your holiday in South Sardinia, you definitely should try the fresh sea food and the typical fish dishes: lobsters and crabs, oysters, sea bass, dentex, pikes, guilt head, tuna fish, sword fish and many others are on the Sardinian fish card.

Villasimius offers a wide variety of bar and restaurants where eat out and spend the warm summer evenings.
 

There is a proverb saying that unemotional hearts are made of stone, and there is another that associates stone to the attitude of stubborn people.

Also, there are those who “throw the stone and then hide the end” in the act of avoiding responsibilities.

Finally, and more poetically, there is someone who knows stones like no one did, and found a way to make them sing just using one finger.

This magic is symbolic of the art of Pinuccio Sciola, who is both sculptor, poet and farmer.

The perfect place to meet with the artist is San Sperate, a small and colorful village few kilometers far from Cagliari. This is the place of peaches and white orange blossoms, as well as “the village of murals”, as it is widely known since the early Seventies. This is because external walls of houses and streets in town reveal more than 250 art pieces painted by artists from all over the world.

San Sperate is symbolic of the strong relationship between Sciola and the land. Land of Sardinia, land due to plough and to seed. Land to work on using your hands. Land to host houses and our lives. Land to keep record of time through the stones. It is 1996 when Sciola for the first time experiments with the  techniques of stone engraving. 
 

Limestone or basaltic rocks delicately carved until the deep heart: a slow process of parallel and lucid cuts likely to sing if slightly touched in the right way.

«Dear San Francesco, when you used to talk to the water, to the flowers and even to the stars, the stone used to listen to you in silence. Now, thanks to both the intuition of an artist and the technology, stone will make you listen its voice and sounds». Pinuccio Sciola
 

Costa Verde (‘Green Coast’) owes its name to the colors painting its profile: almost 50 kilometers of immaculate beaches and crystal-clear waters, home to dolphins and tortoises, and sections of Mediterranean scrub which make an habitat for deer and rare breeds of birds (for a dreamy holiday in Costa Verde, choose a dreamy hotel such as the Resort Le Dune Piscinas). Located in the Marina di Arbus, south-west of Sardinia, Costa Verde has unveiled itself to visitors only recently, and this makes it one of the purest, picturesque parts of the Mediterranean area and one of most fascinating regions for your Sardinia Beach Holidays. An itinerary on the path to Costa Verde’s beaches must include at least three spots that will leave you breathless…

Piscinas 

Piscinas is famous for its Saharan colors, thanks to a curtain of sandy dunes, barely interrupted by sprouts of Mediterranean vegetation. A natural picture of authentic beauty embraces the beach, a 3-kilometre coastline made up of white sand that dives into a sea so immaculate that almost looks like a natural pool, as the name of the place suggests. For those who love a good swim into the open sea, its bottom will unveil an unusual discovery: the wreck of a vessel lying there for over two hundred years, almost intact. Bring yourself a diving mask, a snorkel and a pair of fins, and prepare yourself for a magic experience.

Scivu

Scivu has to be reached downhill, getting through a wooden corridor along the coastline before to achieve one of the most beautiful and wildest beaches in Sardinia. People say that its name originates from the particular sound produced by the sand while walking, even though it sounds more like a murmur coming from the sea. At Scivu, Sardinia presents itself like a virgin land, beautiful and indomitable, framed by two rocky walls enclosing a sandy cove stroked by crystal-clear water. On the beach, where visitors are recommended not to go in case of strong Mistral wind, there is a kiosk as well as umbrellas, kayaks and many more entertainments to enjoy one day at Scivu. However, this is such place to be enchanted by even doing nothing.

Cala Domestica

One day you might happen to open up a bottle of Argiolas wine at the wine cellar of your luxury hotel in the remote Thai province of Chiang Mai. And this is not something unusual: the same thing could happen if you are travelling in America, North Africa, Russia, the Middle East, even Oceania. This is because Argiolas products, among the excellencies in Sardinia and in Italy, today can be found in the best wineries all over the world.

The story behind Cantine Argiolas is old and romantic, and take us back to the early 1900' in a small village called Serdiana, few kilometres far from Cagliari, in Southern Sardinia. This is a land of olive groves and vineyards, which represented the main resources for the ancient communities residing there. For centuries, local families dedicated to farming and passed on their know-how, manual arts and traditions throughout generations.

Among those families there were the Argiolas. The patriarch Antonio was the one who grew the first implantation in 1906. We are talking about that kind of job that requires time and devotion, since it is carried out by deepening the hands into the land. Also, it takes practice, experimentation and research. The job was inherited by sons Franco and Giuseppe, who passed it on again. Until today, more than one hundred years later, when Argiolas label is among the excellencies in Sardinia, symbol of quality, merit and expertise.

High standards are also achieved in terms of innovation. The Argiolas successors managed to keep the tradition and enrich it even more by establishing the brand beyond of the regional – and then the national – borders. How did they make it? By telling their story properly to the world. Which means being attempt to details, implementing sustainable policies for materials and energy to use, being accurate in both editorial and visual communications, and finally providing a significant representation in the territory and for the territory.

In Serdiana people can visit the wine cellars, can take part in vineyard aperitifs frequently organized by the brand, can also taste dedicated menus or participate in events and ad-hoc initiatives likely to leave a good experience in the memory of those residing in the island or just travelling around. The atmosphere will be suggestive such as the feeling to be on an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, kissed by the sun and mitigated by winds, where the wine culture is a deep-rooted and long-lasting tradition..

[Photocredit: Dario Sequi] 

Charming Sardinia meets with Cédric Dasesson, landscape photographer and author of an intense project that explores Sardinian coastlines with great lights and details. With a background in architecture, Cédric works as a freelance photographer, organizing exhibitions both in Sardinia and in Italy. Also, the author collaborates with magazines and brands all over the world. In this blogpost we asked him to talk a bit about his work...

My photographic tale takes shape through the place I live in, Sardinia. With its 2000 kilometres of coastline, the environment allows me to experience photography with the eye of a wandering explorer with the sky as the limit.  

I disclose my region by investigating the coast, the material it is made up by, and the way it changes throughout time. This approach consists of an ongoing process based on observation and respect of the nature and its supreme forces.  

My work originates from all the above, and results into a project which combines the investigation and mapping of the Sardian landscape, with the promotion of a place of extraordinary beauty. The photographic medium enable my to explore the relationship between architecture and landscape, tradition and innovation, the man and the sea.  

This approach is aimed to reveal a new essence of Sardinia, still unknown by the majority. This new essence is made up by delicate colors and lights above and under the sea, such as little shades hard to catch and detect out of a dream.

Human figures appear in the landscape from time to time. This allows observers to restore and compare proportions within a wild land both gentle and severe at the same time. The final (non) destination is just travelling...

About the author:

• http://www.cedricdasesson.it/ 
• https://www.instagram.com/cedricdasesson/ 
• https://www.facebook.com/C%C3%A9dric-Dasesson-293857257338278/ 

Longing for the sea and the first fruits of Spring

The months of April, May and June are considered "low season" in the fantastic holiday world in Sardinia.

The new cycle of concerts and festivals starts, the hotels by the sea re-open and the island wakes up under the hot sun of late spring. Sardinia, thanks to its being "an island in the heart of the Mediterranean", is a viable solution to anticipate the traditional summer seaside vacation.

If you are among the lucky ones, or those who have the opportunity to go on vacation at this time of year, or can at least enjoy a weekend overseas, here is some advice on Sardinia in low season.

Sardinia enjoys favorable climatic conditions and the many benefits of the Mediterranean climate. But we must take into account that, especially in May, the weather conditions can often bring some surprises and change in a very short time (mistral wind and light rain). For this reason, the destination and the hotel should be chosen with care and the ideal is to choose places that offer viable alternatives to the beach.
As always, for longer stays, we recommend that you rent a car, the best way to discover Sardinia in total autonomy.

Travelling with children? Choose one of our Budget Family Resorts in Sardinia.

North Sardinia: Costa Smeralda, Porto San Paolo and Baja Sardinia
The Emerald Coast is one of the top tourist destinations in Northern Sardinia and is awakening from the slumber of the coldest months. The beaches are all yours, the traffic on the roads is almost non-existent and the opportunity to enjoy a unique holiday at an advantageous cost is very high.

The Emerald Coast from April to June offers a completely different experience compared to the boisterous holiday months of July and August. We advise you to spend the hot days at the beach, and if you're lucky, you can enjoy a first dip in the beautiful emerald waters of the coast. Attend the Porto Cervo Wine Festival (16-17-18/04) and enjoy the first fruits of the season in many popular 5-star hotels.

The Costa Smeralda, Porto San Paolo and Baja Sardinia are relaxing in low season and most of the facilities that reopen in the spring have both their own private beach, a spa or wellness center where you devote yourself to your wellbeing.

North Sardinia: recommended hotels

Hotel Sporting - Porto Rotondo (Olbia - Tempio)
Private beach and pool
Gourmet Restaurant & Bar
Tennis club 300 meters away
Pevero Golf Club is 30 minutes by car

Petra Bianca - Loc. Cala di Volpe - Porto Cervo (Olbia - Tempio)
Beach 3 km away
2 swimming pools, one of which is for children
Wellness and fitness center
À la carte restaurant, grill and piano bar
Pevero Golf Club 2 km away
Tennis Club at 500 m

Ea Bianca Luxury Resort - Cala dei Ginepri - Baja Sardinia (Olbia - Tempio)
Private beach is 150 m away
Infinity pool overlooking the sea
Health Club and Spa "Recrea" with fitness center
Lunaria Restaurant and lounge bar
L'Ea Bianca Luxury shop

Hotel Don Diego - Loc. Costa Dorata - Porto San paolo (Olbia - Tempio)
private beach
Swimming pool with sea water
Private marina
À la carte restaurant for dinner with buffet service for breakfast and lunch
Beauty Centre
Jogging course in the park, tennis courts and bowling green

The Pelican Beach Resort & SPA - Pittulongu (Olbia - Tempio)
Private beach
Circular swimming pool and solarium, 2 small jacuzzi
Fitness area
À la carte restaurant and snack bar
Excursions, mountain bike and motor bike hire
 

South Sardinia – Cagliari, Chia and Carloforte
For a low season holiday in Sardinia which is not only sea and relaxation, but with a bit of culture we recommend the south of Sardinia. For lovers of ancient traditions, you should not miss Holy Week and Easter in Cagliari. May 1st is the feast of the patron saint and the city center is home to a spectacular parade; also numerous side events and concerts with it being a public holiday for the whole island.

For time at the beach, do not miss the town of Chia, its beautiful beaches and the chance to do all kinds of water sports in this period.

Where to sleep:  Hotel Aquadulci - Loc. Spartivento - Chia (Cagliari)
Beach 400 m away (kitesurfing, windsurfing sailing)
Swimming pool
À la carte restaurant and pizzeria "Cape Teulada"
Chia Golf Club 15 km away
Bike and horseback excursions, yoga classes

Another recommended destination is Carloforte, the only town on the island of San Pietro which is located in the archipelago of Sulcis, southwest of Cagliari. At Carloforte from 30th May to 02nd of June 2014, the 12th edition of the Girotonno will be held.
Where to sleep: Hotel Riviera - Carloforte (Carbonia-Iglesias). Room and breakfast.

The smell of childhood memories

 Photo Credits: zullag
 

It is very difficult to choose a unique taste to introduce Sardinia. I let myself be inspired by my childhood memories, those that metaphorically are the most genuine and simple.
The most vivid memory is linked to the summer and to a large family who used to spend its holidays in a small sea destination a few kilometers from Cagliari. It's been twenty years, but a plate of “Malloreddus alla Campidanese”, its taste and its intense fragrance has the power to recall those summer days, delete the homesickness and give me a moment of lightheartedness.

Malloreddus are a type of pasta typical of Sardinia, usually known and sell throughout the peninsula as "Sardinian gnocchetti." Made from durum wheat flour and saffron, Malloreddus are ridged conch shaped to catch sausage sauce and grated pecorino cheese. The "Malloreddus alla Campidanes" is a typical Sardinian recipe, exactly, it is the house special first course in the Campidano plain.

Here is what you will need for this recipe: 
500 g of malloreddus
150 g of fresh sausage
500 g of tomato puree
1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 clove of garlic
½ onion
5 basil leaves
saffron
grated pecorino cheese
salt

The method is very simple and some little tricks will be enough to prepare a perfect plate of malloreddus!

Heat the oil in a pan and add minced garlic. Break the sausage into small pieces and add them in the pan. Stir occasionally until browned for about 10 minutes. Add the tomato puree, a pinch of salt , ½ teaspoon of sugar to remove the acidity and cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes. Add the basil leaves and a little saffron previously dissolved in half a glass of warm water (a high quality of Sardinian saffron comes from San Gavino Monreale or Tuili).

Stir until the sauce thickens.
Boil the malloredus in salted water. Drain the pasta “al dente”, put it into the pan with the sauce and sprinkle the dish with grated pecorino cheese. You should use fresh Sardinian pecorino fresh cheese which is full flavor!

Serve very hot and please note that this typical Sardinian recipe goes wonderfully with
a glass of “Monica” wine.

  Photo Credits: truk80

Which is the smell of your childhood memories?
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Weaving is among the treasures of Sardinian ancient art. Back in time, weaving represented an “ordinary fact” in the daily life of society where agriculture and pastoralism were major resources. Women used to be the key players in the world of textile: they hold the know-how and manual skills, a long-lasting heritage to pass on across generations together with the cultural identity of a place, its traditional motifs, the sequence of colors.

 

«A textile keeps the history of a place», says Carolina Melis. Today her name is an icon of the weaving art in contemporary Sardinia: as a high profile art director and illustrator with prestigious clients all over the world, Carolina Melis deepened the roots of Sardinian culture in order to build the weave of her so-called “Mio Karo”. Mio Karo reflects a successful match between between the world of looms and wires and the contemporary design of Carolina Melis: accordingly, Mio Karo is also the name of a brand collecting – and promoting at the international level - the textiles by selected local artisan collectives such as Su Trobasciu from Mogoro, Su Marmuri from Ulassai, the independent artisans of Nule and the expertise of Maria Antonia Urru from Samugheo.

 

This has resulted into a collection of rugs, wallhangings, cushions, each piece hand made in Sardinia using only the finest materials such as wool from local sheep, silk, linen and pure cotton. Ornamental motifs have been studied and designed by Carolina Melis according to the cultural heritage of each place in which the artisan production is based. The fil rouge is an imaginary of geometric patterns made up by repeating modules emphasized by strong and fascinating chromatic contrasts, playing with an eye-catching, sometime extreme, sequence of white and black. The identity behind Mio Karo’s production clearly reflects Sardinia: its usual and familiar suggestions, the same that can be detected in the traditional music, where beats and sounds repeat themselves slightly obsessively, or in the landscape, that changes radically throughout the year. 

 

Mio Karo converts local weaving art into modern of interior design products, and provide a new, innovative lens to interpret contemporary Sardinian identity, drafting an innovative aesthetics that is intriguing and refined, unique in every single piece. With Mio Karo, Carolina Melis, today among the most influential figures in the visual art both in Sardinia and at the international level, built a bridge between the precious art held in the small villages of authentic Sardinia and the world beyond the sea.

CAROLINA MELIS

Carolina Melis is an illustrator and art director passionate about visual art and animation. Originally from Sardinia, she lived between Italy, Denmark and London. With an MA from the Central St Martins College of Art and Design, and a background in choreography and dance, her work explores and reflects ideas of delicacy, life-cycles and living relationships. Clients include MTV, Sony PSP, BBC, Prada, Volkswagen, Condè Nast, Chloè and more. As an award-winning animation director, Carolina Melis signed TV commercials in Italy, in the UK, US and China, and directed music videos, documentaries and shorts at the international level.

LINK UTILI

carolinamelisstudio.com
miokaro.com
www.facebook.com/carolinamelispage

Ancient religious rites and auspicious ceremonies

Despite the uncertain weather and the routes with curves towards the center of the island, Carnival is a great time to visit Sardinia in February.

The most striking facets of Sardinian Carnival are surely the ancient traditions, the rites that have been rigorously perpetuated for centuries, the elegance of the costumes and the details of typical masks.

Carnival is in Italy a Christian holiday, but also a popular cultural phenomenon which dates back thousands of years from pagan spring and fertility rites. The Carnival representations which take place in Sardinia pivots around the essential elements of death, water, earth and rebirth. The official events are also the result of a big plan that begins months before February and involve the whole town. As a matter of fact, the Sardinian Carnival is not only a Christian holiday, but it is also an exciting, moving, full of passion and fun event, of course!

In Sardinia there are many "Carnivals" because each town and village has its rituals, events, parades and parties. Nuoro and Oristano host the most famous ones , drawing thousands of tourists and revelers every year.
The Carnival starts almost everywhere in Sardinia the day of Sant’Antonio ( January 15/17) while the last public festivity is on Mardi Gras, on the day before the religious season of Lent begins.
 

So… How to pick the Sardinian Carnival to attend?
Let you inspired by this photo gallery which collects the most famous, mysterious and fascinating typical masks.

Photo Credits: Maschere Sarde - Federico Serra

Sardinia Events February 2014
For specific scheduled events, contact the local tourism offices and visited the official site Sardegna Grandi Eventi 

Sardinia Hotels in the nearby 
Where to sleep in Oristano 
Antica Dimora del Gruccione
Corte Fiorita
Where to sleep in Nuoro
Hotel Su Gologone

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A unique way to holiday and save in Sardinia

A boutique accommodations is usually small, exclusive, intimate and luxurious with generous staff to guest ratios.
Smaller in size and room capacities, a boutique hotel can be an independent brand or even under the umbrella of a big hotel chain, it houses a kind of cosy and stylish accommodations, all different each other.

These are the main reasons why I like to discover small boutique hotels when travel for leisure in Sardinia. I prefer not so mass tourism or crowded places. They offer handmade hospitality, always represent some facets of Sardinia local culture and I find them more authentic and warm.

Additionally, choose this kind of hotels in Sardinia is strategic because of their resort destinations. The best properties are placed in proximity to amazing beaches, tourist centres of primary importance and generally are located in hidden and less known places as well as in little islets.

According to Charming guests experience, staying at a boutique hotel is typically 20 percent less expensive than staying at a comparable luxury and chain hotel.

Discover now the 3 best Boutique Hotels in Sardinia that we have selected for you.

Petra Segreta Resort & Spa - Boutique Hotel in San Pantaleo, North Sardinia
Nearby – San Pantaleo 2 km; Porto Cervo 12 km
Nearest beach – 7 km
With Swimming Pool
Rooms – 24
From 250,00 € (per Room per Night)

Hotel Cala Caterina – Boutique Hotel in Villasimius, south-west Sardinia
Nearby - Villasimius 5 Km; Cagliari 56 Km
Nearest beach - 100 mt
With Swimming Pool
Rooms - 48
From 250,00 € (per Room per Night)

Hotel El Faro – Boutique Hotel in Alghero, north-west Sardinia
Nearby - Alghero 14 km
Nearest beach – 1 Km
With sea water swimming pool
Rooms - 85
From 140,00 € (per Room per Night)

All of this Sardinia Boutique hotels provide a quiet and exclusive environment.
The service is very personal and they feature a refined style and a familiar, warm and friendly atmosphere while ensuring the privacy of its guests.
The boutique hotels Petra Segreta, Cala Caterina and El Faro are ideal for couples as well as for solo traveler and families looking for relaxing holiday, high quality service and an authentic experience in Sardinia.

Are there any dog friendly beaches in Sardinia?
 

Updated on 24 July 2018 - It is your best friend and you can’t leave him alone right now you are going to holiday in Sardinia.
The most dreamed summer destination in the Mediterranean provides more than 20 pet friendly beaches to Fido. If there is not a reserved pet area, it is not allowed bring your dog to the beach.

Since a couple of years, either, Sardinia dog friendly beaches as well as accommodations are increasing in number. Organizing a beach for dogs is not easy and a safe area and it must guarantee a range of specific services and facilities as fountains, fenced areas, veterinary care.

Generally, you have to follow some rules while visiting a Sardinia dog friendly beach: it is required the dog health card and the muzzle if your dog has a history of being aggressive toward other dogs or people. The entrance to the water is allowed almost everywhere, under the supervision of the owners. Dogs in heat and aggressive are not allowed.

Here is the list of Sardinia dog friendly beaches updated to 2018.

Please Note: For further info, fees and charges and get an idea of the services offered, it is best to contact the local tourism offices.

Dog friendly beaches in Cagliari and nearby

Poetto (nearby bus station N°8)- Cagliari
Bau Beach - Margine Rosso, Quartu Sant’Elena
Tiliguerta Dog Beach – Costa Rei, Muravera
Beach for dogs in Porto Corallo - Costa Rei
Prumari Dog Beach – Villaputzu
Loc. Sa Canna Dog Beach - Teulada
Beach for dogs at Su Loi - Capoterra

Dog friendly beaches in Sardinia: Sulcis Iglesiente

Porto Pino Free Beach - Sant’Anna Arresi
Offers free services for dogs such as water, dog waste removal equipment and vet service.
Is Prunis Dog Beach - Sant’Antioco
Spiaggia grande Dog Beach  (nearby "ex-Tonnara") – Calasetta
Fontanamare Dog Beach - Gonnesa

Dog friendly beaches in Costa Verde, Oristano and Province:

Abarossa Dog Beach – Loc. Sassu, Santa Giusta
Torre Grande Dog Beach - Oristano
Dog reserved area in Torre Argentina - Bosa
Beaches of Piscinas and Torre dei Corsari - Arbus

Dog friendly beaches in Sassari Province:

Dog Beach "discesa n°4" – Sorso
Fiume Santo Dog Beach - Sassari

Dog friendly beaches in Gallura

Porto Fido, Porto Quadro Beach - Santa Teresa di Gallura
Doggie Beach, Costa Caddu beach – San Teodoro
Baia delle Mimose Beach - Badesi
Caprera Doggie Beach, Porto Palma - Caprera Island, La Maddalena
Doggie Beach – Loc. Punta Nera, Palau
Le Saline Dog Beach - Punta Calvone, Olbia
Lu Postu Dog Area- Baja Sardinia, Arzachena
La Sciumara Dog Area - Cannigione, Arzachena

Dog friendly beaches in Costa Smeralda

Ira Beach Privè – Loc. Spiaggia Ira, Porto Rotondo
Poltu Liccia Dog Area - Costa Smeralda

Dog friendly beaches in Nuoro
Doggy Dog Beach Bau Bau – Dorgali
Sos Dorroles Beach - Cala Gonone
Sutta Riu Dog Beach - Posada

Dog friendly beaches in Ogliastra
Zaccurru Beach - Tortolì, Arbatax
Bau beach at Planargia and Fico beach Bari Sardo
Spiaggia Pollu - Lotzorai
 

 Photo Credits: iris_blo_nd

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Here is the second part of our story: in case you missed it, read now the first episode!

As soon as you are a little hungry, the best place to do not forget your lunch break is on the beach. To reach the closest beach, it takes few minutes drive from the city center, and the journey is efficiently covered by public transport. On the one side of the wide and sandy beach of Poetto, you encounter the so called Sella del Diavolo: legend says that Lucifer, while escaping from the angels, lost the saddle of his horse, which is what gave shape to the surrounding hill. The popular coastline along Poetto Beach, where locals use to go often throughout the year, hosts kiosks and small bars where to taste fresh fish, rich salads or, when autumn comes, the long awaited seasonal sea urchins. 

Refresh yourself with the mild sea breeze and forget about stress, routine and, overall, time. Just breath, walk, and breath again, until you feel satisfied and ready for the next step. The next destination is Via Roma, the popular shopping area overlooking the arbor.You can choose whether to explore it along the arbor side, walking through eye-catching ships of any shape and colors, or go for the loads of shops and boutiques standing in the opposite side of the walk. By walking all the way up, you reach one of the top meeting points in town: the popular Piazza Yenne, heart of the night life in Cagliari. Behind the historical statue of Carlo Felice, you meet Corso Vittorio Emanuele, where you have a wide variety of choice for pubs, little bars and restaurants accomplishing any kind of taste (if you go for veggie preferences, we suggest you to give a try to “La Terra di Mezzo”). 

For dinner it is time for La Marina, ancient district bordering the arbor, that in the last decades has become a multiethnic area as well as a lively benchmark for night-life in town. Accordingly, at night, both in winter and in summer, in the narrow streets of La Marina gatherhundreds of people seeking for nice, familiar taverns and spots where to taste exotic recipes and properly-made drinks. 
 

Carlotta Comparetti is a Sardinian blogger. With Journalism studies in London, today she lives between Cagliari and Berlin, and contributes to blogs and online projects in Italy and abroad. Co-editor of Lollove Mag,  online cultural magazine about contemporary Sardinia, Carlotta writes colorful stories for YESEYA and Sardinia Lovers.
 

Suggested Hotels in Cagliari
T Hotel
La Villa del Mare
Hotel Nautilus