The majestic island of Sardinia is located off
the west coast of Italy just below the island of Corsica. The
second largest island in the Mediterranean it runs approximately
250 kilometres from north to south and 110 kilometres from east
to west. Italian is the main language of this vastly diverse island
although various regions of the island have traditional languages
of their own from Catalan in the region of Alghero through to
Campidanese in the south.
The landscape of this stunning island is incredibly
varied, from white sandy beaches on the coast to the mountainous
terrain in the central parts of the island. From cities like Cagliari
in the south to old coastal towns like Alghero in the north you
will find a varied array of architecture and culture. In the region
of Nuoro, at the heart of Sardinia, you will find villages and
towns 800 metres above sea level that have been completely untouched
by the course of time. In the northeast of the island lies the
famous Costa Smerelda (the emerald coast) playground of the rich
and famous. The island is also peppered with a vast array of archaeological
remains including the Nuraghes, (a stone tepee like structure)
which are among some of the oldest constructions known to man.
The cuisine of Sardinia is just as varied as it’s
terrain with an as expected abundance of seafood dishes to be
found in coastal regions including what is said to be some of
the finest lobster in the world. All this having been said though
the traditional delicacies of Sardinia are to be found in land
where your taste buds will be tantalised with wood roast suckling
pig, wild boar and traditional Sardinian sausage.
Famous the world over the beaches of Sardinia are
truly something that must be seen to be believed. Crystal clear
waters and white sand that runs for miles, Sardinia truly is a
touch of paradise in the Mediterranean. Sardinia has always traditionally
been a place of holiday for Italians and a very well kept secret
due to its lack of connectivity to the rest of Europe. Ryanair
has changed this. Now with flights daily from London (two flights
a day in the summer months) to Alghero and connections to Barcelona
and Frankfurt, Sardinia has opened its doors to the rest of Europe.
With a very short winter and long summer the potential for tourism
throughout the year is immense. There are though strict laws in
place within Sardinia to preserve the landscape and not allow
the island to be over developed. For instance construction of
new property on the coast line has been restricted to not allow
any building within three kilometres of the sea and there are
also many other stringent regulations as to the height of constructions
so as not to interfere with the ambient of the terrain. All of
this means that what already exists in Sardinia can be used to
its full potential without the tranquillity of the island being
ruined.
Property in Sardinia is still fairly cheap
compared to prices around Europe but they are on the rise. Coastal
regions are among the more expensive regions to buy but have the
added benefit of being a fairly certain rental investment. Inland
there are many fantastic bargains to be found immersed in the
tranquillity of the Sardinian countryside with the added knowledge
that you are never that far away from the coast. Whether you are
looking for a new home or merely the holiday of a life time, Sardinia
has it all. Go scuba diving amongst the coral in Alghero, sailing
in Porto Conte or even rock climbing in Barbagia here you will
find a little piece of paradise for everyone.
