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North Sardinia
“Sardinia is something else[…]Enchanting spaces and distances to travel, nothing finished, nothing definitive. It is like freedom itself”.
D. H. Lawrence
There are few areas of the Mediterranean that are able to boast such a successful combination of a varied and important environmental and historical-archaeological heritage: the north west area of Sardinia truly is a rare jewel. Despite the application of strict monitoring and preservation policies, the welcome visitor is allowed to participate in unforgettable experiences.
Uncontaminated coastlines and sheer cliffs dropping into the sea, where gryphons make their nests (such as cape Marargiu in Bosa) alternate with enchanting beaches and spectacular seas boasting a spectrum of colours that includes all the different hues of blue and emerald green.
Other senses are also brought into play: beautiful aromas of protected species of Mediterranean plant life persist: myrtle berries, lentiscus, rosemary and lavender, guided and spread by the mistral wind. From the area of Planaria, with Bosa beautifully set in the Riviera and dominated by the Malaspina castle, we head towards Alghero, the architectonic jewel of the Mediterranean, and which is also known as Barceloneta (‘little Barcelona). |
We thus reach Nurra with its spectacular views and beautiful fine sandy bays, and the imposing promontory of Capo Caccia, located within the Regional Park of Porto Conte. The protected area starts towards the south east, with the Calich Laguna that is protected for its floral and fauna heritage, and which includes the enchanting gulf of Porto Conte.
The area is considered to be one of the most beautiful coastal zones of the region, and every year its caves (‘Grotta Verde’ – the Green Cave, and ‘Grotta di Nettuno’ – Neptune’s Cave) attract visitors from all over the world. The territory is made yet more important by the important archaeological findings dating back to Roman times, such as the Villa Romana, protected within the bay, whilst it remains a place of incredible fascination where it is easy to see the dolphins that sometimes audaciously come as far inland as the entrance to the town harbour.
The coast becomes more savagely beautiful from Capo Caccia onwards, and is dotted with Spanish guard towers that were built to protect against the Saracen invasions: it is an image that reawakens the observer’s spirit of adventure.
As you turn to face inland, where the hilly countryside alternates with infinite, fertile, planes, we can admire relics from ancient settlements that cover a vast area, such as the pre-nuragic ruins of monte d’Accodi, near to Sassari, and the area of Anghelu Ruju, which boasts one of the largest necropolis of the Mediterranean area. |
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By returning to the coast, and heading north, we reach Stintino and the beautiful Pelosa beach, perhaps one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Sardinia. Just a few kilometres away, we find Porto Torres, the ancient Roman Turris Libisonis, and one of the oldest commercial ports of the island. Castelsardo borders with the coastline, in the enchanting gulf of Asinara, built on a rocky spur that overhangs the sea. The route followed through the streets and paths of the fortified village lead us to the castle, showing us the beauty of the craftsmanship productions that continue today, and particularly that of the famous Anglona baskets.
Production, craftsmanship, history, natural beauty and a tradition whose archaic rituals are founded in remote re-Christian customs, Sardinia is all this and more. Sardinia is like freedom itself.
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North Sardinia 