Sardinia
by Kirk Friis
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.
SARDINIA CUISINE
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.
SARDINIA BEACHES
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.
GETTING TO SARDINIA
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.
SARDINIA PROPERTY
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
ofa 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.
About the author:
Born in London Kirk Friis moved to Sardinia in 2003 where he
lives with his wife and son.
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