Site search

Four festivals in the lesser islands of Sardinia, islands in the Island. Tavolara, a limestone mountain that emerges from the sea, in mid-July turns into an immense cinema with a starry vault of Una Notte in Italia. Established in 1991 to focus on filmmaking and creativity in Italian cinema, it is now a traditional event at national level. Meeting and interaction between the public, artists and experts already starts on board the boats that reach the island leaving from Porto San Paolo near San Teodoro and a little south of Olbia, that is, the three Municipalities involved in the 29th edition. In almost thirty years, the best Italian actors have walked on this unique red carpet surrounded by the waters of the spectacular marine reserve of Tavolara-Capo Coda Cavallo. Una Notte in Italia 2019 is a travelling edition: it start on Tuesday 16 July in the nature reserve of San Teodoro lagoon, then it move to Porto San Paolo on Thursday 18 and then from Friday 19 the screenings are held in the enchanting setting of the island of Tavolara.

The spirit of Sardinia is intertwined into the weaving of yarn, in the embroidery of a carpet and in the silhouette of an elegant traditional garment. Its spirit is ‘interlaced’ by skilled hands into a corbula of reed or rushes, it is woven into filigree, a Sardinian jewellery-making technique par excellence. The island’s light gleams in the blade of a arresoja, in the reflection of a glass product or in the deep red of a coral necklace. Its fire burns in the forging of wrought iron furnishings. The Sardinian soul lies in each stone sculpture, an archaic symbol of an ancient land. Exploring Sardinia means delving into its most profound and authentic identity through the techniques of adorning a scivedda (a ceramic vessel) and the wood carving of a cascia (a hope chest) and carnival masks, in tanning skins to create footwear or saddles. Traditional and designer arts and crafts form a vital spirit in Sardinia, an essential cultural component of a people that has proudly handed down knowledge and skills for centuries.

With few unnatural light sources and clean air, the sky above Sardinia is free from environmental and light pollution, free to offer its best and showcase, in the dark of night, the moon and constellations, planets and meteors. It will be a time of vast, open night skies, an immense planetarium where you can see the first stars appearing at dusk, solitary and full of energy, or in the company of the 'supermoons' , full at their maximum perigee, the closest point to Earth. You can see the most distant constellations and galaxies and in all seasons there will be swarms of shooting stars, the most beautiful in August, which create romantic nights to spend with your gaze turned upwards. One thing that never fails is the Milky Way, which you can admire from the island's solitary open-air observatories, a flood of astral light that fills the heart after a dark winter.

.

Three of the 22 most beautiful beaches in Europe are in Sardinia. It is European travellers themselves who say so, according to a survey carried out by European Best Destinations, an organisation that, every year, studies the trends, tastes and requirements of European tourists seeking unforgettable locations. The ‘queen’ is Baunei, boasting two of the gems in the ranking. In fourth place outright, there is a symbol of the Island, where sea, mountains and woods embrace each other in harmony - it's Cala Goloritzé, a picture painted by nature, turquoise waters gushing from underwater karst springs, a carpet of white pebbles and an arch of cliffs - a destination for climbers – encircling the bay. You can get to it by sea, from Arbatax, Cala Gonone or Santa Maria Navarrese, or you can follow a trekking trail in the Supramonte area. So much wild beauty is not easy to conquer!

Skilled hands embroider clothes and rugs on frames, make su filindeu and other traditional pasta and decorate su pani pintau, those of sos maistos carefully craft ceramic vases, add intarsia to arresolzas and create filigree jewels. In the kitchen of the cortes su carasau are slipped into the oven and pan’e saba, pistiddu and durchicheddos are stuffed. Woodworkers cut the wood to build sas cascias, ironmongers skilfully hammer their wares, farmers crush freshly harvested grapes and shepherds make ricotta cheese. Meanwhile, guests leaning out over the belvedere sample tasty nibbles with full-bodied wine. And they chat to craftsmen, learning about the traditions of the past. Autumn in Barbagia is a trip into the “heart” of Sardinia, an itinerant exhibition of authentic traditions of the Barbagia area. For four months, weekends will see cultural, artisanal traditions and local food and wine showcased. All within the houses “a corte” in villages and towns. Each community with its own speciality.

With the lighting of the spectacular bonfires in honour of Sant’Antonio Abate, an ancient, solemn rite performed in many of the island’s towns, Sardinia reawakens its spirit and enthusiasm during Carnival. Su Karrasegare has many different sides to it and each community celebrates it with its own traditions, vocations and spirit. The bonfires of Sant’Antonio mark its beginning with the 'first exit' of the traditional masks, and Ash Wednesday marks the end, with the beautiful, heartfelt celebrations in Ovodda. They are the first events of the year to enliven winter with ages-old rituals. Sacred and profane, passion and identity, exciting rhythms and magnificent settings like the one at Gavoi, where the tumbarinos (drummers) play. In every town, from the North to the South, you can enjoy typical carnival delicacies like fava beans and lard, pistiddu and coccone, zeppole (doughnuts) and fine wine.

The city’s involvement in the America’s Cup all began in 2017 in Bermuda at the end of the 35^th Cup, the Luna Rossa syndicate was the first to lodge an official challenge with the winners, Emirates Team New Zealand, to become the Challenger of Record for the 36^th edition. At the same time Prada became the naming and presenting partner for the event. The Cagliari-based Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team chose its long-time home city for the inaugural stage of the America's Cup World Series – the first step in their campaign to try to win the 36^th America’s Cup presented by Prada for Italy. “Where else?” is the phrase that circulates around the organizers, skippers, crews, and media. People who have raced at famous yachting venues all over the world agree that Sardinia’s capital is the ideal place for sailing. Who can blame them? Perfect sailing conditions, a welcoming climate and prevailing winds, along with state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a warm welcome and engaging passion from the local people, mean that yacht racing on the Gulf of Angels are nothing short of spectacular.

The America’s Cup World Series Sardegna – Cagliari is the first of three ACWS events in 2020 leading up to the Prada Cup, a knockout competition during January and February 2021 in Auckland will determine which of the Challenger teams – Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA), INEOS Team UK (GBR) and NYYC American Magic (USA) – will take on the Defender from New Zealand in the Match for the 36^th America’s Cup presented by Prada in March 2021. Long before that final challenge however the four top-flight international crews will meet in Cagliari from April 23 – 26, making the Sardinian city the capital of world sailing for those four days.

1. What is the current situation?

Sardinia, like all of Italy, is classified as a protected area. The national government has taken extraordinary measures to contain the Covid-19 virus infection. Currently, and until May 3, the opening of pharmacies and newsagents are always allowed; every day, except on Sundays, the opening is granted to supermarkets, grocery stores, clothing stores for children, bookstores and stationery shops, tobacconists, petrol stations, banking, postal and insurance services are open. Passengers transport in urban and suburban areas, taxis, NCC and ferries to the smaller islands are active. Incoming and outgoing maritime and air mobility and internal mobility are limited to cases of proven need. As of May 4 the so-called 'phase 2' will enter into force and will provide for a gradual relaxation of the restrictions. View the DPCM of the 26-04-2020 and the Ordinances of the 24 March 2020 and of the 13 April 2020.

2. What precautions has the Sardinia Region taken to protect residents and guests?

The Sardinia Region ensures continuous connection with the national health authorities and with the regional health companies, alerted and informed on the operational indications and guidelines defined at national level. Italy has an efficient health system - of which Sardinia is an integral part - which guarantees foreign guests who are in the national territory for vacation, study and work the same assistance it offers to its citizens. View all the ordinances of the Sardinia Region

3. What is the situation of the access gates to Sardinia?

Transit through Sardinian ports is allowed only for emergencies and for the indispensable transport of goods, in particular foodstuffs, medicines and medical material. Currently the airports of Alghero and Olbia are closed, that of Cagliari-Elmas, indicated by the Ministry of Transport as one of the strategic ones in Italy for the public service during this emergency, is the only one open in Sardinia, although with a low flight regime.

Sogaer, the management company of Cagliari airport, rigorously applies the protocols envisaged for checks on arriving passengers; moreover, in order to protect them, it has increased the sanitation cycles of public spaces and adopted an innovative ultraviolet disinfection system.

1. What is the current situation?

The Italian government has taken extraordinary measures to contain the Covid-19 epidemic. Currently the so-called 'phase 2' entered into force, that is a gradual return to normal. Currently the accommodation facilities and all shops, although with contingent entrances, are open, including restaurants, pizzerias, bars, pubs, patisseries and ice cream parlors, with precise rules related social distancing and with obligation to use the protective masks.

There are no limitations to the personal freedom of the residents, however avoiding gatherings in both outdoor and indoor places. All movements are allowed within the regional territory, while proven health, work or urgency reasons are required until 2 June to go outside the Sardinian borders or arrive on the Island.

View all the provisions in the DPCM of the 26-04-2020 and in the RAS President's Ordinance of the 17-05-2020

2. Is it possible to travel to and from Sardinia?

Currently air and sea travel to and from Sardinia have a reduced flow linked only to cases of proven needs, health and work reasons.

Currently the Cagliari-Elmas and Olbia Costa Smeralda airports are open for the private flights.  The air connections of Sardinian airports 'in territorial continuity' to and from with Rome and Milan will restart on June 2nd. From June 15 all domestic flights should be reinstated and from June 25 the international flights also should be restart.

Even the transit in Sardinian ports, to date allowed only for emergencies and freight traffic, should follow the same timescales towards the restoration of pre-emergency traffic.

In all the Sardinian gates, to greater protection of the passengers, sanitation cycles of public premises have been increased.

The obligation to observe the period of stay at home, with fiduciary isolation, remains for those who arrive on the island.

3. Is it possible to cancel a trip?

About reservations, the accommodation or reference tour operator will apply the general cancellation conditions. For further information, contact them or possibly contact your insurance company if you have taken out a trip cancellation policy. However, given the reopening of accommodation and commercial activities and the imminent restoration of connections, we advise you not to cancel the trip and check the availability to move your booking on another date through your tour operator.

For them, Sardinia is like a sprawling park, a happy island of natural oases and protected reserves, in endless landscapes where there is no sign announcing them as such. The island's few inhabitants leave plenty of room for the tenacity of nature, full of a lively spirit, and an ideal habitat for many wild creatures. Animals that without the confines of the sea would have wandered far from their land, losing their special traits and perhaps the freedom to live as they know best. Horses, donkeys, mouflon, deer, eagles and griffon vultures have always been here, while others come here for the winter and are struck by 'mal di Sardegna' (the feeling of nostalgia of those who have visited Sardinia and want to go back) and never leave. Like the flamingos that nest in the wetlands behind the beaches, colouring the island's lagoon landscapes with pink.