5 Reasons to Cycle Sardinia

It has been called the “Gem of the Mediterranean”, and for good reason. Sardinia is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether it’s the ancient architecture scattered about the island, the fascinating culture of the people who live there, the authentic Italian cuisine or the glorious climate, Sardinia’s sure to please. And with nearly 2,000 km of dazzling coastline, it’s a beach lover’s dream. One of the best ways to explore and experience this beautiful island is on bike. Here are five reasons to add Sardinia to your cycling itinerary.

The Grottos

One of the most interesting things to be discovered on Sardinia is the multitude of grottos found there. These ancient caves offer a fascinating glimpse into the natural beauty of the island as it has been formed over millions of years. The Neptunes Grotto contains a series of underground caverns located just outside of Alghero. It can be accessed by boat or, if you’re brave, by taking the 654 steps down from Capo Caccio. The Bue Marino Grotto is accessible only by boat and is thought to have been once used as a place of worship during the Neolithic Age. Enjoy the brilliant rock formations or look for the elusive monk seal while you glide through.

If it’s stalagmites you’re interested in, the Grotto of Ispinigoli is a must-see. There is evidence of ancient human inhabitation there dating back as far as the prenuragic period. In fact, the famous “Cavern of the Virgins” is named for the human sacrifices thought to have once taken place there. It’s a place of incredible natural wonders and intriguing history.

Cagliari

The capital of Sardinia, this ancient city has a long and fascinating history spanning several civilizations. Not surprisingly, there are plenty of historical sites to see here, including the Basilica of San Saturnino, which is hailed as one of the most important Palaeo-Christian monuments on the island. The Cathedra of Cagliari was erected in the 13^th century and remains an exquisite testament to the variety of architectural styles used over the years. The oldest part of this charming city sits high atop a hill, overlooking the Gulf of Cagliari. It is also home to one of Italy’s longest beaches and some interesting and unique cuisine. There’s so much to do and see in this lovely city that it’s hard to fit it all in.

The Never-ending Coastline

One of the best features of Sardinia is the seemingly never-ending coastline. With sand and sea that stretches for nearly 2,000km, you’ll never be without a place to ride. And with the varying terrain, you’ll get to experience exhilarating cycling while also enjoying the beautiful surrounding landscape. Enjoy a leisurely ride along Costa Verde, sometimes called the “silent coast” because of the surrounding bushes that protect it, and the peaceful deer that often graze along the greenery. Take a break to swim in the glorious Mediterranean waters, considered by some to be the clearest in the world. Or take a spin through Capo Mannu and visit some of the quaint, friendly towns and try a taste of fresh local cuisine, like sea urchin. Whichever beach you choose to ride along, it’s certain to be a relaxing and memorable experience.

Su Nuraxi Nuraghe

This massive fortress located in Cagliari, is one of the most famous on the island and is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sardinia. The remains of the once flourishing structure are still mostly intact, with 14.10 m of the central tower still standing. There are also ruins of the surrounding village to explore. Experts disagree over the exact history of the building and the various huts strewn around it, but most believe they were constructed as defense structures in order to protect the territory. Regardless of their original purpose, a visit to the Su Nuraxi Nuraghe offers an incredible look back in time.

Environment

Sardinia is a nature-lovers dream, with 3 National Parks and 10 Regional Parks, covering a total of over 600,000 hectares of environmentally preserved territory. The island is also home to a wide variety of animals and plant life. The Sardinian people take environmental issues very seriously, with laws in place that prohibit any new building activities near forests, lakes or along the coast. They are also currently working on harnessing the power of the wind to be used for renewable energy on the island. There’s no better place to cycle where nature is so respected and cherished.

Sardinia is a beautiful island with so much to offer visitors, it’s almost impossible to do it all in one stay. Breathtaking coastline, cultural discovery and outdoor adventure are just a few of the many things that await you there. And with a protected landscape that is as natural and pristine as it has been for centuries, Sardinia is the ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts. These are just five of the many reasons you should try it – why not plan a trip and discover your own reasons?

5 Foods to Try in Italy

Nothing Beats Italian Cuisine

When it comes to the beauty of Europe, Italy tops the list for beautiful and interesting destinations. Rich with history and boasting a proud heritage dedicated to art, culture and romance, it’s easy to become swept up in the magical atmosphere of this incredible country. Talk to anyone who has made the journey and they’ll undoubtedly say they can’t wait to go back. Whether it’s a trip to one of the countless museums, a visit to any of the 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites strewn about the country, or just to relax and enjoy the simpler things in life, Italy has enough to fascinate and delight almost any traveler. It also happens to be a haven for foodies, serving up delectable traditional Italian fare that has made its way around the world.

Here are 5 foods you won’t want to miss during your visit.

Pasta

Ok, so you’re probably not surprised by this one. After all, what is Italian food without pasta? But did you know that there are actually about 55 different shapes of this starchy substance, each of which fall into the categories of either long, short, filled, flavored, baking or pasta for soup? It’s quite impressive. Some of the more famous pasta dishes served throughout Italy include Spaghetti alla Norma, Rigatoni all Carbonara, Trenette al Pesto and Bucatini all’ Amatriciana. Just bring your appetite because whichever style or type of pasta dish you decide to dine on is sure to fill you to the brim!

White Truffles

Found almost exclusively in the northern part of the country, these exquisite-tasting mushrooms are quite a delicacy. Their rarity makes them much more valuable than the more easily found black truffles. They are typically grown with oak, poplar, hazel and beech, which give them a rich, hearty flavor. If you want to try a little bit of this unique treat, keep in mind that it doesn’t come cheap. Their rarity and value makes them quite expensive. Once you try one, however, you’ll understand why people pay so much for what is essentially a fungus.

Cheese

Would you like some cheese with that? In Italy, cheese isn’t just a topping, it’s a meal. Perhaps the most well-known kind is parmesan; however there are over a dozen other popular (and delicious) types of cheese to try in Italy including asiago, canestrato, fontina and bitto to name a few. Like fine wine, the cheeses of Italy are expertly aged to perfection and will have you feeling as if you’re in food heaven when you try them.

Risotto

Another popular dish throughout Italy, this meal is comprised of rice that is cooked in a broth until it reaches a scrumptious creamy consistency. Risotto is so rich that it’s typically served on its own, before the main course, rather than as a side dish. It can be prepared using a variety of different ingredients, including meat, vegetables, fish, seafood and even different types of wine and cheese. There is even a mouth-watering strawberry risotto that will have you drooling for the next bite. Whichever variety of risotto you try, you will inevitably experience a true taste of the beautiful country from which it originates.

Pizza

Like pasta, pizza is a classic Italian cuisine staple – the love of which is shared in countries across the globe. But you haven’t tried authentic Italian pizza until you’ve tasted it in Italy. Traditionally, the crust was made from simple ingredients of flour, water and yeast and then topped with olive oil and baked in a scorching hot brick oven. Pizzas are divided based on whether or not they contain tomatoes. Interestingly enough, the pizza most of us have come to know and love originated in Naples. No matter how you slice it or what you top it with, your visit to Italy simply wouldn’t be complete without sampling a piece of true pizza pie.

Italy is by far one of the world’s most popular destinations. Breathtakingly beautiful landscapes are matched only by the fantastic artwork and rich history and culture that have helped form this incredible country. Ancient fortresses, fascinating museums, unmatched culture and a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere make a trip to Italy one of the most amazing and memorable experiences of a lifetime. If you’re planning a visit, whatever you do, bring your camera and don’t forget your appetite! You’ll need them both to truly capture the essence of this charming country.

5 Reasons to Cycle Portugal

The country of Portugal is a warm, welcoming location that provides travelers a little taste of everything. Offering a perfect blend of climate, culture and landscape, visitors here get the unique opportunity to experience outdoor adventure, rich traditions and serene relaxation all in one fascinating place. One of the very best ways to experience Portugal’s unique charm is to cycle there. Here are five reasons why this beautiful country should be on your biking itinerary.

Algarve

Touted as Portugal’s most popular destination, once you visit Algarve you’ll understand why. With nearly 100 beaches offering upwards of 200 km of breathtaking coastline to ride along, as well as copious hills and valleys, it’s a cycler’s dream. The shoreline, particularly around Lagos, is dotted with fascinating caves and grottos carved from limestone and begging to be explored. The area’s highest point, Foia Peak, reaches an impressive 902 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the landscape below. If you get tired of cycling and swimming, the Algarve is also home to many golf courses, spas, shops and restaurants. There’s something for everyone in this lovely Portuguese region.

Alentejo

If unblemished coastline is what you seek, Alentejo is the perfect destination. The beaches in this region are absolutely spectacular, with atmospheres ranging from well-traveled to secluded and a variety of activities including surfing, diving, boating and, of course, cycling. Alentejo is also home to some of Portugal’s most beautiful countryside, which is dotted with peaceful trees, delicate flowers and a host of local wildlife. It’s absolutely nature at its very best.

Fado Music

Experiencing Portugal wouldn’t be complete unless you also experience the country’s most popular style of music, known as Fado. With roots dating back as far as the 15^th century, this bluesy sounding music is unique to Portugal and features a 12-string guitar called the guitarra Portuguesa. The Portuguese attribute the beauty and allure of Fado to something known as “saudade”, a word that does not translate to other languages but is defined as a poetic blend of melancholy, longing, loneliness and loss. Listening to this haunting music is like listening to a piece of Portugal’s rich history set to song.

Wine

For centuries, Europe has been the birthplace of some of the world’s finest wines. Portugal is no exception. One of the most popular wines, produced exclusively in the Douro Valley region, is the port wine, which is sweet, red and typically billed as being of the dessert wine variety. Other areas, such as the Island of Madeira and Alentejo also produce a variety of exquisite wines, both red and white. Portuguese wine has been enjoyed for centuries and continues to be one of the country’s most noteworthy attributes. And what better way to relax after a long day of cycling the beautiful terrain of Portugal than by enjoying a glass of their fine local wine?

Architecture

Given the country’s abundant history it’s no surprise that Portugal is home to its fair share of fascinating architecture. It is marked by unique style and influenced by generations of people who have settled there over the years. It’s also quite diverse. You may find anything from Gothic, Renaissance or Romanesque to Baroque or Neoclassicism scattered throughout the country. One particularly interesting style, Manueline (also known as Portuguese late Gothic) provides a tantalizing glimpse into the unique decorative design found in Portuguese architecture at the beginning of the 16^th century. There’s no better way to reach out and touch the past than to view remnants of it that still exist in the present.

A trip to Portugal means a diverse journey filled with nature, adventure, culture and relaxation. You’ll never be bereft of something to do, whether it’s sunbathing on sandy beaches to tasting the country’s finest wines to visiting ancient architectural masterpieces. And with seemingly endless coastline and breathtaking countryside, Portugal is a cycler’s dream destination. These are just five reasons we think so. What will you come up with?

Spanish Foods to Satisfy

5 Foods to Try in Spain

From glistening beaches to medieval castles, from rugged mountain ranges to peaceful country villages, there is truly a little bit of everything for visitors to experience in Spain. Quaint ancient towns inspire a feeling of calm serenity while vibrant flamenco dancers and valiant bullfighters, adorned in the customary rich red and black attire grant a glimpse into the country’s well-loved and time-honored traditions. Everywhere you go there is an underlying feeling of passion and an intense zest for life that makes this country so magical to visit. One of the best ways to truly experience the beauty and uniqueness of Spain is by tasting some of the traditional dishes that have been prepared there for generations. Here are 5 foods that top our “must-try” list.

Paella

This traditional rice dish can be found in just about every kitchen, café and restaurant throughout Spain. It’s typically prepared with the delectable spice saffron and cooked alongside chicken or seafood. It is by far the most popular dish in the country and once you get a taste you’ll understand why. A visit to Spain simply wouldn’t be complete without consuming this delicious treat.

Jamon

Classical Spanish cuisine tends to be very pork-centric, particularly cured ham. If you were to introduce an analogy you could equate pork to Spain as you would Champagne to France. Jamon is the Spanish word for ham, and trust us – you’ll see it on the menu wherever you go. The two most popular varieties of pork dishes are jamon Serrano and jamon iberico, which means “the best of the best” and refers to pigs raised on acorns. It may not sound appetizing, but it’s actually quite delicious.

Gazpacho

When most people think of soup they envision a steamy concoction that brings warmth on cold nights and comforts the soul. The Spanish answer to soup is Gazpacho, which is quite the opposite. Served raw and cold, it is an interesting vegetable based dish that is particularly popular during the warm summer months and along the coastal areas. It is delightfully refreshing and a unique spin on a traditional fare. Try it – you’ll be surprised.

Tortilla Espanola/Tortilla de Patatas

This dish’s Spanish name makes it sound a bit more complicated than it actually is. It’s basically a large, thick omelet filled with cubed potatoes. It can be served plain or with additional ingredients such as green peppers, chorizo, mushrooms, or diced ham. Whichever way it’s prepared, this dish is truly a favorite among the locals and is best described as traditional comfort food. Bring your appetite, though. You’ll need it to eat one of these!

Gambas al ajillo

Given the country’s close proximity to the ocean, it’s no wonder seafood dishes are so popular in Spain. One of the best is gambas al ajillo, which is made up of fresh shrimp cooked in a delicious garlic and olive oil base. It’s simple yet mouthwatering and it’ll most certainly have you coming back for seconds.

Whether its rest and relaxation, cultural discovery, or excitement and adventure you’re after, Spain offers all of this and so much more. From its diverse and beautiful landscape to its rich historical roots, and age-old traditions which blend seamlessly into the modern era, a visit to Spain promises to be unique and unforgettable. Spanish cuisine is no exception. Much like the people and traditions of Spain, the food prepared there is filled with spice and personality. Taste it and you’ll experience the true flavor of this incredible country.