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.