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VIAGGIO IN ITALIA

Sardinia

Artemest is proud to present the sixth stop in its ultimate insider’s guide to Italy: Sardinia. Known as the wild jewel of the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is blessed with stunning beaches and crystal-clear water, unique archeological sites and quaint hamlets surrounded by unspoiled nature. Discover the ancient traditions of this land and the rustic charm of Sardinian craftsmanship.

Deeply Italian, yet preserving a unique regional identity, Sardinia is one of the most distinctive destinations of Italy. Its position in the Mediterranean, midway between Italy and the North African coast and its curious history have forged the strong character of the island and defined a unique blend of different cultures. Crystalline sea, white beaches and wild nature are only part of the experience offered by this region.

Discover the many secrets of this mythical land and the world of traditions, art and craftsmanship that defines the essence of Sardinia.

Illustration by Francesca Consonni
Illustration by Francesca Consonni

What to See

Costa Smeralda - One of the most visited and stylish destinations of the island, it is located on the east side of Sardinia and encloses its luxurious spirit. Porto Cervo is a real paradise for the international jet set and definitively worth a visit. Despite the strong presence of luxury resorts and yachts in the area, this coast is outstandingly beautiful, with its bays of white sands and turquoise sea, sheltered by rocky headlands that contributes to preserve the wild essence of the island.

Alghero - Visit the historic center and walk around the fortified walls, to admire its great defensive towers. Turn into the tangle of cobbled lanes to reach the very heart of the town, with its cathedral and the small shops. Alghero is the hometown of Antonio Marras, one of the most important Italian fashion designers.

Nuoro and Orgosolo - Nuoro is the most important city of central Sardinia and a place where the visitors can fully appreciate the local culture. Here you can see locals wearing typical costumes or working in a craft shop trying to keep up the traditions. Once you are visiting central Sardinia, visit Orgosolo, famous for its Murales – political paintings scattered across the walls of the city.

Cagliari - The most vibrant city of southern Sardinia, its picturesque and historical districts with sea views, elegant shopping streets and panoramic terraces, including the Bastione di Santa Croce, are just a few of the city’s attractions. Visit the Castello quarter to breath a magical air of history, boasting ancient bastions and small streets lined by grand old homes and majestic churches, such as Cathedral of Santa Maria.

San Pietro and Carloforte - In the far west of Sardinia on the island of San Pietro, Carloforte was founded by Ligurian fishermen in 1738. Whitewashed and pastel houses with terracotta roofs line the narrow winding alleyways of the old town, where countless stairs lead you to the maze of streets of the Castle district.

View of the crystaline water of Cala dei Gabbiani
View of the crystaline water of Cala dei Gabbiani
Cagliari: view on the historic center
Cagliari: view on the historic center

Traditional Sardinian Craftsmanship

Textiles from Oristano - Oristano is Sardinia’s smallest province, yet is one of the island’s beating hearts, home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery and small hamlets steeped in history. Here you can discover the history of Sardinian carpet making: at ​Tessile Medusa and ​Mariantonia Urru’s workshop each piece is manufactured using long-established techniques, including some that were almost forgotten.

Masks from Mamoiada - Mamoiada is renowned for its handcrafted masks made by local artisans, such as ​Lumeras. The hamlet hosts one of the most stunning and thrilling Carnivals of Italy, profoundly rooted in the most ancient folklore of the island.

Knives from Pattada - Here, ​Adriano and Letizia Giagu have been running their knife brand since the ‘90s, carrying on the ancient knife making tradition – typical Sardinian Pattadese – and revealing a bond between local culture and a desire for innovation.

Where to Stay

Gallicantu, Luogosanto - Nestled in the mystical countryside of central Sardinia, Gallicantu is a characteristic Stazzo Retreat, a place to unwind and soak up the ancient essence of the region. Concealed by majestic boulders and centuries-old olive trees, the ensemble of cottages has been designed in harmony with the surrounding nature.

Petra Segreta, San Pantaleo - A five stars hotel nestled in the hills of the enchanted town of San Pantaleo in Sardinia. This perfect summer retreat counts 28 rooms and suits inspired by the traditional Gallura stazzi - the low, stone buildings typical of the Sardinia region.

Su Gologone, Oliena - An outpost of Sardinian hospitality nestled in the heart of the island. Founded as a restaurant and evolved into a refined hotel grounded in the traditions of its land, Su Gologone blends seamlessly with its surroundings offering an uncompromised experience of peace, relaxation and authenticity.

Faro Capo Spartivento, Domus de Maria - Faro Capo Spartivento hotel is one of the world's most charming lighthouses, built on a cliff overlooking the sea in the celestial island of Sardinia, the exclusive gemstone of the Mediterranean Sea.

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