Colourful festivals are held throughout the year and are central to the cultural activity on this island. The most notable is the Carnival, held every February, to symbolise and celebrate the emergence from winter, which includes the Sartiglia in Oristano, an exciting horseback riding event. Other events include the annual pilgrimages in May and August (Sagra di Sant’Efisio, Cagliari and Sagra del Redentore, Nuoro) and music festivals, such as La Festa del Mare in Santa Lucia and Rocce Rosse in Arbatax. Combining one of these events with your villa vacation will allow you to see a vibrant, and sometimes even moving insight, into local Sardinian culture.

 

The most famous area in Sardinia is that of Costa Smeralda, located in the North of the island. It has a wealth of restaurants, bars and luxury accommodation and hosts a sailing regatta every September – the Sardinia Cup.

 

There's a wealth of other resorts to visit dotted around the island, mainly coastal, such as San Teodoro (a must visit is the lagoon with its pink flamingos) but some located inland in the mountainous regions. One such town is Oliena, surrounded by hilly and rugged countryside. Those interested in hiking and horse-riding will be spoilt in this area with many trails to follow. Other activities available on the island are mainly centred on the sea, including sailing, diving, windsurfing and boat excursions. However, if you prefer to keep your feet dry then why not partake in a leisurely round of golf, the most notable of the courses being Is Molas and Il Pevero. Or if your idea of a holiday is relaxing on a beach then you’ll have a great selection, however if you’re looking for a secluded getaway try Berchidda or Cala Luna on the east coast, both inaccessible by car. Alternatively explore the amazing prehistoric buildings known as the Nuraghe, the one in Barumini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Moving south you find the capital Cagliari, with its large harbour, fish market (Mercato di San Benedetto), Roman Amphitheatre, botanical gardens and fascinating museums and architecture. Just along the coast Villasimius can be found, it is renowned with divers for the marine interest and shipwrecks.

 

After your busy day out you may conclude that island life has certainly moved on since that of the 1920’s but you’re bound to agree that the island retains its charm and beauty.