Although Sardinia is best known for its sandy beaches, it also offers the traveller plenty of activities away from the sea.

 

 

If you are into golf, then you have a choice of three main golf courses in the south with spectacular views of the coast: Is Molas Golf Club (27 holes) near Pula available all year round, Tanka Golf Club (18 holes) in Villasimius and Sa Tanca Golf Club (9 holes) in Quartu Sant’Elena, both operated seasonally. Renting a car, a caravan or a scooter will allow you to explore Sardinia your own way. Excursionists and trekkers may choose among natural parks and reserves, WWF oasis, protected marine areas, archaeological sites, grottos and geo-mineral parks. The necropolis of Montessu north of Villaperuccio and the temple of Antas south of Fluminimaggiore are the most representative sites of the traditionally-intended archaeology. If you are interested in the so-called “industrial” archaeology, then visit the abandoned mines of Ingurtosu and Montevecchio near Arbus or Su Zurfuru and Santa Lucia near Fluminimaggiore. In Santadi, you could visit the grotto of Is Zuddas and witness the city festival in August, Il Matrimonio Mauritano (the Mauritian Wedding), an ancient wedding celebration play.

 

 

Carloforte should be visited beginning of June, when the fishing of the tuna is at its peak. Trip on the boats are organized by the locals to let you assist to the mattanza (tuna killing) from close distance but be prepared for strong scenes as the harpooning of the tunas is quite bloody. In the same period the festival of tuna, locally known as Girotonno, attracts many people from the whole area and will give you the chance to taste some truly fresh tuna cooked according to ancient and modern recipes. Peak of the festival is the international culinary contest. Always remember to have a look at the calendar of festivals and traditional events when planning your trip, they will show you the true hearth of Sardinians. Among the most important is the Sagra di Sant’Efisio in Cagliari, where carts drawn by oxen parading through the streets fully covered with petals, folkloristic groups dressed with the best traditional costumes and the typical sound of the launeddas will make you live an unforgettable experience. Other events are linked to gastronomy, like the citrus fruit festival of Muravera or the cherry festival of Burcei. Many other festivals are linked to religious events such as Carnival and Saint Patron’s celebrations.