I should start by telling you more about my home country, Sardinia, an island where time stands still and life moves at a slower pace. Dive into a culture where traditions are held close and generations blend. Where kids still play ball games in the street, bringing back memories of simpler times. 

As part of my dissertation for my Master degree I researched what was the destination image that people living in the UK had of Sardinia. Most of the people that participated in the research associated Sardinia with sun, sea and sand. 

Sardinia is a blend of colors, flavors, and ancient traditions that you won’t find anywhere else. Trust me, it’s more than just beaches and turquoise waters. We’ve got rugged mountains with jagged peaks that reach for the sky, lush valleys that are home to vineyards and olive groves, and a landscape that reflects the diverse nature of our people.

Sardians are known for their warmth and hospitality. I might be a little biased since I’m from here, but anyone who’s met me or visited Sardinia knows what I’m talking about. We welcome visitors with open arms and make sure they feel at home. It’s not just a saying; it’s a way of life here.

Our cuisine is a reflection of our culture, a blend of Mediterranean and Italian influences. From fresh seafood to handmade pasta, our dishes are a taste of our island’s history. And let’s not forget about the wine. Sardinia is home to some of the best wines in Italy, and a glass of Sardinian wine is the perfect way to toast the good life. 

But Sardinia is more than just its beautiful landscape, delicious food, and warm people. It’s a place where history comes alive. From the ancient ruins of Tharros to the medieval castles of Cagliari, Sardinia’s past is everywhere you look. And our traditions are still very much alive, from the colorful costumes of our festivals to the rhythmic sounds of our traditional music.

Did you know that Sardinian is a language itself; however, each part of Sardinia speaks a different dialect. I come from a small village near Oristano and I don’t understand people that come from Bosa if they speak their Sardinian dialect. And in Alghero, they speak Catalan so if you are Spanish you might be able to communicate with them with your own language. 

So if you’re looking for a place that’s off the beaten path, a place where you can experience a different way of life, then Sardinia is the place for you. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, indulging in traditional Sardinian cuisine, or just chilling in the Mediterranean sun, Sardinia has something for everyone. It’s a place where you can unwind, reconnect with nature, and experience the true meaning of “la dolce vita” (the sweet life).

Autumn is a great time to visit as there are different events taking place and weather is perfect for sightseeing or trekking the Canyon of Sardinia,  Gorropu Canyon . Some of the events taking place now is Autunno in Barbagia, a popular event where 32 villages located inland take turns to open their door to tourists and give an opportunity to learn more about their history, culture and traditions. Most importantly you will be able to try their speciality food so if you love your food and looking for a culinary escape you should add Sardinia to your bucket list. Saboris Antigus is another event that will start between the 27th of October and 22nd of December. 

Next time I will share with you an itinerary to visit Sardinia coast to coast that I have done on a motorcycle trip with my husband.