SEVEN THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SARDINIA
Among Italy’s premier tourist destinations, Sardinia enchants visitors with its crystal-clear waters, untamed nature, and distinctive character. On the occasion of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta, the island offers a unique setting where sport, landscape, and tradition come together.
From iconic beaches to its millennia-old history, here’s what you need to know to experience it authentically.
- They speak Sardinian
Of course, everyone speaks Italian and many people speak excellent English, but the Sardinian language, known as 'Sardo' is still deeply rooted, spoken daily - especially by older people - but understood by the majority of the population. Sardinian identity runs deep, and this ensures that traditions are strongly preserved.
- Pizza is (also) eaten for breakfast
Forget Neapolitan pizza. In Cagliari, breakfast consists of pizzetta sfoglia: a small-diameter pastry made of two layers of puff pastry filled with tomato sauce, capers, and sometimes anchovies. Along with pane carasau and seadas, it is a defining element of Sardinian culinary heritage.
- It is called the land of the nuraghi
Sardinia is a region rich in history and culture. One of the region’s symbols is the nuraghi, megalithic stone structures dating back to the period between 1800 and 500 B.C. Just 60 km from the city of Cagliari, you can visit Su Nuraxi di Barumini, the most famous and extensively studied nuragic settlement, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
- The Devil’s Saddle, the promontory that symbolises Cagliari
Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast or simply curious, the Devil’s Saddle trail is a must-see. There are several legends explaining the origin of this promontory’s name - which separates the two main beaches along the Cagliari coast - all linked to its distinctive shape, but one thing is certain: the view from the summit is unmissable.
- The regional flag recalls a bloody history
The four Moors depicted on the Sardinian flag commemorate the Aragonese victory over the Saracens, achieved thanks to the providential help of Saint George. There are several theories regarding its precise iconography, but the most widely accepted one holds that it depicts the four severed heads of the Saracen rulers defeated in the Battle of Alcoraz in 1096, whose profiles are divided by the red cross of St. George, an emblem also found on the British and English flags.
- Italy’s Most Beautiful Island Beaches
You can’t talk about Sardinia without mentioning the sea. The island’s beaches are counted among the most famous dream destinations. But the sea here isn’t just about relaxation; along the Sardinian coast, you can practice any water sport, with some of the best spots for kitesurfing, wingfoiling, and windsurfing.
- The connection to Buenos Aires
In Cagliari, there is an important cathedral dedicated to Our Lady of Bonaria, who is believed to be the origin of the Argentine capital’s name. The founders of the first village on the banks of the Río de la Plata - including a group of Sardinian sailors - decided to dedicate the new settlement to Our Lady of Bonaria of Cagliari, patroness of sailors. In fact, the original name of Buenos Aires was Ciudad del Espíritu Santo y Puerto Santa María del Buen Ayre.
