Sardinia is the second largest Italian island, situated south of Corsica and west of Lazio and Campania. This region is very rich in history, traditions, natural wonders, and splendid cities.
With its coastlines and unspoiled nature, Sardinia is renowned for its splendid beaches, turquoise sea, its unique landscapes, and its vast array of traditional recipes.
Let's have a look!
Sardinia: Curiosities and History
A crossroads of cultures in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sardinia boasts a millennia-old history. The island's most enigmatic inhabitants were the Nuragic people, who dominated during the Bronze Age.
Their legacy lives on in the thousands of nuraghi, the characteristic conical-trunk-shaped towers, and in the elaborate tombs scattered across the island.
After this era, Sardinia fragmented into independent kingdoms called '';Judicates''', which successfully repelled a Muslim invasion in the 9th century.
The island then passed through various kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Aragon, the Austrian Habsburgs, and finally the House of Savoy.
In 1861, the Kingdom of Sardinia, under the leadership of the House of Savoy, played a fundamental role in the unification of Italy.
Sardinia Landmarks
Looking for the best attractions and monuments in Sardinia?
Here is a short list of landmarks, designed for short stays and golfers, to make the most of your time and enjoy the local culture.
Cagliari: Bastione di Saint Remy, Cathedral of Saint Cecilia, Sanctuary and Basilica of Bonaria, Devil's Saddle and city centre.
Alghero: Palmavera Nuragic Village, town centre, Cathedral of Santa Maria, Anghelu Ruju Necropolis and Torre di Porta Terra.
Villasimius: Giunco or Notteri Beach, Porto Giunco Tower, Old Fortress, Via del Mare, and Cavoli Island Lighthouse.
Food and Wine in Sardinia
Sardinia, as one might imagine, is rich in culinary and wine traditions.
Here are our top tips for our beloved golfers and travellers:
Culurgiones Typical Sardinian filled pasta, 4-10 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. The dough is made from durum wheat semolina, white flour, eggs, water, and salt, which gives the ravioli a soft crust.
Su Porcheddu: Better known as roast suckling pig, it is usually cooked on a spit for up to five hours. The result is a delicious and crispy piece of meat, often served for special occasions.
Malloreddus Malloreddus, also known as Gnocchetti Sardi, are a typical pasta shape from the island of Sardinia, made with durum wheat semolina flour and water. This soft and tasty pasta holds sauces and flavours like no other and is an excellent choice for creamy first courses.
Cannonau Arguably the region's most iconic wine, Cannonau is characterised by a typical and peculiar richness of flavour and aroma, with good structure and notes of flowers and fruit. It pairs excellently with meat dishes and savoury recipes.
Carignano Another typical red wine, with a ruby red colour and a flavour on the palate that ranges from fruity to herbaceous, and it is warm and persistent. An excellent pairing with meat dishes.
Myrtle Often labelled as the regional drink, Mirto (or Myrtle) is the symbolic liqueur of Sardinia. With a strong and full-bodied flavour, Mirto will surprise you after a meal or on any occasion.
What to do in Sardinia
Are you wondering what are the best activities – besides golf – and excursions you can do in Sardinia?
Here is our top 3:
Sailing excursion from PALAU to the Maddalena Archipelago: Discover some of the most iconic coastal landscapes of La Maddalena on this full-day, small-group sailing tour of the famous Sardinian archipelago. Relax on board or take a dip in the water.
Kayak tour with aperitif and dolphins You will have the chance to spot local wildlife – bottlenose dolphins, the elusive Sardinian mouflon, and even wild boars wallowing in the water – before concluding with a complimentary traditional aperitif.
Underground Cagliari Tour: Much of Cagliari's fascinating history is hidden beneath the modern city, and with this tour, you can explore the labyrinth of caves, tunnels, and crypts dating back centuries. With a guide, you will visit the crypts of Santa Restituta and Sant'Eulalia, as well as the Salesian school tunnel, used as a shelter for students during the Second World War bombings and today lit only by candles.
Best Golf Courses in Sardinia
This region is home to excellent golf courses.
Here are some of the best:
Is Arenas Golf Club:
The 18-hole, par 72 golf course, designed by world-renowned architects Robert Von Hagge, Smelek & Baril, is ranked among the most spectacular golf courses in Europe by the prestigious international Rolex Guide. Across a total of 6300 metres, with a different landscape for each hole, framed by a forest of pine trees and junipers, the golf course takes you into the heart of over 1100 hectares of unspoiled nature. The 18-hole course, set within a sumptuous landscape, offers abundant rewards for elegant play, astute strategy, and correct execution. Each hole is different and exciting.
Is Molas Golf Club:
The Is Molas golf course, where the first Italian Open was played, is one of the most famous in Italy and has been the benchmark for the sport in Sardinia for over thirty years. Thanks to its proximity to the sea and the protection of the surrounding hills, the Is Molas location enjoys a unique microclimate, mild and particularly favourable for golf all year round: the temperature reaches 20 degrees at the beginning of spring, rises to over 30 in summer, and even in December and January, it can easily exceed 15 degrees.
Pevero Golf Club:
Nestled amidst the emerald waters of the Pevero and Cala di Volpe bays, the Pevero Golf Club seems like a magical place where peace reigns supreme. Designed by the legendary landscape architect Robert Trent Jones, the Pevero Golf Club has been ranked by Golf Magazine among the 50 best golf courses in the world.
Tanka Golf Club:
Located in a natural setting, where the smell of salty air mixes with the perfumes of the Mediterranean scrub growing on the coast of Villasimius, stands the cool Tanka Golf Villasimius.
The 18 holes, awarded by “The World of Golf” magazine in 2007 as the best new golf course in Italy, are spread over an area of 40 hectares overlooking the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area.
Golf Holidays in Sardinia
Looking for the best way to experience Sardinia and play golf on its most beautiful courses?
Discover our packages dedicated to the best golf holidays in the region!
Should you have any specific requests or different needs for your golf trip, please do not hesitate to contact us or request a bespoke Golf Tour. who.
Golf in Sardinia: is it the right destination for you?
Whether you are looking for a solo golf trip to play as much as possible, or you want to experience Italy with friends and family whilst also playing golf, this region has a great deal to offer. Take a look at our golf travel packages above and find your inspiration for golfing in Sardinia!
Alternatively, if you are interested in booking a golf trip here or elsewhere, you can send us an email at: booking@golftourexperience.com and allow us to meticulously organise all the services you desire.
See you there!
