The classic honeymoon destination of the Mediterranean that is thought of first is the South of France, but keep going south and you will find the heart of the Mediterranean and the hidden treasure of Sardinia. Situated in the center of the Mediterranean between Italy, France and Spain Sardinia has endless beaches, and the waters that caress Sardinia’s shores are clear and teeming with life. Sardinia has been a destination of the well to do jet setters since the early 1960’s and has remained so to today, though now it is beginning to be noticed by more modest travelers. Don’t be surprised to see a celebrity or two as they
take a break from the limelight.
The Lay of the Land
Sitting astride the sea lanes between the two most powerful ancient empires Rome and Carthage, Sardinia has a rich and ancient history. Pre dating Rome and
Carthage is the Nuraghi who populated the
island between 1200 and 900 B.C. Ruins
of this civilization are evident all over the
island and there are many archeological
digs that tourists can explore of the Nuraghi as well as remnants of Rome and Carthage. After the barbarian invasions that ended the Roman Empire, Sardinia witnessed frequent changes of power including independence, rule by the Vandals, the Italian Seagoing Republics of Pisa, Genoa and Spain. Then, with the unification of Italy, Sardinia became a region of the Italian Republic. It was not until after World War II that Sardinia became an autonomous region of Italy.
Go For It
Sandwiched in the middle of the Mediterranean with hundreds of miles of
beach, mirror-clear bays and coast lines,
much of your time will be spent carousing
on the beach. Beyond the beach is a divers and snorkelers paradise. Sailing excursions are available which showcase the coastal sights with occasional stops for a sensual swim in the clear waters off the stern. The turquoise waters of Coasta Smeralda are |
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the most exclusive and include some of the best resorts on the beach or in the nearby hills. Numerous four and five star resorts accentuate the romance of their natural treasure of the sea. Forte Village is actually seven hotels constructed together as a single resort designed to mimic an Italian village with shopping in the center with names like Gucci, Dior, and Antonio Marras.
Plan your visit to include an adventure
in the interior of the island. Supramonte
massif, which runs from Nuoro to Baunei
on the east coast, is one of Sardinia’s best
places for hiking because it is rugged and
almost uninhabited. Bike tours are a great
way to take in more of the country side
and have a chance to easily interact with
the friendly Sardinians. Horseback riding
ranging from extended tours to rides on
the beach, scaled to accommodate all
levels of riding skill, will add a memorable
color to your honeymoon. If you’d rather
watch than ride, try the S’Ardia in Sedilo
riding festival, a colorful spectacle which
showcases Sardinian riding skill. Or you
could head to the Gennargentu mountain
range to see on of the last free roaming wild horse herds in Europe.
Plan an adventure into the interior of the island with hiking tours of the mountains for various skill levels but more so for those in good shape and experienced hikers. Or motor to one of the many vineyards for wine tasting and experience where the ancient skills of wine making coupled with the climate and unique fragrances and rocky terrain yield flavorful grapes. Four thousand years of rich history left a giant archaelogical footprint on Sardinia, and travlers can visit dig sites to marvel at the ancient architectural masterpieces. Nuraghi ruins are everywhere and one sight combines Carthaginian Phoenician and Roman ruins with a spectacular view of the sea on the peninsula of Sinis, in the Oristano Gulf on the west coast.
Sardinians please their palates with
roasted meats from wild game and suckling pigs, to breads, cheeses and honey. Their newer specialties have developed from their more recent interest in the sea with a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood. Each region adds its own flare creating specialties that add to the local color.
Remember Clint Eastwood’s “Spaghetti Westerns”? You can visit a movie set in San Salvatore di Cabras from the heyday of those westerns of the 1960’s, there is even a saloon!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Off the Italian coast your Mediterranean
honeymoon jewel waits with all the charm
and allure of the continent. Explore the
rugged beauty, party in chic nightclubs
then relax in sensual pampering at your
five star resort. Walk the beaches and
sail the coast. The rich and famous’
own paradise is waiting to make your
honeymoon colossal in Sardinia - the jewel of the Mediterranean.
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WHERE TO STAY:
Forte Village Resort
Comprises seven five and four star hotels that will accommodate any personal
taste. Fifteen restaurants including Gourmet, Japanese, Brazilian and Indian;
shopping; a wellness clinic to pamper you
and a beach that Forbes Magazine rated in
their top 25 sexiest beaches in the world.
To look as great as you’ll feel, check out the
fantastic shopping.
L’Ea Bianca Luxury Resort
Set on a hillside and descending to a
turquoise sea, L’Ea Bianca has heated pools for thalassotherapy treatments with sea water to purge away your stresses and allow you to concentrate on your romantic honeymoon. Aromatherapy and scented steam Turkish bath massages are also available. To truly experience the surrounding waters charter a yacht or sailboat and explore the coast and coves while basking in the beauty of your surroundings.
Villa del Golfo
Villa del Golfo is a four star hotel
located in Cannigione, near Porto Cervo.
This four star hotel proudly offers a home
atmosphere that is not only elegant but also
cozy. Seawater swimming pool, bridge
room, billiards room and piano bar, with
the Ristorante Villa del Golfo which offers a
seafront terrace. Unique to Villa del Golfo is
their private yacht available to hotel guests
for charter featuring accommodations for six
guests in three cabins.
Bed and Breakfasts are a charming way
to experience the culture and countryside
with cozy romantic hideaways and warm
friendly hosts eager to help you experience
the island sites and culture. Apartments
and Villas are also available for rent.
WHAT TO SEE
Miles of beach and crystal clear water. Diving snorkeling and boating excursions. Inland features vineyards, ancient ruins, horseback and trail tours, hiking varied terrains. |
Hotel Pitrizza Swimming Pool