Strictly Sardinia – Unmissable Things To Do In Sardinia
Host: Claudia Tavani
Episode Date: February 27, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Sardinian native and host Claudia Tavani provides a comprehensive and passionate guide to the “unmissable” things to do in Sardinia. Drawing on her deep local knowledge, Claudia addresses the top questions from travelers ranging from best activities and beaches to hidden gems, unique cultural experiences, and essential tips for making the most of any trip to the island—whether you’re a sunseeker, adventurer, foodie, culture lover, or traveling as a family.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sardinia for Every Traveler (00:15–02:00)

• Claudia emphasizes Sardinia's versatility: perfect for families, friends, older travelers, beach lovers, hikers, and foodies.
• “Whatever kind of traveler you are, whatever age you are, there's something for you.” (01:05)
• The island “has something for everyone,” no matter your travel style or age.

2. The Beaches: The Island’s Crown Jewel (02:01–07:40)

• Sardinia’s beaches are world-class—better than the Maldives, Cuba, Mexico, or the Caribbean, according to Claudia’s travels.
  • “I have yet to see beaches and sea that are as beautiful as those we have in Sardinia.” (02:30)
• Beaches range from family-friendly, sandy stretches with safe, shallow waters to secluded coves only accessible via hike or boat.
• Dog-friendly and protected beaches (advance booking needed):
  • La Pelosa (Stintino)
  • Cala Goloritzé (Baunei)
  • Punta Molentis (Villasimius)
• Secluded, uncrowded beaches exist even at peak season.
• Claudia doesn’t name all the specific best beaches in this episode, referencing her previous content for details.

3. Boat Tours: A Must-Do Experience (07:41–11:35)

• Sailing tours and day cruises are hugely popular.
  • “One of my favorite places is Maddalena Archipelago…a fantastic protected spot where to go sailing or beach hopping on a boat.” (08:30)
• Top boat tour locations:
  • Maddalena Archipelago (seven main islands + many more small ones)
  • Asinara Island (national park, no cars, remote vibe)
  • San Pietro & Sant’Antioco Islands (Sulcis coast)
  • Villasimius
  • Cagliari
  • Gulf of Orosei/Baunei Coast—recommended for spectacular coves accessible only by boat or strenuous hike
    • “A series of tiny coves that can only be reached either by a really strenuous hike, which I don't recommend in summer, or by boat.” (10:45)

4. Exploring Cagliari: Claudia’s Hometown (11:36–18:30)

• “I was born and raised in Cagliari… it's probably the most underrated city in Italy.” (12:10)
• The city offers:
  • Beaches: Poetto (urban, easy, fully equipped), Calamosca, Sant’Elia, La Paillotte, Cala Fighera.
  • Four historic districts, archaeological sites (Roman amphitheater, Tuvixeddu Necropolis), beautiful churches.
  • Urban hiking trails, e.g., the “Devil’s Saddle” (Sella del Diavolo) offering panoramic views.
  • Birdwatching at Molentargius Nature Reserve (“We have pink flamingos living here in Sardinia!”).
  • Excellent restaurants and local cuisine.

5. Other Major Cities (18:31–23:00)

• Sassari: Northern city, off-the-beaten-track, historical sites, “likely have the city to yourself.” Attend Cavalcata Sarda festival in May.
• Nuoro: Heart of the island’s mountain region, rich ethnographic and modern art museums.
• Alghero: The “Catalan enclave,” beautiful beaches, archaeological sites (Palmavera Nuraghe, Neptune Caves), wine country featuring Cantina Sella & Mosca.

6. Charming Villages and Unique Towns (23:01–28:40)

• Claudia’s favorites:
  • Bosa: “Not just the prettiest village in Sardinia, it's probably the prettiest village in Italy.” (23:50)
  • Castelsardo: Coastal, hilltop Doria Castle.
  • Orgosolo: Outdoor museum famed for murals.
  • San Sperate: Known for murals and the “Giardino Sonoro” (sound garden by Pinuccio Sciola).
  • Calasetta: All-white town, unique Tabarquino language, contemporary art museum.

7. Archaeological Wonders (28:41–35:40)

• Sardinia’s history is visible everywhere—sites span pre-Roman to Roman eras:
  • Su Nuraxi (Barumini): “Iconic” stone nuraghe fort, UNESCO World Heritage.
    • “It's about 45 minutes drive from Cagliari in a village called Barumini.” (30:10)
  • Nora (near Pula): Layered Phoenician-Roman settlement, mosaics.
  • Tharros (Sinis Peninsula): Seaside ruins, less crowded.
  • Fordongianus: Best-preserved Roman thermal site.
  • Giants’ Tombs & Fairy Houses (Domus de Janas): Ancient necropolises; notable example: S’Ena e Thomes (Nuoro region).
    • “We think that, you know, in the past fairies used to live there, but they're just burial sites.” (33:30)
  • Abandoned mines:
    • Ingurtosu (near wild Piscinas Beach)
    • Porto Flavia (“You can only go on guided tours, but just make sure to book it.” 35:25)

8. Caves, Churches, and Hidden Corners (35:41–40:10)

• Famous caves:
  • Neptune’s Caves (Alghero)
  • Grotta del Bue Marino (Baunei coast):
    • “It’s said that sea oxen, or actually seals, used to live there…” (36:20)
• Hidden rural churches:
  • Santa Maria di Sibiola (Serdiana): Claudia’s family church, surrounded by wineries.
  • San Pantaleo (Dolianova)
  • Santa Trinità di Saccargia (near Sassari): Iconic striped architecture.

9. Sardinian Festivals (40:11–43:45)

• Sant’Efisio (Cagliari, May 1st):
  • “...Taking place since 1657…in honor of the saint that helped Sardinia during the plague.” (41:25)
• Sartiglia (Oristano, Carnival):
  • Horsemen in traditional costumes and masks, adrenaline-filled.
• Autunno in Barbagia:
  • Ongoing, autumn weekend festival across mountain villages: “A wonderful occasion to learn more about the traditional culture of Sardinia, try traditional food, and meet the locals.”

10. Outdoor & Adventure Activities (43:46–48:05)

• Water sports: snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing—year-round, thanks to the island winds.
• Driving recommended: “Sardinia is quite difficult to explore by public transportation. We have really windy roads and a lack of buses and trains.” (44:50)
• Scenic drives: State Road SS125 from Cagliari to Villasimius—“the views are just stunning.”
• Hiking & climbing: Best in fall/spring, vast network of trails.
  • Gorropu Gorge: “The deepest canyon in Europe.” (46:55)

11. Food & Wine Experiences (48:06–53:00)

• Regional, distinct cuisine—don’t expect pasta classics like carbonara or lasagna.
  • Culurgiones: Potato and cheese ravioli, unique to each family/village.
  • Malloreddus: Sardinian “gnocchetti,” chewy pasta, nothing like northern Italian gnocchi.
  • Fregola: Sardinian couscous, often eaten with clams and brothy tomato sauce.
  • Cheese: Casu Marzu (notoriously “rotten”—try at your own risk!)
  • “We have our own dishes that are just delicious.” (48:30)
• Food tours and cooking classes recommended—best offerings in Cagliari, also available in Alghero and Olbia.
• Sardinian wineries: Cantina Sella & Mosca (Alghero), Argiolas (Serdiana), Cantina Surrau (near Arzachena).
  • “They make my favorite wine in the world.” (Argiolas, 51:10)
• Prime sunset spots: Alghero Bastions, Santa Croce street in Cagliari.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I have yet to see beaches and sea that are as beautiful as those we have in Sardinia.” – Claudia (02:30)
• “Cagliari… is probably the most underrated city in Italy.” (12:10)
• “Boza is not just the prettiest village in Sardinia, it's probably the prettiest village in Italy.” (23:50)
• “Whatever kind of traveler you are, whatever age you are, there's something for you.” (01:05)
• “We have pink flamingos living here in Sardinia!” (15:55)
• “In Sardinian, ‘Janus’ is a fairy, so we call them fairy houses. But we think that, you know, in the past fairies used to live there, but they're just again burial sites.” (33:30)
• “You don’t come here expecting to find carbonara on the menu or lasagna, because you’ll be disappointed.” (48:15)

Useful Timestamps

• [00:15] Sardinia for Every Traveler
• [02:01] The Beaches
• [07:41] Boat Tours
• [11:36] Explore Cagliari
• [18:31] Other Cities
• [23:01] Favorite Villages
• [28:41] Archaeological Sites
• [35:41] Caves & Churches
• [40:11] Festivals
• [43:46] Outdoor Adventures
• [48:06] Food & Wine

Closing Notes

Claudia closes with a teaser for the next episode devoted to her beloved Cagliari, inviting listeners to subscribe, rate, and review Strictly Sardinia. Her warm, enthusiastic local insights make this a must-listen for anyone planning a trip to Sardinia or simply longing to discover its authentic charms.