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Every year millions of tourists plan a trip to Sardinia thinking only of wonderful coaststretches that makes it one of the most suggestive islands to the world. When coming to Sardinian for their beach holidays, they discover that beyond the beaches and the terrific sea there other aspects deserve to be known.
Discover Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia: culture, nightlife, sport, beach and much more
The capital of the island, Cagliari, is one of the possible destinations for a cultural tour to discover southern Sardinia, and worth a visit: The richness of its history, witnessed by several archaeological sites of the Roman and early Christian era, the historical districts dating back to mediaeval times, the seafront with its characteristic limestone cliff La Sella del Diavolo (The saddle of the devil), the salt lakes declared protected areas with their spectacular flamingo population, create an unique and fascinating ensemble.
The popular and religious traditions peaked with the procesion in honour of Sant’Efisio, the Patron Saint, and every 1st of May the streets revive thanks to the several carriages coming from the hinterland villages and towed by oxen and decorated with flowers. The Saint statue is carried through the streets in respect of a pledge which the inhabitants swore to the Saint in 1652 in times of the Black Death.
The food tradition is based on simple dishes mainly inspired by the sea. The restaurants and taverns in the Marina district facing the harbour, preserve and offer still today old fishermen recipes like “la minestra di fregola con arselle” (a soup made with a typical Sardinian pasta and clams), “la burrida” (fishes marinaded in a dense nut sauce), “lo scabecciu” (made with fried small mullets marinaded with tomato sauce and vinegar) or the roasted and fried local fishes.
During the winter months it is particularly appreciated by the locals to taste the sea urchin eggs, served crude with white wine and bread in the small taverns along the Poetto beach: It is a pleasant break during the nice winter walks on the sea shore.
Text: Luca Frau, Foto: SardiniaNatour
