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Archive for ‘Sardinia’ Category

Dec
11

Sardinia – Spa Hotels

by Sonja Franke December 11, 2009, 10:21 am

Wellness – this concept was already of importance in Sardinia, before this term found entry into our every day vocabulary. So it is no surprise that an abundance of Sardinia spa hotels can be found on this Mediterranean island, inviting in different locations and price ranges to linger.

For example, the Petra Segreta Resort & Spa Hotel San Pantaleo presents itself luxuriously. This classic country house is situated amidst a forest in a high altitude valley. It is a prime location because on the one hand the hotel can be quickly reached from Olbia, on the other hand, it offers stunning views on the Gulf of Arzachena and the islands of Caprera and Maddalena. With a little luck and good weather you can even see the island of Corsica, which already belongs to France. The interior of the hotel gives fully justice to a 4 star rating: swimming pool, Turkish bath, sauna and whirlpool are mandatory. So, too, is the offer of herbal baths, facial masks from its in-house product line and Japanese shiatsu massages.

If you prefer it a little more rural, you will get your money’s worth in Hotel Nuraghe Arvu Resort in Cala Gonone. The compound is located on the east coast and is just 500 meters away from the beach. Mediterranean ambience dominates here, which is reflected in both architecture and atmosphere. And even though only a few of the classic Spa facilities are offered at this resort: the rural nature already promises sufficient recreation.

Finally, the Hotel Relais Fenicottero Rosa in Porto San Paolo, also not a spa hotel in the classical sense. But its location in an enchanting garden and the walking distance to the beach already appeal as a balm for the soul. Sure, there is also a large and inviting swimming pool and the hotel’s own restaurant entertains with genuine Sardinian food. A real “spa hotel”.

Petra Segreta Resort and Spa HotelPetra Segreta Resort and Spa Hotel


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Dec
10

Sardinia – Alghero Hotels

by Sonja Franke December 10, 2009, 11:01 am

Alghero in Sardinia is particularly known by its Catalan influence. No wonder, after all, the place is located on the west coast of Sardinia, with a view towards Spain. Thus Alghero proudly carries the epithet “Little Barcelona” and offers a vast range of tourist attractions, coupled with picturesque beaches, which are inviting for relaxation. Here is a small selection of Alghero hotels, which have something for everyone:

The epithet of the city is then also reflected in the hotel names. An example is Hotel Barcellona, a friendly 3 star city hotel with a lot of charm. The house is situated on the outskirts of the historic old town of Alghero, and both the harbor and the beaches of the Coral Riviera are within walking distance. The interior is dominated by bright, friendly colors and the wonderful view from the balcony is the icing on the cake.

Already somewhat more exclusive is Hotel Calabona. This 4 star hotel has to be called romantic in the true sense of the word, which among other things manifests itself by its location in a dreamy little rocky bay. The town center is not far away, but inside Hotel Calabona you won’t feel anything of the hustle and bustle of the old town. Only a 20 minutes walk – always along the sea promenade – and you’re right in the thick of it….. and who is not in the mood for city life can just stay lying down at the hotel’s own pool and relax.

Finally, a real Alghero luxury hotel: Hotel Villa Las Tronás. 5 stars are not too strong a word here, because after all that – on a promontory situated small castle – was once the residence of the Italian royal family. Today, the hotel operators seemingly manage the balancing act between aristocratic tradition and modernity effortlessly. A truly special place.

Villa Las Tronas HotelHotel Calabona


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Nov
30

Top 5 Sardinia Events

by Sonja Franke November 30, 2009, 11:31 am

Sardinia is especially in spring or autumn a recommendable destination. But if you want to plan your trip specifically, you should set the date based on one of the numerous Sardinia festivals and events.

Though they say that somewhere during the 365 days of the year there is always a celebration in Sardinia, some events are especially noteworthy and delight tourists and locals alike.

Almost all Sardinian festivals and events have the traditional costumes and the delicious feast of bread in common – but in details they show some differences. Exemplarily, the following five festivals may be mentioned:

Easter: as in our latitudes Easter is of course also in Sardinia extensively celebrated. Particularly interesting there is the “Lunissanti”-Procession to be held on Easter Monday in Castelsardo. Mysterious chants and a ten kilometer long torchlight procession ensure that you feel taken back to medieval times. Who incidentally cannot make it to Castelsardo, can spend Easter in Sardinia in the cities of Cagliari, Alghero or Sassari, where also popular processions take place.

Sagra di Sant’Efisio: Although Easter is already an important festival, the Sagra di Sant’Efisio, which takes place annually from May 1 to 4 in Cagliari is second to none. Wailing ship hooters create the acoustic framework, when on the 1st of May St. Ephisius rolls by on a golden carriage from the church Sant’Efisio den Largo Carlo Felice to the town hall of Cagliari. Of course here we have a statue and the festival is meanwhile being celebrated since more than 350 years.

2 x St. Catherine: Then, one month later, on the first Sunday of June it is the turn of St. Catherine, and it is celebrated all over the island. In this context, particularly the traditional horse market of San Leonardo de Siete Fuentes (from June 2 to 4) has to be mentioned, as well as the horse riding procession in Fonni. But as during Easter it is also shown here that the festivals all over Sardinia are worthwhile.

Horsemen Festival Sedilo: If you couldn’t get enough from the horse riding procession in honor of St. Catherine, you can travel to Sedilo one month later. On July 6 and 7 the “Ardia” takes place, with countless delicacies and wild riding performances.

Chestnut and Hazelnut Harvest: in autumn one of the most important events in Sardinia – the festival for chestnut and hazelnut harvest – takes place. Especially tourists love this celebration, because it is primarily about food and drinks. Indeed there is pretty much everything what the Sardinian cuisine has to offer, including hazelnuts and chestnuts, just one of many delicious treats.

Time in Jazz: Finally, an insider’s tip for visitors to the small village Berchidda. There is usually not much going on, except when once a year during summer the “Time in Jazz” festival is enticing. The name says it all, and since it first took place in 1988, this musical event has become bigger and more prominent every year.

Enjoy your island getaway in one of Escapio’s Sardina hotels.

Petra Segreta ResortVilla Las Tronas Hotel


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Nov
27

Sardinia island tour: Sights and stops

by Sonja Franke November 27, 2009, 2:02 pm

A trip across the island of Sardinia is absolutely worthwhile. Not only because the road network is dense and the distances manageable, but also because of the great diversity this Mediterranean island is offering.

We like to begin our tour in Olbia, with around 50,000 inhabitants, one of the island’s largest cities. This is where most of the travellers arrive to Sardinia, and aside from the airport there are also numerous ferries anchoring in Olbia.

Despite the hustle and bustle Olbia has retained a distinct character and is enticing with plenty of old houses and winding alleys. One of the attractions in Olbia is the San Simplicio Church, which still dates from the 11th century.

From Olbia we proceed along the world-famous Costa Smeralda to the north to the port city of Palau. But this is just a station along the way to arrive on the island of La Maddalena. Believe it or not, this archipelago is composed of 62 islands. Here, rocky landscapes are forming a harmonious contrast with picturesque sandy beaches.

We continue along the northern coast until Porto Torres. Located in the province of Sassari this city with 21,000 inhabitants is an important port and is likewise the place where the biggest Romanesque church on the island, the cathedral of San Gavino is located.

The next stop is likewise located in the province of Sassari, however, already on the west coast of Sardinia. We are talking about Alghero, the “Little Barcelona”. This medieval town is surrounded by thick walls and one of the hotel strongholds on the islands. Of course there are beaches in Alghero too.

Along the west coast the next destination is Carloforte. To be precise, this place however lies on the island of San Pietro, about ten kilometers off the Sardinian coast. This place became known particularly for its close ties to Genoa, and it speaks its own language, which is based on Ligurian. But the highlight of Carloforte is the Ristorante Da Nicola, which is considered one of the best places to eat in Sardinia.

Well strengthened we continue to the capital of the island. Cagliari has 160,000 inhabitants and is situated on the southern coast of Sardinia. Here there are so many sights that it is hardly possible to list them down all, but at least the cathedral and the two towers are part of the “compulsory program”, which has to be mentioned.

From the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city, we then recover on the east coast, particularly around Muravera, the city of oranges. Here one sunny beach connects to the other, and especially the area between the “cala Sinzias” and the “capo Ferrato” is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

By this time you should already have bought your souvenirs. Suitable here are especially the pecorino, a tasty sheep’s cheese, but also many beautiful items made of ceramic may be worth it.

Also famous is the Sardinian wine, which among other places can be bought in the small town Badde Nigolosu, namely in the vineyard Tenute Dettori. This is located in the center of the island, in the province of Sassari and provides an appropriate conclusion of the Sardinia trip.

For a comfortable stay on the island find here our Escapio Sardinia hotels.

Golf Hotel Is Arenas - Luxury ResortHotel Su Gologone


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Nov
25

Short Sardinia travel guide

by Sonja Franke November 25, 2009, 11:44 am

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and even though it officially belongs to Italy, the people there have retained their very own culture. This already starts with the fact that this island with approximately 1.65 million inhabitants constitutes an autonomous region within Italy – and the language in Sardinia is not to be confused with Italian.

That’s the theory, but in practice of course Italian is spoken, as well as English because after all, Sardinia is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. A trip to the approximately 180 kilometers away from the Italian mainland located isle is actually worthwhile during the entire year, but spring as well as early autumn is considered the best time for visits. In spring, the days after Easter should be chosen, for then you’ll experience the island in its heyday in the true sense of the word. In addition, the beaches are not as crowded as in midsummer and you still can find rather quiet and pleasant spots.

But in autumn you will. Pleasant temperatures still allow you to swim in the Mediterranean Sea while the huge waves of Italian tourists have already returned home.

The individual regions should also be mentioned. The “Classic” in Sardinia is certainly the “Costa Smeralda”. It is an approximately 55 kilometer stretch of beach in the north of the island, where a total of 80 idyllic bays are inviting you to linger. Many of the bays are only accessible by boat, and especially the La Maddalena Archipelago is worth a visit. Incidentally, the coast obtained its name “Costa Smeralda” because of the emerald water.

Another recommended area is Sassari with its capital Alghero. The region lies on the west coast. Because of its proximity to the Balearic Islands and the coast of Spain, Alghero was already named “Little Barcelona”. The special feature of the region is the interaction between culture and recreation, in addition to plenty of beaches the historic city invites you to explore and stroll.

Experience this beautiful island and be guaranteed a relaxing stay in one of Escapio’s Sardinia hotels.

Jaspe Hotel Manor and LivingHotel Nuraghe Arvu Resort


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