Let's have a walk around Sardinian traditions …
Sardinia culture: unusual things to do in Sardinia
We have been talking about how much Sardinia has always been enchanting people: an ancient land, rich in history and traditions. The many beautiful beaches, each one different from the next, are immense expanses where white sand and pebbles alternate with rocks of the most imaginative shapes. In addition to its exciting sunrises and sunsets, undulating landscapes and art-rich villages, Sardinia is ready for you to discover rituals and traditions handed down through generations that will immerse you in a magical atmosphere. Are you ready for the journey?
Fires rituals of Sant’Antonio
A thousands-years-old ritual between sacred and profane, that every year, in the night between January 16 and 17, lights up the Island with hundreds of bonres, celebrating Sant’Antonio Abate, protector of animals and countryside, with chants, dances and shared meals. It’s a ritual of uncertain origins, which over the centuries has spread almost throughout the entire territory of the ancient island, bringing its symbolism closely related to religious rites and Christian spirituality, but also a varied legacy deriving from ancient pagan cults and beliefs, such as millenary practices of purication and protection involving the “healing” and “regenerating” power of re. In some places, young people try their hand at jumping over ames and embers, a symbolic gesture of courage and good luck for the new year, while others throw twigs or objects with a particular symbolic and emotional value into the ames, to free themselves of negative and make room for what they wish to achieve in the new year. Anyway, what makes this celebration truly unique are dances and chants that, together with the heat of the re, warm the soul and body of the participants on one of the coldest nights of the year.
Carnival in Sardinia: A Time for Color and Tradition
You might all know about Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival or perhaps even Venice’s Carnival, both carried out for several centuries, where ancient and colourful traditions came out with a symbol of a mask, worn to eliminate differences between people and dissolve inhibitions. With the lighting of the Sant’Antonio res, Sardinia reawakens its spirit and enthusiasm during Carnival. Not just ancestral rites, but allegorical carts as well. Traditional masks, re-enact episodes of rural life, they speak of the weather and the environment. In many communities of the Barbagia, deep in the heart of Sardinia, mysterious re-enactments unleash intense emotions in an atmosphere of dizzying euphoria.
Is spring a good time to visit Sardinia?
Spring goes from March 21st to June 20th, so it overlaps a few months that are quite different from each other weather-wise. The explosion of spring colours on the island are in harmony with the softly waking sunshine days. Thanks to its mild Mediterranean weather, this is the best moment to enjoy the island’s spectacular hiking trails, impressive archaeological sites and colourful cultural villages. On foot and by bike, along the paths outside the walls, where enchanting coastal landscapes enshrine mysterious archaeological legacies and fascinating medieval ruins, and where, without realising, your gaze will soon be lost on the horizon.
Must see towns in Sardinia
Here is just a few of the most famous villages in Sardinia:
Set with its multicoloured houses along the mouth of the River Temo, which divides it into two with its soft contours. Bosa is a fabulous village where history and modernity come together generating curiosity and fascination.
In the Sulcis archipelago, at the south-western end of Sardinia, lies a beautiful village founded by Ligurian families: one of the most enchanting island villages, it will captivate you with narrow streets and alleys that climb up a slight slope, with colourful sea views, marina and ancient defensive fortications, of which remain watch towers and stretches of walls with forts.
If Disney chose this place as the setting for Eric’s castle in the live-action lm ‘The Little Mermaid’, it is because the atmosphere of legends is at home here. Gaze at the sea from its walls, admire the art of basket weaving and let yourself be carried away by the charm of its mysterious traditions.
Your ideal base for exploring paths running between granite and Mediterranean scrub and for the emotion of the sea, while admiring the fragile beauty of highly protected islets.
Where you can explore rivers by kayak, paths by foot, on horseback or by bike, that enter forests and lakes in a natural park, and picture postcard beaches with snow white sand and a turquoise sea.
Dominated by white granite and low one-storey buildings, a small village that, mixing tradition and modernity, is a veritable den of artists and craftsmen.
Is it worth visiting Sardinia in autumn?
If escaping the summer crowd and the hot weather is your main purpose, then we suggest coming to Sardinia in autumn. Autumn is the ideal season to discover the authentic soul of this fantastic island—enjoying its mild climate and max temperatures that keep around 20°C even until the beginning of December. So, if you are looking for inspiration and ideas for a short break or a series of activities for your charter, read on and discover the many holiday options on this varied island simply following our Star Yacht Group blog. Our experienced team will help you design a personalised itinerary that includes:
• Local events and activities
• Weather forecasts tailored to your journey
• Secret locations for the ultimate adventure
Discover more about our tailored itineraries and services by getting in contact with our Concierge team.
Let Us Make Your Dream Vacation Come True
From planning your itinerary to organising all your activities, our team is dedicated to making your dream trip a reality. Get in touch today and start your Mediterranean adventure with us!