Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, and is a region of Italy. The insularity of island life has resulted in Sardinia’s retention of its individuality. It has its own language, Sardos, though most islanders speak Italian as well.
Sardinia is less packed with people than most of Italy. Its landscape is diverse: highland deserts, mountains blanketed with trees, fjords and bays, coves and caves. Life is peaceful in Sardinia. Many here live as goat or sheep farmers. Agri-tourism is a burgeoning industry, inviting visitors to reside in small villages or farms, where the hospitality of local hosts tends to be more personalized and intimate. Meals are shared and local customs observed. Mining has been a Sardinian industry for 8000 years. From Neolithic soapstone, to Roman age silver, this part of Sardinia’s past is now the focus of the Geo-mineral Park of Sardinia, which studies the history of mining in designated eight areas across the island. Native Sardinian handcrafts are available for purchase, including tapestries, knives and jewelry. Numerous ancient archeological sites cover the island. The city of Cagliari is a destination for Formula One racing and Women’s Beach Volleyball championships.
