Myth Island.

The famous Italian singer-songwriter Fabrizio De André has defined life in Sardinia as the best a man could wish for, comparing the island to the Earthly Paradise.
With its 24000 km² of territory, which winds through coasts, rocky plateaus and unspoiled nature, Sardinia has nothing to envy to other tropical destinations, so much that it has earned the reputation of the Caribbean of Italy.
Crystal clear waters and postcard landscapes, however, are just some of the elements that have made it famous all over the world and a popular destination for Italians and foreigners.
There are many reasons to visit Sardinia. Its thousand-year history, its unparalleled heritage, anthropological and cultural, its magnetic natural beauties, all this makes Sardinia a unique destination.

Cradle of nuragic civilization, it is one of the first lands to emerge in the Mediterranean and the only one to have been able to develop demographically while keeping the territory and virgin nature unchanged. Myths and legends here are intertwined with the most authentic culture and traditions handed down from generation to generation in the Sardinian people, who have preserved their genetic traits to this day.
This is where your journey to Sardinia begins, partly accessible by car.
From the Paleolithic to the present day, you will discover the most magical aspects of a land that has offered a lot to those who have passed from here, but which has always been able to preserve its roots, resisting significant invasions and changes.

Telling the story of Sardinia in a few lines is not easy. There are many important aspects and fundamental passages that have contributed to the creation of one of the most fascinating, mysterious, and rich lands in the Mediterranean.
We start from the origins, going back 570 million years, when the first rocks on which the island stands today were formed. The current areas of Sulcis – Iglesiente were the first to emerge from the sea, when most of the Italic peninsula was still submerged.
A land rich in minerals and raw materials, Sardinia has always offered important opportunities for settlement. The first men to inhabit this land probably came from Africa, and traces of it have already been recorded since the Paleolithic.
They belong to that period, in fact, the first rudimentary hunting tools built with obsidian, rock of which Sardinia is rich, found in Perfugas (SS).

It is in the Neolithic that the first real urban settlements begin to form. Among them, the men of the civilizations of Bonu-Ighinu and San Michele di Ozieri are those who have left us the most important historical, archaeological, and human heritage.
The famous Stonehenge of the Mediterranean, for example, is one of the most characteristic examples. Menhir, dolmen, domus, tombs of giants and nuragic complexes are testimonies that preserve civilization more than 5000 years ago.
The Area of Pranu Muttedu, with its iconic perdas fittas and the domus de Janas, is the Stonehenge for excellence. The fairy houses (domus de Janas in the Sardinian language), which were tombs dug into the rocks, tell of ancient myths and legends that make this piece of Sardinian history magical.
Magic and mystery envelope the Nuraghi found in copiousness throughout the Sardinian territory.
More than 7000 conically shaped stone buildings date back to the nuragic period. It is not clear what their intended use was, but they constitute a very important archaeological testimony of one of the most organized and evolved civilizations of the time. The Su Nuraxi complex in Barumini, in the south of Sardinia, is the most representative and spectacular, which since 1997 has become part of the Italian UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The beauty of the Sardinian people lies above all in the ability to remain anchored to their roots for centuries, resisting changes, invasions, and genetic transformations.
It even seems like Ötzi the mummy of Similaun, had Sardinian origins. In the DNA of the oldest man of which there is a trace, dating back 5,300 years, there are genetic characteristics compatible with those of the current Sardinian people, which has unique traits in the world.
Probably, the strategic position of the island has contributed to isolation, which together with strong resistance against the invaders, has meant that the genetic heritage of the Sardinians remained unchanged over time.
Sardinia has thus preserved traits of anthropological and cultural uniqueness, which today are still indisputable strengths. The DNA of the Sardinian people, therefore, is unique throughout Europe.

“Italians don't exist. They are the result of a genetic mix. Except for the Sardinians.”
[Davide Pettener, anthropologist in the Department of Biological, Anthropological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Bologna.]

As in the best fairy tales, Sardinia also has a prince and its kingdom: Costa Smeralda, born at the will of the Ismaili prince Karim Aga Khan.

In the beginning it was an English financier, John Duncan Miller, who realized the potential of this stretch of coastline, which runs from Arzachena to the Gulf of Cugnana (Olbia). At the time, in 1958, the place was still wild and populated only by a few flocks of sheep. Before Miller told some investor friends, including Prince Karim, the Costa Smeralda was just a pristine corner of Gallura in the north-east of the island, which stood proudly and lonely in the middle of the Mediterranean.
A promontory, called Monti di Mola, where the white of the granite rocks was dotted with the green of the Mediterranean scrub and, together with the blue of the crystal-clear sea, gave life to a palette of unforgettable colours.
From then on, a real purchase and sale of land would begin by the group of financiers, who aimed to make the Costa Smeralda a corner of paradise for the wealthy and important people of the time.

A few years later the Consortium of the Costa Smeralda was established 1962), led by Prince Aga Khan, who had the task of allowing the building and tourist development of the place without the wild beauty of the landscape being distorted.
The architectural structures, therefore, were designed to harmonize with the territory. Soft lines and materials that allow structures to camouflage themselves with granite rocks and dense vegetation. In the early 1960s, therefore, the realization of what is now one of the most famous and coveted destinations of world elite tourism was started.

As in the best fairy tales, Sardinia also has a prince and its kingdom: Costa Smeralda, born at the will of the Ismaili prince Karim Aga Khan.
In the beginning it was an English financier, John Duncan Miller, who realized the potential of this stretch of coastline, which runs from Arzachena to the Gulf of Cugnana (Olbia). At the time, in 1958, the place was still wild and populated only by a few flocks of sheep. Before Miller told some investor friends, including Prince Karim, the Costa Smeralda was just a pristine corner of Gallura in the north-east of the island, which stood proudly and lonely in the middle of the Mediterranean.
A promontory, called Monti di Mola, where the white of the granite rocks was dotted with the green of the Mediterranean scrub and, together with the blue of the crystal-clear sea, gave life to a palette of unforgettable colours.
From then on, a real purchase and sale of land would begin by the group of financiers, who aimed to make the Costa Smeralda a corner of paradise for the wealthy and important people of the time.
A few years later the Consortium of the Costa Smeralda was established 1962), led by Prince Aga Khan, who had the task of allowing the building and tourist development of the place without the wild beauty of the landscape being distorted.
The architectural structures, therefore, were designed to harmonize with the territory. Soft lines and materials that allow structures to camouflage themselves with granite rocks and dense vegetation. In the early 1960s, therefore, the realization of what is now one of the most famous and coveted destinations of world elite tourism was started.

The birth of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in 1967 is a milestone in the history of Sardinia, because it gave life to its most important village: Porto Cervo.
The undisputed capital of luxury holidays, Porto Cervo is a seaside village that in summer is populated by famous people and stars of the international jet set but that, having transmitted the clothes of the party, in the colder seasons is dressed in a solitary and refined charm.
From Piazzetta delle Chiacchiere, a maze of alleys and narrow streets animated by balconies and boutiques leads up to the Sottopiazza and the sea, among the most beautiful in all of Sardinia.
A few steps outside the center and the church of Stella Maris stands white and proud in the heart of Porto Cervo.
This is the best time to calmly immerse yourself in the beauty of Gallura.
When not crowded with tourists, the beaches of the Costa Smeralda and all of Sardinia reveal the best of themselves and give visitors unforgettable colors and unique nuances.
Between expanses of fine sand, with the enchanting beaches of Grande and Piccolo Pevero, the Romazzino and the Spiaggia del Principe (dedicated to the Aga Khan), and the suggestive coves, such as the famous Cala di Volpe, Cala Capriccioli and Cala Corsara, the Costa Smeralda is the emblem of the beauty that Sardinia offers to those who choose to visit and experience it.

Starting from the north of the island, one of the must-see stops is La Pelosa in Stintino, a tropical beach of white sand and crystal-clear waters, nestled between Capo Falcone, Piana island and Asinara national park.

Continuing east, the province of Olbia is home to the incredible Pink Beach south of Budelli island. To preserve the natural beauty of the sand, pink thanks to the fragments of coral, it is no longer possible to dock with the boat but, even if seen from afar, it is an unmissable stop for lovers of Sardinia.
La Maddalena and the other islands of the archipelago are diamonding that glitter on the sea: St. Stephen, St. Mary, Budelli, Spargi, Razzoli and the famous Caprera that hosted Garibaldi in the last 25 years of his life.
Continuing the descent south, Cala Brandinchi, Cala Luna, Cala Goloritzè, declared an Italian National Monument in 1995 and Cala Mariolu in the Gulf of Orosei, offer dream beaches and clear and turquoise waters. The perfect stops to snorkel and be enchanted in front of the wonder of underwater nature.
To complete the tour of the island, porto giunco in Villasimius, the beach of Tuerredda surrounded by the Mediterranean scrub, Cala Domestica and the incredible “rice beach”, Is Arutas, where the sand is composed of small quartz like rice grains, are also unmissable stops.
Here are the thousand faces of Sardinia. Sparkling and luxurious in the summers of the Costa Smeralda, attractive and quiet in hidden coves and “forgotten” areas. Like the Valley of the Moon, the unspoiled paradise in which the last hippie community of Sardinia lives, where time seems to have stopped in the sixties.

The wildest side of Sardinia is that made of lush vegetation, mountains, and spectacular trekking routes.
The Gennargentu Massif is the sardinian mountain par excellence. A mountain complex with uncontaminated nature that, from the heart of central-eastern Sardinia, extends with its park from the Supramonte to the territories of the province of Nuoro and to the south to the valley of the River Flumendosa.
Natural habitat of numerous rare and protected species of animals and plants, walking through these territories it is not uncommon to see a golden eagle or griffin wirling in the skies, or a few mouflons and wild cat climbing the rocks.
The bucolic landscape gives way to one of the most eye-catching views for adventure lovers. Between Barbagia and Ogliastra, gorropu, the most spectacular and among the deepest canyon in Europe, opens from the Supramonte.
The 500 meters deep leading downstream are full of emotions, breathtaking views, and legends. One of them wants the stars to be seen during the day at the narrowest point of the route, at 450 meters.
If you are a lover of extreme trekking, finally, you can not miss the Wild Blue: fifty kilometers, from Pedra Longa to Cala Sisine, among caves, centuries-old woods, overhangs, and coves that constitute the most demanding and adrenaline-pumping route in Italy.

This is not a mirage or a space-time journey. There really is the Italian Sahara Desert and it is located right in Sardinia.
In the breathtaking Costa Verde, in the southwestern part of the island, there are the incredible Dunes of Piscinas, the golden sand dunes among the largest in Europe. Up to 100 meters high, they extend for 5 km² and are the result of the incessant action of the Maestrale, which constantly shapes them and constantly distorts its desert landscape.
In the territory of Teulada, between the beaches of Is Arenas Blancas and Le Dune, the white and fluffy hills of impalpable sand extend for a kilometer.
They reach up to thirty meters in height and make the path to the sea a surreal experience, where the dazzling white of the sand sways with the blue of the sea and the green of the Mediterranean vegetation. A dance of colors and suggestions that will make your experience in Sardinia unforgettable.

This is not a mirage or a space-time journey. There really is the Italian Sahara Desert and it is located right in Sardinia.
In the breathtaking Costa Verde, in the southwestern part of the island, there are the incredible Dunes of Piscinas, the golden sand dunes among the largest in Europe. Up to 100 meters high, they extend for 5 km² and are the result of the incessant action of the Maestrale, which constantly shapes them and constantly distorts its desert landscape.
In the territory of Teulada, between the beaches of Is Arenas Blancas and Le Dune, the white and fluffy hills of impalpable sand extend for a kilometer.
They reach up to thirty meters in height and make the path to the sea a surreal experience, where the dazzling white of the sand sways with the blue of the sea and the green of the Mediterranean vegetation. A dance of colors and suggestions that will make your experience in Sardinia unforgettable.

It will be the sea, unspoiled nature, sun or genuine food, the fact is that Sardinia is one of the 5 geographical areas in the world with the highest longevity rate.
According to a study, in Sardinia you live happily and much longer.  This is how the concept of Blue Zone was born, which identifies geographical areas where life expectancy is above average. Province of Nuoro with Ogliastra are at the top of the list and count the highest concentration of centenarians in the world.
The secret? A healthy lifestyle, free of vices, in contact with nature and a diet based on simple and homemade foods. It is not just a matter of genetics, then.
It is not uncommon, then, for more and more italian and foreign tourists to choose Sardinia as a place to live.
The island offers everything you could want. The most authentic nature, the warm sun and the smiles of the people, the scents, and traditional flavors of Sardinian cuisine.

This is Sardinia. A portion of paradise on earth that will welcome you with open arms and that will conquer you with its disarming beauty and simplicity.

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Don’t forget to rent a car with Only Sardinia Autonoleggio. By renting a car, you will be able to experience Sardinia in complete freedom. Hereby are a few examples of how a car from Only Sardinia Autonoleggio can help you discover Sardinia:
 

● It will accompany you on every trip, from the coast to the mountains, from the beaches to the cities. With Only Sardinia Autonoleggio, you can explore the island independently, stopping where you want and whenever you want.
● It will allow you to be completely independent, even if you (don’t know) are not familiar with the island. With Only Sardinia Autonoleggio, you can enjoy Sardinia in all its beauty without worrying about anything.
● It will offer you a unique and unforgettable experience. With Only Sardinia Autonoleggio, you can drive down the hidden roads of Sardinia, stop to take pictures of the breathtaking landscapes and taste the local cuisine.
A real vacation.