Life in Sardinia is probably the best [one] can wish: twenty-four-thousand kilometres of forests, countryside, shores immersed in a miraculous sea, this corresponds to what I would suggest God to give us as Paradise. -Fabrizio de André

Although I’ve lived abroad for many years, straying far from my home island of <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/europe/italy/sardinia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sardinia</a>, including in Africa, Asia, Norway, and now Canada, I’ve noticed something interesting about myself with the distance. I call it ‘my Sardinian eyes’—meaning I can’t help but carry a little piece of Sardinia with me, no matter how far I roam.&nbsp;I love my island home, and I can’t help but see the rest of the world from a Sardinian perspective. (And I know I’m not the only Sardinian who feels this way!) Here are a few things that characterize our simple, slow way of life that you, too, will get a glimpse of, and experience on a visit here.

We Sardinians are proud, and the most important social units we adhere to are our tight-knit families and communities. We’re also really welcoming and friendly. Even in the smaller towns, you will see older people sitting on their porches enjoying their ‘retirement’, or women doing typical needlework as they watch the world go by. Anyone is happy to stop and chat with a visitor and interact, so be open to these exchanges!

CLOSE-KNIT PEOPLE & LONG-LASTING TRADITIONS

Growing up, I always had a sense of security and love, not just within my family but within the community. This ‘looking out for each other’ and sense of solidarity is something I miss, especially living in larger cities abroad. We’re also a people of traditions: for example, when I was back at home at my brother’s wedding, I was explaining to my non-Sardinian friends all the little rituals we observed. It’s something I have taken for granted but realize how special they are, especially since I live abroad now. It’s also very important to we Sardinians that we respect the voices and opinions of our family (and community) elders. Certainly, with age comes experience, and we truly value the wisdom of the older people in our communities and often consult with them on important decisions. (This surely contributes to our being one of the most long-lived places in the world).

If you’re in mainland Italy at a concert or large gathering…look out! You may very well see our famous flag, notable for the heads of the four moors and the red cross of St. George quartering a white background. I have run many marathons around the world with my little Sardinian flag in my pocket the whole time, and without fail, I will always bring it out and run a final victory lap as a proud Sardinian representing home!There are a few stories that hint at the origin of the flag’s design. As Sardinia was ruled by the Spanish Kingdom of Aragon in 1324-1479, it was said that King Peter I of Aragon created the flag after the 1096 Battle of Alcoraz in an attempt to drive Arabs out of Spain. According to legend, it was only Saint George (of the white shield and red cross) who helped to win this battle for Aragon. When the dust settled, four Moorish princes were defeated, with their severed heads left on the battlefield, informing the design of the flag.Another subtle (and less gory) meaning? The quartered flag symbolically represents the four giudicati of the island, four independent states that governed Sardinia in the Middle Ages from the 9th to the 15th centuries.

SARDINIAN FLAG: A DISTINCTIVE SIGHT

I met a woman recently while buying a gift for my sister; her (Canadian) daughter married a Sardinian and now lives on the island. And here’s one thing she remarked to me about the island: “I like how people take their time.” It’s really an understatement, as when you get here, you’ll feel as if there’s all the time in the world. The priority for us Sardinians is quality of life, and our philosophy is simple: enjoy life and take your time to savour the everyday moments, no matter how small. You, too, will see just how time weaves its magical spell as you slow down to the rhythm of the island.

TIME MOVES DIFFERENTLY HERE

While the outer coastal cities are more urbanized, there is something to be said about the Sardinian rural way of life—it’s wonderful. I had an elemental childhood, running wild on the beach, on my grandparent’s farm, and generally playing outside amongst nature. Most of us have family land in the countryside to roam in, where we work the land as our ancestors have through the generations. Here is where we Sardinians put aside our phones to enjoy the simple things: sunshine, the earth and the things that grow from it—fruits and vegetables, tending to animals and plants. My niece and nephew go to the countryside daily after school with their parents to pick fruit or just play outdoors. As you travel the island, you’ll see this everywhere you go (and maybe get to participate in it, too).

RURAL LIFE

One of the things I miss from back home is one of the simplest: it’s the smell of the sea, and the distinctive smell of Sardinia with its trees, plants, herbs and shrubs on the wind. The second I get off the plane, it just hits me and I know that I’ve arrived. I also feel joyful and nostalgic when I return to the beloved beaches, coves, and smaller islands that I know so well. Much has been written about Sardinian beaches, as they’re secluded, dramatically beautiful, clean and safe—truly without compare.Some of my favourites are hard to get to, and some of the more popular ones are just so pretty that their appeal is hard to hide from the masses! Stintino is one of the big ones, with its white sand and blue water. I also love Argentiera, next to an old argento (silver) mine, the Spanish towers overlooking Porticciolo and Porto Ferro, and Cala Goloritze on the east coast, with its white limestone and endless shades of blue—accessible only after a hike through an ancient cork forest.&nbsp;

THE SEA AND THE COAST

Seeing Through Sardinian Eyes

The jewel of the Mediterranean, Sardinia remains one of Italy's best-kept secrets, often overshadowed by its mainland counterparts.While it’s known for its rugged coastline and welcoming hospitality, one of the most intriguing facts is that the islands, particularly the areas of Ogliastra, Barbagia di Ollolai and Barbagia of Seulo, are designated a ‘Blue Zone'—a region of the world where people live much longer than average.Netflix’s <a href="https://www.bluezones.com/documentary/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zone</a> follows author and explorer Dan Buettner as he uncovers why <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/europe/italy/sardinia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sardinia</a> is home to one of the world's highest concentrations of centenarians (people who live to 100 years old). In fact, Sardinia boasts more than 20 times the number of centenarians compared to similar populations in the United States.&nbsp;

So, what's the secret behind Sardinia's culture of longevity?

While some attribute Sardinia's longevity to the island's high-altitude villages, others point to the deep sense of community deeply woven into their way of life.No matter where you are on the island, take a look around: you are sure to see older people still living purpose-filled and healthy lives integrated with the rest of society, and even still working the land. Growing up in Sardinia, it isn’t uncommon for children to grow up getting to know their great-grandparents.

Tight-Knit Communities

With a culture linked strongly to its agrarian practices, there is very little processed food. Sardinians have a culinary tradition entwined with the seasons, producing most of their food at home. One of the best places to get a glimpse into Sardinia’s longevity secrets is in Nonna's kitchen, where the same time-honoured recipes have been passed down through generations.The traditional Sardinian kitchen is stocked with homemade pasta, whole-grain bread, garden vegetables, seasonal fruits, beans, nuts, seeds and homemade sweets, to name a few. The high concentration of bread and pasta raises the question of whether carbs are truly the enemy. Buettner's evidence suggests&nbsp;the contrary—as long as the ingredients are of a high quality and traditionally prepared.&nbsp;

Sardinian Cuisine: A Recipe for Longevity

Physical activity is another cornerstone of the Sardinian way of life. The island's rugged terrain requires regular physical work, keeping the locals active throughout their lives.The northern province of Sassari in particular is a haven for physical activity, whether it's exploring one of the Maddalena islands on a nature walk or plunging into the crystal-clear waters before a coastal bike ride. This territory remained uninhabited until&nbsp;the 17th c.&nbsp;so, pedalling between charming rural villages feels like stepping back into the Bronze Age, still maintaining authenticity and character. As you cycle along, grazing sheep meander past the enigmatic Nuraghi, Sardinia's ancient megalithic structures found nowhere else on the planet.

Healthy Active Lifestyle 

From the glittering coast of Greece to Croatia's natural wonders, the Mediterranean is graced with a myriad of alluring islands. But our hearts always find their way to Sardinia, a destination that's a little closer to home, where the fusion of the Sardo language, supernatural landscapes, and longevity-forward local life create a truly unique experience.Discover the region's Blue Zone secrets from the comforts of your private luxury ship on our Sardinia &amp; Corsica Biking trip.

The Secrets of Sardinia’s Blue Zone

Condé Nast

Inside B&amp;R

Media Mentions

Around The World

Condé Nast Awards Four B&R Experience Designers on Their List of Top Travel Specialists 2021

Travel Tips

<h2>Travel with Personal and Community Impact</h2>
Experience Designer: <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/experts/christine-tucker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christine Tucker</a>
During this year&#8217;s slow down in travel, our Africa Expert, Christine Tucker, shifted her focus to strengthening relationships with our local partners in order to offer our travellers even more meaningful connections with the places they visit. She&#8217;s also been working on ways she can ensure as much money as possible stays in local communities on future trips.
One such way Christine has tackled this is through an initiative she&#8217;s started outside of B&amp;R with her business partner, Gadi Habumugisha, called Two Fires. Together, they&#8217;ve created a social enterprise for East African creatives to provide photography services for corporate and NGO sectors in Rwanda. A portion of the agency&#8217;s profits will be donated to funding a gallery being constructed in Musanze, the hub Gorilla-viewing tourism in Rwanda, to further bond travellers with where they&#8217;re visiting. You can <a href="https://www.twofirescreativegroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">learn more about Christine and Gabi&#8217;s project here</a>. 
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-47878" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TravelTips2021Rwanda.jpg" alt="" width="752" height="470" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TravelTips2021Rwanda.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TravelTips2021Rwanda-250x156.jpg 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TravelTips2021Rwanda-480x300.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TravelTips2021Rwanda-768x480.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" />
Africa has started to welcome visitors back across its borders. Almost all of the eastern side of the continent is now open, including countries like Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Nowhere in the world has endured challenges from the loss of tourism quite like the African continent. So If you&#8217;re looking for your next trip to make a lasting impact—not only on you but on the destination you visit—then Africa&#8217;s the place to consider. 
With all 2020 bookings moved to 2021, in addition to everything that was already booked for 2021, space is tight, so start planning now if you&#8217;re looking ahead to 2022. Christine has colleagues who have seen first-hand how Africa has taken impressive measures to ensure the safety of their guests, with new protocols and rigorous attention to detail.
<h2>A Rise in Domestic Travel </h2>
Experience Designer: <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/experts/annik-boulva/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Annik Boulva</a>
Based in Utah, Annik has been our go-to resource for trips to the American Southwest for over a decade. However, doubling as our expert for our most popular regions in France, the United States often took the backburner as travellers preferred to venture across the Atlantic rather than explore their own backyard. 
But because of travel restrictions imposed by the European Union, that wasn&#8217;t possible in 2020. This meant more Americans opted to explore their home country instead.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-47871" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TravelTips2021Utah-960x576.jpg" alt="" width="752" height="451" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TravelTips2021Utah.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TravelTips2021Utah-480x288.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TravelTips2021Utah-768x461.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" />
Recently, Annik orchestrated a family stay at the <a href="https://aubergeresorts.com/bluesky/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lodge at Blue Sky</a>, a luxury private ranch in the mountains of Utah, outside Salt Lake City. The group took over the property for a secluded vacation in the heart of nature. 
Guided by her expertise, Annik helped facilitate daily excursions and activities for the family and acted as a personal concierge and liaison between the travellers and the property, ensuring important details like babysitters, dinner reservations and tweaking events to make them suitable for children were all taken care of. 
Annik is now looking at more ways of showing Americans a new side of their home country, such as a private houseboat charter on Lake Powell or luxury camping on the secluded North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
<h2>Travel Tips: Things to keep in mind when planning your next trip</h2>
Meticulous planning under the current global circumstances is more important than ever. Relying on spontaneity is not really an option with most things requiring an advanced booking. The upside, however, is that there is bound to be fewer people, allowing for a potentially crowd-free holiday. Here are a few of our tips to consider for your next trip.
Get started earlier than you think you should
With everything from 2020 being postponed, there’s a pent-up demand for future travel. Hot times for travel like the Holiday Season of 2021 and even 2022 are already filling up. 
Consider back up options
Something to be mindful of when you plan early is that unpredictable changes can occur. New regulations could have destinations closing their borders or implementing a quarantine at the last minute, so you&#8217;ll want to be flexible when it comes to the possibility of going somewhere new.
We saw this happen this year with a self-guided trip to Burgundy switching to Puglia after the UK imposed quarantine restrictions for citizens returning from France. Our team jumped into action by rebooking all their events just a week before departure.
Remember the finer details
With many new measures in place to ensure social distancing, you’ll have to be diligent about booking everything from a dinner reservation to an elliptical at the gym and time at the pool. (Or, let us be diligent about the details for you!)
Book with confidence
From your airline tickets to your in-destination activities, booking services with flexible cancellation policies and updated terms of service to ensure your safety is a top priority. <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/what-to-expect-travel-with-br/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Take a look at this page</a> for more information on how we&#8217;ve responded to COVID-19, and for any other questions, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/contact-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">don&#8217;t hesitate to get in touch</a>.

Our Experts Share How to Plan for Future Travel

Condé Nast Names Four B&R Trip Designers on Their List of Top Travel Specialists 2020

Columnists

Experts + Insiders

Notes From the Road

The Slow Road

Norway

Europe

Though I no longer live in Norway, running in Oslo and throughout the country introduced me to the extended joys of both daylight and darkness.
The experience continues to serve as a reminder that, yes, life is meant to be lived outdoors.
<hr />
Feeling inspired to experience Norway&#8217;s raw beauty for yourself? Gabriella would love to <a href="https://butterfield.com/start-planning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">talk travel</a> (and everything else) with you.

<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-46331 size-large" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/secondbanner1600x1000-960x600.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/secondbanner1600x1000-960x600.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/secondbanner1600x1000-250x156.jpg 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/secondbanner1600x1000-480x300.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/secondbanner1600x1000-768x480.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/secondbanner1600x1000.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Within that experience—finding myself in a new setting, adjusting to new dynamics, without any strong relationships to lean on, I began to run. I ran around Oslo—following the forests and lakes that cradle the city centre; I ran at the ripe hour of 6 am—spikes protruding from my shoes to keep balance along quiet, cross-country paths; I ran to relieve my loneliness and also to mirror the determination that the very landscape inspired. I ran because a new place jolts you to new associations and a desire to push your boundaries a little further.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-46342 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/oslostreets720x460.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/oslostreets720x460.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/oslostreets720x460-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />
I grew in personality and discipline. Slowly marathon running became an essential part of my life.
Along with that, I developed my career—incrementally at first, and without realizing it. To help pay for my studies abroad I worked at a local biking company in Oslo; I travelled for many years around the country appreciating the perfect cocktail of culture, people and nature and it slowly dawned on me that this could be a career.
It was an idyllic place to start my career in travel because the country reinforced many principles that still guide me today. One: the experience of darkness is not a limit—embrace it! That metaphor has, and can be, applied to many other realms in my life.
Second: I lived in a country with a truly special relationship with its green spaces. That’s reflected in the way the outdoors is optimized for use, but it’s also in the preservation.
Norway tracks well for high-end eco-conscious travel and this is intentional; eco-lodges are perched in the middle of forests, near fjords and shoulder organic, farm-to-table enterprises. The high cost of travel here keeps tourism at a manageable scale—the idea is to resist compromise; to make sure the preservation of the country&#8217;s pristine landscapes is first and foremost for the people who live here.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-46344 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Countrysdie_720x460.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Countrysdie_720x460.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Countrysdie_720x460-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />

If it is embraced by the experts of a field, you can expect it to eventually becomes mainstream
The winds of change for the e-bike have also been gathering on the sidelines of elite cycling. As both mountain bikers and now road bikers embrace the technology—the e-bike has glided into the realm of normalized, if not lauded bike travel and recognized sport in Europe.
As Geoff our director of European operations notes, “e-bikes started in the mountain bike sector as a means of assistance for hard-core off-road riding and has really taken off in the past few years.” Part of the appeal lay in the offer of consistency and support when approaching a ride with an unknown variability of grade. “Now you can go out and really take off knowing that you’ll have assistance should you find yourself in a tough spot,” Geoff adds.
At many ski areas people rent e-bikes as a means to get their challenging rides in, which is a change in perception to be sure. Where there was once judgement that an e-bike was for people who couldn’t hack it—now people are seeking it out for the challenging opportunity it provides. With that simple switch in perception, e-bike mountain racing has grown tremendously in the last few years and now the e-bike road racing sector is following, closely, behind.
The re-branding of the e-bike owes a lot to the hardcore cyclists who have embraced it as a way to push their limits.
<figure id="attachment_46298" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46298" style="width: 720px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-46298 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Moustachebike3_720x460.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Moustachebike3_720x460.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Moustachebike3_720x460-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46298" class="wp-caption-text">Our new 2020 e-bike was created in partnership with French-based Moustache Bikes</figcaption></figure>

The benefits:
*Approach any day with the desire for a work-out, but tailor it exactly as you please. When the mood strikes, simply apply a boost.
*Those who might have assumed they could not explore Alsace, Tuscany or Switzerland by bike, for example, now find the hills entirely in their grasp. The e-bike flattens the journey as needed. In this way, areas of travel by bike really open up for everyone.
*Provides more time to soak up the scenery and generally enjoy getting around on two wheels (breathe in that fresh air from the helm of your saddle not from a tour bus).
*No need to be left in the dust by your partner who takes to the road at a different pace than you—on an e-bike different skill levels can finally ride together and divert by, ahem, mutual choice.
*While the e-bike was once perceived as a tool to help you ‘keep up’—it’s equally sensible to assume it can be used as a tool to help you go further. See more.
Speed up, slow down—ultimately the e-bike provides more choice and lets you be the director of your day.
&nbsp;
Next – Read how we’ve <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/2020/01/15/crafting-our-2020-e-bike-fleet-a-partnership-with-french-based-moustache-e-bikes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">partnered with Moustache Bikes</a> to create a customized fleet for B&amp;R travellers.

Changing Course: The E-bike's Ascent Toward the Mainstream

Italy

Sardinia

<h2>Time Moves Differently Here</h2>
I met a woman recently while buying a gift for my sister; her (Canadian) daughter married a Sardinian and now lives on the island. And here’s one thing she remarked to me about the island: “I like how people take their time.” It’s really an understatement, as when you get here, you’ll feel as if there’s all the time in the world. The priority for us Sardinians is quality of life, and our philosophy is simple: enjoy life and take your time to savour the everyday moments, no matter how small. You, too, will see just how time weaves its magical spell as you slow down to the rhythm of the island.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40458 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sardinia-Swimmers-960px.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="638" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sardinia-Swimmers-960px.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sardinia-Swimmers-960px-451x300.jpg 451w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sardinia-Swimmers-960px-768x510.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sardinia-Swimmers-960px-903x600.jpg 903w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h2>Rural Life</h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-40464 size-thumbnail alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/rural-sheep-732-250x156.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="156" />While the outer coastal cities are more urbanized, there is something to be said about the Sardinian rural way of life—it’s wonderful. I had an elemental childhood, running wild on the beach, on my grandparents’ farm, and generally playing outside amongst nature. Most of us have family land in the countryside to roam in, where we work the land as our ancestors have through the generations. Here is where we Sardinians put aside our phones to enjoy the simple things: sunshine, the earth and the things that grow from it—fruits and vegetables, tending to animals and plants. My niece and nephew go to the countryside daily after school with their parents to pick fruit or just play outdoors. As you travel the island, you’ll see this everywhere you go (and maybe get to participate in it, too).
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40473 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/rural-sardinia-732px.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="482" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/rural-sardinia-732px.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/rural-sardinia-732px-456x300.jpg 456w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" />
<h2>The Sea and the Coast</h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40474 alignleft" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/archway-sardinia-beach-350px-1.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="233" />One of the things I miss from back home is one of the simplest: it’s the smell of the sea, and the distinctive smell of Sardinia with its trees, plants, herbs and shrubs on the wind. The second I get off the plane, it just hits me and I know that I’ve arrived. I also feel joyful and nostalgic when I return to the beloved beaches, coves, and smaller islands that I know so well. Much has been written about Sardinian beaches, as they’re secluded, dramatically beautiful, clean and safe—truly without compare. 
Some of my favourites are hard to get to, and some of the more popular ones are just so pretty that their appeal is hard to hide from the masses! Stintino is one of the big ones, with its white sand and blue water. I also love Argentiera, next to an old argento (silver) mine, the Spanish towers overlooking Porticciolo and Porto Ferro, and Cala Goloritze on the east coast, with its white limestone and endless shades of blue—accessible only after a hike through an ancient cork forest.  
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40445 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/stintino-960-1.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/stintino-960-1.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/stintino-960-1-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/stintino-960-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/stintino-960-1-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />

Paradise: The Sardinian Way Of Life

Eat &amp; Drink

Essentials &amp; Advice

Portfolio

30 Best Hotel Bars Around the World

<h4>The Real Sardinia: Rural Life</h4>
Speaking of the countryside, it’s here where Sardinia’s rustic charms are showcased to high effect. Sardinia is the only region in Italy that produces cork, thanks to its ancient oak cork groves; sustainably produced by shaving off the outer layer of bark, allowing the rest of the tree to grow. A cork oak must be at least three decades old before it can be harvested. The cork industry has suffered a bit due to more aluminum and plastic corks being used, but there is a movement to market corks as a sustainable, green alternative. You will also find cork incorporated as a material in traditional artwork or everyday household items like trays.
Look around and you’ll also see a lot of sheep, nearly 4 million of them—one of the highest densities in the world. The indigenous Sarda sheep is a domestic breed which produces the best milk for pecorino sardo cheese. This firm cheese is not as well known outside of Italy as similar cheeses such as pecorino romano, although Sardinians also produce it. A form of pecorino sardo can also be transformed into casu marzu, a decomposed cheese (created by introducing the cheese fly maggot to its interior) that is considered an aphrodisiac.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-38486 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Cheese-Sardinia-732px.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="486" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Cheese-Sardinia-732px.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Cheese-Sardinia-732px-452x300.jpg 452w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" />
<h3>Sublime Biking</h3>
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-38489 alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/biker-350px.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="222" />As you might expect from a B&amp;R trip planner, Sardinia wouldn’t be one of my most beloved destinations without the addition of exceptional biking—and we’re not the only ones. The famous Giro d’Italia has taken place in Sardinia three times, most recently in 2017 as the start of the 100th anniversary of the race. Whether you’re riding along the rugged coast or taking a detour to the sparkling Maddalena Islands and her curious granite formations, through the glamorous resorts and yacht-studded seas of Costa Smeralda or along the massif of Mount Limbara, the challenge of the routes and the sheer beauty of the rides will have you coming back for more.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-38488 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/biking-inland-960px.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="720" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/biking-inland-960px.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/biking-inland-960px-400x300.jpg 400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/biking-inland-960px-768x576.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/biking-inland-960px-800x600.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />

Must Sees

See + Do

Spotlight

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Puglia

<h2>Alberobello</h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-25580" src="http://stag.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Alberobello-inset-960x600.jpg" alt="Alberobello-inset" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Alberobello-inset-960x600.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Alberobello-inset-250x156.jpg 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Alberobello-inset-480x300.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Alberobello-inset.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
The centre of trulli tourism, most of Alberobello&#8217;s more than 1,000 trulli have been converted into gift shops.
The town derives its name from the Latin for oak forest, Sylvia Arboris Belli, a reference to the beautiful oak forest that once characterized the area. In today’s Italian, albero bello translates to “beautiful tree.” Today a <a title="UNESCO" href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/787" target="_blank">UNESCO World Heritage site</a>, Alberobello was founded by the Count of Conversano, Giovanni Acquaviva d’Aragona, who wanted to build a town independent of the royal court in Naples.
He forced the farmers living on his land to gather in a settlement and build dry stone structures that could easily be pulled down in case of royal inspections—Acquaviva’s scheme to avoid paying taxes. In 1797, the residents of Alberobello appealed to King Ferdinand IV, and were freed of their onerous feudal bond. Alberobello was granted loyal town status in May of that year.

Culture &amp; Lifestyle

Need to Know

Reading for the Road

B&amp;R Picks

Lakes District

<a title="Italian Days" href="http://amzn.to/2D8r5IP" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-14420" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ITL02.jpg" alt="Books About the Italian Lakes" width="120" height="185" /></a>
<h4><a href="http://amzn.to/2D8r5IP" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Italian Days</a></h4>
By Barbara Grizzuti Harrison
Grizzuti Harrison writes with warmth and depth of her journey from Milan south to Calabria in this sprightly account of Italy and the Italians.
<a href="http://amzn.to/2D8r5IP" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more on Amazon &gt;&gt;</a>
<hr />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2oX13Dr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-23150" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ITL384.jpg" alt="ITL384" width="120" height="181" /></a>
<h4><a href="http://amzn.to/2oX13Dr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Farewell to Arms</a></h4>
By Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway’s great work, is a semi-autobiographical take on his time in Stresa and the nurse he loved.
<a href="http://amzn.to/2oX13Dr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more on Amazon &gt;&gt;</a>
<hr />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2G3aole" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-23151" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ITL414-198x320.jpg" alt="ITL414" width="90" height="145" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ITL414-198x320.jpg 198w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ITL414.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 90px) 100vw, 90px" /></a>
<h4><a href="http://amzn.to/2G3aole" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Betrothed</a></h4>
By Alessandro Manzoni
A seminal Italian novel set amidst the stunning Lakes.
<a href="http://amzn.to/2G3aole" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more on Amazon &gt;&gt;</a>
&nbsp;

Reading for the Road: Books About the Italian Lakes

Cities

Corsica

Cuisine

Travel Inspiration

France

Beaches

Cinque Terre

<h2>Summer Fun and Outstanding Seafood</h2>
Back on the mainland, while tourists pilgrimage to Roma the locals set off for coastal outposts like Ostia and points further south. The <a title="Amalfi Coast " href="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/italy/amalfi-coast/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Amalfi Coast</a> and island of Capri are famed, but lesser-known gems Ischia and Procida also draw attention. The winding coast of the Sorrentine peninsula offers a series of cliff-hugging towns with colourful beach life from Vico Equense (the so-called “true birthplace of the pizza”) around to Positano and on past Amalfi and Vietri sul Mare.
<figure id="attachment_11107" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-11107" style="width: 320px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-11107 " src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Puglia-320x212.jpg" alt="Beaches in Italy" width="320" height="212" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Puglia-320x212.jpg 320w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Puglia-124x82.jpg 124w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Puglia.jpg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-11107" class="wp-caption-text">In Puglia, beach seekers plunge into the sea or wade in slowly from rocky outcrops.</figcaption></figure>
But the summer fun and outstanding seafood extend beyond Campania, as seaside fun and family gathering points run south to the toe of Italy’s boot, where it meets with magical Sicily. This island has the added draws of a deep culture to discover in Palermo and Siracusa and incredible archaeological sites at Agrigento and Selinunte, not to mention its always colourful history, fabulous beaches and nearby sister islands (the volcanic Aeolian islands, Stromboli, Filicudi, Lipari and Salina to note just a few).
Moving eastward to the heel of the boot, the region of <a title="Puglia" href="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/italy/puglia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Puglia </a>is a great draw for beach seekers who enjoy plunging into its deep blue seas from rocky outcrops or wading in slowly along its sandy stretches. The eastern coast has a selection of seaside hamlets stretching the distance to Ravenna and on to Venice, where the Lido remains a popular seasonal getaway for Venetians.
Few countries the size of Italy can boast such diverse geography and a wealth of summer destinations for its citizens—and fortunately for us, they are more than willing to share.

sardinia

Blog posts for 'sardinia'