Many of us know that Sardinia is a beautiful Italian island with stunning beaches and turquoise waters, but this amazing location offers way more! Here are 12 facts about Sardinia you probably didn’t know, an island that will surprise you in the most unexpected ways !

1. Sardinian people live older

Scientists all over the world are researching the genetic structure of Sardinian people. According to studies, there are more than 300 men and women over the age of 100! It is believed that the local diet and lifestyle on the island has been fundamental for the longevity of its people. Superb red and white wines, fresh products, carasau bread, and pecorino cheese can sure do wonders!

2. The Nuraghes

Based on studies of the ancient Nuragic population of Sardinia, some hypothesize that Atlantis, the famous mythical island that has fascinated many, had its origin in the Barumini nuraghe, the most important archaeological ruins present on the island. The Nuraghes, a type of large tower-shaped stone structure dating 1800 b.C, are present only in Sardinia and no other place on Earth.

3. Tavolara

Sardinia is home to what was once the smallest kingdom in the world: Tavolara. This tiny island off the coast of the city of Olbia, had a self-proclaimed king. Legend says that when The King of Sardinia, Carlo Alberto di Savoia, arrived to Tavolara in 1836 and presented himself as such, Giuseppe Berteleoni, who lived on the small island with his family and goats, who were the only inhabitants, simply replied by saying he was the King of Tavolara. King Carlo Alberto remained on Tavolara for a week and after his departure, he sent a royal document to Giuseppe Berteleoni, recognizing Tavolara as a sovereign state.

4. The Asinara Island

Also known as the “Sardinian Alcatraz” due to its former high-security prison, the Asinara island is another small island off the Northern coast of Sardinia. This is where the albino donkeys live and these cute animals can be found only in this part of the island. Their origins are uncertain: some believe they were imported from Egypt, while others argue that they were on a vessel traveling to France and managed to survive and reach the island after the ship’s wreck.

5. The fauna of Sardinia

Due to its geographical isolation, more than 200 species of plants grow only in Sardinia. Regarding its fauna, there are 55 endemic species of spiders on the island! The only bat native to Italy is found in Sardinia and lives in the forests of Oliena and Baunei. Don’t worry though, you won’t encounter any of them during our excursions ; )

6. The “Sos Gigantes”

The Giant Statues of Mont’e Prama are the biggest in Europe and the oldest statues of the Western world. They were built during the Nuragic period and discovered in 1974. The statues have big heads, concentric circles instead of eyes and a fine line as a mouth. Their height is between 2 and 2.5 meters. Who were they? Ancient boxers? Warriors? Few answers have emerged, and many questions still remain.

7. S’Accabadora

“Sa femmina accabadora” was a woman whose duty was to put an end to the suffering of the terminally ill, regardless of their age or condition. She was contacted by the dying person’s family and her services weren’t remunerated because paying for euthanasia was contrary to religious beliefs and superstition.

8. Le Dune Piscinas

Europe’s largest sand dunes are found in Sardinia: Piscinas. They are located in Arbus, in an isolated area of the “Costa Verde”. These dunes are continuously caressed by the wind and host juniper and mastic trees. They extend from the inland and reach the sea creating an almost endless view.

9. The Sardinian Flag

The Sardinian flag shows four black, blind-folded heads facing the luff of the flag. A red cross (a.k.a. Saint George’s Cross) divides the flag into four segments with a black head in each square. Who do the heads represent? The four kingdoms of Sardinia? The four defeated Aragonese kings? Are they the heads of beheaded prisoners? There’s still much debate…

10. The Sardinian Caves

The Caves of Santa Barbara, on the South West of Sardinia, are the oldest in Italy and one of the most ancient in Europe. Discovered accidentally by mine workers in 1952, they were described as a holy vision. It has been said that upon discovering them one of the mine workers exclaimed he thought he had died as the stalagmites and stalactites resembled a huge, white, heavenly cathedral.

11. Grotte del Bue Marino

The Sea Ox Grotto is the longest cave in Europe. It is found in Sardinia, precisely in the Gulf of Orosei. The title of the cave derives from the name given to the sea ox in Sardinian language. These animals inhabited the cave system until constant human activity forced them to migrate to other places. You can visit them as well as do the whole tour of the Gulf by joining a boat tour.

12. Sardinian Canyons

One of the deepest canyons of Europe is found in Sardinia: Su Gorropu. Located between Orgosolo and Urzulei, it was formed by the erosion of Rio Flumineddu river. It’s over 500 meters high and in some areas only 4 meters wide. Due to its geographical characteristics, many parts of the gorge receive almost no sunlight, making it a perfect environment for endemic species to develop. Gorropu is home to the rarest amphibious of Europe: the “Geotritone of Supramonte” (Speleomantes supramontis), a kind of salamander.

Whichever reason brings you to marvelous Sardinia, prepare to be amazed by this wonderful island in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea!

Natalia Lozano


White Donkeys
Albino Donkeys


Tavolara Island


Grotta del Bue Marino
Sea Ox Grotto

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