Castelsardo

At the top of the hill stands the fortress of the Doria family, an ancient noble family of Genoa, which now contains a museum of Mediterranean weaving.
Overlooking the sea not far from the castle is the 14th century cathedral of Sant'Antonio Abate, with its unusual bell tower covered with colourful ceramic tiles.
On the slopes under the castle stands the medieval church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, containing the 15th century wooden crucifix known as Il Cristo Nero: the Black Christ.

Near the town is the famous Roccia dell’Elefante, an evocative natural sculpture made entirely by the wind alone. The area has been inhabited since the age of the nuraghi, more than three thousand years ago, as indicated by the ruins of the Paddaggiu nuraghe.
The Monte Ossoni archaeological area is the site of a prehistoric village defended by imposing walls.
Sailing and windsurfing fans will enjoy the area’s spectacular beaches, including Punta La Capra, Punta Li Paddimi and Lu Bagnu.
The city is famous for its traditional rites in the week leading up to Easter, with obvious Spanish influences, attracting the faithful from all over Sardinia.
Local handcrafts: Woven baskets

Local handcrafts: Woven baskets

Castelsardo is famous all over the world for its hand-woven baskets. Women may be seen in the town's winding lanes intent on weaving coloured baskets in hues recalling the turquoise blue of the sea, along with fisherman making “nasse”, traps to be dropped to the bottom of the sea to catch shellfish.

Local handcrafts: Ceramics

Sardinia has a very ancient tradition of ceramics, mentioned in documents since the 17th century. The area most famous for its ceramics is Oristano, home to the Oristano Vase with its sculpture of Eleonora d’Arborea.

Local handcrafts: Gold filigree

Sardinian handcrafts include beautiful traditional gold filigree and coral jewellery. The best-known jewel is the Sardinian wedding ring, which is flat and decorated with gold and silver leaf.

Gastronomic products: Sardinian cheese

Cheese are among the best-known gastronomic specialities of Sardinia, where they are part of an ancient tradition of shepherding. The island produces more sheep’s milk cheese than anywhere else in Europe, exported to many markets, especially in northern Europe.

Gastronomic products: Sweets

Sardinia is also known for its sweets and honey. The most famous and valuable honey is strawberry tree honey, but equally tasty varieties include cardoon, eucalyptus, asphodel, rosemary and chestnut.