and virtually every territory and even some very small towns villages or hamlets are in fact custodians of very ancient knowledge and crafts These include the small town of Castelsardo in the province of Sassari Even in such a small reality there is a tradition of craftsmanship of great interest so much so that it finds its point of reference in one of the most visited museum sites in Sardinia.The Museo dell’Intreccio Mediterraneo (MIM) in Castelsardo had about 150,000 paying visitors in the year 2017 alone The museum stands as a witness and protector of the very ancient tradition of weaving with which artifacts of daily use have always been made in the area and today it is considered a true intangible cultural asset worthy of protection The technique of weaving is part of the ancestral knowledge that passed down orally cannot rely on a written tradition and for that reason it is difficult to trace its origins The difficulty in dating this process is also compounded by the perishability of the products made but following a number of archaeological campaigns scholars agree that the beginnings of this technique date back even to a time before the great Neolithic revolution Weaving as a manipulation to produce artifacts of various shapes and workmanship is not only a heritage of Sardinia but on the island it has maintained a vitality that lasts to this day The diffusion and specificity in Sardinia of this type of manufacture is strongly characterized by the different plant essences available in the various territories but also by different compositional techniques in particular according to a different arrangement with which the weave of the fibers is organized The first of these processes involves the use of plants such as rushes scissors and knives are wrapped and stitched with spiral gaits and is used to make baskets and containers with various uses which can be decorated with colored inserts of different materials with geometric While crisscross weaving consists of arranging plant material roofs and shepherding containers were made weaving is also used for religious purposes particularly during celebrations such as Easter and in this case palm or olive leaves are woven to decorate places of worship or to enliven processions or with apotropaic values Castelsardo’s MIM offers a rich museum tour that allows visitors to immerse themselves in this atavistic tradition Housed in a medieval fortress built during the Genoese domination of the Doria family the itinerary winds through nine rooms on two levels as well as a space for temporary exhibitions and fascinating overlooks offered by the castle’s panoramic terraces Its collections make it possible not only to follow the evolution of this craft in the Castelsardo area but also its spread throughout the island and even the entire Mediterranean area with artifacts also coming from North Africa It is a formidable documentation center in which virtuoso baskets from the Castelsardo tradition are on display which recall the imagery of the papyrus boats of ancient Egypt The visit then is enhanced by the evocative medieval venue where it is possible to walk the ancient sentinel walkways The championship leader mustered a podium while road sweeping in Portugal but has far less faith on Italian gravel Words by World Rally Championship points leader Thierry Neuville got lucky on Rally Portugal Damper-than-expected conditions meant leading the field away on the first day wasn’t as drastic a penalty as it might have been But this week’s Rally Italy is unlikely to be so kind to the championship leader Speaking to DirtFish during the recce on Thursday Neuville was blunt in his assessment of what lay ahead: “Friday just looks like a disaster but it is what it is and we knew it was coming.” the two stages that compose Friday’s running make up the most bruising loop of the entire rally During recce there was plenty of loose gravel on both tests; an elevated puncture risk is also anticipated thanks to loose stones and exposed bedrock not helped by concrete and asphalt sections mid-stage Elfyn Evans was equally downbeat in his assessment of his chances on the opening day of Rally Italy Sardinia Neuville added: “Osilo has always been really loose with big stones on top so definitely some of the most challenging stages.” “We know that first to tenth or whatever is worth a massive amount we’re fighting the guys that are around us and that’s how it will be.” And it’s those around him that Evans has to keep his eyes on as he sees little point in getting dragged into a fight with those further down the order “We need a strong rally and to do the best we can but of course it’s unrealistic to expect to fight with the guys starting sixth Is there anything the Hyundai driver can do to help mitigate his opening-day disadvantage Sign up today and be the first to know about special offers the room occupancy rate rose from 71,81 percent in July 2023 to 76,86 percent in July 2024 The north-west of Sardinia records a notable increase in the tourist flow in the month of July as revealed by the data collected by the Federalberghi Confcommercio of the province of Sassari The accommodation facilities in the area recorded a significant increase in attendance compared to the same month of the previous year the room occupancy rate rose from 71,81% in July 2023 to 76,86 percent in July 2024 Sorso and the internal areas had a total of 110.546 beds available monthly These attracted 8.554 national and 13.706 international tourists generating a total of 27.276 overnight stays by Italians and 55.628 by foreign visitors Alghero confirms itself as a privileged destination with room occupancy that went from 77,74 percent in 2023 to 79,15 percent this year it is the Gulf of Asinara that stands out for the best performance with a leap from 62,11 percent in July 2023 to 70,87 percent this year The increase in tourism was also supported by the collaboration between Sogeaal and Geasar airports which played a crucial role in the increase in arrivals some operators report difficulties in maintaining competitive prices for rooms and services which could negatively impact annual revenues thanks also to the influx of Italian tourists who continue to choose northern Sardinia as a summer destination Read also other news on Nova News Click here and receive updates on WhatsApp Follow us on the social channels of Nova News on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Telegram 2000 - 2025 Nova Agency. All rights reserved Brunno Braga•Nov 20 The magic of Disney’s The Little Mermaid has not only captivated hearts worldwide but has also made waves in 2023 The film secured its place among the top ten films globally with a staggering $570 million at the box office Starring an ensemble cast including Awkwafina earning an “A” CinemaScore and an impressive 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes Building on the legacy of the beloved 1989 classic The Little Mermaid has extended its reach beyond the silver screen It enchanted audiences through merchandise The release of the live-action adaptation has not only breathed new life into the tale but has also sparked renewed interest in the original animated films on Disney+ For those who have experienced the allure of The Little Mermaid there’s an irresistible desire to step into the enchanting locations featured in the movie If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the stunning landscapes where Ariel and her friends came to life served as the backdrop for many outdoor scenes in the film A trip to Sardinia promises not only to reveal the magic of the movie but also to immerse you in the beauty of this Mediterranean destination each step will transport you into the fairy tale world of Ariel and her underwater companions Whether you’re a Disney enthusiast or a travel aficionado seeking extraordinary landscapes It invites you to dive into a real-life mermaid adventure Embark on your own Little Mermaid journey in Sardinia where the magic of Disney meets the enchantment of the Mediterranean The castle that captures Ariel’s gaze from a rocky perch is Castelsardo It is a charming town in the north of Sardinia the Doria Castle retains its medieval charm and now doubles as a museum While the castle may not match the film’s reconstruction the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Asinara and even Corsica on clear days make Castelsardo a must-visit destination Remember the scene where Ariel emerges from the crystal-clear sea That iconic moment was filmed at Rena Majore Beach near Santa Teresa di Gallura Rena Majore’s beauty extends beyond the film The location attracts visitors with its gentle slopes Connected to Rena Majore Beach by a scenic coastal walk is Rena di Matteu Beach This beach offers turquoise and blue hues contrasting with dark rock This is a perfect setting for the carriage ride scenes featuring Ariel and Eric this beach provides a breathtaking panorama of Capo Testa Cala Moresca is nestled near Golfo Aranci and within the protected area of Capo Figari It served as the natural set for the fishermen’s village scenes With its golden sandy beaches and emerald sea Cala Moresca presents a hidden gem just a few kilometers from Olbia The beaches facing Figarolo Island offer a picturesque view creating an idyllic atmosphere for the movie’s captivating scenes a free daily newsletter that features the best of travel and guides to the cities you love from a new point of view — yours you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy Queen Elizabeth Once Stepped In To Prevent Snoop Dogg From Being Banned From The UK United Airlines Flight Attendant's Armrest Announcement Sparks Social Media Frenzy ‘Basketball Wives’ Star Mehgan James Speaks Out About Popular Bahamas Island With Flesh-Eating Bacteria After Friend Loses Leg Chaos Erupts After Ethiopian Airlines Passenger Forced To Give Up Seat For Minister Check out these filming sites that have added to this harrowing story of creative survival in two popular cities Paramount+'s 'MobLand' has rapidly garnered a wide audience thanks to its fascinating characters and gorgeous scenic backdrops A 27-year-old Chinese student living in Japan was rescued twice from Mount Fuji within days – the second time after reascending for his phone The Haifeng is Taiwan’s first luxury dessert-themed train It redefines the afternoon tea experience with some Michelin-starred desserts is taking a step towards opening its doors to international travelers Here are all the details you need to know ahead of the WRC's next gravel rally With Rally Portugal complete, the traditional gravel season of the World Rally Championship is now well under way. Portugal delivered drama aplenty, and that theme is likely to continue with the next event: Rally Italy Sardinia. Here are all the details you need to know ahead of this rough, tough and unforgiving event. Thierry Neuville led a Hyundai one-two on last year's event Ogier goes into Sardinia off the back of consecutive wins in Croatia and Portugal, making him the only driver with two wins so far this year. Takamoto Katsuta is back on points-scoring duty and, like Elfyn Evans, he will be looking to make up for a disappointing weekend in Portugal. Hyundai’s full-time line-up of Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak will again be joined by Dani Sordo. The Spanish part-timer takes to the start for the second time in 2024 and will be ready to assist his team-mates by trying to deny Toyota as many points as possible. Over at M-Sport, it’s been a season of contrast. Regular duo Adrien Fourmaux, who has displayed a new level of maturity, and Grégoire Munster , who needs to find a way to emulate his team-mate, while once again pilot the Puma Rally1s. Sébastien Ogier is gunning for a third consecutive WRC rally win Oliver Solberg and Nikolay Gryazin sit second and third in the championship respectively, but neither will be shooting for points this weekend. Gryazin was the top Rally2 runner in Portugal even though he didn’t score points there either, while Solberg crashed out of the lead in dramatic fashion on the Saturday. The pressure should be off for both drivers, so expect to see them near the front. It’s championship leader Yohan Rossel that leads the WRC2 field away and, after a strong showing for the Citroën C3 in Portugal, he will be hoping that the improved gravel pace wasn’t a one-off. Rossel is joined by a new co-driver for this one, with Benjamin Boulloud replacing Arnaud Dunand, who contributed to a double penalty for Rossel in Portugal that relegated him to fifth in WRC2. Nicolas Ciamin is the second of the points-scoring drivers, though he starts behind Solberg and Gryazin. Sardinia will be Ciamin’s fourth WRC2 appearance of the year and, coincidentally, he has finished fourth on each of his starts to date. The Hyundai is arguably the weakest Rally2 car right now, so Ciamin will have a fight on his hands if he wants to match those around him. Yohan Rossel will aim to convert renewed gravel pace into points at the finish Pepe López is up next and will make his second start in a Fiesta Rally2. It was a quick exit for Lopez in Portugal with a roll on just the second stage, so the Spanish driver will be hoping his form is more like it was in a Škoda, where he scored podiums in Monte Carlo and Croatia. Retirements were very much a theme of WRC2 in Portugal, and Pierre-Louis Loubet and Teemu Suninen start way back in 20th and 21st respectively as they try to recover from a bad start to their year. Sami Pajari was another to go off the road last time out, and he starts behind Lopez in a Toyota GR Yaris. Portugal was a different story for fellow Toyota pilot Jans Solans, as he took his maiden WRC2 win, also giving the Japanese manufacturer its first victory in the category. He starts 12th on the road, while the man that finished just 3.2-seconds behind him, Josh McErlean, starts all the way back in 26th place in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. Other Škoda drivers include Lauri Joona and three-time European champion Kajetan Kajetanowicz, while Robert Virves makes his first WRC2 appearance of 2024 in another Fabia. Fiesta-mounted 2023 JWRC champion William Creighton comes into Sardinia off the back off XYZ place on the latest round of the British Rally Championship, the Jim Clark Rally. Top local interest comes in the form of Roberto Daprà. The 2023 ERC4 champion has graduated to a Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo for this season and comes to Sardinia having finished ninth and seventh in Portugal and Croatia respectively. Sardinia marks the halfway point in the Junior World Rally Championship season, which means a strong entry of cars. Of 27 Rally3 starters, 20 are registered for WRC3 and 18 for JWRC. The Renaults of Ghjuvanni Rossi and Mattéo Chatillon lead the field. Rossi finished fifth in Portugal, while Chatillon was second in WRC3 in both Portugal and Croatia (and second Rally3 car on the Monte), so he will no doubt be hoping that three twos add up to one this time. Peruvian Eduardo Castro is third on the road in a Fiesta Rally3 and makes his first European start of 2024, having already won two rallies at home this year. Romet Jürgenson leads the JWRC standings after winning in Croatia Romet Jürgenson starts fourth and is the first JWRC driver. He leads the championship after winning in Croatia and finishing second in Sweden. Mille Johansson is currently second in the championship having won in Sweden. He is not going to Sardinia however, instead electing to contest the Swedish championship Rally Uppland as part of a mixed 2024 campaign. A trio of JWRC drivers start behind Jürgenson. His fellow FIA Rally Star Taylor Gill, third in the championship, is ahead of 2023 ERC junior champion Norbert Maior, with 2022 British junior champion Eamonn Kelly next. Raúl Hernández rounds out the top ten. Sardinia has a dramatically different look for 2024, with a much shorter Friday contributing to a route that now features just 165 competitive miles instead of the 199 miles of last year. The stage count has also dropped from 19 to 16 as a result. Shakedown takes place on Friday morning with action for real getting under way in the afternoon. There are two shoot loops of two stages, covering 48 miles, starting with Osilu – Tergo at almost 16 miles. This is followed by the eight-mile Sedini – Castelsardo test, before a 40-minute regroup in Castelsardo. With no service or tire-fitting zone between, tire preservation might be the order of the day. A shortened route should make for intense competition Fewer miles on Friday ensures that Saturday is the longest day of the rally, with 93 miles across eight stages. The morning starts with the 7.5-mile Tempio Pausania, before the crews take on the 14-mile Tula test. Rather than waiting until the afternoon to repeat those, they are run again after a short regroup in Tempio Pausania, 64 miles from the host town of Alghero. After a tire-fitting zone (but again, no midday service), the afternoon follows a similar format, with two stages run twice. The 15.7 miles of Monte Lerno – Monti di Ala kicks off the afternoon, before the drivers move on to the nine-mile Coiluna – Loelle 1. These are repeated following another regroup, before the crews head back to the service park. Sunday is the shortest day at just 22.6 miles across four stages. This is based on the traditional two-loops-of-two stages, but there is a regroup between each test, giving crews time to pause and reflect on their Super Sunday strategies. The day begins with a blast through the 7.8-mile Cala Flumini stage, followed by the warm-up run through the 4.4-mile Sassari – Argentiera. These two are repeated in the same order, meaning that drivers looking to score maximum powerstage points will need to muster every last ounce of performance through those final 4.4 miles. Sign up today and be the first to know about special offers, exclusive products and more! Copyright © 2025 DirtFish, LLC. All rights reserved. ItalyChevron Monica Forss/GettySave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links and cultural experiences right at your fingertips This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date Where to stay: Almost all guest rooms at the Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast have private terraces or gardens and the original frescoes and vaulted ceilings add to the feeling of absolute splendor particularly in the summer months when its population triples Where to stay: Book a room on the higher floors of Alberi Del Paradiso set up the hill and away from the beach crowds welcomes ferries from Italy’s mainland with its dense vegetation Where to stay: Just a 15-minute drive away from the town’s port, the Hotel Villa Ottone has multiple dining options: a poolside restaurant and another in a park; there’s also a piano bar in the summer The gym and tennis courts are perfect for staying active too and many glamorous places to rest your head at the end of the day (But it’s also easy to do a day trip; Genoa is a mere 50-minute drive away.) Where to stay: It really doesn’t get more indulgent than the extravagant 70-room Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino installed in a 16th-century monastery overlooking the town’s iconic turquoise waters head to the harbor and see if any of the 16 rooms of the Splendido Mare which is set amongst the ancient ruins of Emperor Tiberius’ old villa located at the tip of the promontory on which Sperlonga is built Where to stay: The digs at Hotel Marconi are simple and clean though of course what you’re really here for is the easy access to the beachfront The rooms are categorized by size and views—“city” or “sea.” It’s pretty obvious which one you should spring for Where to stay: The obvious answer here is the iconic Le Sirenuse, which recently unveiled its stunningly redesigned pool. Perhaps less ubiquitous on Instagram but just as magnificent is Il San Pietro di Positano serenely perched on a silver cliff outside of the main drag of the town PugliaFound right on the heel of the Italian boot the town of Otranto sits at Italy's most eastern point and has plenty to offer The Otranto Cathedral and the Castello Aragonese date back to the 11th and 15th centuries respectively—perfect cultural visits for the history buffs among us the town’s vantage point along the Adriatic Sea gives beach bums plenty of spots for diving along the rocky shores The seaside boulevards are dotted with restaurants and cafés as well ideal for long languid afternoons of whiling the summer away Where to stay: The waterfront Hotel Palazzo Papaleo offers beautiful rooms Where to stay: There are a number of small hotels in town, but Airbnb has some worthy options for spending the night, including this terraced penthouse less than a block away from the water which you’ll find near the colorful harbor town of Forio the largest of the six main settlements on the island of Ischia the laid-back sibling of Capri is a worthy visit from the mainland especially for the relaxing spa hotels that are its calling card (there are about 100 natural thermal springs on Ischia) Don’t miss the many restaurants that serve exquisite seafood; treat yourself to a tasting menu and don’t be afraid to try coniglio all’ischitana—one of the island’s native specialties made of stewed rabbit Where to stay: Sexy, stylish, languidly glamorous, Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa is everything an Italian seaside retreat should be from the team behind the beloved Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole CampaniaAlso along the Amalfi Coast lies the town of Praiano conveniently sandwiched between Positano and Amalfi making it a perfect base from which to visit both The comune is packed with white-sand beaches like Marina di Praia and Gavitella—and lots of culture to boot come here for stunning ancient churches like the 12th-century Church of San Luca Evangelista which has Renaissance paintings attributed to Giovanni Bernardo Lama Where to stay: Watch the Amalfi sunrise over the bountiful breakfast buffet at the Hotel Tramonto d’Oro this Sicilian city of about 25,000 people is an architecture lover’s dream: Because Noto was decimated in an earthquake in 1693 the medieval town was reconstructed entirely in the Sicilian baroque style giving tourists the feeling that they’re traveling through time when they visit it’s the best place in which to base yourself when you want to visit some of the most gorgeous beaches of Sicily Where to stay: Right in the middle of the historic quarter of town, Q92 Noto Hotel is perhaps the most charismatic stay in the area with sumptuously Italian decor in its suites and common areas giving you full immersion into your environment you’re more likely to imagine the rolling hills and sprawling vineyards of Chianti rather than the gleaming Mediterranean But that will change when you spend some time in Porto Ercole a seaside town on a rocky landmass that is connected to the Tuscan mainland by a singular road that divides two lagoons Its Borgo Antico (old town) is lined with cafés and trattoria that offer a beachy dolce vita experience just a few hours away from the best wine regions of the Italian peninsula Where to stay: La Roqqa—named after La Rocca the Spanish-era fortress that keeps watch over Porto Ercole—turns this lesser-known stretch of Tuscany’s coast into a chic seaside destination to rival the country’s more known resort towns and excellent hiking in the hills and vineyards above the town Don’t miss the famous walking trail called Via dell’Amore—literally translated: the road of love—that connects the town to nearby Riomaggiore and visit the small towns along the coast via rail and ferry which straddles the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples and the 14th-century the Chiesa di San Francesco—makes a great base for exploring surrounding areas: the Amalfi Coast to the east Get here by driving or by ferry from Naples Where to stay: Check into the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria for Italian opulence as well as convenience with its Michelen-starred restaurant Terraza Bosquet and La Serra spa sits just a ten-minute walk away from the Porta di Sorrento where boats and ferries can take you all over the Sorrentine Peninsula SardiniaSardinia is best known for its pristine beaches and mind-blowing culinary scene both of which you can find easily in the vicinity of Castelsardo But Castelsardo is also a remarkably well-maintained piece of a history that dates back to the Nuragic civilization that made Sardinia its home during the Bronze Age Remnants of that ancient legacy can be found in the area but you can also fast-forward a few millennia and take in sweeping views of the ocean from the town's cathedral a fortified castle that offers magnificent views of the sea LiguriaThis small Italian fishing village nestled on the Italian Riviera isn’t just pretty—it’s surprisingly happening In addition to rows of candy-colored homes there’s a small harbor with shops and restaurants and a large piazza that’s a perfect spot for sipping coffee and people-watching Given its short distance from Genoa just thirty minutes away by car it’s a lovely alternative (or addition) to a trip to Portofino Where to stay: Make a beeline for the pool area at Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi; its deck area directly faces the ravishing Ligurian Sea the town on the famous eponymous island frequented by aristocrats and the jet-set since time immemorial It’s well-known for its social and luxury scene but the natural beauty of the isle—breathtaking views of the staggering cliffs and vivaciously blue sea—is unbeatable Though you can visit the glitzy shops and winding roads of Capri town on a daytrip from Naples via ferry it’s worth spending a night there to experience the place without the massive crowds just in for the day Where to stay: Capri has plenty of fantastic hotels you can check into that put you in the thick of the action (the glamorous Hotel La Palma, featured on our Hot List, is a favorite). But for a stay that truly immerses you in the strikingly beautiful environment of Capri, check into Punta Tragara a cliff-top hideaway with stellar service and astonishing views of the Med ApuliaThirty minutes away by car from the city of Bari the picture-perfect town of Polignano a Mare rises out of a cliff face on the Adriatic Sea In addition to breathtaking views over the Adriatic like the white-pebble strip called Cala Porto Where to stay: With a name like Sei Stelle Mama—in Italian “six-star mother”—this small but polished bayside guest house promises warm hospitality and stellar service there are plenty of options in nearby Bari CampaniaTucked between two cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea the village of Atrani is the Amalfi Coast’s best-kept secret It’s often bypassed en route to the larger and more famous towns of Amalfi and this is a good thing—you’ll almost always have its beautiful churches piazzas and charming trattorias (the fresh seafood and smoked mozzarella at A’Paranza is to-die-for) all to yourself Added bonus: It’s an easy 30-minute stroll from Amalfi Where to stay: Hotel Luna Convento is housed in (The Italians sure do love their convents-turned-hotels.) It’s situated on a parcel of land that juts out into the sea on a spot equidistant from both Amalfi and Atrani SicilyWith a population of around 450 and a total area of 2.25 square miles Levanzo is the smallest of the three Aegadian Islands off Sicily’s western coast—and it’s worth a visit for anyone trying to get away from all the noise of modern life The island’s town of the same name is the launching point to explore the whole island best experienced by following the extensive hiking trails as they pass through fertile agricultural plains and gently climb towards peaks that offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea stop for a dip on one of the island’s many beaches an isolated bay walled in by limestone cliffs up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world PRINCESS Ariel yearns to be a part of Prince Eric's world in Disney's The Little Mermaid In order to bring this classic story to the big screen, the cast and crew headed over to Italy and the UK Between Sardinia, Italy, and the UK, production for The Little Mermaid's live-action version took place in the following locations: The scenes where fans get to see Princess Ariel's view of Prince Eric's castle were filmed in Castelsardo Castelsardo is located in the northwestern area of Sardinia's Province of Sassari According to the movie's production team, areas of Castelsardo had the "colonial" quality the crew was looking for when it came to the Caribbean aesthetic of Prince Eric's kingdom "We began with the idea of the faded colors of some of the castles in the South of France and on the Italian coast and we wanted to create something that gives the idea of a castle perched on the sea while also being colonial and Caribbean." Aglientu was another region of Sardinia's Province of Sassari that served as a filming location for The Little Mermaid. The beach where Princess Ariel takes Prince Eric after saving him is actually Spiaggia di Rena Majore, located in Aglientu. the on-screen couple's carriage scenes were shot in Rena di Metteu "It was important to find a location that provided the epic drama of the story," director Rob Marshall told the above-mentioned outlet The footage of the village and the pier surrounding Prince Eric's kingdom were shot in Cala Moresca Golfo Aranci is also another region of Sardinia's Province of Sassari While the cast and crew were not filming in Sardinia additional production took place at Pinewood Studios in Iver Heath Iver Heath is a large parish located in England's Buckinghamshire county The Little Mermaid was released in theaters everywhere on May 26 It is a live-action retelling of Disney's classic of the same name which was based on Hans Christian Andersen's novel of the same name The Little Mermaid's fictional setting switches between Ariel's aquatic homeworld Atlantica and Prince Eric's kingdom in the Caribbean While audiences now know the coasts of Sardinia were the production locations used to bring Eric's fictitious Caribbean kingdom to life, Halle Bailey says filming the underwater scenes was "fun" and "crazy." "I can't wait for you guys to actually see so you know what I'm talking about," the actress said during her YouTube Q&A I was in this huge water tank with a wave machine It felt like I was in the middle of the ocean." Sardinia adopts new 48-hour WRC itinerary Italian WRC round will trial experimental compact format Words by Rally Italy will be the first World Rally Championship round to run a new compact itinerary format with the first competitive mileage held on Friday afternoon and all 16 stages covered within 48 hours Sardinia is the first event to trial a new event structure “based on the new FIA guidelines from 2025,” designed to make rallies operationally shorter The traditional ‘cloverleaf’ format of three stages run twice in a day with a service in between has been binned though the event still runs entirely of a centralized location: Alghero will host the service park once again after being on the east coast of Sardinia in Olbia last year The new event design squeezes Shakedown in on Friday morning followed in the afternoon by two stages run twice with only a regroup On Saturday morning Tempo Pausania and Tula are run as a pair of stages twice with only a regroup between them followed by a tire-fitting zone and then another pair of stages run twice in a row: Monte Lerno and Coiluna-Loelle The rally finishes with a more traditional Sunday itinerary: Cala Flumini and Sassari run as a pairing twice In total 266.48 kilometers (166 miles) of competitive stage mileage will be covered Tags: , , , 2024 DirtFish https://dirtfish-editorial.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/2024/01/mLc18Yqu-Rovanpera06ITA23cm131-780x520.jpg January 30 Legal Major Rally Italy route change as Sardinia base relocated The gravel event will switch from Alghero to Olbia in 2021 with a rotation deal expected in the future Words by Rally Italy will return to its World Rally Championship roots in Olbia this year with the town of Alghero featuring only as the ceremonial start for the June event The event’s base moved from the east coast town of Olbia in 2014 and has remained in Alghero on the west until this year – although last year’s pre-COVID Rally Italy route did include a Thursday night superspecial and an overnight stop in Olbia the decision was taken for the delayed 2020 event to remain wholly in Alghero it’s a trip down the WRC’s memory lane with a service park based around the archaeological museum in Molo Brin close to the center of the city where the championship landed for the first time in 2004 One of the primary complaints about Olbia first time around was the shift to the commercial port’s car park The service park is just minutes away from the nearest espresso bar in a recently redeveloped region of Olbia DirtFish understands the shift has come following a revised commercial agreement on the island with Alghero returning to host next year’s Italian WRC round ahead of the potential for the two to rotate in years to come One aspect of last year’s route which does remain is the format of the event which will run two stages repeated in the morning before two different stages are run and then repeated in the afternoon This made life easier logistically to move marshals and safety crews between locations crews will stay in Alghero on Thursday June 3 A 5.30am restart is followed by a tire fitting zone and the first stage at 7.50am Carlo Capone races down the new-to-WRC Aglientu-Rena Majore stage going on to take second place at the 1984 Costa Smeralda Rally The roads used on Friday and Saturday remain largely unchanged from previous seasons The transition from Alghero to Olbia means Friday will be one of the season’s longest days starting at 5.30am with the first car on the road not into service until 8.31pm that evening The four-stage loop format is also stretching the time from morning to evening service The liaison distances – regularly a bone of contention for the crews with Italian law forcing the road sections to be timed at a lower average speed than on other rounds – are generally shorter out of Olbia heavily revised with the journey from the west coast stages around Sassari incompatible with a finish in Olbia That means the temporary loss of one of the WRC’s most iconic powerstage locations on the Porto Palmas beach just north of Argentiera there will be two new stages for the final day The Arzachena-Braniatogghiu test was used in 2005 while the Aglientu-Rena Majore is new to the World Rally Championship But it’s not new to Italian rallying having featured on the route for the Costa Smeralda Rally in the mid-Eighties (pictured above) Shakedown for this year’s Rally Italy runs in the conventional Thursday morning slot with a 1.71-mile Loiri Porto San Paolo stage planned south of Olbia Tags: , , , 2021 DirtFish https://dirtfish-editorial.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/2021/02/GM202006_527.jpg February 2 Go to Home PageSubscribeAdvertiser disclosureSearch The Points Guy a favorite among Italian visitors and vacationers alike It's home to some of Italy's most stunning white-sand beaches as well as the glamourous yachting region of the Costa Smeralda But what you may not know is that it's also home to some of Italy's most charming villages a hideaway in the mountains or an idyllic seaside stay consider a visit to one of Sardinia's most beautiful villages For more Mediterranean vacation inspiration, check out some of our most recent Italy content: The River Temo flows through the center of the colorful village of Bosa. With the medieval Serravalle Castle (also known as the Malaspina Castle), a number of churches, a few museums and even ancient tanneries, there's plenty to do and see and this village. Plus, Bosa overlooks the sea, and there are several sandy beaches nearby Located in the Cedrino River valley, this Medieval village is made almost entirely out of stone. Nearby, hike up Mount Tuttavista for panoramic views and to see the famed bronze Christ statue, a route that many pilgrims have trekked over the years or there are numerous hiking and rock climbing spots around Tuttavista Stintino is home to one of Sardinia's most popular beaches It's a stunning strip of white sand and calm turquoise waters with views of the Torre Pelosa in the distance But the town and port of Stintino are just as beautiful Stintino is also known for having some of the most delectable seafood on the island so make sure to sample some at a local restaurant -- fan favorites are the sea urchin seaside village as Sardinia's "best-kept secret." Well we're spilling the beans: Castelsardo is an absolutely gorgeous spot for a vacation For the best views (you can even spot Corsica on a clear day) hike up to the top of the hill to visit the Castello dei Doria a giant rock formation shaped like -- you guessed it -- an elephant Did you know you can ski in Sardinia The village of Fonni is near some of the highest peaks in Sardinia apt for skiing during the winter season explore the town and its many painted wall murals there are plenty of hiking trails and wooded areas to get some fresh air Carloforte is located on the small islet of San Pietro, just off the southwestern coast of Sardinia you'll experience a very traditional Sardinian village experience: colorful buildings ancient churches and even abandoned salt pans Make sure to sample the tuna when visiting -- Carloforte has a yearly tuna festival and competition An easy day trip from the nearby city of Cagliari, Pula is best known for its nearby archaeological ruins of Nora that date back to the 4th century BC. Back in Pula, enjoy specialty dishes like the sweet and salty mixture of figs and ham in a lively square such as the Piazza del Popolo. There are many sandy beaches around Pula, too, as well as pine forests with walking and hiking trails Calasetta's white sand beaches and bustling town atmosphere are perfect for a relaxing vacation If you get tired of the expansive Sottotorre Beach visit Calasetta's Contemporary Art Museum (MACC) a stone tower located at Calasetta's highest point La Maddalena is a village located on the La Maddalena Islands just off the north coast of Sardinia. These islands not only have some of the most breathtaking beaches in Europe (if you squint you might think you're sprawled on the fine pearly sands of the Caribbean) but Maddalena village is also surprisingly picturesque Check out the Garibaldi statue in the harbor and the Santa Maria Maddalena Church when you tire of exploring the island's natural coves and beaches Known as the "village of murals," this UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to prehistoric times. Orgosolo has hundreds of murals painted around town, and the best way to see them is simply to wander around and discover them. The mountainous village also has lots of hiking and walking trails leading directly from the town into the woods and nearby hills Overlooking the Strait of Bonifacio, this seaside village is best visited during shoulder season -- you'll avoid the massive influx of tourists that summer sees but also enjoy the lovely weather that May make sure to pay a visit to the Longosardo Tower a 16th-century structure built by one of Spain's former kings Alghero is really a city, but its historical center feels like its own tiny, quaint village. With a massively long stretch of city beach, it will be a toss-up to decide whether to have a day of sand and sun or roam the old city's stone walls (yes, there are seven towers guarding them). The fortified walls are also excellent spots for viewing the sunset. Sardinia is famous for its beaches, but that's not all this Italian island has. With many tiny seaside villages, mountain collectives and even ski towns, exploring some of these lesser-visited towns is the way to go. For more beautiful European village inspiration, check out these articles: (Feature image courtesy of Gian Luca Salis / EyeEm / Getty) The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach That’s why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality Copyright © 2025 The Points Guy, LLC. All rights reserved. A Red Ventures company. Playwright and former New York newspaperman, HERBERT KUBLY has been living in Europe in recent years. His book American in Italy was published a few months ago by Simon and Schuster. WE SET out with an explorer’s curiosity and apprehension, for Sardinia is an island ignored by guidebooks and mentioned by newspapers only in an occasional account of banditry. Our approach was from the north through Corsica. We sailed from Nice at night with the arc of harbor lights a string of pearls on the sea, and landed in a coral dawn at Ajaccio, just in time to meet the daily bus south, through dark hills and villages of women black-robed in perpetual obeisance to their dead. Such quiet desolation! We carried it like a cloak onto the boat at Bonifacio. There were four passengers and five times as many crewmen. The day had turned violent and dark. Plowing the black foam-flecked strait with a convoy of wailing gulls, past the wind-twisted cliff’s of Corsica and the chain of underwater mountains raising their dark peaks from the sea, we might have been crossing the Styx. We were in Sassari, a university city with a skyscraper and a sweeping piazza which has a parquet floor that must be one of the largest in the world. Sassari is a rich combination of Renaissance and modern, a shining pate of a mountain surrounded by a halo of olive trees. Apprehensions? They melted with a hot shower, a lobster dinner, an angelic white wine, and a good sleep in a luxury hotel. In the morning we were ready for adventure. So we took a bus for Nuoro, passing on the way clusters of nuraghi, those curious prehistoric towers of unmortared stone which are the unsolved riddles of Sardinia. Tombs? Watchtowers? Castles for Bronze Age dukes? The archaeological disputes go on and on and no one knows. Whatever their purpose, the three thousand dark cones rising from the land like chimneys of hell were left by a race of kings. For his kindness Antonio the barber would accept nothing. “Sard hospitality is spontaneous and sincere,” he said in his flowery language. “Above all, here in the mountains we conserve intact the principle that true friendship is gold that cannot be tarnished.” It is the combined alchemy of climate, people, and landscape that makes a powerful impact on the traveler. Sardinia is not an island to CROSS with a check list of things to see. Still, there are a few musts: — 1. Cagliari, a shimmering dusty African city hanging from a hillside, always about to plunge into the incomparably beautiful Gulf of the Angels. Its museum is an archaeologist’s paradise, its beach — Poetto — one of the most perfect on the Mediterranean. Only Calvi on Corsica can compare with it. 2. Nora and Tharros, the first cities of Sardinia, both now partly under the sea, their ancient columns undulating like sunken cathedrals beneath the shimmering turquoise surface, the mosaic floors of patrician villas jeweled sen-beds. 3. The nuraghi, of which the best are near Macomer, a transportation center in the middle of the island. The stone cones are mysterious mazes of passages, chambers, dungeons. 4. The twelfth-century Pisan temples in the Sassari district, lonely as the nuraghi, striped as prisoners’ suits, standing in isolated splendor in rocky wildernesses, abandoned to crows which rail at visitors from the towers. 5. Castelsardo, a town rising out of the sea, spiraling around the rock of Dorias like Breughel’s painting of the Tower of Babel. Dramatically beautiful from a distance; up close, one sees the shocking poverty and filth in which the basket-weaving population lives. (6. La Maddalena and Caprera, largest of the string of islands in the Strait of Bonifacio. Both have historical interest. From 1803 to 1805 Nelson watered his fleet at La Maddalena during the long watch on the French before Trafalgar, Caprera is Garibaldi’s island; here the Italian patriot lived in a house he built himself, and here he is buried. For Sardinians, traditional costumes are daily dress and not a holiday or touristic get-up. In the arid brown autumn landscape the population blossoms like flowers on the desert. The village of a woman is For one month in January, Sardinia offers sportsmen the best hunting in Italy, perhaps the best in Europe. In the game-rich Gennargentu mountains there are boar, deer, and mouflon — all now protected by law for eleven months of the year — and an abundance of small game and birds. Mountain streams are reported to be full of innocent and voracious trout; Dorgali in the east is recommended as a center for angling excursions. from the north of the island to the southernmost tip Jürgen Scheeff / Unsplash Alghero Tours With its atmospheric historic centre medieval gothic architecture and traditional tavernas hidden behind colourful Alghero is the scene-stealer of Sardinia’s cities As well as excellent bars – head to the sea wall to bag a prime spot for sunset cocktails – the restaurants are excellent and it has dramatic scenery on tap with views over the glittering yacht-dotted bay towards the towering cliffs of the Capo Caccia peninsula Christian Keybets / Unsplash Cala Gonone Tours There are plenty of hairpin bends on the route to Cala Gonone Hidden away at the base of steep rugged mountains it’s the jumping-off point for boat trips up and down the Gulf of Orosei where Sardinia’s best beaches lie hidden away Maurizio Savigni / Unsplash Tempio Pausania Tours If you fancy a day off from the sea and sand Tempio – up in the mountains at the north end of the island – has a moody with plenty of excellent hiking routes to set off on The lush hillsides of Mount Limbara are cloaked in gnarled cork oak trees as well as looking like something out of the Lord of the Rings set produce the cork products – from keyrings and coasters to shoes bags and even dresses – sold in the town’s boutique shops Massimo Virgilio / Unsplash Santa Teresa Gallura Tours If you want to base yourself in an affordable more contemporary Piazza Vittorio Emanuele popular beach and is a short drive from the rugged with its wind-carved granite boulders and more secluded little beaches Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy Jürgen Scheeff / Unsplash La Maddalena Tours The central town at the heart of the Maddalena archipelago colourful town is the jumping-off point for exploring the 60-odd islands that dot the Bonifacio Strait You can charter a private boat to visit those open to the public or take your car on the ferry over from Palau on the main island and drive over to Caprera a largely uninhabited island fringed by enough picnic blanket-sized beaches for everyone to have their own Local legend says this pretty coastal town was named after the lovestruck Princess Navarra who eloped to sea one night with her lover but Navarra was saved and so dedicated a church to the Virgin Mary out of gratitude as this place has enough real fairytale magic on its own Enfolded within groves of olive and pine trees at the base of soaring limestone cliffs and fringed by a white sand beach Daniel Dorfer / Unsplash Castelsardo Tours Founded by a Genovese family during the 12th century Castelsardo is famous for its ancient castle crumbling fortresses and traditional handicrafts – throughout the city you’ll see women weaving patterned baskets for sale the citadel has been preserved and transformed into a cluster of traditional restaurants and bars with gobsmacking sunset views over the endless stretch of sand along the island’s north coast Agent Wolf / Shutterstock For pure postcard prettiness there are few places that best this charming little village in the hills above Olbia With its cluster of original stone cottages (many housing boutique shops and cafes) bar-encircled church square and dramatic Dolomite-like backdrop of spiky granite peaks it’s a must-visit – even if just to stop by for its weekly bric-a-brac food and fashion market (every Thursday) and a gelato in its piazza while local kids kick a football back and forth Ivan Ragozin / Unsplash Italy Trips and Tours Consider the ease of a packaged multi-day itinerary and the insights of a friendly local guide for your next visit to Italy island adventures or cultural and culinary discoveries this collection of Italy trips can offer you an authentic taste of Italy This is an updated version of an article originally by Gillian McGuire See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in September See & Do The Best Hiking Trails in Italy Art A Tour of Bernini's Masterpieces in Rome See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in July Guides & Tips A Guide to the 5 Most Dazzling Views in Catania Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in December See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Summer Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in November See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Autumn Guides & Tips Beat the Crowds with these Alternative Summer Destinations Guides & Tips This Is Europe's Ultimate Road Trip See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in October US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Your Ads Privacy ChoicesIMDb There are regions in the world where people are believed to live the longest and healthiest lives low-intensity physical activity and have a sense of community and purpose Researchers Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain discovered the first Blue Zone and the concept was built upon by Dan Buettner who identified additional regions and conducted extensive research into these communities So what can we learn from the places where people live the longest was the first Blue Zone to be identified after researchers found the highest concentration of men who lived to be over 100 This region is home to male shepherds who typically walk five or more miles through the mountains daily and moderately consume local Cannonau wine The region is known for its strong family values where elders are celebrated and all family members are cared for A village called Seulo held the record of having 20 centenarians living in it from 1996 to 2016. Okinawa, Japan, is home to the world's longest-lived women. Its residents, who eat superfoods including tofu, miso, and seaweed, live by the Japanese concept of "ikigai," defined as a motivating force that gives people a sense of purpose and what a person can give to the wider world. Buettner suggests that this is a factor in the residents' long lives. The island is also known for its tradition of "moai," which involves living within strong social networks. These networks are established from childhood, when groups of about five children are typically grouped together, and they persist through adulthood as a sort of second family. In Okinawa, these groups meet regularly to provide each other with emotional and financial support and to gossip and spend time together. Some residents of Loma Linda, California, in the United States, live on average 10 more years than the average American. The community, which has the highest concentration of Seventh-day Adventists, a Protestant Christian denomination, in the United States, lives on a plant-based diet taken directly from the Bible, which involves eating grains, nuts, and legumes. Adventists don't smoke or drink alcohol and tend to remain active late into their lives. For some Adventists, red meat (especially pork), shellfish, refined foods, and Caffeine are also forbidden. In this part of Central America, the average life expectancy is one of the world's highest at 85 – despite average incomes being among the nation's lowest. The community has a strong sense of faith and family, with most older people living with their families and being respected sources of wisdom. According to Buettner, Costa Ricans have a "plan de vida" or "life plan," which gives elders a sense of purpose. Other factors include a healthy diet of unprocessed foods, drinking hard water with high calcium content, and natural movement by walking regularly. The chances of living past the age of 90 are high among the residents of this Greek island, and the possibility of getting dementia is low.  The people of Ikaria live a naturally active lifestyle due to the mountainous terrain and have strong social connections due to living in small communities. They eat a type of Mediterranean diet, with plenty of vegetables and fruit, and fast regularly due to their most common religion of Greek Orthodox Christianity.  Ikarians also regularly take an afternoon nap, which has been shown to lower stress hormones and reduce the chances of dying from heart disease. and while that may sound like plenty of living to you NOW But never fear! There are five places -- called Blue Zones -- where a disproportionately high number of residents live to 100: Ikaria If researchers could unlock the characteristics of these seemingly magical areas the rest of us might be able to glean some life-extending information Dan Buettner a National Geographic Fellow and bestselling author has spent years studying the habits of people who live in the Blue Zones "Only about 20% of our genes determine how long the average person lives," says Buettner "This means our lifestyle and environment will greatly shape our health and happiness in later years." People in Blue Zones fight this by placing value in raising their family's children, and in participating in their communities well into old age. In Nicoya, Costa Rica this is an explicit part of daily life -- known as the plan de vida -- and helps centenarians maintain a positive outlook late into life Beachgoers in Sardinia | <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-1301116p1.html?cr=00&pl=edit-00">luis abrantes</a> /ShutterstockThey live less-stressful lives and know how to deal with stress when it pops up "Stress leads to chronic inflammation, associated with every major age-related disease," says Buettner. Maybe you should not-so-subtly forward this to your boss and positively coping with it are all important skills If you look at some of the other shared characteristics you can see how an entire balanced lifestyle can reduce stress; exercise and having a few drinks help people in Blue Zones stay even-keeled People who make good choices will encourage you to make good choices. You can probably divide your social group into two kinds of friends: the ones who top off happy hour with one -- or two and the ones who prefer bike rides and vegetables and you're likely to mirror your friends' behaviors The shared "secrets" of these places aren't really that secret especially in places that don't encourage work-life balance and strong social bonds A vegetarian diet isn't going to do you much good if you don't have friends and drink all the time and a huge friend group and supportive family aren't going to outwork a diet of pizza and candy bars Maybe it's time to take that cruise to Sardinia Sign up here for our daily Thrillist email and subscribe here for our YouTube channel to get your fix of the best in food/drink/fun Medieval town of Castelsardo, Province of Sassari, Sardinia, Italy (Photo: Balate Dorin/Depositphotos) Italy is a dream destination for many people Between the stunning landscapes and the long history of art and culture there is a lot to appreciate in this small European country And while most people plan on only visiting there are increasing opportunities to move to certain regions but the Italian government is even paying people to relocate One of the most recent initiatives is aiming to encourage workers and families to settle on the beautiful island of Sardinia Sardinia is suffering from a shrinking population and weak economy so the government is using a total of about $44 million to distribute to those willing to move to the idyllic island this attractive offer comes with some requirements In order to receive the maximum grant of €15,000 (about $15,195 USD) applicants must be willing to transfer to a rural municipality with less than 3,000 inhabitants and live there full-time—this is intended to deter wealthy buyers from taking advantage of the scheme to create luxury holiday houses the money must be used to purchase and renovate a Sardinian home and the recipients of the funds have to register their residency in Sardinia within 18 months of their arrival A street of Bosa, Sardinia, Italy (Photo: encrier/Depositphotos) h/t: [SchengenVisa News, DailyMail] You Can Buy a Small Scottish Island and Lighthouse for Less Than the Average Cost of a House This Gorgeous Region in Southern Italy Will Pay You $33,000 To Move There Want to Live in Italy? The Town of Candela Will Pay You to Move There Want to advertise with us? Visit My Modern Met Media Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening There is a lot of Sardinia in The Little Mermaid Disney ’s new live action signing in theaters May 24 a young and rebellious mermaid seeking adventure who falls in love with Prince Eric while exploring the surface world Melissa McCarthy in the cast.Some of the most beautiful areas of Sardinia were chosen for the film’s settings between Asinara National Park and Golfo Aranci to themarine protected area of Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo In Tempio the film was presented to local institutions in the presence of the workers who worked on the mega production more than seven hundred workers were given work Also present were Culture Councillor Andrea Biancareddu and the CEO of the Fondazione Sardegna Film Commission “Disney set the film on the north coast of Sardinia between the Asinara National Park and the Golfo Aranci up to the marine protected area of Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo,” stressed Nevina Satta CEO of the Fondazione Sardegna Film Commission which assisted the mega production at every stage to the underwater world where his family of origin lives Sardinia’s immense naturalistic treasure is revealed: three national parks four regional ones covering about 30 thousand hectares There could not have been a more precious treasure chest to accommodate the adventures of this contemporary young woman A girl willing to let go of her comfort zone to explore a new world a great choice of independence that also led her to modify herself in order to live above ground in a territory she strongly wants to explore.” “An experience that is a source of pride for us,” she added “When we started the first conversations with Disney no one believed that the impossible would become reality It seemed to us almost an excessive ambition to believe that a major American studio would find in our Sardinia the perfect locations for the realization of the mega production.” “Once again Sardinia in the world spotlight thanks to cinema a cinema that enhances our natural beauty,” said Culture Councillor Andrea Biancareddu “A Walt Disney film is something wonderful something formidable for the Region of Sardinia Rena Majore beach in Aglientu was chosen as the location for Ariel’s beach: this is where the scenes were filmed where she rescues Eric and emerges from the water to climb the rock The latter was built especially for the film and was brought to Sardinia and placed in the water before the cast arrived The scenes of the carriage ride with Ariel and Eric were filmed on the rugged coastline of Rena di Matteu di Aglientu while Cala Moresca is where the scenes set in the fishing village and around the castle pier were filmed The castle home of Prince Eric is perched on a hill that is reflected in the Gulf of Asinara and is the symbol of the medieval village of Castelsardo The conference Twenty years of UNESCO intangible cultural heritage edited by Matteo Casari and Matteo Paoletti is sponsored by the Italian National Commission for UNESCO and will see the participation of the Secretary General and representatives of the Ministry of Culture including the head of the Unesco Office of the Italian Ministry of Culture and the responsible for the Convention 2003 At the suggestion of the UNESCO Commission the event will be held in Bologna on 13 and 14 December 2023 The conference includes three performative moments focused on the variety of the performative heritage inscribed in the list ICH 2003 that is a representation of Nō Theatre with artists coming from Japan a concert of Sardinian tenor singing and a performance of Italian opera singing and Sicilian puppets The artists involved from Japan are Umewaka Naohiko professional actor (shize) of one of the most relevant traditional families The Sardinian polyphonic songs will be represented by the singers of the Confraternita Oratorio di Santa Croce di Castelsardo (Sassari) called ‘Arts and performance twenty years after the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage’ based on the collaboration between the Italian National Commission for UNESCO the Department of Arts of the University of Bologna the Institute for Mediterranean Studies of the National Council of Research and the Municipality of Bologna The project consists of a series of initiatives to reflect on the 2003 UNESCO Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage Mot de passe oublié ? the breathtaking higgledy-piggledy buildings in all five settlements of Cinque Terre and the big yachtin’-in-Capri energy of Italy's glamorous island resorts it’s always a good time to head to the ocean—even in the off-season It’s just a matter of which coastal town to visit and fall in love with and the historic museums of Florence can wait; as much we adore the great cities and rolling hillsides of Italy towns on the coast have plenty to offer all types of travellers whether visiting for the first time or marking their tenth passport stamp from Rome-Fiumicino Below, see 15 of the best Italian coastal towns, from Sicily to Manarola as well as Condé Nast Traveller-approved recommendations of where to stay These coastal havens have Mediterranean views and well-preserved architecture—all of them well-worth a stop on your next trip Here you'll find plenty of restaurants Don’t forget to visit the 13th-century Villa Rufolo and a musical legacy—German composer Richard Wagner spent some time here in the 1800s; an outdoor concert series inspired by him and his work takes place every summer Where to stay: Almost all guest rooms at the Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast have private terraces or gardens and the original frescoes and vaulted ceilings add to the feeling of absolute splendour Where to stay: Book a room on the higher floors of Alberi Del Paradiso Where to stay: Just a 15-minute drive away from the town’s port, the Hotel Villa Ottone has multiple dining options: a poolside restaurant and another in a park; there’s also a piano bar in the summer. The gym and tennis courts are perfect for staying active too (But it’s also easy to a day trip; Genoa is a mere 50-minute drive away.) Where to stay: It really doesn’t get more indulgent than the extravagant 70-room Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino head to the harbour and see if any of the 16 rooms of the Splendido Mare Where to stay: The digs at Hotel Marconi are simple and clean Bear in mind that crowds in the peak season can be suffocating and that a visit in the off-season can help local businesses during periods of low foot traffic; not to mention Where to stay: The obvious answer here is the iconic Le Sirenuse which recently unveiled its stunningly redesigned pool Perhaps less ubiquitous on Instagram but just as magnificent is Il San Pietro di Positano Where to stay: There are a number of small hotels in town but Airbnb has some worthy options for spending the night including this terraced penthouse less than a block away from the water Where to stay: Watch the Amalfi sunrise over the bountiful breakfast buffet at the Hotel Tramonto d’Oro Where to stay: Well-equipped hotels in the towns of Cinque Terre are pretty slim There are guesthouses and Airbnbs to be found but it’s recommended to base yourself in La Spezia Where to stay: Check into the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria for Italian opulence as well as convenience Where to stay: The Riviera Castelsardo Hotel and Spa has everything you need for a stay on the island including proximity to Porta di Castelsardo as well as Castello dei Doria In addition to rows of candy-coloured homes there’s a small harbour with shops and restaurants Where to stay: Make a beeline for the pool area at Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi; its deck area directly faces the ravishing Ligurian Sea Where to stay: With a name like Sei Stelle Mama—in Italian Where to stay: Hotel Luna Convento is housed in Where to stay: There aren’t many spots where you can overnight on the island of Levanzo itself so you're better off booking a room on nearby Isola di Favignana a resort just a five-minute draft from the Porti di Favignana First published on CNT US All products are independently selected by our editors. 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Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service (updated April 1 2021) and Policy and Cookie Statement (updated April 1 The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast 22 MAY 2023BookmarkWith the Little Mermaid live-action remake hitting cinema screens on May 26 the Sardinian shoreline is set to make mermaid dreams come true this summer With its picturesque beaches and scenic landscapes provides the perfect backdrop for fans to explore iconic locations If you have a thirst for adventure like Ariel the idyllic waters offer visitors the chance to scuba dive and meet everyone’s favourite talking crab Holiday specialist, Eliza was here villas and apartments the island has to offer including Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King have already been spotted soaking up the Italian sun on some of Sardinia's iconic shores Top beaches featured in The Little Mermaid With crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sand Santa Teresa di Gallura Beach is a paradise for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts Santa Teresa di Gallura offers a blend of natural beauty and peaceful serenity making it a perfect destination for living out your mermaid dreams Castelsardo Beach is a quaint seaside spot located on the north-western coast of Sardinia The beach is situated in the medieval town of Castelsardo characterised by narrow streets and colourful houses and the beach has a rocky shore and dark sand – contrasting beautifully with the waters of the Mediterranean The beach provides breath-taking panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and the town’s vibrant architecture making it an ideal location for photography enthusiasts Golfo degli Aranci Beach is a secluded spot, off the tourist trail, with shallow and clear waters making it the ideal place for kayaking and snorkelling. The sea is full of unique marine life, and the town is home to the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute. Legend has it that the Siren of Golfo degli Aranci would sing from the waters to lure sailors – and in the summer she pops her head out from the ocean twice a day to sing a traditional Sardinian song to visitors Hidden in the trees and blending in with the surrounding scenery providing plenty of space for guests to relax and recharge The highlight of the resort is its gorgeous swimming pool located in the centre of the resort and surrounded by lounge chairs for guests to soak up the sun accessible via a sandy path through the garden and head to the pool bar to enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea Price: From £661 per person for 7 nights (price based on two adults sharing one room) Nestled among centuries-old olive trees and Mediterranean vegetation offers breathtaking views of the surroundings and for those who prefer a more active experience bicycles are available to rent to make the journey to the nearby beach The hotel also features a gorgeous swimming pool and the delicious aroma wafting from the hotel’s kitchen is sure to tantalise the taste buds Price: From £785 per person for 7 nights (price based on two adults sharing one room) Sa Prata is a small-scale hotel in Sardinia – and a perfect one for snorkelling enthusiasts The clear and turquoise water is perfect for exploring the colourful fishes relax at the hotel's gorgeous swimming pool or take a short walk to the nearby beach The hotel offers fresh breakfast options and guests can enjoy an authentic cappuccino in the cosy town of San Teodoro Price: From £590 per person for 7 nights (price based on two adults sharing one room) A tranquil hotel located in the town of San Pantaleo Hotel Arathena is in the heart of the stunning Sardinian grasslands where guests can ride on horses and admire the island’s rock formations The hotel staff ensure that the guests are well taken care of as they enjoy a fresh breakfast and relaxing massages Price: From £800 per person for 7 nights (price based on two adults sharing one room) Petra Segreta Resort & Spa is constructed in complete harmony with nature located in the enchanting environment of Porto Cervo With warm colours and an elegant aesthetic the hotel is a popular choice amongst those looking for luxury – evident from the helipad frequently used by members The hotel offers a relaxing spa experience with a sauna and guests can indulge in dishes made from home-grown products and enjoy the feeling of being treated like royalty Price: From £1017 per person for 7 nights (price based on two adults sharing one room) Hotel La Coluccia is a modern boutique hotel located in the middle of a nature reserve on the north coast of Sardinia The hotel boasts an exceptional view of the azure blue sea and Spargi Island in the distance and the hotel features an excellent wellness centre and a spacious swimming pool Guests can take a boat to explore the Maddalena Archipelago or enjoy a delicious dinner in the hotel's on-site restaurant Price: From £957 per person for 7 nights (price based on two adults sharing one room) Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Winning tip: Kayaking in Cala GononeThe best way to see the stunning coastline near the beach town of Cala Gonone We paddled to some of the area's most secluded beaches including the idyllic Cala Luna (setting of Madonna's film Swept Away) It's a fun way to view sealife and the caves along the coast and a great way to get some exercise on a beach holiday Kayaks are available on the promenade in Cala Gonone