beaches

Sunday Special – Sardinia, Italy

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Note: I apologize for note posting the last couple of weeks. I’ve had some personal issues to deal with. Though I will continue on now.

Time for island life! Let’s head to the Mediterranean Sea to Sardinia. This autonomous island of Italy is the second largest island in the Med. The island has numerous languages spoken there and all of them share equal recognition.  The capital city is Cagliari which is also the largest city.  The main draws of this destination are the lily-white beaches offset by the bluest waters. Along with beach life comes water sports along the lines of windsurfing, boating, surfing, scuba diving – to name a few. Although these are the biggest tourist draws there is some more to this warm and balmy island.

Heading into the interior of the island will take you away from the tourist crowds to where some locals reside. The topography is rocky and hilly with some of the oldest rocks in Europe. Much of them are part of the Gennargentu Range. There is even a ski resort in the area and Gennargentu National Park.  The interior also is home to a number of ancient megalithic structures dating back to the Nuragic Civilization of the Bronze and Iron Ages. Appearing to be buildings, these Nuraghes are listed with the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It would seem you have a bit of variety on this Mediterranean island. Perhaps I’ll have to make a trip out there one day soon.

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The clear and blue waters of La Pelosa Beach, Sardinia – Photo credit: goldpicasa, Stintino, La Pelosa beach – panoramio (1), CC BY 3.0

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One of Sardinia’s lush beaches – Photo credit: trevis_lu (Luca Giudicatti), Spiaggia rosa, isola di budelli, sardegna, CC BY-SA 2.0

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An ancient Nuraghe found on Sardinia, Italy – Photo credit: Wikibiro, Gonnesa-Seruci02, CC BY-SA 3.0

Sunday Special – Bermuda

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1030 km / 640 miles off the east coast of the USA are the Islands of Bermuda. This Atlantic archipelago is the oldest British Overseas Territory  and is also self-governing. Additionally it is the northernmost point of the Caribbean. Due to its northerly location its climate is humid subtropical (due to the Gulf Stream) with winters being a bit cooler with lows at approximately 17C/62F and summers comfortable at about 26C/80F.

Perhaps best known for its pink sand beaches, Bermuda has plenty to offer despite its small size. The two main towns are Hamilton and St George with the later being a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although there are no car rentals in Bermuda they have excellent public transit or you can opt for motorized bike or moped rentals. Taxis are an option as well as walking around areas on foot. For those who crave  outdoor activity there is much to choose from. Golfing, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, snorkeling and diving, kayaking, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing await. I’ve heard the view is stunning too. If culture, arts, history and sights are on your list then seek out local theatre, fashion, dance and costume, its African history in local museums and its British history in the buildings around you. Retail therapy and spa pampering is also a way to experience this sunny isle. And don’t forget the numerous beaches.

Perhaps I’ll make it there one day soon.

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Bermuda’s pink sand beaches – Photo attribution: Bermuda Ministry of Tourism and Transport (via Wikimedia Commons) 

Bermuda Ministry of Tourism & Transport [Attribution], from Wikimedia Commons

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St George, Bermuda – Photo attribution: Taken and owned by Captain-tucker via Wikimedia Commons 

By Captain-tucker (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

SUNDAY’S SPECIAL SPOT – SAN BLAS ISLANDS (PANAMA)

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Despite the fact that I am a bit leary of water (I can not swim well) I have some great memories of snorkelling – in fact one of my favourite memories is snorkeling in Jamaica. Since I wear a life jacket to ease my nervousness I am glad to just be looking down beneath the water’s surface to discover a new world. Today I thought I would write about a place known for its snorkeling. There are hundreds and hundreds of places so I got some help from Google. Here is one that stood out to me.

Panama’s San Blas Islands make up an archipelago of 378 mainly uninhabited islands. Those that are inhabited are home to the Kuna Indians, which still retain much of their culture and heritage. These islands are on the east of Panama and face the Caribbean Sea. This area is not overrun by tourists so a bit of research for the best snorkeling spots is recommended. Much of the snorkeling areas are rather shallow and have incredible reefs. Note that SCUBA diving is not allowed in the area to help preserve the reef and the fishing that the Kuna Indians do.

Dog Island of Panama's San Blas Islands

Dog Island of Panama’s San Blas Islands

I also found some videos on YouTube – check ’em out to find out a bit more.

Photo credit – Wikimedia Commons – Monica J. Mora (user: Ayaita)

SUNDAY’S SPECIAL SPOT – AUSTRALIA’S GOLD COAST

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Want surfing, sun and excitement? Then head to Australia’s Gold Coast in the state of Queensland. A 40km (24.85 mile) stretch of beach, it became famous in the 1920s and 30s with the rise in popularity of Surfer’s Paradise and riding the waves. A glittering city, Gold Coast has been compared to many world renown coastal cities like Miami. With a plentitude of activities, festivals and sunshine there little time to be bored.

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Surfer’s Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia

Photo credit: Flickr – Stan Paczkowski