Sardinia


Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (Sicily is the largest), between Italy, Spain and Tunisia, south of Corsica. It forms part of Italy.
At the beginning of the nuragic age circa 1500 BC the island was first called Hyknusa (latinized Ichnusa) by the Greeks probably meaning island (nusa) of the Hyksos, the people who had just been expelled by Ahmose I of Egypt circa 1540 BC and were by now looking for a new home. Sandalyon was its second name, probably due to its shape, recalling a footprint. Last and present name has been Sardinia, for the Shardana (who also had been expelled in Egypt by Ramses III circa 1180 BC).

Geography
Sardinia has an area of 24,090 km2 and a population of 1.65 million. Sardinia is an autonomous region of Italy. The regional capital is Cagliari. The region is divided into eight provinces: Cagliari, Sassari, Nuoro, Oristano, Olbia-Tempio, Ogliastra, Carbonia-Iglesias and Medio Campidano.
Sardinia is one of two Italian regions whose inhabitants have been recognised as a "popolo" (i.e. a distinct people) by the Italian Parliament. The other region is Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Tourism
The island contains numerous extraordinary tourist areas, including the Costa Smeralda and Gennargentu. The island is particularly famous for its beaches, but is also rich in other interesting places. See also: Tourist destinations of Sardinia

Climate
The climate is mainly Mediterranean, with a warm spring and fall, hot summer, and mild winter.

Transport
Trains on Sardinia connect the whole island but are rather slow. Some run on narrow gauge track. Many tourists catch the trenino verde which runs through the wildest parts of the island. It is slow but it allows the traveller to have scenic views impossible to see from the main road. The train connects Cagliari to Arbatax in the south and Sassari to Palau in the north. It is highly recommended to make the trip from Macomer to Bosa Marina, where the train winds its way through the typical Sardinian landscape to reach the sea near the coastal town of Bosa situated in the west of the island.

Wikipedia.org