Sardinian Stories and Myths to Know Before a Holiday!

Stories to know before you go on holiday to Sardinia: myths, legends and history of an ancient land.

Before plunging into the unparalleled charm of Sardinia, one must know the secrets, history and myths of this island permeated with beauty and fascination. Known for its spectacular landscapes and emerald green sea, Sardinia has always captured the imagination of travellers from all corners of the globe. However, beyond its natural wonders, the island holds a treasure of stories and myths that add an extra layer of charm to any stay.

A Glance at History

Sardinia’s historical roots go back to ancient times. Various civilisations have passed through its territory, leaving behind indelible traces. The Nuraghi, majestic and mysterious stone towers dating back to the Bronze Age and created by the Nuragic civilisation, are perhaps among the most emblematic witnesses to the island’s past. In the vicinity of our locality, some outstanding sites include the nuraghe Su Entosu in San Teodoro (although there are only a few remains, it offers a breathtaking sea view!), the nuraghe Cabu Abbas in Olbia (preserved and with a panoramic view of Olbia), and proceeding towards Arzachena, well-maintained nuraghi such as Albucciu and the Prisjiona. Equally fascinating are the tombs of the giants, such as those near the castle of Pedres in Olbia or in Arzachena. The Romans also stamped their presence on Sardinia, with various archaeological relics, including the amphitheatre in Cagliari, testifying to their prolonged control over the island. In the Roman period, Sardinia emerged as a vital trading and production hub, especially for wheat.

Myths and Legends

But Sardinia is not just an archaeological history book; it is also a seething cauldron of myths and stories. One of the best known concerns the Janas, small fairies who are thought to have lived in caves and nuraghi. They were believed to be excellent weavers and loved to dance in the moonlight. The domus de janas were actually underground cemetery complexes from the pre-Nuragic era, created by the peaceful people of the Ozieri culture, devoted to agriculture and a religion closely linked to that of the Cycladic islands.

Another vibrant legend (and particularly relevant given the recent discovery) is that of the Giants of Mont’e Prama, majestic stone statues dating back to the Nuragic period and which, according to some popular narratives, acted as protectors of the island. Mont’e Prama is a Nuragic necropolis of crucial importance and the statues depict young warriors adorned with armour, shields, swords, bows and arrows.

The Cult of the Sea

As an island, Sardinia has always maintained an intense connection with the sea. Countless myths speak of mermaids, fishermen and sea gods. Among the many, the most famous are surely the story of Salvatore, the fisherman who lost himself for love of a mermaid, following her into the ocean depths, and that of Ichnusa, or imprint: one day, the irate god of the sea decided to submerge the Sardinian continent in the waves, only to reconsider and save a piece of land with a step of his own, giving rise to Ichnusa, or Sardinia.