Pet Friendly Travel to Sardinia, Italy!

It’s usually a herald of excited squeals and “Are we there yet?” exclamations; that echo in the ears of weary travelers; but these days with pet friendly travel becoming more popular it’s lots of Bow-Wows and Me-owes that are heard chorusing in the back seats! Sardinia (an island), a region of Italy, in the blue Tyrrhenian Sea; is just gorgeous and I know you want to swim in those waters right alongside your dog! So let’s pack some pet collars, flea collars, pet-toys and name tags and get these excited animals to the airport! (Please remember to check on your import requirements for importing to Italy first!)

Sardinia is a haven for sunshine, exotic sandy beaches and crystal clear waters for swimming and just lazing around; but this is an island that is also rich in history with exhibits from the Bronze Age through to Roman and Byzantine excavations; churches and museums.

We are told to make sure you visit early Roman cities of Tharros or Nuraghi Complex which is Sardinia’s largest ancient highlight. Do enjoy a walk together with your dog around Sardinia’s capital city, Cagliari, which has great shopping and restaurants, not to mention wonderful lagoons and superb beaches in which to cool off. For those that enjoy the freedom of the open water, hire a boat for a day or longer and set sail! There are also horse riding safaris along the beach or through mountains. Sardinia also offers a wide choice of hiking with a spectacular wilderness and beauty that can only be appreciated on foot.

Sardinia has the most distinctive regional cuisine in Italy with a simple cooking style that doesn’t over power the food’s natural flavor. Enjoy traditional spit roasts and tasty meals prepared by the "Incarralzadu" an ancient Sardinian technique: a large hole is dug which is then lined with mirto bushes (an aromatic plant also used to make the famous drink "Mirto") to which the food is added and then baked directly in the ground. Watch out that your favorite little friend doesn’t get his paws burnt by venturing too close!

The best way to find pet friendly restaurants in Sardinia, or any where for that matter; is to simply ask the owners when you are enjoying a meal or a quiet cup of coffee. Look especially for quiet, out of the way ones with an outdoor or alfresco area where a friendly well behaved dog wouldn’t be too noticeable. Do be aware that if there is a problem, it will more than likely be due to health regulations, and nothing personal; so don’t take it to heart!

Pet Friendly Accommodations:

One of the most important things to consider when traveling with pets is finding suitable accommodations. Luckily there are plenty of pet friendly hotels, B&B’s and apartments to choose from. Here’s three for your consideration.

· Hotel le Palme: Located right on the beach over looking the pink granite ricks and clear waters of PitrizzaBay on the Costa Smeralda. What more could you ask for?

· Hotel Forte Cappellini: Pretty bungalows set in 15 hectares over looking the fabulous Mediterranean waters. Gorgeous!

· Club Hotel: This resort boasts its own private beach! And of course; is pet friendly!

Finally; there are a vast number of festivals and carnivals happening across Sardinia throughout the year; so do keep an eye out for them as this is a perfect opportunity to experience some of the cultural heritage of this magical island.

Happy Pet Travels!