The most romantic places in Sardinia to celebrate love on Valentine’s Day
The celebration of love is an iconic theme in the stories and legends that have now become part of the rich cultural heritage of Sardinia. From the menhirs of Su Para and Sa Mongia to the Valentine’s waterfalls in Sadali, here are the most romantic places to celebrate the purest human feeling in a tour across the island.
Sardinia is one of the most popular destinations for couples in love looking for relaxation, adventure, but also and especially some well-deserved intimacy. On the other hand, love seems to be a common thread that characterizes many legends that, over the centuries, have become an integral part of the rich cultural heritage of the Island (and much before Valentine’s Day became the commercial holiday that we know well today). Here’s the proof.
The unusual love story of Su Para e Sa Mongia
What could be more romantic than the troubled love story of Su Para and Sa Mongia? This is the story of a friar and a nun who, having fallen in love so madly with each other, decided to challenge the rules imposed by their religious orders in order to live their life passion in freedom; even though, in the end, the were both transformed into menhirs.
At first glance, despite its negative effects, nevertheless this curse turns out to be perhaps the greatest fortune of these two lovers, who from now on will live forever next to each other among the green plains of the island of Sant’Antioco.
What is even more interesting is that, switching from a religious interpretation to a purely pagan or popular one, the legend of the two menhirs, which are actually part of a larger archaeological site dating back to the Copper Age (around the 3rd millennium BC), takes on a completely different connotation, although that’s still related to the representation of the passion and the union between the two lovers, of course.
As usually happens with many other monuments of the prehistoric era, in fact, these two stones seem to symbolize the positive role of fertility, both earthly (so the possibility of the soil to bear fruit) and human (hence, the possibility to generate life).
According to this interpretation, therefore, Su Para and Sa Mongia represent the male and female figures, whose union, both physical and especially spiritual, can be the starting point to originate everything we can experience as humans. Whatever is your own interpretation of this legend, the charm and romance that embrace this mysterious site is undeniable, making it an unmissable stage on your tour discovering the places of love across Sardinia.
Sadali and its Valentine’s waterfall
No less romantic, although this story maybe refers to a different type of love, is the legend regarding the relation between the saint of lovers, St. Valentine (su Santu coiadori, that is the “saint who marries”), to the picturesque medieval village of Sadali, a small jewel nestled between the woods of Barbagia di Seulo and Southern Sardinia, also known as the “land of water” because of its abundance of streams flowing at a short distance from the town center, the “natural music” that plays in the background of the quiet life in this village.
According to a story, handed down from generation to generation for centuries, an elderly man originally from Nurallao (a small town in the south Sardinia) wandered from town to town carrying in his hands a figurine of St. Valentine. He decided to stop in front of the iconic waterfall located in the historic center of the village of Sadali (which nowadays is known as “Valentine’s waterfall” indeed) to admire its delicate and overwhelming beauty and, entranced by this view, he fell asleep lulled by the gentle music of the waters.
Upon awakening, to his great surprise, the figurine of the famous martyr of Terni no longer detached from the ground. A true miracle that inspired the local inhabitants to build a church in honor of the Saint, the only one all over Sardinia. This sanctuary still houses the legendary figurine, so dear to the elderly man, which is venerated on three occasions during the year: 14 February of course, then also 8 May and 6 October.
Over time, the little church dedicated to Valentine has become a special pilgrimage destination for those wishing for a love miracle, but also for couples willing to confirm their mutual dedication and feelings. This legend is intertwined with history and folklore, creating a soft aura of mystery that characterizes each corner of the ancient island of Ichnusa.
The most romantic places to celebrate love in Cagliari
Once the stage of su fastiggiu, the courtship ritual that animated the alleys of the neighborhoods of Villanova and Marina, and nowadays acknowledged as one of the cities of love, Cagliari is the ideal place for all those couples who wish to share unique moments spending quality time together in a relaxed and extremely romantic atmosphere: the best destination for those who want to experience an intimate holiday with their soulmate.
Whether walking hand in hand on the seafront promenade from the picturesque Molo Ichnusa to the small port of Su Siccu, getting lost in the maze of intricate streets of the Castello district on the highest hill in the city, up to the bastion of Saint Remy, colored by the pure natural magic of sunset time shades, the Sardinian capital boasts some beautiful and outstanding gems which appear even more evocative when visited with your sweetheart.
Having a beer and some pizza to share, Poetto beach (located just outside the center of Cagliari) transforms into the perfect setting for a date in the style of the best romantic comedy. Perhaps more popular, but never too ordinary, another romantic place to discover is Viale Europa, a real throne from which admire the entire city with an amazing view, an essential stage for couples in love and also for all tourists who wish to check out one of the most important “sacred” places of the city within the urban park of Monte Urpinu.
The viewpoint of Colle Sant’Elia deserves a mention among the most romantic places in Cagliari, too: a place where time and space seem to vanish to make room for a breathtaking panorama of the nearby Saline di Molentargius and the poetic Gulf of Angels.
Valentine’s Day exclusive promotion at Palazzo Doglio for a luxury romantic night
To celebrate the purity of love, Palazzo Doglio, a luxury hotel located in via del Logudoro in the heart of Cagliari, the most romantic city in Sardinia, has decided to create an exclusive promotion dedicated to Valentine’s Day, a magnificent gift to renew the promises of love made to your sweetheart and join a fantastic experience together.
Palazzo Doglio’s Valentine’s Day promo includes a wide range of excellent services designed to allow couples to experience a night full of passion and the wildest romance.
The exclusive package offers:
- Romantic accommodation in a Deluxe room (upgrade available on request);
- An exclusive romantic candlelit Valentine’s Day dinner, with a special menu arranged by Chef Alessandro Cocco, to enjoy in the exclusive restaurant Osteria Del Forte (drinks are not included);
- Delicious international breakfast;
- 10% discount reserved for the Wellness Program and Treatments at the Doglio Club.
The special Valentine’s promotion price starts from the standard rate of €330, plus any additional services on request. The Valentine’s dinner at Osteria del Forte can also be booked separately (€80 per person) by making a telephone reservation calling to the number 0706464154, or by writing an email to osteriadelforte@palazzodoglio.com. For further information and to book this special package, please contact us by phone calling the number 07064 640 or writing an email to info@palazzodoglio.com.
Do you want to spend an unforgettable and romantic Valentine’s Day night in an exclusive and refined place? Book a stay at Palazzo Doglio in Cagliari
