29^th International Input-Output Association Conference
and
11^th Edition of the International School of I-O Analysis
25^th - 30^th June 2023, Alghero, Italy

Post-conference travel suggestion

Beaches

Sardinia has over 1,800 kilometres of coastline, with famously the most beautiful beaches and sea in the Mediterranean. Land and seascapes change in different areas of the island, and all are worth exploring.

The isle of Asinara, north of Alghero, is one of the most striking beaches on the island. La Pelosa at Stintino has the finest white sand and shallow water between the islands, creating an effect of remarkable luminescence. Nearer Alghero, recommended beaches to visit are Bombarde and Lazzaretto.

On the central west coast of Sardinia lies the peninsula of Sinis. A marine-protected area, it has landmarks of exceptional and rare beauty. Beaches to visit include Is Arutas, with its extraordinary sand made of tiny smooth pieces of quartz, Maimoni, Mari Ermi and Sa Mesa Longa.
Driving south, to the isle of Sant’Antioco, linked to the mainland by a causeway, recommended beaches include Maladroxia, Sottotorre, Le Saline and Spiaggia Grande.
Travelling east along Sardinia’s south coast, near the lovely town of Teulada, is Tuerredda beach. One of the most beautiful on the island, it is a favourite with many locals, as well as visitors to the island. Following the spectacular coastline, the next beaches to visit are those of Chia. With protected sand dunes, expansive stretches of white sand and smaller bays, the beaches of Campana, Su Giudeu and Su Portu are a must.

The east coast has a calmer sea, with areas of outstanding beauty starting in the southernmost point of Villasimius. Beaches to visit include Capo Carbonara, Spiaggia del Simius and Spiaggia del Riso.
Costa Rei is a few kilometres north of Villasimius, along a panoramic coastal road. Recommended beaches include Piscina Rei, Cala Pira, Cala Sinzias and Cala Marina.

The central east coastline in the area of Cala Gonone has spectacular cliffs and rock formations. Wild and unspoilt, some beaches can be accessed on foot, and others only by boat. Discover the beauty of Cala Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu, Cala Sisine and Cala Luna.
Travelling north to San Teodoro, the coastline has expansive white sandy beaches in bays with a tropical feel, at La Cinta and Cala Brandinchi.
The world-famous Costa Smeralda has intimate bays and coves, as well as long stretches of white sand. Beaches to visit include Capriccioli, Spiaggia del Principe and Liscia Ruja.
The archipelago of La Maddalena has seven islands, only two of which are inhabited. Part of a marine reserve, the islands have stunning views, including nearby Corsica, and tens of bays and beaches to explore.

Historical-archeological paths

Sardinia still has many well-preserved testimonies of its millennial history. In its historical and cultural heritage there are abundant evidence of indigenous cultures but also the influences and presences of the major ancient colonial powers.
Wanting to concentrate a trip back in time in a few days, starting from Alghero and moving south (it’s better renting a car, to better appreciate the places and save time) we recommend a visit to:

• Municipal Museum Giovanni Marongiu of Cabras (in particular, the complex statuary of Mont’e Prama) - https://www.museocabras.it/en/
• Tharros archeological site - https://www.tharros.sardegna.it/en/
• Sanctuary of Santa Cristina (in particular, the sacred well) - https://pozzosantacristina.com/en/home-eng/
• The archaeological zone of “Su Nuraxi” – Barumini - http://www.fondazionebarumini.it/en/area-archeologica-nuraxi/
• Sardo Ethnographic Museum – Nuoro (in particular, the display of 80 traditional Sardinian clothes)- http://www.isresardegna.it
• Museo delle maschere mediterranee – Mamoiada - http://eng.museodellemaschere.it/

Asinara national park

Asinara is an Italian island of 52 km2 (20 sq mi) in area. The island is virtually uninhabited. The census of population of 2001 lists one man. It is located off the north-western tip of Sardinia, and is mountainous in geography with steep, rocky coasts. Because fresh water is scarce, trees are sparse and low scrub is the predominant vegetation. Part of the national parks system of Italy, the island was recently converted to a wildlife and marine preserve. It is home to a population of wild Albino donkeys from which the island may take its name.

Easily reachable by moving from Alghero to the north (bus or car to ferries), it allows a unique experience with many different possibilities, in 1 or more days.
How to get to Asinara:

• by ferry (Sara D) leaving from Porto Torres at 8:30 and 15:00 to Cala Reale with the company Delcomar (1 hour and 15-minute trip)
• by boat leaving from the Stintino harbour “Tanca Manna” at 9:00 in the morning (with different companies). The ferry to Asinara runs daily in the high season
• by Taxi boat – All taxi boats leave from Stintino Some tours are shown here: https://www.carrentalinsardinia.com/blog/asinara-national-park/

Food, wine and crafts route

This tour is designed to deepen the knowledge of three Sardinian excellences: food, wines and crafts.
Sardinian cuisine is based on the natural products of the land and sea, with which the dishes of the ancient pastoral and peasant tradition and those of marine origin are prepared.
Among the meat dishes, the best known is certainly the “porcetto”, the roasted pig on the grill, on a slow fire, tender and crispy, served with myrtle leaves.
With regard to fish, the variations are innumerable. Some typical fish dishes are the seafood red soup and the Catalan lobster. The bottarga is very valuable, salted and dried mullet eggs according to an ancient procedure, excellent for seasoning pasta.
Sardinia also excels in some productions that led it to spread its products beyond the island borders:

• some varieties of pasta: culurgiones, ravioli, fregola
• bread (typical the thin and crispy Carasau)
• pecorino and goat cheeses
• the typical red and white wines: cannonau, bovale, carignano, vermentino
• extra virgin olive oil
• honey
• the desserts, including "sa seada" and many other varieties, mainly with almond paste
• liqueurs: grappas and the typical Myrtle.

Starting from Nuoro you can opt for 2 routes:

1. Orgosolo – Oliena – Dorgali – Cala Gonone
   Let start with 3 typical mountain villages, where we can appreciate the best products and dishes of the land, and we get back to the sea. A visit to the Grotte del Bue marino is recommended.
3. Fonni – Tortolì – Arbatax
   Also in this case, we start with a mountain town and descend towards the sea after passing the characteristic and winding paths of the Ogliastra area. From Arbatax it is also possible to go to the mountains with an old green train: a unique experience.
   Recommended excursions in both itineraries: trekking and boat trip on the beaches easily reachable only from the sea. Do not miss the culinary experience in one of the many agritourisms in the area.

Some recommended restaurants on the tour:

• Monti Blu, Il Portico (Nuoro)
• Su Gologone (Oliena)
• Nuraghe Arvu (Cala Gonone)
• Agriturismo Muggiana, Donnortei, Su Ninnieri (Fonni)
• Lanthia Resort (S. Maria Navarrese)
• La Bitta (Arbatax)

Cagliari

250 km south of Alghero, reachable by car, bus or train, lies Cagliari, one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean. With a visit of 2 days (or more) it’s possible to admire some of the most interesting and characteristic parts, such as:

• The historic districts of Castello, rich in culture and history. A walking tour of about two hours from the lower to the higher points or from the top of the hills down to the small streets of the city centre, is enough to visit some monuments, churches and most important places , such as:
• The Bastione San Remy (Originally used as a defensive structure to fortify Cagliari, the Bastion now stands as a wonderful viewing platform offering amazing views across to the Mediterranean sea and port areas of the city)
• The Elephant tower
• The Cathedral
• The Palazzo Regio
• The National archaeological museum
• The Roman Amphitheatre
• The Bonaria Church
• The Poetto Beach

A birdwatching break in the lagoon of Molentargius to see the beautiful pink flamingos
To see more: http://www.cagliariturismo.it/en
For those wishing to stay a few more days, a visit to the geo-mining park in Sulcis, 65 km from Cagliari, is strongly recommended: you can admire the jewels of Porto Flavia and Pan di Zucchero.
Alternatively, an other option is a visit to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches (Villasimius, Costa Rei, Chia) and to the ancient city of Nora (45 km from Cagliari).

For many other suggestions: https://www.sardegnaturismo.it/en