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

Why Sardinia

Life qualities

• Not a mainstream Mediterranean destination but a sophisticated Italian island
• Few hours flight from all the main european airports
• Traditions, millennial history
• The quality of life and warm friendly people
• Beautiful beaches with turquoise sea
• Uncontaminated nature, both in the mountainous interior areas and in the coasts
• The cuisine, the zero km products, the many typical quality wines
• Accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets

Atmosphere

Sardinia, or in Italian 'Sardegna', is not a mainstream Mediterranean destination but a sophisticated Italian island, west of mainland Italy and south of Corsica. With over 1,800 km of unspoilt coastline, it is renowned for beautiful beaches, turquoise sea and fascinating rock formations, but it has so much more to offer with an interesting history, wild mountainous interior, vibrant towns with local traditions and colourful festivals. The people are warm and friendly and enjoying themselves is a way of life. A warm welcome awaits you in Sardinia.

There is certainly a different concept of time and space in Sardinia. Despite being the second largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily, it has a population of just 1.6 million. Many parts of the isle are rugged and wild, from mountain ranges and nature reserves to hundreds of kilometres of coastline, with many beaches and bays only accessible from the sea. It isn’t uncommon to trek for miles through the countryside without meeting a soul. For those who seek society, however, there are many places that are congenial and lively, from popular beaches to historic centres in the main towns. Due to its size and sparse population, sardinian roads are quiet and comparatively traffic free. The experience of driving along the spectacular coastal during sundown, is unforgettable.

History and heritage

Sardinia has been polished like a pebble by the waves of its history and heritage. The island is scattered with 7000 nuraghi, Bronze Age towers and settlements, tombe dei giganti (‘giant’s grave’ tombs) and domus de janas (‘fairy house’ tombs). Down every country lane and in every 10-man, 100-sheep hamlet, these remnants of prehistory are waiting to be pieced together like the most puzzling of jigsaw puzzles. Sardinia is also an island of fabulously eccentric festivals, from Barbagia’s carnival parade of ghoulish mamuthones, said to banish winter demons, to the death-defying S’Ardia horse race in Sedilo.

Sardinia is an island that allows you to truly experience the very essence of Mediterranean life. The cuisine offers a rich repertoire of dishes, heavily influenced by the country’s various neighbours including Corsica and Italy, accompanied by impressive local wines. The mixing of game and farm produce (traditional with inland towns) and fish and seafood (traditional with coastal towns) result in a combination of flavours and appearance that is unique to Sardinia.
Even in the quieter places, there is always somewhere to stop for coffee or an aperitif, a trattoria or restaurant. Often these are small, family-run businesses, simple and non-ostentatious, with excellent food at reasonable prices.