Sardinia is Italy's second largest island and the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It's also a geographical and political region of Italy, famed for its beautiful beaches and fascinating history.
Over many centuries Sardinia has survived countless invasions by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs and Byzantines.
Then, in 1479, Ferdinand II of Aragon wed Isabel of Castile, and the Kingdom of Sardinia fell under Spanish rule for the next 400 years.
An uprising in Cagliari on April 28, 1794 sparked a revolt all over the island wherein the Sardinian people demanded separation from Spain. However, it wasn't until 1848 that Sardinia pushed forward during the Unification of Italy, and in 1861 the island joined the newly created Kingdom of Italy.
During World War II the fascist repression within the region was brutal, and Sardinia became the target of several bombings which all but nearly destroyed the city of Cagliari.
Post-war, Sardinia received autonomy and held their first regional elections on May 8, 1949.
During the 1960's an economic crisis emerged, and the ensuing unemployment exasperated the crime rate.
Numerous prehistoric castles, villages, temples and tombs dot the countryside, and with its perfect weather, tourists arrive in droves, most using the dependable ferry service from the Italian mainland.