Food and Wine Itineraries
Holidays in Sulcis are not just an opportunity to discover natural and historical wonders but also a chance to immerse yourself in the genuine flavors of its culinary traditions. In Carbonia, you can savor recipes deeply rooted in the area’s agro-pastoral and maritime culture. Starting from the hamlet of Serbariu, the local cuisine offers a perfect balance between land and sea products, paired with some of Sardinia’s finest wines for a truly authentic culinary experience.
Carignano: a gem among Sulcis wines
Among the stars of Sulcis gastronomy is Carignano, one of Sardinia’s oldest and most prestigious native grape varieties. Thanks to the mild climate, sandy soils, and abundant sunlight of this land, the vineyards thrive, producing a wine of deep ruby red color, complex aromas, and harmonious flavor.
The Carignano del Sulcis stands out for its versatility in pairings: from flavorful first courses like malloreddus alla campidanese, to spiced meats and aged cheeses. A glass of this wine perfectly complements a traditional meal, offering a bold and enveloping taste, ideal for those who appreciate authentic and refined flavors.
During your holidays in Sulcis Iglesiente, don’t miss the chance to visit local wineries. Here, you can taste and purchase Carignano straight from the source, and pair it with a stroll through the vineyards—an experience that beautifully blends flavor and nature.
Land, sea, fregula, and porceddu
The cuisine of Sulcis Iglesiente offers a rich variety of dishes that showcase the diversity of its territory. Among the most beloved first courses are malloreddus alla campidanese, a simple yet extraordinarily flavorful recipe that blends the sweetness of tomato and sausage sauce with the bold taste of pecorino sardo.
Another treasure of the local culinary tradition is fregula sarda, a handmade and toasted semolina pasta, perfect with lamb ragù or arselle (clams), for a delightful journey through the flavors of both land and sea.
For main courses, the undisputed king is porceddu sardo: slowly roasted on a spit and seasoned with myrtle, this suckling pig is a culinary ritual that wins over every palate. Alongside this iconic dish are other delights such as roast lamb, mutton, and pecora in cappotto—a hearty and flavorful stew that reflects the agro-pastoral traditions of Carbonia and Sulcis.
These dishes not only highlight the authenticity of the region but also invite you to immerse yourself in the essence of Sardinia’s gastronomic heritage.
From civraxu to sweet ravioli
A culinary journey through the Sulcis Iglesiente wouldn’t be complete without tasting civraxu, the region’s signature bread. Made from durum wheat semolina and baked in a wood-fired oven, it pairs perfectly with su casu arrostu, a local roasted cheese drizzled with honey or sprinkled with black pepper. This combination highlights the simple yet rich flavors of the local tradition.
In the summer, don’t miss pane cun tamatiga, a focaccia stuffed with ripe tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil. Ideal as a street food option, it’s perfect for picnics or casual lunches during your adventures.
Finally, Sardinian desserts provide the perfect ending to any meal. Indulge in pardulas with cheese, pabassinus with dried fruit, pirichittus glazed cookies, and gueffus made with almonds. The highlight, however, is reserved for sweet ravioli, fried and served with honey or sugar—an irresistible way to conclude your culinary exploration of the Sulcis Iglesiente.
