According to many it is the land that overlooks the most beautiful sea in the world. We are talking about the wonderful island of Sardegna, Italy, the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Sardegna is a special regulation region with full administrative autonomy of local institutions for the protection of linguistic and geographic peculiarities.

Particularly noteworthy is the beach town of Budoni, one of the island's most beautiful coastal towns found on the famous north eastern shoreline, the Emerald Coast, named after the color of its waters. Budoni boasts the largest number of smaller communities on the island of Sardegna. One of which is the little gem of Matta and Peru, nestled between coves and stunning cliffs, famous for its crystal clear sea, this small town is becoming an important tourist destination since it's known throughout the island for having some of the most beautiful beaches of the coast.

Matta and Peru started off as an agricultural town, but over time it has evolved into a travel destination, thanks to its many accommodations designed for tailor-made holidays for everyone from families to young people.

The small town is not only sea and sand for it has a long-grounded history. Around 1200 BC, it was invaded by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, who exploited the territory silver mining. Later the Romans occupied the territory, but no invasion ever succeeded in establishing full authority, in fact the Sardinians took refuge in the mountains inland, particularly in truncated cone fortresses of stone also known as Nuraghe. Still in existence today, the Nuraghe were not only built for military defense to oversee and defend the land, but also for religious worship.

Thanks to the archaeological evidence scattered throughout the hills, it is safe to say there was a cultural exchange with the Greeks and Trojans, especially in the cuisine. Traditional Sardinian cuisine consists of various types of pasta called malloreddus, gnocchi or ravioli stuffed with cheese and flavored with mint. Mint is also used in various meats such as roasted lamb, goat and pig, but utilized in seafood especially ricci, mussels, clams and lobster. Also characteristic to the island are desserts like the "seadas" a sweet pastry filled with lemon flavored cheese served with sugar or bitter honey, as well as amaretto cookies, torrone and last but not least is a typical local bread or "carasau" also known as "music paper" for its characteristic crispness, which makes it noisy when chewed. Saredegna is also famous for its red wines that are simply excellent and represent the characteristics of this land.

Speaking of traditions, Sardegna boasts many folk groups composed of men and women, dressed in the typical Sardinian folkloristic costumes and perform traditional dances with traditional Sardinian music-practices that have been passed down from generation to generation. Sardinians have retained their traditional costumes that continue to be popular century after century. When in Sardegna, pass by the town of Barbagia, in the province of Nuoro in Sardegna's countryside to visit the Museum of Life and Sardinian folklore. In the museum you can observe the rich collections of regional costumes, from kilts worn by men (which the Romans wore under their armor), to headdresses found on ancient bronze statuettes, to women's blouse (from the Mycenaean tradition) made from wool, linen and various plants. Traditional female costumes consist of an embroidered bodice, a white shirt, a small narrow waist-vest, a pleated skirt with an apron. The colors of the costumes vary according to town and province. The traditional male costumes consists of pants, white leggings made out of canvas, a black skirt, a white shirt with wide sleeves and leather vest decorated with gold and silver.

Equally important and rich in history are Sardinian jewels such as rings, bracelets and earrings created with the lacework technique, typical of the Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek and Arab civilizations. The gold and silver is worked so finely that it becomes practically transparent just like lace.

Speaking of transparency, the beaches of Matta and Peru consist of fine, white sand and crystal-clear water with different blue iridescent hues that change according to the different angles the sun hits the sea floor. Another brilliant display of color is the different hues of green offered by rich vegetation bordering the beach and pine trees in the background-a great place for camping. The strong winds in the area are ideal for surfers. The water is loved by those who practice scuba-diving or more simply, snorkeling to observe the seabed full of pleasant surprises. Also found at Matta and Peru is the third largest docking port on the island, with more than 400 places for boats.

Plato even spoke of Sardegna in his dialogue, Timaeus, "..beyond the Strait you call pillars of Hercules there was an island.." and the island is Sardegna, a land of tradition and history, surrounded by the most beautiful and spectacular sea in the world.