Trip to Sardinia Island – Travel notes, food and more

A Slice of Paradise: My Whirlwind Sardinian Adventure

Some places steal a piece of your heart, and for me, Sardinia is one of them. This wasn’t just a holiday. It was a brilliant, sun-drenched whirlwind in June 2010. Though our trip to this magnificent Italian island, the second-largest in the Mediterranean, lasted a mere four days, it left an indelible mark. With its sun-kissed shores, impossibly blue sea, and balmy evenings that feel like a warm embrace, you quickly realise that even two weeks wouldn’t be enough to drink it all in. Sardinia is the kind of place you yearn to return to, again and again.

Touchdown in Sardinia & The Drive to Emerald Coast

We touched down at Alghero Airport on a buzzy Ryanair flight from Frankfurt. Eager to explore, we swiftly picked up our pre-booked hire car from the airport – a fantastic find from myCarHire.co.uk. For just £84 for a three-day rental, it was an absolute bargain, and with their extensive network across Europe, I’d definitely use them again.

Our adventure began immediately as we set off for the world-famous Costa Smeralda, on the opposite side of the island. The journey itself was spectacular, treating us to a rolling panorama of rugged mountains, dramatic cliffs, and unique cork oak forests. It was the perfect introduction to Sardinia’s wild beauty

Checking into Costa Smeralda Bliss

Late in the afternoon, we arrived at the Al Saraceno Residence. Finding it was our first mini-adventure! Costa Smeralda is a gorgeous maze of tiny coastal villages, and our satnav was struggling to keep up. Thankfully, a quick call to the reception saved the day. The wonderfully helpful staff met us a few kilometres out and guided us in – now that’s service!

The hotel was worth the hunt. Perched atop a coastal hill, it featured a sprawling, landscaped estate with separate, charming cottages. Our spacious two-bedroom apartment was perfect for the four of us, complete with a kitchen and a terrace that promised lovely mornings. The best part? A stunning beach was just a ten-minute stroll away.

A Day Sailing the Azure Seas

From the moment we started planning, a boat trip was at the top of our list. So, early one morning, we made our way to the picturesque village of Baja Sardinia. There, Valentina’s splendid sailing boat was waiting to whisk us away into the open sea.

What a day it was! We spent glorious hours exploring the breathtaking La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. The boat sliced through the crystal-clear waves, passing by the seven main islands of the archipelago: La Maddalena, Caprera, Spargi, and more. We swam in secluded coves, sunbathed on pristine sandy beaches, and were treated to a magnificent lunch on deck, complete with chilled local white wine, a delicious Italian dessert, and rich coffee. With fantastic travel companions, a professional crew, and scenery that looked like a postcard come to life, the day was nothing short of perfect.

A Spontaneous Sardinian Road Trip

With our third day unplanned, we embraced spontaneity and decided to drive south to explore the town of Dorgali, renowned for its rocky shores and beautiful beaches. En route, a charming roadside sign for ‘Iloghe’, a local agriturismo (farm stay), beckoned us in for a coffee and a rest.

The owners were so warm and friendly that after a quick, cheerful chat, we found ourselves invited back for dinner! They promised to prepare a feast of local Sardinian specialities. With a plan for the evening set, we continued to Dorgali, hired a motorboat, and discovered a remote beach accessible only from the sea – a truly magical experience.

The drive back to Iloghe for dinner was an adventure in itself, navigating winding local roads as the sun set. The meal was an absolute triumph. An authentic, multi-course Sardinian feast that lasted for hours. We finally rolled out, utterly content, around midnight for the scenic 130-kilometre journey back to our hotel.

Discovering Hidden Coves by Motorboat

Our day in Dorgali was defined by our motorboat hire from the village pier at Cala Gonone. The main draw was to see the legendary rocky coastline up close, and it did not disappoint. For over four hours, we puttered along a stunning landscape where golden sandy beaches dramatically gave way to soaring limestone cliffs.

We even discovered our own private slice of heaven – a tiny, perfect beach nestled between the rocks. Dropping anchor to swim in the tranquil, turquoise waters and bask in the sun on our miniature haven was an utterly blissful and unforgettable experience.

Farewell, For Now, Sardinia

All too soon, our short holiday was drawing to a close. We packed our suitcases and began the journey back to Alghero Airport, taking a different route around the island’s northern tip. The landscape here was strikingly different from Costa Smeralda, offering a final, captivating glimpse of Sardinia’s diverse beauty.

In total, we had just under three full days on the island. Yet, in that short time, we collected a lifetime of memories. As I said at the beginning, it’s a place we truly hope to return to. While you can never quite recapture the magic of a first visit, some things remain constant and glorious – the timeless beauty of the sea, the warmth of the sun, and the rugged majesty of the rocks, waiting to be rediscovered.

Fancy more Italian adventures? You can also read my posts about the fiery island of Sicily, the Eternal City of Rome, and other destinations on my blog.