Another Italian beach, this time from Tuula
If anyone would have told me a few years ago that I’d be taking a trip to Sardinia (Sardegna), I’d surely have laughed at them and then probably inquired what they’d been drinking.
As far as travels go, I’d always imagined Sardinia as an ultra-chic playground for the rich and famous (and maybe the odd Italian prime minister) and pretty much completely out of my budget. But surprisingly, if you avoid the real epicenters of “lux-cations” like Porto Cervo, Sardinia is altogether accessible for the average tourist.
And also – well – it’s incredibly beautiful. Our 4-day stay at the seaside town of Cala Gonone had me completely hooked on this island-paradise, and the beaches we visited are some of the most extraordinary I’ve ever seen.
Cutting the motor at one particular “cave,” he announced, “I believe this place is more than deserving of a swim, who’s with me?”
Well, you didn’t have to ask us (or the eight other Italians on board) twice; in we went – with my new husband commenting he felt like we were characters in the Blue Lagoon. To which I nodded a breathless, “Yep, totally,” and swam off in the direction of an Italian father who was searching for the “painted Madonna” – an icon Umberto had told us was perched at the far end of the cave.
Scooting along the rocks at the shallow end, I rounded a corner with him and there she was: a large painting dangling with rosaries that someone had tucked-in among the rocks.
That was indeed one incredible boat tour. Not to mention the 5pm on-board “aperitivo” Umberto offered us. We anchored in front of a sandy inlet, drank wine from plastic cups and swayed gently to the tunes of Italian pop-music. And all this for the staggering sum of 35 Euro per person – a real bargain if you ask me.
We returned to our hotel that evening to prepare for a scheduled “tasting” of local Sardinian products at the restaurant next door. I quickly polished off my sampling of local meats and cheeses and proceeded directly to the seafood course.
What an incredible day and what an amazing travel destination – stunningly beautiful, delicious, and surprisingly affordable. Sardinia… ti amo.
Our hotel in Sardinia: Bue Marino
All photos by Tuula Ramport
About Tuula Rampont
Forget Bali, forget Hawaii, forget the Caribbean – Sardinia has the best beaches of anywhere in the world, not to mention fantastic food and lovely, warm people. I want to go back and take that tour you took – what a bargain!