SARDINIAN TOUR

Porto Cagliari, of Phoenician origin, was a pleasant and sophisticated city. We spent 7 very happy days walking and cycling around: a most enjoyable pastime. We met up with Patrizio and his delightful wife, who we met in Gozo last year. We were introduced to Pietro, Patrizio’s friend and through them we had an insight of the real Sardinian life. Their generosity and hospitality has made Cagliari a special place for us.

Driving in Sardinia is a sedate affair compared to the rest of Italy. We covered 700 km in 2 days. We hurried through the rather uninteresting and flat central West side of the island. Lakes are in the centre in contrast to the rugged and wild mountains of the East. The scenery was majestic and at times breathtaking. Despite being the end June we met very few people
Cala Gonone, our night stop, was a very pleasant and chic small tourist town, sporting a beautiful sandy beach, with equally beautiful people.



The Nuraghu Su Nuraxi, a bronze age site, on the outskirt of Barumini, is the most significant architectural expression of megalithic protosardinian civilisation on the island. Chris explored the many dark passages whilst, not wishing to give my claustrophobia a field day, I admired the beautiful countryside views.

The modern architecture of Sardinia was disappointment with its square concrete buildings and equally square windows, particularly in the mountain villages. It was a stark contrast to other islands or mainland Italy.

Time came to wave goodbye to our generous hosts, collect our post and sail westwards. It took us 3 days to reach Isola S. Pietro





We stopped 2 nights at Porto Malfatano. The sunset did not disappoint!
The delightful anchorage was the perfect place to relax and catch our breath.

Calaforte, in S. Pietro, is a charming setting. The town is elegant with its pastel-coloured houses with wrought iron balconies. The life tempo appears tranquil.

It is a man´s world: they sit, the women are at home cooking!<

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We could only stay one night. The calm weather window we had had for 4 days was going to change. We left early bound for Oristano, half way up the Western coast of Sardinia.
We had a good sail until we were chased 3 miles out to sea near the bay of Oristano by a military launch. We were too close to their firing range. After much gesticulating, loud Italian and follow me sort of signs they sent us on our way with big smiles and waves. No doubt we had been a diversion in their proceedings.
After a roly poly night we left early for Alghero on our way North.

Nosing our way out of the bay, 3 metres seas combined with a force 5 wind on the nose gave us a good reason to change tack and head for Minorca. We had a cracking sail and arrived in Mahon in record time.

We never made the North of Sardinia, nor experienced the Gulf of Bonifacio which at times can be treacherous, nor rub shoulders which the rich and famous in Porto Cervo, in the Costa Smeralda. But hopefully there will be an other time!….