Island escape Ciao Sardinia

Island escape that isn’t too busy, rich in culture , beautiful scenery that’s also Italian !!! Well maybe Sardinia is somewhere you may consider .

Last June we travelled to Sardinia for 2 weeks .

Week 1 road trip, then week 2 a sailing adventure.

This week week 1 of our adventure to help inspire you to travel to this beautiful island off mainland Italy.

Sardegna has roughly 2000 kms of coastline with a population of 1.64 million . Capital is Cagliari.

We travelled there by ferry from Rome ,actually last minute change which was for the best after our flight from Naples was cancelled.

We opted for the overnight ferries both ways & also booked a cabin so we slept on the 8 hour crossing. This to us was the best option the alternative booking seats in different areas or finding & keeping a space in the public areas with everyone, babies & animals seriously!!!!

Our adventure started in the town of Olbia north east of the island. We only had a week so we decided just to travel in the top of the island visiting 3 major towns.

The gorgeous lanes that are bustling with cafes, restaurants bars

Oblia is the gateway to the incredible Maddalena archipelago made up of numerous islands, pristine beaches, gorgeous towns {next chapter }

Oblia is a small town with international airport, ferry terminal.

The town has a old part & modern area towards the airport. we stayed within walking distance of the old town , which is filled with bars, resturants in charming little lanes .

A couple of nights here is worthwhile to explore, get your bearings .

We hired our car from the airport, more choices better valued & open on weekends.

Our first stop on our road trip was the town of Cala Gonone . Winding roads rugged scenery so the drive is beautiful & different around every corner. This area is known for its beautiful beaches & most importantly the area of Parco Nazionale del Golfo di Orosei .

Grottos , beaches rising cliffs from the water & of course the aqua blue water.

A few days is needed so you can truly discovery the natural beauty.

We went on a day trip which included the Grotta del Blue Marino a sea cave accessible by boat with a tour guide, After our tour we enjoyed a few hours at Cala Luna beach .

Remember to bring hats , sunscreen etc there is a little food bar selling snacks, drinks etc .

This area of Sardinia also has some ancient archaeological sites not far from the coast.

Driving east to west across the island we went through little towns, villages & a few different ways courtesy of google maps that were definitely off the beaten track towards our next stop for only 1 night the pretty village of Bosa.

This is a very pretty town not far form the western coast with the river running along side.

We stayed in a quaint hotel on the Temo river.. This town is known for the Malaspinas castle {which was closed for renovations when we where there!} However this is a lovely little town to spend the night maybe even like we did take the city tour on a little bus highlighting the places of interest & history of Bosa.

Temo River by day & night . Also a bonus not too many tourists!!!

After a lovely day/night in Bosa we headed off to Alghero a roughly 50 km drive, in hindsight we should have driven north to south for the ease of pulling over to take in the natural beauty.

So after a lovely coastal drive which took a couple of hours we arrived in the town of Alghero.

This place has many beaches & one can only imagine the 1000s of people that swam here in summer.

Many hotels, resorts to chosen from however on advice we stayed within walking distance of the old town..

Here its a town within a town behind a fortress walls , beautiful promenade along the water.

You are spoilt for choice as there so many resturants that capture the amazing sunsets , inside the walls quaint bars, resturants, shops & car free.!!!

We both were so presently surprised by this absolutely charming place.

We stayed 3 nights here which was fantastic.

Having a car we explored further north to the town of Stintino .We took the coastal roads instead of the freeway & again arrived a very pretty little village. Returning back to Alghero we stopped a one of the many beaches for a swim .

While in Alghero we enjoyed some beautiful seafood meals, and of course fabulous aperitivo while enjoying the sunset .

We said arrivederci to the Alghero & travelled across the island back to Olbia approx 140 kms.

Again take your time , take a detour through little towns & enjoy this contrast of a island.

Another night in Olbia before heading off on our 7 night cruise.

Last by not least Sardinia isn’t too difficult to get to, Yes its a little more expensive but worth it. We travelled in June late July/August avoid if you can so so busy apparently

Travel Information

Car hire isn’t cheap but do your homework for a deal. Driving here was great according to Mr Raff ! There wasn’t too much swearing at all.

PARKING be careful ask your hotel for areas to park & follow their instructions.

Hotels in Olbia we stayed at the Mecure Hotel

Casa Gonone Hotel Nuraghe

Bosa Corte Fiorta

Alghero Bienestar Maison de Charme

GETTING THERE

We travelled on Tirrenia ferries to from Civitavecchia .

Transfers were with Civitavecchia express we now have used this company & outstanding in service, reliabllity .

Next time our adventure cruising around Sardinia

Ciao till then