The blue azzure of an ancient land

Sardinia or Sardegna as it is known in Italy is one of the oldest areas in Europe with settlements going back to 6,000 BC.

We decided to take six days away in Sardegna. We had been told about the wonderful beaches and seaside and to date it was a part of Italy we had yet to visit. So off we go. We selected the south of the island which is less developed than the north. We chose a resort location at Chia on the south east coast. It was comfortable and in a good location near the beach. Here is a pic from our balcony.

Sardegna is the second largest island after Sicily in the Meditterranean and sits just south of the French Island of Corsica.

Sardegna is one of the most geologically ancient land masses in Europe. It is dry with 300 days of sunshine a year and highlands up to 1,000 metres throughout the island.

The island has many ethnic influences. The most obvious today, apart from Italy, is Catalan and Spain. Language and lifestyle appears to be very much influenced by these. It is the 4th least populated area of Italy with just 1.6m people and is just 50 minutes flying time from Rome.

The prevailing wind for most of the year is the Mistral which can be quite strong at times and blows from the northwest.

The island is dotted by beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear ocean waters. Here are just a few examples in the south of the island.

This shows one of many areas set up where you can "rent" a deck chair for the day. Usually costs around 10-12 Euro and includes and umbrella or some form of covering

One of the many "Torre" that dot the Sardinian coast line.

Il mare (the sea) is crystal clear

Sand beaches and in many parts of the island relatively free of people.

Water was on the coolish side although once in the water it was great - so refreshing and clear - it was amazing!!

Sandy beaches which are different to the pebble beaches experienced in a great deal of Italy.

One of the best beaches we came across.

Below is the other side of beach life in Sardegna.

This is in Cagliari, the capital of Sardegna. Here vast areas of beach are contracted for supply of deck chairs and umbrellas.  It costs approx 5 euros to enter the beach area and another 10 for a chair and 5 for umbrella.

The main beach in Cagliari ........and the season is just starting. A mass of people but to the Italians a joy!

And of course the tourists. You can't escape them. But they are having such good fun that you put up with them. Here are a few pics of "the tourists"

On the beach

At our favourite restaurant La Luna, the fish was frescha (fresh) and we usually had the spignola (white fish), orata (like bream) or San Pietro (john dory). We loved the grilled fish which was served whole and then filleted in front of us. it always comes with potatoes (Alan's favourite).

Who is a happy girl?

Who is a happy boy?

Life is tough. Just getting my back tanned!  Tony Abbott eat your heart out.....speedos are back in according to papers here and in London!

Yes apperitivi is still very much part of our life! This was taken overlooking the beach in Pula, a town just north of our resort.

In general, towns and cities we visited were uninspiring when compared to the mainland cities. Cagliari has an old centro which is interesting and Pula has some quaint shops but in general not much to inspire.  They also shut for a serious siesta - most shutting between 1.30pm and 5pm.  The towns are desserted during siesta time.  We must agree as it is very hot during that time of the day...............nightlife prevails for the Italianos.

 

Cagliari old town

Cagliari Duomo

Pula

O well, life wasn't meant to be easy.

Princepessa has decisions, decisions....

is that the right nail colour?

 So baci a tutti

Carolyna e Alan