This past Friday we went on a little adventure to Sardinia. The plane ride is only a little over an hour and the tickets were crazy affordable.
We decided that we should go to the south of Sardinia, Cagliari specifically. Oh, who am I kidding. *I* decided. I am the trip planner and packer in this family. Ha!
I picked Cagliari for several reasons. First- I heard that the southern part of Sardinia was less touristy than the northern part. Also…the tickets to the Cagliari airport were WAY more affordable than the tickets to the north. Decision made.
Here’s where we were on a map:
The first day we got there about 10 am and checked into the apartment. As always, we used Airbnb. I find it the best way to travel for a large family. If you want to try Airbnb, use my referral link. We will both get travel credit!
We knew we didn’t have a good grasp of the area yet and we didn’t want to cram too much into the first day, so first we did a bit of exploring in the city.
Since we flew to the city, we opted to rely on public transportation. We wanted to get the lay of the land before we attempted anything complicated.
Of course that included eating. Duh. I have to say whenever anyone asks me where to eat in Italy I say ANYWHERE. This isn’t a joke.
I have only had one bad meal in the year we’ve been here. Everything is good here.
You simply cannot go wrong with a plate of pasta. The more simple the better. Italy does al dente right. I haven’t had a single plate of over or undercooked pasta since moving here.
After lunch we decided to hop on a bus to Poetto Beach. Poetto is Cagliari’s “city” beach.
It was an overcast and gray afternoon so photos don’t do it justice but it was quite lovely.
Since moving to Italy I’ve discovered the Spritz Aperol/Aperol Spritz , a traditional Italian cocktail. I’m obsessed. They are the perfect combination of bitter and sweet.
Spritz Aperol // 3 parts prosecco + 2 parts Aperol + a splash of soda water . Garnish with orange and serve over ice. Aperol is the sweet counterpart of Campari…you can also make this cocktail with Campari for a more bitter version.
On day two, we took the advice of our taxi driver and visited Villasimius.
Oh.My.Gosh y’all. There are no words. The most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen.
It was about a 2 hour bus ride away from Cagliari and as our bus got close I knew we were in for a treat because this is what I saw out of our window.
We got off the bus and walked for about half an hour down the beach, around a corner…and saw this. GASP.
Day three we took our taxi driver’s advice, yet again, and hit up Chia Beach.
Chia is all the way down at the southern tip of Sardinia.
Another day, another walk clear across town to the bus station. These four are rock stars.
Chia was closer. The bus ride was a little over an hour long.And it was magic. Wayyy more crowded than Villasimius but still incredible.
It was a wonderful, beautiful trip. And I’m missing it terribly now that I’m back in the real world!
A few summarizing thoughts.
1. This part of Sardinia was the perfect choice for our family. We only heard English one time the entire weekend and that’s how we like it. In Italy, wherever the Italians go is the best. That’s true when it comes to beaches, restaurants, and vacations.
2. We used the diaper trick for our valuables. We took a diaper and rolled up our money inside. Who’s going to look inside a diaper for money? It was a very safe area but you can never be too safe.
3. I took this beach mat from Target. It was amazing.
4. I did not take my big camera at all. Lots of people like to comment that I’ll regret not taking DSLR photos. Here’s the deal though. I’m not lugging my big camera to the beach and leaving it in the sand while I swim. Not gonna happen. Also…the longer I live here it’s just a simple fact that I don’t want to take it with me. I don’t want the added bulk. I don’t want to have to pull it out and adjust the settings. My iPhone works just fine. For me.
5. You don’t see many photos of the girls because in Europe little girls don’t wear tops at the beach. It’s just the way it’s done and it’s so funny talking to my Italian friends. They don’t understand why you would cover up something when there’s nothing there. HA!
That said, the girls went to the beach every day in 2 piece swimsuits. Once they got there and saw all of the other children they all made the choice to do it the European way and I didn’t argue. So there are photos, but they won’t be shared here. HEEE!
6. In contrast, I felt like a nun on the beach. Seriously. I felt like I was wearing a head to toe wetsuit. In reality it was a tankini. Y’all…European women are awesome. They all rock bikinis no matter weight, age, or breast size. There is zero self consciousness. I wish I could say I’ve reached this enlightened state after a year here, but the fact is I haven’t.
After reading this incredible blog post (by my friend Jessica) I realized I was doing myself and my girls a disservice by not participating at the pool and the beach. What kind of a message am I sending them? So I spent an entire weekend sans coverup just being present and having FUN. It was exhilarating.
7. Yes there was a lot of walking and a LOT of down time riding buses. We made the decision that our girls were just going to have to deal with it. We didn’t take electronics at all. Harper did take books but didn’t ever read them. There was some whining but they learned to deal with it. And I love that.
So there you have it…our Sardinian adventure!
Happy Wednesday y’all!
xoxo
Amazing. Sighing with jealousy! My husband and I went to Italy in 2009 (Florence – which does have my heart, Rome and Venice). My husband would move us there tomorrow if I gave the go-ahead. We are so in awe of the weekend trips you can take throughout Europe.
Lovely memories without big camera. at least you captured some with you phone are great!
stunning and beautiful, glad your family got the chance to go there!
Girls will remember forever!
What a beautiful place! I understand how you miss it. I wouldn’t want to leave either. I get really nervous having my camera at the beach too. We go to Ocean City, MD for a month in the summer, so I bring it down (we are oceanfront), take pictures, and then take it up to the condo. Not worth having it stolen or ruined. I am always covered up at the beach too, scared of sunburn! My family always laughs at me, I am quite a site with my oversized t-shirt and big sun hat. But at least I don’t get burned (haha!). It’s so much fun hearing about all your adventures!
Beautiful, seriously beautiful pics. It looks like a dream! Love the family pic of you all too!
Stephanie, this is amazing!!! I love that even the girls are embracing the European culture of not wearing tops at the beach. HA! Love seeing your family experience all these amazing places. Makes me want to travel with my 3 girls.
I love seeing all of your family’s adventures! Such a wonderful experience for your entire family. I totally get not wanting to take your big camera everywhere – it can be so exhausting sometimes. We were in Italy in April and a lot of my favorite photos are from my iPhone. As long as you have a few memories captured so you can look back on them in the future, it’s all good! 🙂
I love Sardegna! I have only been to the north, but now these beaches in the south are on the list!
thank you for continuing to share your adventures with us!
italy has never been on my “to-see” list, but it just might make it’s way on there if you keep posting photos/experiences like this one! 😉
Truly wonderful! How’s Harper doing, foodwise, remember you telling about her food allergy, seems like quitte a puzzel in a foreign country!
Looks like another fabulous trip. Thanks for sharing with everyone.
On some beaches (I’m thinking France) the grown-up girls don’t wear tops at the beach either. Something to aim for… It looks like you all had a fantastic time. I’m so glad you’re all enjoying Italy so much, it’s such an amazing adventure, and you’re really making the most of being there. I really love reading about your travel adventures, and your photos are always great. CJ xx
we just stay away from anything with chocolate in it since its usually really nutellla!!!
Thank you for sharing. You make me want to jump in the pool with those grand kids at the neighborhood pool. Who cares that I am not the cute chic I once was! This was a special post. Thank you for sharing your adventures!
Love your report! 🙂 Especially the parts about Pasta, Aperol and Europeans and bikinis *lol* But I can guarantee you we Europeans ARE self conscious!! Just Italians grow up without being ashamed, it’s normal…and a “real” Italian Mama has to be a bit chubby 😉
Such a fun adventure for your family. I am so glad you are taking every opportunity to enjoy your stay in Italy. Memories to last a lifetime.
lovely post and I am so happy to read it because we are going to Sardinia in October, during the fall break. we want to rent a car and travel the Island as we are staying 10 days. I’ll sure include the places you went on our tour.
WOW! It is soooo beautiful. Just wondering if it would be hard for non-italian speakers to travel in cagliari/villasimius for the matter.
Hmm I wouldnt think so. Im alwAys surprised by how many Italians know a bit of English.
And you could always learn some basic phrases before you go!
Sent from my iPhone
Steph, I do so love your stories. 2 things: we’re in Seattle and just spent a week in Vancouver for a softball tournament, and I am such a wuss about being in another country, I’m ashamed. And. I got brave and put on a tank top and shorts to watch a fame in 97 degree heat because I was melting. I’m so silly super self conscious of my “fat” arms….and after the game, my sweet girl said she glanced over and saw me and thought how cute I looked. Thank you for everything. Love you to bits.
I love reading about your travels and I am off to read that blog post…
You are a doll. xoxo