Chia in Sardinia

After our taste of northern Sardinia, we drive from Olbia to Chia, in the south, about 3.5 hours away. We're getting used to driving in Sardinia, it appears that the speed limits are advisory only and we observe that people seem to drive at twice the posted limit until it reaches 70 km/hour (44 mph) or so, then they drive at a little under twice the limit.

We plan a picnic lunch as we drive and stop at the Simply grocery store in Olbia to pick up all the great fixings (it's hard to choose, but we finally pick): 100 grams (1/4 lb) of salami, 100 grams of mortadella (Italian cured sausage), a package of cheese and 3 rolls, all for 5.3 euros ($5.67).

We bid arrivederci to the north 

 Drive through the central mountains

After our scenic drive and a great picnic, we arrive in southwestern Sardinia, a land of mountains, beaches, agriculture, and tourists.  Chia is reported to have some of the best beaches in Sardinia, along with magnificent sand dunes, and our hotel is adjacent to the sea, with a boardwalk across the dunes to the water.

Chia, land of beaches!

The contrast of the dry landscape, the lush tropical plantings at the hotel, and the native cork trees all blend together to make a varied and inviting environment.  We have never seen a cork tree before and, when we spot several in the hotel parking lot, we all of a sudden understand why there are so many carved cork items in our room and for sale in the stores as souvenirs.

Tropical plantings

 Cork trees

As we drive around, we find spectacular sights in every direction!

 Along the coast from Chia

And, the dining, wow!  Ranging from a simple lunch on our hotel balcony to an incredible treat in a local, casual, restaurant.

Picnic on the balcony

Our first dinner starts with assorted cheese antipasti, followed by octopus and potato salad (mostly octopus).  We then share a seafood risotto.  What a great selection.

First dinner

The next day, we return to the same restaurant and share three salads and two entrees among the three of us:

Antipasti
  Octopus and potato salad
  Melon and prosciutto
  Caprese salad (mozzarella and tomato)

Main courses
  Spaghetti fruitti di mare (all from the sea)
  Sardinian pasta with sausage and tomato

Ok, we can stay here a while!  Unfortunately, it eventually is time to go.

Visiting Alghero, Sardinia

We drive over to historic Alghero, on the opposite (western) coast of Sardinia from Olbia.  The drive is a little over 1.5 hours through the center of Sardinia, which is surprisingly dry.

We reach Alghero and park in a lot across from the harbor.  As we walk along the harbor, we see carnival rides, snack stands, the marina, and boat tours to the caverns (which we hear are great, but we won't get there this trip).  The walls of the car-free old town are imposing and get even more so as we head in that direction to see what's inside.

At the harbor:  we approach the old town wall

We enter the old town and wander through the maze of lanes and piazzas.  The old town is on the edge of the Mediterranean, with massive walls to guard against threats from the sea.  Now it is packed with bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, and tourists, one of the most popular locations for tourists to visit in Sardinia.

 Walls and gate of the old town

 Streets of the old town

We leave the old town through the western gate out the onto the sea wall outside.  No longer intended to repel threats from the sea, it now features restaurants and residences with great views.

 Along the sea wall

For lunch, we find a spot with comfortable seating, great views (not hard to come by), and an interesting menu.  We're thinking pizza and start with panini with pancetta, tuna fish, olives, tomatoes, rocket, mayonnaise and egg, followed by a sausage pizza and a marguerite pizza and wine from a winery that has been making wine in Sardinia since 1899.

 View of the marina from lunch

 Pizza, remnants of panini (it disappears really fast!)

After lunch, we stroll back along the harbor to our car and return to Olbia, although some of the other destinations in the directional marker sound pretty good!  And, a great idea for a lemonade stand.

 Directions from old town

Lemonade anyone?

Olbia, Sardinia

We take the ferry over to Sardinia, arriving in Olbia in the north of the island.  Our hotel offers an incredible view of the water and the coastline across the harbor, with ferries passing back and forth.

 Dramatic view of the harbor and coast

We drop our luggage at the hotel and drive up to Porto Cervo, the Sardinian playground for the rich and famous.  The drive up to Port Cervo is incredible:  stunning water views, rugged coastline, and islands in the distance.

Views of the Mediterranean and Sardinia on the drive

 Yachts in the harbor at Porto Cervo

Porto Cervo itself is a modern port of shops and restaurants with great sculptures scattered everywhere.

Views of Porto Cervo

 Random sculptures

We poke around for a bit, wander into a few shops, then head back to the Burger & Beach Bar that caught our eye as we drove up, sitting on the top of a hill, with a path down to the water for dining at the water's edge.  We walk down a path to the sea and enjoy fish and chips and burgers, with local beer and a view that can't be beat.  We could sit here all day, relax, and watch the water and breathtaking sights.  We enjoy it so much that we come back a few days later for another round of burgers, fish & chips, and scenery.

 Burger, fish and chips, sliders

 View of and from our table

After lunch, we head back to our hotel and spend some time on the beach as a great finale to our first day in Sardinia.

 Afternoon at the beach