Culture, history and golden beaches to rival those in the Caribbean
Our jolly, mahogany-tanned captain glides the dingy towards some rocks, then directs his group of excited day-trippers to head for an indiscernible path between tall reeds.
I lead the way with fearless vigour, and a few minutes later we emerge at a beach of cinematic beauty, with alabaster-white sand and a glimmering sea of the palest emerald.
But the desert island spell is broken instantly by a vexed Italian woman striding towards us, clutching a walkie-talkie and snapping orders in comically accented English.
‘NO stop! NO towel! NO sit! Walk!’ She then instructs our bemused troop to follow her.
It’s business as usual at Budelli island’s Cavaliere beach, a stretch of sand so precious that it requires security guards.
Isolated: Rob McGibbon explores Sardinia's lesser-visited north. Above, one of the tucked away bays that dot the shores
Budelli island’s Cavaliere beach (pictured), just off the coast of northern Sardinia, is a stretch of sand so precious that it requires security guards
Budelli is one of more than 60 islands that make up La Maddalena Archipelago, a protected national marine park just off the coast of northern Sardinia.
The entire area is gorgeous and has been a magnet for flotillas of sea-faring tourists for decades.
However, mindless souvenir hunters have stolen so much sand, shells and stones over the years that guards are now stationed on a few ecologically fragile beaches during peak season. For removing these irreplaceable treasures, fines can hit £2,600.
I first went to Sardinia in 1977 and have rediscovered it in recent years as a perfect European family holiday destination.
It has everything – weather, sea, cuisine, culture, history and beaches that match the Caribbean.
You’ll be sure of a warm welcome wherever you go, and it’s only a two-hour flight away.
Rob checks into Resort Valle dell’Erica, part of hotel group Delphina Resorts
Most of Rob's time at Valle dell’Erica was spent on the 'serene' Licciola beach (pictured)
We are here to discover the lesser-visited north, and are using the hotels of Delphina Resorts, the island’s oldest hotel group, as stepping stones.
Delphina has eight coastal properties here and is still owned by the two families who founded it 30 years ago.
Our first stay is at Capo d’Orso, with 80 rooms set in a woodland leading to the sea.
A boat trip is the only way to appreciate the beauty of the Sardinian seas, and our next hotel has the perfect answer. Valle dell’Erica has its own elegant 1927 wooden sailing boat called La Pulcinella exclusively for guests.
It’s aboard La Pulcinella that we visit Budelli and cruise around other islands, dropping anchor in bays to swim in the warm waters.
A boat trip is the only way to appreciate the beauty of the Sardinian seas, says Rob. Pictured: Boats anchored near the shores of Budelli island
Pictured: The sandy shoreline at Licciola beach, located near Valle dell’Erica
Above, seafood dish spaghetti alle vongole
A delicious lunch of seafood pasta and crisp local Vermentino white wine is served on board.
On the way home, our deckhand flags down a passing Algida branded speedboat (Italy’s version of Wall’s ice cream), so we can buy Cornettos. A truly unforgettable day.
Most of our time staying at Erica is spent on the serene Licciola beach, or in its spa and saltwater swimming pools.
As we say goodbye to Sardinia, a member of the reception staff says: ‘Stessa spiaggia, stesso mare.’ She explains that this is a typical Italian summer farewell, imparting a simple wish to see you again next year at ‘the same beach, the same sea’.
Well, if the holiday gods shine on us, we will definitely be there again – and promise not to steal any of it.
TRAVEL FACTS
Seven nights’ B&B at Capo d’Orso from £959pp, or half-board at Valle dell’Erica from £1,019pp (delphina.it).
Read more:- Hotel Sardegna: Delphina Hotel 4 e 5 Stelle in Sardegna
Related articles
Is this the latest Nessie sighting? Hunter spots '18ft
Is it a bird? Is it a fish? Could it even be...the latest sighting of Nessie?A monster hunter from C2024-04-25Violent rages, sadistic beatings, in
When 23-year-old Anne Coke married the Scottish aristocrat Colin Tennant at St Withburga’s Parish Ch2024-04-25Suspect in killing of Idaho sheriff's deputy fatally shot by police, authorities say
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho sheriff’s deputy died after being shot by a driver during a traffic sto2024-04-25- Jennifer Lopez is spending a bit of time at her New York City apartment - after finally selling her2024-04-25
Kourtney Kardashian, 45, shows off her incredible post
Kourtney Kardashian showcased her bikini body in Instagram photos from her 45th birthday celebration2024-04-25Luis Gil gets 1st big league win in 3 years, pitches Yankees over Rays 5
NEW YORK (AP) — Luis Gil struck out a career-high nine over 5 2/3 innings for his first major league2024-04-25
atest comment