This blog focuses more on the southern part of Sardinia. Here I will take you to the Costa del Sud; spot the dunes and blue water bay in Porto Pino, drive the amazing Strada Panoramica del la Costa del Sud, get a tan at the most beautiful spots Cala Tuerredda (picture below) and Chia and have dinner in the best restaurant in Pula and maybe even Sardinia. Curious? Keep on reading!
Porto Pino
For me it was time to calm down in my holiday, not driving too much anymore and chill a bit on the beach working on my tan. From now on that is the plan; first drive from Iglesias to Porto Pino for a couple of hours on this long stretched beach where the white soft, silky dunes glance at the end of the bay. There are enough parking spaces and the beach is full of places where you can rent a bed including beach umbrellas; simple food is served here too.
I still don’t get bored of the view of the blue waters and white beaches. Although this beach has a lot of seaweed on shore, the life guards try to clean is but that is a lot of work. I walked further and at some point the seaweed was gone, it was passed the special dog’s beach. Wind was picking up perfect for windsurfers and sailing boats to have fun too.
On the way back I stopped at Ristorante La Barchetta, I looked in the small shop and saw the best salads I have seen so far. I wanted to try all of them; which I did!! Best lunch so far!!!
The location of Porto Pino is unique and attracts flamingos too, so if you didn’t spot them in Cabras, you have a second chance here. And you will get a third chance in Pula and perhaps close to Cagliari too.
Costa del Sud
This coast stretches from Porto di Teulada to Chia and is one of southern Sardinia’s most beautiful coastlines. The Strada Panoramica della Costa del Sud (SP71) has a stunning road that follows the rocky coastline sometimes within a couple of meters from the stunning beaches.
I stopped at every point where I could possibly stop; cool of in the water, swam around, relax in the sun. I was so impressed by this coast. You pass many small beaches, some you see clearly but others are hide-away; perfect for a sailing boat!! There a two spots which you can’t miss on this route and these are Cala Tuerredda (Teulada) and Chia.
Cala Tuerredda
This is a popular amazing located beach, with emerald-green waters and a chill bar to hang out to have a healthy lunch. You get a Caribbean feeling with the straw umbrellas offsetting the azur ocean and white beach.
Sufficient parking places are available for 5 to 7 EUR per day. It was busy at this beach but no wonder; the view in the cape is tremendous. I went here twice, that says enough right? And no wonder that the Lonely Planet used this beach for the cover of their Sardinian Travel book. I found out later that I made almost the same picture. See first picture in this blog.
Chia
Chia has more beaches; the larger Sa Colonia and on the east Su Portu. The rest of Chia is full of hotels, holiday homes and campsites, build in the macchia vegetation mountains. The beaches are popular for wind- and kite surfers; but also other water-sport and sun lovers will enjoy it here.
Pula
Around 32km southwest of Cagliari, Pula is a perfect base to explore the capital city of Sardinia and the beaches as described above. Pula is known for the archaeological site Nora. The Nora’s ruins where once the island’s Roman capital. You can visit the site were you can see the remainder of a theater and ancient bath complex.
Before entering the site you pass the beach of Pula and a small harbor at the back. At the attached Laguna di Nora on the other site you can spot flamingos if you are lucky.
I slept in Pula at the comfortable Marin Hotel; very nice and helpful staff and great breakfast in the basement of the hotel. The hotels location is perfect; around the corner you can find the central Piazza del Popolo. Here you can find many restaurants, vibrant bars, shops and gelaterias. When you are in Italy you need to have a one or more ice creams….and coffee, pasta, pana cotta and wine of course hahah!!
Only 10 minutes from Pula, close to Sarroch; I stayed at Casa Namaste. It was difficult to find but the owner Tiziano is very helpful to give you the best time at this very chill and beautiful accommodation. The original details of the premises and rooms made me feel really relaxed; exactly what I needed for my last days in Sardinia.
At the time I was here a yoga camp was organized, but that is not going on all the time. The two dogs welcome you when you arrive and every morning Tiziano wakes up early to see the sunrise; you can join him if you like! The breakfast is good and the table looked so nice in the garden. If you are bored of the beaches, you can chill at the pool here as well. Your will love this small homey villa!!!
Restaurants in Pula
I had the sushi lunch menu at the well-organized restaurant S’Incontru. Good to have something different after almost two weeks. In the evening I went to Federico’s, at a nice small square with trees and romantic lights (nice all by myself). I liked the vibe of this restaurant; food was good and service was ok, atmosphere is great. A perfect place to have a romantic diner. I got a recommendation to eat a great pizza at Pizzeria Eleonora and indeed it was a great pizza in the way of big. It was less tasteful for me but that was mainly because there was a fault in the menu, so I got the wrong pizza (including pork sausage). I could get a new one, but thought that was a waste. If you are hungry go and eat a huge pizza for 8-12 EUR but the interior is not cozy at all, more a food hall feeling. I don’t recommend you this place.
Last but not least restaurant Cucina Machri’; this was the best restaurant where I have eaten in Sardinia. Super service, top wine, delicious food; an almost Michelin star restaurant. I decided to go for the 8 course menu for 51 EUR; you get to taste the entire Sardinian kitchen in one evening. Treat yourself to this best restaurant in Pula or even Sardinia, I would say!!!
Where are you going next? Cagliari or Iglesias area!
Enjoy!!!
