We’re one month into our two-month long vacation on the island of Sardinia, the majestic island in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Italy.
In this moment in time, life’s a beach.
Literally.
More specifically, life’s a beach in Costa Smeralda. This beautiful tourist destination in northern Sardinia is the place we are fortunate enough to call home every summer. The coastline is lined with rocky beaches, some secluded and remote, and others crowded with tourists.
Most of our days are spent lounging on the beach, alternating between early mornings when the sea is still calm and peaceful, and late afternoons when the sound of the ocean is lost among the voices of children playing along the shore.
If you speak to any local here, they will rave about their gorgeous beaches however, they won’t shy away from throwing in a complaint or two about how the beaches become so overcrowded that rather it being relaxing, a day at the beach ends up being stressful and annoying instead.
So, what do the locals do in the summer? They work all week (including Saturdays, depending on the job), and spend most of their Sundays on their boats, sailing the crystal clear turquoise waters of this beautiful island.
If work occupies their entire Saturday, or even Sunday, they still make time for a quick dip in the sea-and there’s nothing quick about the beach during peak season.
On late Sunday afternoons you can find many of the locals heading toward one of the many small marinas where they’ve docked their boats.
We used to spend many days our on friends boats, years ago before having kids. Now, with young kids in tow, it’s much easier to resort to the beach where they can roam freely-and we can relax knowing their feet are safely planted on the sand.
Once in a blue moon we are able to leave the kids with their grandparents and get away for a peaceful afternoon out on the boat. Our friend’s boat is docked in Porto Cervo, right beside the world famous Cala di Volpe hotel.
These are rare moments as a mother when you get to kick your feet up and relax, in peace and tranquility.
The only sound you can hear is the motor running and the waves crashing against the boat. The feeling of the warm summer wind blowing on your face and the sun shining down on you is unparalleled.
After a few minutes we anchored the boat near one of the small, secluded beaches-which are usually reserved for the rich or famous who own the villas in the hills above the beaches.
A short swim to the shore and this particular beach was all ours today! Our friends inflated one of their small mattresses so we could transport our personal belongings (that couldn’t get wet, like our cell phones) and some snacks.
Wading in the shallow water surrounded by rock formations brings me back to my childhood when we would visit family in the summer. I could spend hours climbing the rocks and searching for sea creatures.
Starfish are my favourite sea creatures-and one that I always seem to find whenever I go to the beach. If sea creatures brought luck as four-leaf clovers do, I would be the luckiest girl alive!
Have you ever watched one of these beautiful sea creatures move along the bottom of the ocean floor?
Better yet, have you ever held one in your hand, watching it slowly move across it, trying to find its way home?
After a few hours lazing around and tanning on the beach, we headed back to the boat.
Wow 2 months?! Jealous! I’ll be in Italy for vacation the end of August and I cannot wait. Sardenia is stunning!
Where will you be? Is it your first time visiting Italy?
This looks amazing! Can you please take me with next time?
Holy WOW, a 2 month vacation? I can’t even begin to imagine how relaxing and life changing that would be. Plus, add gorgeous scenery and a beach. How beautiful, Italy is on my bucket list and hope to visit there some day. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us!
I know, sounds like heaven, right? I mean, who gets two-month vacations…besides teachers?! 😉
This would be the life indeed. I would love to go just once to a beach in Costa Smeralda. It sounds and looks amazing indeed. The star fish video was creepy though. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Haha! I never actually saw one up close moving like that…it was kind of ‘creepy’ at first, lol!
What a beautiful view! Never been to Italy but when I do I’ll be sure to visit Costa Smeralda.
If you don’t, you’ll be missing out 😉
It is so beautiful there. I haven’t been to a beach since last Summer. I really need to go soon.
We’re lucky enough to come here every summer!
What beautiful pictures and the water looks so inviting. This looks like an amazing place to visit and live.
Absolutely gorgeous! I was brought up by the beach and am now landlocked so I often miss the smell of salt air and sand in my toes.
Exactly like my husband! He was born here and moved to Canada. All we have near us is the lake…which doesn’t come close to this!
What a beautiful beach side resort. I would love to relax by the shore, wade in the shallow water picking up shells, and go for a sail.
This looks incredible. That water looks just heavenly, and looks like a place to really kick your feet up and enjoy. I could get used to a place like this!
Wow, the beautiful ocean waters were crystal clear and blue in your photos. I can only imagine waking up to that breathtaking views each morning.
Even a drive through the towns is beautiful with that ocean view in the background!
How amazing to have the beach all to yourself. You are living the dream. The locals complaints about crowded beaches made me envision and beach in the US during the summer with such huge crowds. We do love the beach. Love the starfish video!
Pretty much living the dream, lol!
What I wouldn’t give to spend our summer break inn a location such as this. I’m glad you are having such a great time. I don’t think I would ever leave
Thank you! I know..we are very fortunate! I lived here for four years over 10 years ago. As beautiful as it is, the grass is not always greener on the other side. I prefer spending my summers here and living year-round in Canada!
The beach is my favorite place to be. How cool that you had the beach all to yourself. I’m always looking for shells, too. I love finding starfish and sand dollars.
And it was a beautiful beach-even if it was small 😉
What a beautiful place to relax and kick your feet up. I love finding shells but I’ve never found a starfish, that’s pretty cool.
They’re not easy to find but I swear I find one almost every time I’m at the beach!
Wow that looks like such a relaxing time, I am so glad you were able to enjoy some peace and ocean views!