JUNE 2023 : DAY 19 : SARDINIA : Cagliari

Cappuccini with pastries at a traditional cafe near our hotel

We took our bags back to Hotel Italia where we are staying for our last few days… or we thought so … but when the receptionist checked the booking it was not from tonight but from tomorrow- after a few anxious moments he confirmed there indeed was a room available for tonight too. Miracle one.

I had booked a morning on a boat with swimming many weeks ago. We left early towards the marina near our hotel but as we continued walking we realised there are two marinas and the Piccolo Marina is a few kilometres from Cagliari. We had to cross the highway and navigate around the stadium, and desperate that we’d miss out I stopped a car and this wonderful man drove us to our destination in time for our cruise. Miracle two.


A much smaller boat than expected and a group of 6. An American family joined us.

Our driver was Andrea. Very engaging.

Lots of swims close to the main swimming beach in and around the Devil’s Saddle as there was a strong wind. Regardless the water was a divine temperature.

Local bus back from the marina. We couldn’t find a Tabac or bar to buy tickets so the driver just waved us on. Miracle three.

Paola recommended a delicatessen, Sabores, near our hotel as a ‘must go’ venue due to its excellent local products. We decided to go there for lunch. Only a cheese and meat plate available today but exquisite. We booked for the cooked lunch tomorrow too!

The manager said the Maeve O’Meara, a personal friend, from SBS Food program, had just completed a program about his restaurant/ delicatessen a few weeks ago.
http://www.saborescagliari.com/site/

A siesta this afternoon , including a little washing. Temperature was in the mid 30s, so the our clothes dry very quickly.

We found the bus station kiosk to buy day bus passes for  €3.30. The bus and train stations are close to town near the port - all very convenient for arrivals and departures but not a particularly savoury part of the city. The airport railway station is only one stop to the city, as well.

All in easy walking distance to our hotel

Dinner across from the hotel.

I had mullet roe (bottarga) which is pressed and dried and eggplant with pecorino.

Mark had a spicy pulpo soup and a tender (grilled) horse T-bone steak

M&M