Sardinia Sunsets & So Much Pasta

Martina K.
Jul 22
3 min read

Updated: Aug 22

A Summer Getaway with My Mom 🇮🇹✨

There’s just something about Italy that always pulls me back - and this time, it was Sardinia’s turn to steal my heart. I spent 7 dreamy days exploring this island gem with my mom, and between the food, the sea, and the sunshine, it was nothing short of magical.

Airbnb Adventures & Homemade Brunches

The first half of our trip, we stayed in the old town of Alghero with a lovely local family who ran a home-style bed & breakfast. Communication was a mix of hand gestures, big smiles, and Google Translate - and honestly, that just made it even more charming. They were warm, welcoming, and made us feel right at home. The decor of the airbnb (hand made by the owner, Roberto) was what sparked the desire in me to create my own accommodation one day. When I saw the tiles, I thought: this is exactly the style I will go with in my future bathroom!

One of the funniest memories was our spontaneous Lidl adventure. The nearest store was tucked up in the hills, and getting there felt like a mini hike - with lots of laughter, in uncomfortable slippers through the Italian streets. We came back with bags full of local cheese, fruit, pastries, and treats... which naturally turned into a full-on brunch spread at the B&B (charcuterie instincts never take a break 😌🧀).

Beachfront Bliss & Sunset Pizza

For the second half of the trip, we switched things up and stayed at a beachside hotel with a breathtaking sea view. Every evening felt like a dream - watching the sun melt into the horizon from the roof terrace with a slice of pizza in hand. One night, we even found the *perfect* cocktail terrace bar during golden hour. I had a Cosmopolitan, obviously. 🍹✨

Sardinian Eats

We ate a lot of pizza and pasta (zero regrets) at cute ristorantes with authentic (loud) Italian servers. It was my first time trying creamy, buttery vongole pasta (with clams), and I’m still thinking about it. The scene: beach front restaurant with white wooden beams, palm trees, hot sand, and summer breeze. Let me talk about the gelato: there is no place like Italy to get the best ice cream, creamy pistachio, gooey stracciatella, rich cioccolato.

We also tried Limoncello for the first time (I accidentally ordered a whole bottle, because I thought it was a cocktail). The fruit here is simply amazing, there is nothing compared to fresh, locally sourced goods: various citrus fruits, pears, peaches, melons. Not to mention, you can find cheese literally everywhere - on the piazza, in small shops, and all the supermarkets. I find the best selection is in Conad, I could not believe my eyes - various traditional cold cuts, regional specialty cheeses and wines, that are the authentic symbols of the Italian culture. 🧀🍷

Sardinian cuisine is such a beautiful blend of sea and earth - fresh, simple, and soul-warming. ✨

A Day at Sea: Santa Teresa & The Unexpected Boat Ride

One of the most memorable parts of the trip was our day in Santa Teresa di Gallura. We had planned a full-day boat cruise, but the journey there took 4 hours through mountainous serpentines (fun... and slightly terrifying), and we missed the boarding by just minutes. At first, I was crushed, but as it turns out, the universe had better plans.

We ended up hopping aboard a smaller motorboat with the most *chaotic-fun* captain ever. He and his crew were hilarious and super laid-back. We cruised all day through the La Maddalena Archipelago, visited the famous pink beach, swam in crystal-clear waters, and even jumped off the boat into the sea like kids. 🐚💦

The highlight? They cooked us pasta *on the boat* and even made a cheese board, which we devoured under the sun while bobbing in a quiet bay. Pure joy.

We also visited Capo Caccia to enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea and the Grotta di Nettuno from a dramatic headland on the northwestern coast. Absolutely stunning!

This trip was everything I love rolled into one: good food, welcoming culture, warm people, seaside sunsets, unexpected turns, and slow mornings with coffee and croissants. Traveling with my mom made it even more special - we laughed so much, went shopping in the dreamy old town, and made memories that will stay with me forever.