Summer in the Meditteranean region is always fantastic! And summer on an island of Meditteranean is even better. Except that, this year I visited a place that feels more like the Carribean than Meditteranean – Sardinia island. With its white sand beaches, crystal turquoise water, and rocky shore, Sardinia is just another World.

A long time ago, I left the “see it all” travel lifestyle for good and decided that slow travel is what fits me most. Yet still, when I land on an island, I tend to rent a car and do the full circle, so that I know which part of an island I like the most. But this time, I concentrated on the best of Sardinia – the little town of Palau, located on Costa Smeralda.

White powdery sand, sparkling turquoise waters, calm landscape and almost no one around – that’s La Maddalena national park, an archipelago of 7 bigger and 55 smaller islands. I strongly recommend visiting La Maddalena archipelago on a smaller boat. In this way, you could really enjoy the nature and serenity of this UNESCO site.

Palau is a harbor town, so you can find many options for sailing. During my trip, I went on two excursions. One on a catamaran @Palaucatamaran and another one a motorboat called Blue Rider. Both of the trips were really unforgettable and took me to some of the most pristine beaches on Sardinia. The crew is extremely nice and helpful! Each trip lasted for about 7-8h, with multiple stops for swimming, beach hopping and delicious pasta lunch break.

My absolute favorite stop was at natural pools between Maddalena islands of Santa Maria, Budelli and Razzoli. The sea water and its most beautiful color variations made me understand why it is called Emerald coast.

I also loved Cala Soraja. I could go on and on about how beautiful and secluded this beach is, but I believe pictures will make it more justice.

But you don’t have to go to La Maddalena national park to enjoy stunning beaches. Spiaggia di Porto Faro offers everything you could ever want – crystal clear water, fine soft sand, and views that will take your breath away. I wouldn’t mind living in one of the colorful houses next to the beach and spending my evenings sipping wine on the balcony and enjoying the view of a lighthouse. True Sardinia luxury.

I think the majority of you can agree that Italian cuisine is among the best in the World. In Palau, I have tried mouth-watering fresh mussels in Ristorante Il Porticciolo, pasta with seafood and bottarga (dried fish eggs) in il Spizzico and the most creamy pistachio ice creams in the World in Gelateria dell’Angolo.

I highly recommend my friend Greta’s place. Not only because Greta is an awesome person and a great host but also because the flat is very well located, close to the beaches, city center, and the harbor. It is very spacious and offers a big terrace on which you can enjoy your meals.

When you plan your holidays in Sardinia, don’t even look at a hotel with a pool. There is no point of swimming in a pool when surrounded by the most beautiful European beaches. Better, stay in an Airbnb and use the price difference to treat yourself to a catamaran cruise.

Also, as an additional encouragement, I am giving you 25 euros off your stay! Click here!

I truly hope to be back in Palau soon. My stay there was filled with magical moments sailing the clear waters of Emerald coast, taking underwater pictures, eating delicacies straight from the sea and laughing with friends. Can it be summer all year round?