Sardinia 2025

Part 2

Sardinia:

Day 11 On the ferry, there was a small play wall for the children. Snacks and ice cream were available for purchase. Since the departure time was delayed, we had lunch on the ferry.

Once we arrived, we drove straight towards Castelsardo/Elephant Rock. After a short stop, we continued to the Bella Sardinia campsite near Oristano. A fair way through the plains, but this part of Sardinia was truly green. The rest was on the highway. Upon arrival at the campsite, we unpacked first. Next to the reception there was a small climbing frame. We had our mobile home right at the central point. There was also a great climbing frame with several slides. Even little M was able to slide down. Of course, we had to help a bit. There were 2 swings and 2 teeter-totters. Near the motorhome parking spaces, there were two more small setups with slides or swings. Access to the sea was available, but we didn't utilize it. At the beach, there was a beach bar and there was a supervision due to a dangerous sea current. However, the beach itself was unfortunately not very nice. There was a pool area with a children's pool and slide. The days at the campsite were a bit cooler. There were also large washrooms. We did laundry once (only small change, 4 Euros for 1 load. The washing machine was very large).

Day 12 04.05.

Today we drove to Alghero. The journey was quite long, but luckily both children behaved well. Upon arrival, it was quite windy, so no boats were operating. The cave was also closed, not even land access was available. Then we discovered a great playground almost directly at the harbor in a small park. (Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 21, 07041 Alghero SS, Italy). That day we parked a bit outside for free and walked on the city wall into the city center. Alghero is a nice little town. We took a small city tour by train. L. really enjoys these train rides. Unfortunately, she discovered a horse-drawn carriage, so we did essentially the same tour again by carriage. The dad saved the fare and the money. In the afternoon we searched around the old town for something.

Day 13

Since it rained a bit in the morning, we drove to the archaeological site of Tharros, where there is also a beautiful beach section (Plage di San Giovanni di Sinis). I viewed the ruins (Nuraghes) of Tharros from the outside; the entrance was too expensive for me. Afterwards, we drove to Oristano and ended up at McDonald's. The children got their lunch. M had jars and fries. L had fries and a burger or nuggets. She had fallen in love with the climbing/sliding tower and played with Italian children at the end. The rest of the way back allowed her to play again at the campsite, and we also made a stop at the supermarket.

Day 14

Today we took a trip to the Dinopark. (Parco Sardegna in Miniatura – Parco dei Dinosauri (https://sardegnainminiatura.it/). Due to her height, I got L. in for free; she was just below the limit. Possibly she could have exceeded the limit with shoes if someone had measured. It was a beautiful park. We had perfect weather. It had rained on the way there, but the rest of the day was dry with sun and clouds. Here in the park, you can take a small boat tour and a small train ride through the park. Explore the island with the miniature buildings and the dino trail. There is also a small aviary and a little tropical paradise. At the back end of the park, there is also a planetarium for astronauts and an astronomy museum. A great trip for spring and autumn. In summer, it has to be considered due to the heat. There are water parks that were still closed in spring.

Day 15

Today we drove the long way back to Alghero. Near Boza, you can watch vultures. We had great weather today; we saw some circling overhead from the road. With the camera and maximum zoom, I got a few good pictures. Without children, I would have booked a tour. This time, we parked centrally (below the playground) but, of course, had to get a parking ticket. We went directly to the harbor and could board a boat immediately. However, they could not dock at the Grotta di Nettuno today either. The boat trip was very nice. The children could move around well. There were truly beautiful views. While we were on the boat, we booked a ticket to walk to the cave. We then had some time for lunch and playing at the playground; afterwards, we drove the roughly 30 minutes to the cave and arrived just in time for our time slot. M had just fallen asleep and was then put in the carrier. L. went with dad. Especially when climbing the many steps, she did well, but she also needed to be carried in between. The Grotta di Nettuno was an impressive stalactite cave.

Day 16

Today, we continued to the capital, Cagliari. Here, we had a vacation apartment right in the city center. The price was significantly higher than at the campsites. We could not check into the apartment yet, so we parked at the harbor and took a small tour through the old town in an electric vehicle. The car was open on both sides, so we really had to keep an eye on the two girls. It was quite nice but rather expensive.

Day 17

Today, we took the big sightseeing bus, which also drove to the salt lakes with the flamingos. At a viewpoint, we could briefly get out for a few quick photos. Afterwards, we drove to the city beach by car. It was very windy, so the waves were very high, and we couldn’t swim. We watched the kiters for a bit, and had an ice cream. Dad didn’t want to stay much longer anyway.

Day 18

Today we drove to Nora. The drive takes about 40 minutes. There, we went to a small aquarium (Laguna di Nora). There’s also a small lake where you can rent canoes. In summer, all the flamingos fly from Cagliari over to the lagoon. I also visited the Parco Archeologico. Especially at sunset, you can take beautiful pictures here. Afterwards, we went to the playground. It was enclosed and under pine trees. There were various play equipment. (in the city park: Parco Giochi Alfredo Rampi)

Day 19

Today we drove on to Dorgali. Here we had a great big vacation apartment.

Day 20

Today we were at the Grotta di Ispinigoli. It was not as big as the Grotta di Nettuno, but spectacular in a different way. An excursion option is still available with the Parco Museo S’abba frisca (open-air museum with some animals), but we did not visit it. We then drove to the city of Cala Gonone, where we visited the aquarium since it started pouring. There’s also a small playground, which unfortunately was wet, and a small snack bar with a play corner in the entrance area. It was very pleasant; there was even a touch tank. L. quickly made friends. When the rain stopped, we went to the promenade near the playground. (parco giochi) Here, L. met a new friend. Together we walked towards the harbor and made a short stop at the pebble beach where the children threw stones into the water. From there, you can take a boat to another cave, but it was already late afternoon, so no more boats were operating. (Possibly also due to the weather). Together with the new friends, we went for dinner. The restaurant gave the children a whole box of animals to play with and some coloring supplies.

Day 21

Today we continued to Golfo Aranci, from where our ship sailed back to Livorno. On the way, we made a stop at the Bear Rock. The view was truly fantastic. The wind was very strong up there, and you could see the Bear Rock better from a distance than if you were right there. There was a portable toilet on-site, and you had to pay 3 euros. For me, it was great. Moms get to enjoy themselves too. A bit of exercise doesn't hurt in between. Then we drove on to Palau. From here, the ships go to La Maddalena. However, we did not do that, as you can either shop or swim there. We spent our lunch break at the playground directly at the harbor. The playground was once again enclosed. (Campo di calcetto/parco di giochi) We parked at the beginning of the street and did not pay anything. Then we went to the hotel, and I took the kids to the hotel beach. Today was perfect weather for swimming. The beach was completely flat. There was a bit of seaweed initially, but even L. dared to walk through. The water behind it was still very shallow and calm. L didn’t want to get out anymore :)

Day 22

On the last day, we spent the morning at the playground near the harbor. (Parco Giochi Via del Lungomare, 07020 Golfo Aranci OT, Italy). In the afternoon, we had booked a small dolphin tour. M. slept through most of it. In the sea, there is a fish farm which attracts the dolphins, or it has residents due to that. It was a wonderful experience. Our driver was also very much oriented towards animal welfare. Then it was off with the car to the ferry, where we waited until we could board. This time we had a night ferry, so we also booked a cabin. The playing area was much larger this time, even with an indoor playground for climbing and sliding.

Day 23

Arrival in Livorno in the morning and direct transfer. We made it to Lake Garda smoothly and had a lunch break at McDonald's before continuing home. Between Innsbruck and Garmisch, M was quite cranky. But sooner or later, it worked out again, and we made it through the last leg as well.