The last few days have been spent sampling Sardinia’s coastline and the beaches in particular and exploring the south of the island.The beach at Bosa typifies most: wide silver-soft curves around turquoise/blue waters; usually a single shack/beach bar controls the beach; it may have a handful of sunbeds to share (although you can drop your towel almost anywhere on all of them).

Pula is our base further down the south west side of the island. An ordinary town with a mixture of businesses and holiday homes. What it has going for it is a number of reasonable restaurants 8n the square and around the church. The latter is home to Fedrica’s where we ate most often.

Visiting in May makes everything so easy. It is pre-season – no need to book tables in restaurants, easy to park, beaches are empty, as are the roads. Everything is very peaceful, calm & relaxed.

Pula’s town beach is on the way to the tower at Nora situated on a promontory at the far end.

The beach at Chia was the best. Gob-smackingly beautiful it could have been the Caribbean or a south sea island.

Spiaggia Di Tuerredda was similar.

The island of Sant’Antioco is linked to the main island by a spit of land and a low bridge. At its far end, Calasetta has the feel of a north African fishing village with palms & weather beaten facades and dominated by the large cathedral.

Traditional fishing boats are moored alongside modern sailing boats & luxury yachts.