Sardinia

BOAT TOUR WITH NATOUR SARDINIA

During Spaced Magazine’s time in Sardinia, Natour Sardinia led us through a tour of Maddalena Archipelago: a chain of Sardinia’s secret islands on the north coast. This experience was nothing short of otherworldly, igniting a pure awe in us that we hope can be emulated through the art we’re sharing on this experience.

A family business run by a local couple, Natour gracefully drove us through the islands’s aquatic trails with guidance and knowledge that can only be acquired from years of exploring the area’s every corner and crevice. Months later, we still dream of the barreling rock formations and striking turquoise waters.

As we launched out of the dock in Palau, our guides began to tell a fable of the multiple island’s discovery: Long before satellites were created and exploration was done solely on foot, there was an Italian explorer who dreamt of seven magical undiscovered islands between Sardinia and Corsica. Determined to find this hidden world, he set out to travel the Mediterranean only to find the sanctuary was in fact real, and just as serene as he imagined. There is no evidence that his story holds any truth, but it’s easy to believe the islands could’ve had a cosmic attraction, and adds to the allure of adventuring through the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Out of the seven islands, only Maddalena, Caprera, and Santo Stefano are inhabited as conservation of wildlife on the other islands is largely enforced. However, for 33 years there was a caretaker living on Budelli claiming to be its “owner,” but was evicted by authorities out of respect for the ecolife there.

Viewing the islands closely was made possible by Natour and their Tempest 850 RIB boat, a device specifically designed for the coastal waters. An external engine allows the boat to get closer to shore without disrupting any rocks or sand bars.

Natour Sardinia also provided us with equipment to swim, snorkel, paddle board, and have fun in The Mediterranean waters with ease. While Natour provides a wide range of tours, ultimately each route is tailored to the group's specific desires and weather conditions. This ensures every trip is unforgettable.

We highly recommend visiting before the summer season peaks. Even though the water was just warming up, we were able to take in panoramic views of Maddalena Archipelago with little boat traffic obstructing the experience atop these crystal waters.

THE STAY

Outside of the adventures with Natour, much of our week in Sardinia was spent at La Rocca Hotel & Spa in the nearby area of Baja. We have created an entire feature on our time at La Rocca here. We visited Sardinia at the tail end of our time in Italy and what felt like the first time ever while traveling, truly relaxed and moved slowly after weeks of visual, cultural, and culinary stimulation in Lake Como and Florence. La Rocca provided everything we needed to rest, recover, and play, while knowing we will be back to uncover more of Sardinia soon.

THE BEACH

Of course being Spaced Magazine, we couldn’t help ourselves getting out for a few adventures. Amongst the un-crowded beaches we visited, Spiaggia del Principe in the Costa Smeralda is our favorite.

THE LOOKOUT

We couldn’t ignore this Lookout Spot found on one of our long, scenic drives in our miniature turquoise fiat.

Often thought of as a camping and nature escape for Italians, the vast island of Sardinia offers different wonders in every corner. The translucent seas and granite coastlines hold years of the island’s evolutionary history. We will be exploring beyond the Northeast corner of Sardinia in the near future, but also know our hearts will draw us back to feel the magic of the seven islands with Natour Sardinia again.

CONTRIBUTING WRITER: BELLA SIMONTE

PRODUCTION & OF VISUALS BY SPACED MAGAZINE