A day on the water in Sardinia

Much as I’ve been enjoying the walking and running, I couldn’t spend the whole holiday doing that so I had arranged a half day kayak tour. The tour was along the same stretch of coast I’d walked the day before, from Santa Maria Navaresse to Pedra Longa, but since the trail didn’t go down to the sea anywhere, it was a completely new perspective to see it from the water.

I’d arranged the trip with Cardedu Kayaks, and I have to say, the kayaks were excellent and Francesco, the guide, was great. After a quick lesson on shore, we launched, and once he saw I was vaguely competent he left me to get on with it. He must have thought I was ok as he took me through several narrow gaps between the rocks where good control of the kayak was essential.

Francesco talked about the geology and wildlife as we paddled along in and out of the rocks. The views were fantastic, with Pedra Longa slowly getting closer, and the cliffs of Punta Giradili and Punta Argennas looming in front.

We stopped for a short break on a beach just before Pedra Longa, before taking a more direct route back to Santa Maria Navaresse. It was a brilliant trip, with stunning views, interesting conversation with Francesco, and the clearest blue sea I’ve seen anywhere. I’d thoroughly recommend a trip with Cardedu Kayaks to anyone visiting that part of Sardinia.

In the afternoon I spent some time snorkelling off the rocks below my hotel, then walked into town and along the beach. Plus, of course, a gelato in town.