Sardinia in May Day 12 - Naracu Nieddu to Vignola Hike and Santa Reparata Bay

Sunday wakes up to what would seem to be more menacing clouds. But by the time we've driven, parked and set off on our walk with a fleece and a hoodie respectively just in case, the sun has come out and it's quite warm and muggy. We've parked in the car park of the Naracu Nieddu beach. The parking area is quite large, blue lines but still free in May and a very pleasant walk down through the pine trees to the beach. We turn left and are immediately greeted by a flower garden of Armeria! Absolutely spectacular, especially now the sun has come out and the sea and the sky are blue. It's an easy and pleasant walk south along the coast, between Mediterranean vegetation, sculpted white rocks, salmon pink rocks, little coves with coarse sand and turquoise sea. At Riu Li Saldi beach another section of the coast is full of Armeria, plus all the other flowers - a feast for the eyes. We continue, partly on the path in the pinewood behind the beach, as far as the bar of the Camping Village Saragosa which (wow) is open. We order a coffee, a decaffeinated cappucino because really I've already had breakfast and a croissant (what did I say about breakfast?) oh and a glass of water. It's a pleasant place for a short stop before walking back.

The sun is even stronger now but there's also a refreshing breeze. Nearly back at the car, we stop off at the Naracu Nieddu beach, which is very nice - warm coloured sand, no seaweed, rocks and flowers behind, for a rest and I wade a little. I'm getting used to the cold water.

On the way back we stop at Despar for some more of the excellent ricotta, two frozen pizzas and a barattolo of ice-cream. Lunch will soon be ready.

In the afternoon we drive to Santa Reparata Bay which takes all of 7 minutes. Parking is easy and free and we head south along the coast, mostly on a path between the gardens of large villas and the rocks. The view of the rocks and the sea, as always, is beautiful. There are a few small coves and one or two people. Eventually we arrive at Spiaggia La Liccia, one of many of the same name and not to be confused with the one at the north end of Rena Maiore beach, near the campsite. This is just a tiny cove full of seaweed and other stuff the tides have left.

We continue a little way along the rocks but it's getting late so we go back to have supper and then to see the sunset at Capo Testa.