The Enchanting Island of Maddalena, Sardinia, Italy
Stunning, stunning, stunning………. When we were informed that our holiday on a Gullet Cruise around Croatia had been cancelled 4 days before we were due to fly, it was all systems go to find an alternative venue with flights the same day as the original. The norm, we could get the hotel but not the flights or flights but not hotel. Oh, and one condition it had to be somewhere warm. Mmmm the weather forecast wasn’t brilliant in many parts of Europe and search became more limited. Alas there it was a beautiful hotel in Sardinia, the forecast promised good weather and flights were available.
What we didn’t realise was that Maddalena was a small island off Sardinia and accessible via ferry. After lugging heavy luggage up narrow stairs on the ferry we sat in anticipation as to what we were going to find. We fell in love with the Island the minute we stepped onto the ground, the people were warm, welcoming and helpful and the scenery was just breath taking. I looked forward to taking my camera and going out into the wilderness.
The quaint Italian town of Maddalena was typical Italian with an abundance of eateries and drinking establishments, not to mention the amazing ice-cream parlours, something for all.
The hotel was far from disappointing, having to take what was available at last minute our expectations were certainly not high. As the taxi pulled up to the reception entrance of the The Grand Hotel Ma & Ma our faces lit up, a beautiful boutique hotel. The staff were exceptional and nothing too much trouble.
The island is small, a total area of 20 square miles, edged with beautiful beaches and interesting landscapes. La Maddalena is the name of the principal island of an archipelago off the north-eastern tip of Sardinia. The archipelago is also known as La Maddalena, and consists of over sixty islands, islets and rocks. With history around Napoleon using Maddalena as a place to prepare his invasion on Trafalgar it added to the mystery of this beautiful Island.
We explored on foot, drinking in the vista surrounding us. Ah, talking about “drinking” the bars and tavernas were also a delight to visit……….. especially sitting people watching as they took their prized dogs a walk adorned with the latest dog fashions often matching their owners outfits, were these an accessory I wondered, as I looked down at my handbag, oh well maybe I needed a new Italian leather bag as I don’t own a dog!
While we were enjoying this short break it just so happened to be my birthday, so my then lovely boyfriend, now wonderful husband, decided to arrange a picnic on the beach. He ordered a hamper from the hotel with all the goodwill and love, however, just a small hiccup we celebrated a day early as he got the wrong day. All turned out well a fabulous picnic on the rocks overlooking the beautiful turquoise sea and then on the correct day an amazing birthday meal at the hotel, double whammy…….
We decided to go on a sailing boat trip for the day and what an amazing experience as the skipper manoeuvred the boat and sails through the calm sea into numerous coves. We swam to shore and enjoyed the beaches, one of them being the pink beach where the sand was a delicate shade of pink. The trip included a wonderful lunch on board, what a way to see the island.
Sunsets to die for, romantic meals in tavernas and cocktails overlooking the sea, certainly a place I wouldn’t hesitate to visit again and highly recommend to all to visit.
Elle Je` Travel 