Some journeys begin with a suitcase. Others begin with a feeling. For me, Sardinia was exactly that kind of journey. A journey that had already become so much more than sunshine, sea and beautiful places. It was that special feeling of freedom, lightness and la dolce vita – combined with a landscape that seems almost impossibly beautiful. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful experiences was our dolphin tour towards Tavolara.
Even the journey out onto the open sea was a little adventure. The wind in our faces, the sparkling water and the imposing silhouette of Tavolara island. And then, suddenly, that magical moment: dolphins appeared. These are the moments you cannot plan. You can only hope that nature will give you such a gift. When the animals surface beside the boat, glide through the waves and come close for a brief moment, you become still. You forget the camera, everyday life and everything else that seemed important just moments before.
Tavolara itself feels like a natural film set – majestic, wild and incredibly peaceful at the same time. For me, this tour was one of the highlights of the trip. Not only because we saw dolphins, but because for a few hours they brought us into such an immediate connection with the nature of Sardinia. From the tranquillity of the sea, we continued on to the Costa Smeralda. The name – Emerald Coast – could hardly be more fitting. Here, the sea seems to possess every imaginable shade of green and blue. Between rugged rocks, small coves and white beaches, a landscape unfolds that feels both elegant and wonderfully untouched. And of course, a visit to Porto Cervo is an absolute must.
Porto Cervo is probably one of those places where you immediately understand why the Costa Smeralda has attracted people from all over the world for decades. Yachts fill the harbour, elegant boutiques line the streets and everywhere you can feel that touch of la dolce vita. At the same time, Porto Cervo has its own distinctive architecture, which blends surprisingly harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. I love places like this, where you can simply stroll around, take it all in and let yourself drift. A Smoothie along the way. A view of the sea. People-watching. Perhaps a little shopping. And again and again, that thought: How beautiful can life actually be?
