Exploring Palau

We woke to another beautiful morning in Sardinia. Ira suggested we finally check out the small park we'd walked past a few times--Parco della Croce, also known as Parco Sentiero del Tartafone.

The name Tartafone is a fusion of the words tartaruga (turtle) and tafon (a rock shaved by wind erosion). Supposedly, the central formation resembles a turtle...maybe from a different angle?

Tartafone

They've really leaned into the theme, with whimsical additions and educational signs throughout. While it's geared toward kids, we still had fun--especially with the interactive spinning wheels at the learning stations. We climbed up to the highest point in the park and were rewarded with a pretty nice view.

View from Tartafone Trail Park

And just as we were leaving--surprise!--we spotted a real turtle tucked under a bush, likely trying to stay cool. The park is undergoing redevelopment, so I imagine he usually has more company.

Tartaruga

A Stroll by the Sea

From the park, we headed to the marina, just in time to see a ferry arrive from La Maddalena--yet another recommended destination we didn't get to this trip. Honestly, it was hard to justify taking a boat to another town when we hadn't even fully explored the one we were already in. But next time, La Maddalena, Bonifacio (in Corsica), and a few other spots will be on the list. 

Ferry coming in from La Maddalena

From the ferry dock we followed the seawall path...

Seawall

...and ended up, of course, at a lighthouse--Faro di Punta Palau, an active, solar-powered beacon perched at the end of a short trail.

Faro di Punta Palau

Lighthouse from the water

Ira crossed a narrow rock "bridge" to get this great angle.

Beaches

Along the way, the beaches looked quiet and inviting--nothing like the crowds we saw in Santa Teresa. I was kicking myself for not bringing my swimsuit. 

Even the rocks had stories to tell. Do you see what I see?

Faces in the rocks

Wine, Gelato, and Italian Cashmere

We headed back into town to do a bit of shopping. I soon discovered it was too hot to try anything on, so naturally, we went in search of gelato. My new favorite flavor is nocciolo (hazelnut)--a staple in every gelatteria.

We were on our own for aperitivo as Bret and his family sent their regrets. As we suspected, a full day on the sea was enough fun for one day. We promised we would catch up with them back in San Diego.

The first place we tried didn't offer snacks (it's not aperitivo without snacks), so we continued on and stumbled upon Goblet Wine Bar--exactly what we were looking for. 

Goblet Wine Bar

Wine Selection

Antonio, the owner, welcomed us warmly and prepared everything himself. We enjoyed a delicious charcuterie board and a fresh salad (half gone before I remembered to take a photo!), 

Tagliere

Half of our salad

When we told him about our tasting at Capichera and our love for the Santigaini, he suggested a bottle from a new winery--started by the son of Capichera's original owner. It was fantastic.

Antonio's Recommendation

Just posting the label here for our future reference (and maybe to track down a bottle later!). . 

After dinner, the sun had set, the temperature dropped, and it was perfect for a twilight stroll. We ducked into a few shops, including one I had had my eye on--a cashmere boutique featuring Italian-made styles.

The shopkeeper was friendly and enthusiastic. I found exactly the style sweater I'd been searching for and, well...ended up buying it in three colors. Ira picked up one too, and she gave us a discount--bonus!

By this time, the outdoor market at the harbor was in full swing. We browsed the stalls, picked up a few things and soaked in the festive summer vibe.

Summer Outdoor Market

Tomorrow, we check out and head home.

A dopo!