Not sure how the universe arranged for me to end up on my own in Porto Rafael near the Costa Esmeralda in north eastern Sardinia but I am grateful to have landed here. It is a unique community, well-loved and fiercely protected by its citizens. I was so enamoured with it that I extended my five day stay to seven and would have stayed longer had I been able to. Here is why.

Porto Rafael is beyond enchanting. It’s history tells the story of a man named Rafael Neville, a Spanish nobleman and artist, who in 1959 fell in love with the region and chose to develop it harmonizing architecture with the area’s natural beauty – showing immense respect for the environment.

The homes here blend into the landscape. They are hidden under weather-worn granite hills rounded from years of winds, or built so they are barely visible from the sea. Everything is in balance. Few buildings rise above the natural vegetation. This is what makes the area so peaceful, unique and full of character. 

Look carefully in the photo above – those are homes bottom left!

In keeping with the residents desire to build a community that is safe, protects privacy, and maintains a quiet atmosphere there are no street names and few house numbers in the 150 hectares. Unbelievable! There are low stone walls, inviting wooden gates and stunning Bougainville everywhere.

There are only privately owned homes, one tiny market/deli, two bars (which are also coffee shops here in Italy) and three restaurants. Two of these restaurants are found in the piazzeta in the Punta Stroppello harbour along with two boutiques (rather high end) and a lovely jewellery store. 

If you are in the community it is usually because you’ve been invited by one if its citizens. Or, as in my case, one of its citizens runs a B&B! My simple but perfect abode was tucked into the hillside on the edge of this peaceful harbour – down this rustic cobble stone walkway.

A very compact studio apartment yet it had everything I needed including a washing machine and a delightful patio that captured the morning sun for coffee and provided welcome shade in the evening for a glass of prosecco. 

I was thrilled to find several small beaches within walking distance. I visited them everyday. Pristine beaches reflecting the communities commitment to protecting the environment. Several mornings and evenings I had them to myself but during the day I shared them with a handful of sunseekers. 

The sand, the sun, the sound of the waves and the shimmering sea to slip into – stress melting moments these. The exact way that I had envisioned ending my three month adventure. My heart expands with the memory of such bliss. I definitely embraced “dreaming is living”.