Saturday 3 June: a circuit of the Sinis peninsula

We decide to visit the northern aspect of the Sinis peninsula and cycle towards Cabras and Rioli, both fairly forgettable towns. The terrain is completely flat again and we pass vast areas of shallow inland waters (stagnos) inhabited by ducks and Little Egrets. Our glimpses of possible flamingoes are only at a long distance and cannot really be counted. The roads are quieter here and lined with bamboo, eucalyptus and cacti. There is the familiar smell of fennel. As we near the north west coast the shallow sands are white with salt. We make our way to Sa Mesa Lunga beach, a rustic crescent of sand with clear waters and manage to kill a few hours bronzing, reading and swimming. We are a long way from home but continue our circuit southwards towards Is Arrutas where we were yesterday before heading back to Oristano - a 40 mile round trip...not bad for a rest day!

Deliciously refreshing Aperol Spritz in the square before showers and a glass of Sardinian wine in the ornate sitting room.