Night location: Alghero, Italy

We have had an exceptional beach day today. Having enjoyed a sumptuous Italian breakfast we hit the road heading an hour north of Alghero to Spiaggia La Pelosa. This beach is routinely rated in the top 5 beaches of Sardinia and we can understand why. The water is an electric blue fringed by a crystal white strip of soft sand. To top off the picture, a Spanish watchtower sits proudly on a small island just off the coast.

We had no idea that it would be so popular and were very glad we arrived a bit after 10 as we were able to get an excellent park. By the time David returned with a parking ticket the small car park we were in was full and we didn't see another spot closer as we walked the 500 meters to the beach. In spite of the crowds we found a patch of sand for our towels up the quieter end of the beach and walked straight in to the clear, turquoise water.

After returning to our towels we were approached by two 'beach police' who informed us that due to us putting our towels straight down on the sand, we would receive an 100 Euro fine! Apparently, to 'protect the sand', you need to place a straw mat under your towel. To be fair, there was a sign with a list of about 10 rules at the entrance, but being intrepid Australians, we walked straight past making a beeline for the water. Fortunately, the friendly Italians told us to go buy mats from one of the peddlers out the front and they would forgive our transgression. Legends.

We spent 3 hours dipping in and out of the water before making someone's day by returning to our car and leaving them a park. Closer to Alghero are many other small beaches, including Spiaggia Del Lazzaretto which was our next stop. We lounged some more and swam and ate ice cream. Glorious!

As the sun set over the water we walked the walled circuit of Alghero and made our way to Al Tuguri, a restaurant that David read about prior to the trip. The famous Sardinian restaurant in Sydney called Pilu has a list of recommended places to visit which included this one. We both had the 'Garden Menu' which consisted of a variety of vegetarian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. A fantastic way to conclude our time in western Sardinia.