An espresso in Iglesias

The journey along the west coast of Sardinia, which began in Torre del Porticciolo, ends with a visit to the mining town of Iglesias. After an early start from Cala Domestica, the glistening sun increasingly heats up the barren land. Fortunately, colourful parasols hung over the alleys in the old town’s pedestrian zone protect passers-by from the burning midday sun. They also cast an interesting graphic shadow pattern on the granite-paved ground.

On Piazza Lamarmora, surrounded by historic houses, you can sit in an excellent observation spot outside the Pasticceria or Bar Lamarmora. An uplifting espresso or cappuccino awakens sleepy limbs. An ice cream or a refreshing “Karmis” – a white wine often diluted here as a spritzer and drunk with a zesty slice of lemon in the glass – provides a sense of cooling down. On such hot days, I like to visit old churches with thick walls or fortresses, which often offer cool, dark interiors for relaxation, such as the Santa Chiara Cathedral. Unfortunately, the city tour is short due to the heat, even though we really like the atmosphere. However, we still have a long way to go to the bay at Coccorocci in Ogliastra on the east coast.

The colourful umbrellas, by the way, remind me of a similar art installation in Annecy that I saw years ago. There, the umbrellas were made of bobbin lace and weren’t intended to have any practical use as shade providers.

More pictures in the ‘Sardinia’ gallery.