Dirt Track to Quaint Quartz Beach, Is Arrutas 32 Comments

This entry was posted in Sardinia Travel and tagged 2017 Beach Dogs Europe Motorhome Travel Walks on

After three days on a campsite, I was nicely chilled, Craig was bored, which sort of sums us two up perfectly. Time to set off and explore this lovely coastline then. We exited the secure campsite and Craig parked on the large car park at the front, whilst I nipped in to the reception to settle our bill. Soon we were back on the road and after a few days in one place it felt good. Its funny how sometimes a short break can help you appreciate the things you love. Hugging the coast we pass a number of small beaches nestle against sand dunes sheltered by the odd pine forests.

We arrive at Is Arrutas beach with ample parking space. Craig starts to do his thing and drive all over the car park looking for the right spot before he heads to the exit.  As we approach the exit an old chap in a pick up truck pulls along side and starts chatting to us in Italian. Apart from the word ‘camper’ we have not got a clue what he said but Craig nods, smiles and starts to follow him.

Off the main road and up a dirt track towards an old farm. As we look back we have a small following of campers. Our convoy slowly plods on, twisting and turning until the track disappears and pot holes take over. We slowly down as Vin rocks from side to side. We look ahead following the thin dusty plume of the pick up truck. The entrance to farms estate consists of rusty, broken iron gates set between crumbled stone posts. Once through them we follow a long, secretive track through acacia thickets. After almost half a mile, it opens out onto a what can only be described as 3 football fields that backs right on to the beach. In each of the fields a handful of campers. The farmer has turned part of his land in to a sosta and what a great location.

Our Bumble paid motorhome sosta at Is Aruttas GPS position: N039.962152, E008.401532

The sosta is €15 for 24 hours, so we pay our euros and find a patch right near the beach (later we find out that electricity is €3 and services €5 extra). After setting up our stall we venture on to the beach. Its beautiful and one of the whitest beaches so far. There are some patches of sand but the majority of the beach is made up of tiny particles of quartz.  But for the odd patch of grass, wild lilies and patches of dried seaweed the beach could be in the tropics. There are signs all along the beach telling you the beach is millions of years old and it is illegal to take the quartz or sand with you…just in case you thought of taking a bit of quartz.

For the next two days we parked up, enjoyed the sunshine, the beach walks, the shallow sea and a spot of September sunbathing. Just like we did this time last year in Greece. Well me and the dogs did, we had hours of walks up and down the beach. Watching local beach life, kite surfers take off and ride the waves as well as the odd flamingo land in a nearby salt pool. Craig just got totally bored and sat about moping like he was hard done by. Secretly, he prayed for something to break but his prayers weren’t answered.

The Sardinia flag is puzzling us. Everywhere you go they fly the Sardinian flag, nothing usual except its not the official flag. Or so we think? The official flag shows the 4 men wearing a head scarf, which can be seen on government buildings etc. However, the locals tend to fly the flag of the 4 men blindfolded. We had a quick look on the internet to try and find out what the 4 blindfolded men represent.  Like when it started, whats the difference etc but we couldn’t find anything. If anyone knows the answer then we would love to hear from you.

Our last night at the quartz beach included an amazing sunset followed by a thunderstorm. For once, we’d packed up our chairs and tables, so no running around after flying camping gear. Instead we watch the storm with lightening bolts shooting across the sky and the waves crashing on to the beach. The storm rumbles on through the night with growls of retreating thunder. By 3am we haven’t slept a wink. As the thunder quietens the intensity of the rain picks up and pelts vin. Sleeping in a tin box amid a full blown storm is not an easy task. Despite the tossing and turning our desire to sleep final happens around 5 am.

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32 thoughts on “Dirt Track to Quaint Quartz Beach, Is Arrutas”

  • Reply ↓
    Dino carta

    The original flag is with the blind folds over there eyes it is of the four moors Quattro mori and st George’s cross in the middle with there heads turn to the left but it was. Ahangwd in the sixths to the blind fold being raised and the heads turned to the right because they said it was offences the 4 heads are Africans

  • Reply ↓
    Robert Ellis

    Now we’re the heck are you ,Italy Sardinia ,Greece , France ,Spain take you’re pick ,The message I got you were in France ,next minute you’re back with an old Farmer in Sardinia ,no don’t pick those little duckie stones up for Mandy ,pick them up for me ,he he ,I think I’d be temptied to smuggle just a TINY few ,fill a jam jar but leave a bit of jam in then shake ,it will look like nutty strawberry jam ( only joking ) He’s on to a good thing that old Farmer the Beach won’t be His ,but the strip of land would be ,I think I’ll change my job but I can’t ,don’t have one don’t want one ,soon be 88 but I’m not having any of it ,44 in the head ,let’s hope it stays that way ,BENIDORM here I Come ,Nov/Dec ,Luv Pops xxx Mac n Tosh xxwoof

  • Reply ↓
    Janine Jackson

    We live in Scotland and my hubby and I want to plan out a trip across the country and in to Europe for next year starting in April and going until October. We would use our camper. He works while we travel. He just needs mobile phone service. I am totally overwhelmed to know how to plan such a trip! Any pointers would sure be appreciated! Thanks for being so inspiring!

    • Reply ↓
      Parsleys Pursuits

      This is so much like my husband and I. Ilove the chillin part and he just wants to move onto what’s next? Love reading your blog and we use it for inspiration for our adventure parsleyspursuits.com. We are from South Africa and renting a camper to try out the life.

      • Reply ↓
        Bumble Crew Post author

        I am so glad we are not the only couple! You make me feel normal again, lol.
        Thanks for dropping us a comment, so we can now follow you guys! Are you travelling in South Aftrica? I ask because we are always interested in new places and SA sounds excellent

        • Reply ↓
          Parsleys Pursuits

          Thanks. No we are traveling in Europe. South Africa is beautiful but not so geared up for motorhomes unfortunately. It’s a bit far to drive yours over😳. But definitely worth an adventure. We live in Cape Town a beautiful city.

    • Reply ↓
      Bumble Crew Post author

      Hi Janine, sounds like its going to be a great 6 months. I would suggest you start by picking half a dozen places you really want to visit then take it from there. We always find that too much planning can spoil the adventure and the ability to just wander at will. But having a rough route with a few key must do’s helps get up started.

  • Reply ↓
    Sally & Pete

    I’m just loving your blogs. This time last year my husband and I were on a trip of a lifetime …. Alaskan cruise then RV road trip through Alaska then the Yukon and south through BC to Seattle. As I said it was meant to be trip of a lifetime …. Now I’ve become obsessed with everything motorhome related. I so want to now do Europe.

    Trouble is …. We live in Australia which is a world apart from from you guys. How about venturing down under and do some exploring from this end of the world! That way you can give us Aussie some inspiration.

    • Reply ↓
      Bumble Crew Post author

      Thanks for getting in touch Sally & Pete, your trip of a lifetime sounds great. And now heading all the way from Australia to Europe, why not. We could do an exchange and save a fortune. We use your motorhome for 12 months and you use ours. Best of both worlds!
      Have you seen Michael & Pam’s blog? Two Aussie’s who fly over to Europe on a regular basis. Might be of interest for you? http://michaelandpamstravels.com

  • Reply ↓
    Jacob

    Love what you are achieving as a couple, as a family we too are tired of the mundane life. Instead of investing into a permanent holiday destination we want to enjoy our young boys, exposing them to a life of adventure.

    I hope South Africa is a consideration or port of call for you guys one day, its my home town.

    • Reply ↓
      Bumble Crew Post author

      We see quite a few people travelling with their children. Most tend to do home education, whilst they take time out to explore for a couple of years. I think its a brilliant idea, its quality family time, which is what life is all about.
      South Africa…very much a distant dream but guess what, I love to dream.

  • Reply ↓
    Jennifer

    Lovely. Much better than having trees, columns, posts etc growing out of the top of your head….which is usually how John tries to position me!

    • Reply ↓
      Bumble Crew Post author

      It is starting to cool down pretty quick Michelle. You are not too bad in the shallows. You can still bath in it if its a hot day but most people are just paddling or wearing wetsuits.

  • Reply ↓
    Marsha

    I always look forward to your blog, what a life you are living! You’ve come so far since you’ve started the motorhome adventure, you’re old hats now. Thanks for sharing.