Postcards From Sardinia - DRYTIDE Waterproof Backpacks, Duffels and Dry Bags

This is Capo Mannu, the most famous surf area in Sardinia. It works very well with the most consistent wind in the Mediterranean sea - the Maestrale wind (NW).

Winter sunsets are truly unforgettable, especially when you can enjoy them from a van parked above the sea, after a day spent surfing.

Flamingos gathered to discuss the best shrimp feast. While they can be spotted all over Sardinia, they're most commonly found in the south.

This spot in the south offered a small day with barely-breaking waves, but we had it all to ourselves. It turned into a super fun, clean, and long point break rides session.

Flamingos get their pink color from their diet of shrimp and algae. The shrimp feed on the same algae, so it’s really the algae’s fault – they contain carotenoid pigments that give flamingos their distinctive hue.

When the storm hits, the first day brings big waves, strong winds, and less-than-ideal weather. But then, there’s always the next day...

There are plenty of empty beaches where you can park right next to the sea. Just be sure to leave the spot exactly as you found it.

There’s a sheltered bay in the south that’s incredibly beautiful, even when the waves are flat.

This place features massive sand dunes, which just so happen to be the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Sardinia isn’t just about the sea and beaches; it also boasts some fascinating natural attractions inland. We stumbled upon this waterfall by chance while searching for water to refill our van.

I can’t get enough of these sunsets.

Sardinia’s east coast must be one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Its natural park areas and difficult access only add to its wild, untouched beauty. The only downside is that there are hardly any surf spots on the east side.

The extreme southeast corner of the island is a perfect concentration of what makes Sardinia special: white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Waves can get pretty big, but with size usually comes wind and blown-out conditions. So, the next day, when the waves are a bit smaller, is typically the best.

Another attraction worth checking out is the nuraghe. These ancient structures, remnants of a civilization almost 4,000 years old, can be found throughout Sardinia, though only a few are well-preserved.

Sardinia is full of fascinating rock formations. This solitary rock in the sea is known as 'Eagle’s Nest.

Sardinia is also a climber's paradise. For less experienced climbers, there’s a via ferrata that starts right from the sea and leads to the top of Pan di Zucchero. Check the link for more info.

30L WHALE
DRY BAG

After about 50 meters of climbing, the via ferrata takes you over this fallen pillar.

You have to take what the sea gives you. The waves looked tiny that morning, but they picked up a bit, and with the glassy conditions, the session ended up being one of the best of the whole trip.

The focus of this photo is the cactus garden on the dashboard of this classic German Mercedes van.

Another one from the glassy morning session.

Then there's the food. Sardinia's must-tries include pecorino cheese and Cannonau wine, along with plenty of other delicious dishes.

In the Mediterranean, good days are rare, but Sardinia’s surfers can still consider themselves very lucky.

The island is becoming more popular, even in winter. Make sure you have plenty of solar on your van’s roof, as the days are short! 🙂

This is the previously mentioned Pan di Zucchero, with towering cliffs and a via ferrata leading to the top. It gets its name from the reddish hue it takes on in the evening sun. Located 2-3 km from the coast, with two natural arches, it’s a great paddle trip even if you don’t climb to the top.

Another signature feature of the island is the numerous coastal towers, visible on nearly every peninsula. These defensive structures were built to protect Sardinia from Saracen raids. Then there is the DryTide 30L waterproof backpack built to protect your belongings from water.

DRYTIDE 30L BACKPACK

Sardinia has the ideal climate for the Prickly Pear, known as Sa Figu Morisca in Sardinian. Originally native to Mexico, it has become widespread and is well adapted to the Sardinian climate.

One of the best feelings is being surfed out, with the sun still shining and warmth in the air, taking the time to crack open a beer on the beach while watching the late afternoon surf. That's me with a couple of beers in the DryTide waterproof backpack.

DRYTIDE 30L BACKPACK

The island is full of juniper trees, and some of the juniper berries are absolutely massive!

This sandy beach in southeast Sardinia is a narrow strip of sand, bordered by the sea on one side and a saltwater lake on the other.

Waves and juniper trees on the west coast. The west and east coasts are less populated than the north and south. While the east is inaccessible by car, the west is, though the roads are narrow and winding, making travel time-consuming.

I discovered BBQ artichokes at a farmers market in Catania, Sicily, and they were absolutely delicious. In Sardinia, artichoke fields are plentiful, making fresh ones easy to find—and they need to be fresh to taste great when grilled.

Dogs love it here too—long, empty beaches provide plenty of space to run and explore. Just be prepared for a never-ending battle with sand and dirt!

Sometimes you search for the perfect parking spot with the perfect view, and sometimes you stumble upon it by accident. We opened the back door to soak in the last rays of the setting sun, and there it was—one of the most beautiful islands near Sardinia, glowing in the evening light.

When the sea is calm, we climb. Sardinia is a well-known winter escape for free climbers, with plenty of climbing spots—some right on the beach. I’m a better surfer than a climber, but it was still a great time.

A tiny island just off the southeasternmost point of Sardinia. It might not look like much at first, but wait until you see the next photo to understand why it’s special…

Next to the island lies an underwater statue of the Virgin Mary, resting about 10 to 15 meters deep. You can free dive down to see it up close—it was placed here to protect local sailors.

In winter, sea temperatures typically range between 14–16°C. I usually wear a 5/3 or 4/3 wetsuit, often without booties. But I did catch three waves in just boardshorts because… why not?

Sardinia is quite large—it takes about 3 to 4 hours to drive from north to south, even on the main fast roads through the center. Since the island can receive waves from three different directions, surfing often means a lot of driving. Planning ahead is key to making the most of wave days—otherwise, you might waste them just driving around checking spots.

The well-known spots tend to attract some crowds including some talented local kids, but there are also hidden gems where you can enjoy the waves all to yourself.

Fishing and hunting are popular hobbies among the locals. As you drive the backcountry roads of the island, it’s not uncommon to spot traffic signs riddled with bullet holes from bored hunters. Fishermen, on the other hand, seem to be much calmer.

This beach on the west coast is one of my favorites. The surf can be hit or miss, but the nature is wild, and the waves definitely have their good days.

This lighthouse sits on a small rock next to an island, which is just off the coast of Sardinia.

One of the inland natural attractions is this stunning canyon nestled in the mountains.

There aren’t many tourists on the island in winter, but it seems to get more popular each year, especially with camper vans. Some people stay for just a few days, while others are like, "I’m not sure—we might be here for another month or two, then head to Spain… or somewhere else."

In winter, you can expect temperatures between 10–18°C. Sunny days feel quite warm, but windy and rainy days are a bit chillier.

Sardinia

After spending the past few New Year’s on Sardegna, we’ve put together a collection of photos, tips, and insights about this incredible island. Sardinia is a van travel paradise for nature lovers. With its sparsely populated, wild landscapes and breathtaking beauty, the island offers endless opportunities for exploration. Sardinia rugged terrain makes it easy to find peaceful spots away from the crowds. It is also big enough to always offer some new corner to discover. So for those who prefer nature to cities and parties—whether it’s surfing, mountain biking, climbing, or hiking—Sardinia should definitely be on your bucket list.