Published on Oct, 2024
We had an absolutely magical day with Francesca and Paola aboard Solvento. We recommend this experience to anyone visiting Costa Smeralda.
Before booking, we knew that taking a boat to explore the Maddalena archipelago is a very popular thing to do in Costa Smeralda. We were concerned that we would book a boat that was a tourist trap and be stuck with too many people, too little space, and no personal attention. Instead, Francesco and Paola provided a personalized and attentive experience with just the right number of people (it’s good to have a mix - we made friendly with the other guests from all over the world!) that was fun, relaxing, adventurous, and all around magical.
The boat itself is lovely (and for anyone wondering, that must be the nicest bathroom I’ve ever seen on a boat before!), with plenty of space for sunbathing up front or sitting/lounging in the back. We spent most of the day while sailing/motoring either sunbathing and/or making friends with the other guests.
Speaking of making friends - sometimes, through no fault of anyone, the guests on an experience like this might not immediately get on (maybe language, shy, or other reasons). Francesco has such a warm and lovely energy, and he helped to bring the entire group together throughout the trip - with his banter, hearty laugh, and thoughtful descriptions of our itinerary.
The beaches and water were STUNNING! Every stop was unique and we would spend between 40-80 minute at each to swim, snorkel, paddle board, lay on the beach, or continue tanning on deck.
At the end of each stop, Paola worked her magic. First, a bruschetta party with the largest and most delicious bruschetta spread you have every seen (I couldn’t help but take a picture). The main attraction was an AMAZING pasta with fresh mussels (purchased that morning from local fisher) and local battarga. With all due respect to all the restaurants at which we dined in Sardinia, THIS was the best pasta of the trip.
For those who wanted, Francesco kept the Prosecco, wine, coffee, and mirto flowing. At no point did I feel like he was rationing - everyone has plenty of anything they wanted. Again, I felt attended to at all times.
We are so grateful to Francesco and Paolo for an unbelievable day. When we returned to the dock, my wife and I were so grateful that we decided to take all our remaining euros and give it to them as an extra “thank you” - which they absolutely deserved.
