**Discovering Sardinia: A Journey Beyond Italy's Borders**

**In a captivating road trip along Sardinia's coastline, a photographer uncovers the island's charm, history, and the profound sense of separation from mainland Italy.**

As I embarked on a road trip around Sardinia, Italy's lesser-known island in the Mediterranean, an immediate sense of the island's uniqueness struck me. My journey took me along picturesque coastal cliffs and rural roads, revealing a culture that feels entirely removed from the mainland.

Upon arriving in Cuglieri, a small commune on the western coast, my experience was enriched by the warmth of the locals. I observed two women engaged in conversation—one on the street and the other on a balcony. Their interaction symbolized the tight-knit community that characterizes this sleepy town on a late September afternoon.

I soon met three gentlemen—Antonio, Giovanni Maria, and Renzo—who collectively boasted over 200 years of life experience. Their jovial response to my Sicilian background highlighted the island’s isolation, as they jovially proclaimed, “Ah, anche tu isolana sei!” (So you’re an islander, too!). This phrase encapsulated the locals’ perspective of Sardinia, often referred to simply as an “island” and separated from what they consider “il continente,” the mainland.

With a simple itinerary, my partner and I flew into the capital city of Cagliari in the south, intending to encircle the island counterclockwise by car. Our plan was to explore the coastline, swim in the pristine waters, hike the rugged terrains, and visit smaller islands dotting the coast. Despite Sardinia's 1,150 miles of shoreline, not all spots are readily accessible, offering travelers both delight and challenge.

On the southeast corner of the island, Capo Carbonara welcomed us with its stunning beaches in the early evening light, reminding us of the serene beauty Sardinia harbors. Each stop enhanced our understanding of how life on this island interlaces with rich history, culture, and an ever-present sense of separateness that locals cherish dearly. Sardinia is more than a geographical location; it's a distinct way of life that continues to shine brightly against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.