dle afternoons can be spent lounging in hammocks strung up between the mature pine trees that are the defining feature of Villa Giulia’s large garden. These majestic trees were lovingly planted by the villa’s owner more than 30 years ago, and provide a shady alternative to the sun-kissed terraces at the sea-facing rear of the house. If you can tear yourself away from all this, a short saunter will bring you to Cala Francese, a delightful sandy beach boasting topaz waters.
 Doze off on garden hammocks
 Sea view from the rear terrace
Outdoors: Encompassing 600m2 of land in total, the largest area to relax in is the private front garden, which has several benches in addition to the hammocks. Framing the sea view, the centrepiece of the wild back garden is the magnificent Pino D’Aleppo, a rare type of pine tree that comes from Syria. A couple of steps down from the main garden, and continuing around one side of the house, is the large front patio. This boasts a very large built-in barbecue with wood oven that has played host to many a memorable meal, including feasts such as the traditional roasting of a suckling pig – a Sardinian delicacy. Looking out to sea at the rear of the house, are two terraces. The larger of the two is fully covered and is set up for dining, with a long wooden table and benches. This still leaves plenty of shady seating space for digesting, and those wishing to get a tan can adjourn to the sunny upper terrace and relax on deck chairs.
 Leads out from the lounge area
 Greenery surrounds the villa
Surrounding area: Leaving Villa Giulia’s grounds, overheating sunbathers can wander through the powdery sand dunes that are bound by juniper bushes, to reach the nearby Cala Francese for a swim. Part of the Porto Pineddu set of beaches and coves, this offers pine forest views, soft sands, crystal clear waters and off to each side, submerged rocks for snorkellers to explore.
 Sandy beach just 50m walk away
Its shallow turquoise waters mean it is a good beach for children as well. Many other beaches in the Porto Pino area are also in easy reach. In an island renowned for its beaches, the lovely long Porto Pino expanse is considered one of the best for its beautiful fine sands and Sahara-like dunes. It offers various facilities like water sports and beach-side bars and restaurants. The centre of this charming small resort has a picturesque small channel with moored boats. An interesting walk is to explore the different landscape offered by the shady thicket that leads to the promontory of Punta Menga and conceals the remains of a small World War II fort. The views from here, with the entrance of the Grotta dei Baci in the foreground and the Porto Pino coastline in the background, are really superb. There is a good choice of places to eat out and there is a mini-market at the entrance to the village. Just a short drive away is the bigger town of Sant’Anna Arresi with large supermarket and cash point.
 Porto Pino Centre
 Boats moored in the channel
Indoors: the main living area is spacious, airy and light, with an open-plan design. The dining area with a fireplace is the centre point of the villa. Behind this is a well-equipped and almost fully enclosed kitchenette. The lounge area is raised up a few steps and features comfortable cane furniture. Both this and the dining area open out onto a terrace with sea view, and the other side of this spot leads out onto the garden and front patio with barbecue. At either end of the main living/dining area are the bedrooms and bathrooms. The main double bedroom is on one side with an adjacent bathroom opposite a small hallway with a washing machine. On the other side of the house are two twin bedrooms and a shared bathroom with shower. Below the house is a huge room with a large ping-pong table - ideal for impromptu tournaments!
 The villa's double bedroom
 Opens onto front & back terraces
Italian Islands Insight Villa Giulia is a great location for a family holiday. The owner’s young grandchildren love visiting, and children of all ages will appreciate the table tennis. The garden has a swing but we cannot guarantee its safety as it was handmade by the owner and is now quite old. There is also a boat in the garden, but this is for decorative purposes only and must not be used.
Porto Pino is a fairly self-sufficient resort and it is just about possible to walk to the centre from the villa but it is much easier by car – just a short ride. A car is also needed for getting to Sant’Anna Arresi to get to a bank, or to go shopping, for exploring the wider backdrop of the Sulcitan Islands, the beaches near Chia and Pula, the archaeological site of Nora and the lively capital of Cagliari.
 Situated in unspoilt nature
 Pine trees fill the garden
This is a perfect location for a beach holiday and for those who love walking, relaxing and water sports. Those who love good food and good cooking will enjoy the barbecue as well as the enticing restaurants in the picturesque centre of this enchanting small resort.
Sight seeing: Teulada, Sant’Antioco island, San Pietro island, Pula, Nora and Bithia, Cagliari, Villasimius.
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