You’ll be able to tick dolphin spotting off your bucket list after this morning at sea. Porto Conte, a national park off Sardinia’s west coast, is home to plenty of them. The trip will form part of a research project into dolphin conservation, so you’ll have a marine biologist onboard who can answer any questions. Plus, the dolphins have all been registered and you’ll be able to learn about each one. On a good day, you’ll see them playfully leaping above the waves. And, after watching above-water, you can explore the marine life below. You’ll be kitted out with a snorkel, mask and fins for a guided swim along the colourful seabed. Plus, the crew will snap away and take videos, so you’ll have a souvenir to take home. You’ll wrap the day up with a snack, washed down with wine or soft drinks.
This full day of sea kayaking will introduce you to the lesser-known parts of Sardinia. After a quick briefing on Tramarillo beach, you’ll glide along the bay and out into the open water. You’ll feel the sea breeze as you paddle along the coast to Cala Bramassa. Here, you’ll have the secluded inlet to yourselves as you tuck into your picnic lunch. The pretty pebble beach comes with crystal-clear water, so it’s the perfect spot for some snorkelling, too. Next, you’ll head across the bay to the cliffs of Capo Caccia, where you can try and spot the rocky ‘sleeping giant’. You’ll stop here for a quick dip before paddling to your next stop. At Cala Dragonara you’ll have another chance to swim and snorkel in the warm Mediterranean waters. You’ll also be able to grab a cold drink for the kayak back.
You’ll get to explore some of Sardinia’s hidden treasures on this half-day sea kayaking tour. As the locals will tell you – the only way to see most of Sardinia’s unspoilt coastline is to get out to sea. And there’s no better place to sea kayak than along the country’s Coral Riviera – so called because of its orangey-red coral. First, you’ll be given a quick briefing before getting kitted out for the day. Starting at Punta Negra beach, you’ll set off on the calm bath-like waters to explore the rugged coast – full of tiny hidden coves and small bays. On the way, you’ll stop for an ice cream and coffee break. Next, there’s time for some snorkelling in the see-through waters of Lazzaretto Beach. Sit on the powdery sand and take in the views of Alghero and Torre del Lazzaretto – a 15th century limestone tower.
Some might know Sardinia by its other name – ‘insula vini’ or ‘wine island’. You’ll see how the island got the moniker on this afternoon of wine and oil tasting. A short drive will get you to the Azienda Agricola Ledda D’ittiri estate, where you’ll find 45 acres of vines and olive trees. Here, you’ll learn about the wine and olive oil-making process from owner, Anna Maria. You can stroll through the vineyard and olive groves, with mountainous views as your backdrop. Next, you’ll head to the farmhouse for a chance to swill and glug on reds, whites and rosés. The table will be set with cheeses, flatbread and salami for sampling with different wines and olive oils. You’re in safe hands with Anna Maria – she’s a sommelier, so can help advise you on the best pairings. After, you’ll have the chance to stock up your wine rack with your favourite bottle, or two.
You’ll feel like a cowboy or cowgirl on this tour, as you stirrup and saddle up for a horseback tour of Sardinia. First, you’ll meet your horse and get a quick briefing and trial run round the riding school’s paddock. Once you’re comfortable, it’s time to head out to explore Porto Conte park. You’ll trot past pine forests, strawberry trees and wildlife on your two-hour-long trip. If you’re lucky, you can spot wild rabbits, donkeys, goats and boar. Plus, bird lovers will be in their element with the chance to catch a glimpse of sea birds nesting on sheer cliffs as well as buzzards, kestrels and peregrine falcons. You can sit back in your saddle and take in the sweeping views of the bay as you make your way back to the stables.
With its talcum-powder sands and shallow turquoise waters, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d woken up in the Caribbean on this day trip. This ticket gets you to Sardinia’s north-western tip and the area of Stintino, which is known for its first-rate beaches. You’ll head to La Pelosa beach for a simple day of sun, sea and sand. You can dip your toes in the water and watch as the colourful fish swim between your feet. If you feel like venturing out further, then you can grab a snorkel and mask. This area is part of the Asinara National Park, a protected marine preserve since 2002. The views are second to none – you’ve got the islands of Piana and Asinara in sight from the sands. Plus, the beach has all the usual comforts like sunbeds for hire and a handful of seafront restaurants and bars.
This mini-cruise will whisk you around the so-called Coral Riviera. This coastal stretch of north-western Sardinia has been blessed with terracotta-coloured coral, which has been made into pretty jewellery ever since Roman times. You’ll board a traditional wooden boat and set sail along the picture-perfect coastline. The white sands of Le Bombarde and Lazaretto are all on the way. Plus, you’ll pass the underwater caves of Capo Caccia and Punta Giglio. You’ll stop off in the bay of Dragunara, where you can cool down with a dip and a snorkel round the rugged reefs of the Mediterranean. The sea is calm and clear, so expect to see underwater ravines and plenty of fish. After, a freshly-grilled seafood lunch will be served onboard. And on the way back, there’s time for a quick swim-stop at La Maddalenetta, before sailing back to port.
You’ll get a first-rate introduction to authentic Sardinia on this full-day tour. Heading inland to the Barbagia region, you’ll learn about the island’s rocky and sun-kissed interior. Your first stop is the pocket-sized village of Orgosolo. This place is right in the heart of the mountains and it was a hotspot for notorious bandits in the 19th century. You’ll set out on foot to explore the narrow alleys and streets with a local guide. Today, it’s the 150 murals which the village is known for. They decorate walls, houses and rocks throughout the streets – themed around local struggles and international events. After, you’ll head for the countryside for a traditional shepherd’s lunch. There’ll be fresh cheeses, salami and roast pork. You can finish the meal off with a glass of red wine or the local tipple of Mirto, while sitting in the shade of surrounding olive trees.
Yacht-spotting is top of the to-do list in Sardinia. Russian oligarchs and Arabian royalty often float their 200-plus-footers around the island’s coast. On this trip, you’ll be the spotted rather than the spotter. Your ship will be a catamaran and your course will take your through the Porto Conte marine park. The naturalist Jacques Costeau described this part of Sardinia as ‘one of the most beautiful corners of the Mediterranean’. The park is edged by sheer cliff faces and the water is gin-clear. As you sail, you’ll catch a glimpse of the island of Foradada, a huge rocky stack that punches out of the sea. You’ll also float by the unspoilt beach of Cala Dragunara, where you'll have a bit of time to go swimming or snorkeling.
Yacht-spotting is top of the to-do list in Sardinia. Russian oligarchs and Arabian royalty often float their 200-plus-footers around the island’s coast. On this trip, you’ll be the spotted rather than the spotter. Your ship will be a catamaran and your course will take your through the Porto Conte marine park. The naturalist Jacques Costeau described this part of Sardinia as ‘one of the most beautiful corners of the Mediterranean’. The park is edged by sheer cliff faces and the water is gin-clear. As you sail, you’ll catch a glimpse of the island of Foradada, a huge rocky stack that punches out of the sea. You’ll also float by the unspoilt beaches of Cala Inferno and Cala Dragunara. Of course, this trip isn’t just a feast for the eyes. Thanks to the boat’s chef, you’ll be well fed on board, too. While you’re soaking up the sights and the sun, the chef will be busy preparing a seafood lunch for you to enjoy on the deck.
Sail away from the crowded beach and enjoy a relaxing boat trip, where you can admire the terracotta rooftops of Stintino from the peace and quiet of the ocean. Sail around the sunny island of Piana, listening to the gentle lapping of waves, before you drop anchor in front of La Pelosa beach. It’s easy to see why this area has been declared a natural paradise – the water here is as clear as in the Caribbean, and perfect for swimming. If you go for a dip, you won’t even need a snorkel to see the colourful fish swimming alongside you. Once you’ve dried off, the captain will sail over to Asinara Island where you can go for another swim, or sunbathe on deck.