The 20 best things to do in Costa Smeralda on Vacation

Horseback riding with American-style riding at La Maddalena Island departing from Spalmatore.

Included in the outing is pick up from the ferry port on La Maddalena Island to the riding stables, (ferries leave from Palau every half hour).

For the excursion, it is recommended that you put on comfortable clothing consisting of: closed shoes and long pants. The facility will provide you with all equipment for riding horses, including helmet (mandatory).

The Maddalena Archipelago sailing day is a "full day" excursion that will take you to discover the most striking bays of this very famous archipelago.

This is an experience for all sailors and non-sailors on an elegantly designed sailboat, designed for maximum comfort, thanks to the comfortable cockpit and bow sun cushions.

This experience will take you closer to the most beautiful beaches of the La Maddalena archipelago composed of seven main islands, La Maddalena, Spargi, Caprera, Budelli, Santa Maria, Razzoli, S. Stefano and an endless series of smaller islands and atolls.

During the excursion, between swimming, snorkeling, aperitifs and a plate of pasta will be the guests who will be "the captains" of the day on the boat having the possibility to choose some of these fascinating islands taking into account the weather conditions.

The experience is available both as a group tour and as a private tour (between August 10 and 18 only).

The vintage gozzo boat excursion in the Maddalena archipelago is a unique experience for those who want to enjoy a relaxing day on a boat and sail through Sardinia's best-known islands and coves.

Departing from Palau or La Maddalena, during the boat trip you can dive into the crystal clear waters of the natural pools surrounded by the islands of Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria. In addition, you will have the opportunity to dive into the crystal clear waters of the island of Spargi in one of its charming coves.

The boat trip lasts an entire day and includes the skipper, drinks and an aperitif of cold meats and cheeses. In addition, the mini bar provides prosecco, wine, Sardinian myrtle and soft drinks.

The excursion can be organized as a group or exclusively, and the boat is equipped with numerous on-board gadgets, including large sunbathing cushions, masks and snorkels.

The excursion is suitable for everyone. Maximum capacity: 7 people. For group excursions, fuel is included in the tour.

The dinghy tour with aperitif in the Maddalena Archipelago will take you around the coast of Sardinia and you can visit its fascinating coves accompanied by an experienced skipper. You can relax with a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the archipelago and will be offered a special aperitif of local products by the skipper.

Departing from Cannigione, the itinerary includes several stops. The excursion will take you through the island of Caprera, Budelli and numerous coves, including Cala Granara. During the experience you will catch a glimpse of Santa Rosa Beach, which will make you take beautiful photographs.

Also included in the tour is an onboard aperitif offered by the captain. You can refresh yourself with a glass of wine and sample some local snacks.

The excursion lasts a full day and is a unique opportunity to discover the Maddalena archipelago in excellent company.

The experience is suitable for everyone. Maximum capacity: 12 people.

An experience of sailing among the islands of the Maddalena Archipelago è a breathtaking experience.

Prepare to set sail aboard a Bavaria 40, equipped with dinette, 4 cabins and bathrooms to discover the most exclusive places that La Maddalena has to offer. The day will includeà many bathroom stops in the coves and the possibility to enjoy a typical meal directly on board with an extra charge of 30€.

Among the destinations of your esperinza are the Pink Beach, Budelli Island, Cala Corsara and Spargi Island.

Departing from Palau, the sailing excursion will have you exploring some of Sardinia's most renowned islands, enjoying a lunch on board and snorkeling.

The boat will take you to Spargi Island and, depending on the weather, stops at Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria and Razzoli will be possible. You will have the opportunity to dive in the many coves and beaches along the way.

During the excursion, a lunch on board will be provided consisting of:

• Aperitif with typical products
• First course of fish
• Vermentino wine
• Beer
• Sardinian sweets
• Myrtle

No-fish and vegetarian options are also possible. For food allergies or intolerances, it is advisable to bring a packed lunch.

The excursion takes about 8 hours and is suitable for everyone. During stops, you will be accompanied to the beach by tender.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

The sailing boat trip with aperitif on board in the Gulf of Cagliari will have you enjoy typical local products while sailing through the picturesque coves and caves along the Cagliari coast.

The excursion departs from the port of Cagliari and will take you by S. Elia, Cala Bernat, Cala Mosca and Cala Fighera, where there will be an initial swim stop. Afterwards, you will visit Grotta dei Colombi and Sella del Diavolo, before reaching Poetto.

During the cruise, you will be treated to an onboard aperitif of local cured meats and cheeses accompanied by local wine.

The tour is available on a shared basis every Friday and Saturday, and stops may vary depending on weather conditions and the decisions of the skipper, who will always be on board.

The experience is suitable for everyone and is an ideal opportunity to learn about the sights and stories of the Gulf of Cagliari on board in excellent company.

Maximum capacity: 10 people.

The sailing trip in the Gulf of Angels will let youà visit the coves and hidden corners of Sardinia, along the coast of Cagliari, where you can swim and, if you are lucky, spot dolphins.

The boat tour departs from the port of Cagliari and while sailing you will pass S.Elia, Cala Bernat, Cala Mosca and the old enclosure to Cala Fighera for the first bathing stop. Then you will visit the Grotta dei Colombi (Cave of Pigeons) and tell the legend of the Sella del Diavolo (Devil's Saddle) before reaching the Gasole and Poetto pools. After snorkeling in the gulf, you will return to the port. 

The excursion has a duration of 3 hours and the scheduled stops during navigation can be changed or modified according to weather conditions and the skipper's decisions. It will also be possible to purchase drinks and snacks on board.

The experience è a unique opportunity to learn about the legends and ancient history of the caves and coves around Cagliari and to take a swim in the waters of Sardinia with friends and family.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

Embark on an unforgettable boat trip from beautiful Cagliari and discover the coast of southern Sardinia. Departing from the Port of Cagliari, you can choose between a group outing or a private one, depending on your preferences.

Half-day tour

You will visit Calamosca beach to snorkel under the Spanish tower and lighthouse. Next, you will explore the picturesque Sella del Diavolo (Devil's Saddle) to dive into the crystal clear waters and enjoy an extraordinary landscape that can only be reached by sea. The tour ends with a visit to Poetto beach, beloved by locals and famous for its sandy seabed. The excursion can be organized on a shared or exclusive basis.

Private full-day tour

The tour departs at 10 a.m. from the Port of Cagliari. After boarding the private dinghy, the first stop will be Cala Regina, where you can take a dip in crystal clear waters. Next, we will explore Mari Pintau, an area with an enchanting sea. You will have the opportunity to snorkel and have a packed lunch (not included) or purchase it as an extra. Finally, we will visit the picturesque Blue Bay, with an ancient nuraghe on the headland. We will return to the port at 5 pm, with a total tour duration of 7 hours.

Sunset aperitif

Enjoy a sunset boat tour along the coast of Cagliari. You will visit the Sella del Diavolo (Devil's Saddle) and Poetto and dive into the clear waters of Sardinia. You will be treated to a boat aperitif of typical products while you wait for the sunset.

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, stops may be subject to change.

The vintage sailing boat excursion in the Gulf of Cagliari allows you to visit the coast and coves directly from the sea and can be developed according to three different itineraries:

Half Day

This tour offers an approximately 3-hour excursion to explore the beautiful Poetto beach and the striking Sella del Diavolo promontory. Available either in the morning or afternoon, times may vary according to requests and weather conditions. During the excursion, a refreshing selection of fruits and drinks will be offered.

Sunset Aperitif

This proposal offers a boat ride to admire the sunset on Poetto beach, accompanied by an aperitif that includes chilled bubbles and Sardinian gastronomic products such as olives, cheeses and cold cuts. An assortment of sushi and seafood is also available upon request.

Full Day

This excursion offers a 6-hour voyage to the Gulf of Cagliari, during which drinks and a mid-day meal, customized to guests' preferences, will be served. Departure is scheduled at 11:00 am, and return is scheduled for 5:00 pm.

Maximum capacity: 5 people. Depending on weather conditions and skipper's decisions, stops may be subject to change.

The dinghy excursion along the Cagliari coast is an exclusive experience to allow you to visit the most hidden coves and swim in the clearest waters. The sailing departs from the port of Marina di Perd'e Sali.

Half Day

The half-day excursion can be done in the morning at 09:30 or in the afternoon at 14:30. You will visit the Island of San Maccario in Pula. You will then move on to Capo di Nora and Roman Ruins with the possibility of swimming in Pula's natural pools and sea caves.

Full day

The full-day excursion is done only on an exclusive basis, and the itinerary includes a 9:30 a.m. departure and a 5:00 p.m. return. During the tour, several places such as the Island of San Maccario in Pula, the Cape of Nora and the Roman Ruins will be visited.

It will be possible to swim in Pula's natural pools and sea caves. The beaches of Chia, including Torre Chia, Su Giudeu and Cala Cipolla, will also be included in the tour. Lunch is not included in the tour and you will have to bring "packed" food or eat at one of the restaurants suggested by the captain.

Sunset aperitif

The itinerary includes a departure at 6:30 pm. You will visit the Island of San Maccario and take a swim in front of the Roman ruins of Nora.

Next, you will move on to swim and snorkel at Madonna del Naufrago beach in Nora. Finally, you will enjoy an aperitif in the Gulf of Nora, which includes Sardinian products served on a corkboard, accompanied by a bottle of prosecco or vermentino. The excursion ends with the return scheduled for 8:30 pm.

Maximum capacity: 7 people. For the sunset experience, the boat carries up to 5 people. The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions at the discretion of the captain.

The dinghy excursion in the Gulf of Cagliari will take you to Devil's Cave and explore the coves of the gulf, among which you can swim and snorkel.

Departing from the Port of Cagliari, during the trip the skipper will take you along the coves of the gulf to Devil's Cave where you can swim and snorkel. You will also visit Poetto Beach and, with luck, you may spot dolphins.

The excursion lasts about 3 hours and can be done in the morning or afternoon.

The dinghy trip is suitable for everyone and will give you a unique experience along Cagliari's coastline in the company of experienced skipper Matteo.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

Discover Tavolara Island and the coast of Capo Coda Cavallo with a private skippered boat tour, ideal for couples or small groups of friends. Up to 6 people on board.

Departure is set at 10 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. from Moys, Marina di Olbia. Return is scheduled 4h hours later at the same location. A tasting of local cheeses and wines is also included in the price.

During the trip there will be an opportunity to stop for swimming, snorkeling or a small canoe ride.

It is recommended to bring your own towel, swimsuit, a sun hat and sunscreen.

Discover the islands of Tavolara and Molara with an inflatable boat trip that will take you through the archipelago's Marine Protected Area.

Departing from Olbia, the tour lasts 4 hours and includes several stops for swimming at Tavolara, Molara, Cala Girgolu and many others. You will also be treated to a tasting of typical Sardinian products.

The captain will provide snorkeling equipment and life jackets for everyone while sailing.

Maximum capacity: 6 people per dinghy. Depending on weather conditions, stops may be subject to change.

Explore Alghero by quad bike, an experience suitable even for beginners, which includes 5 stops along the way, including a dip in the crystal clear waters of Sardinia.

The tour begins with a general briefing, where you will receive instructions on riding the quad bike, and will depart following the guide. You will leave Alghero and Fertilia behind, crossing the first dirt roads that will help you familiarize yourself with the vehicles. You will then proceed until you enter the area of the Porto Conte Natural Park, where you will be able to spot magnificent specimens of different animal species, such as fallow deer, deer, foxes and horses. With some luck, you will be able to admire them from not too far away.

Along the way, you will visit Cala Viola, Cala Dell'Acqua dolce, Porto Ferro and reach Lake Baratz, where you can stop for a refreshing swim before returning to Maristella. Here, at the end of the excursion, you will be offered a drink.

Please note that it is not possible to take turns driving.

The half-day dinghy excursion is a unique opportunity to explore the coves of the Porto Conte Nature Park and the cliffs of Sardinia, with opportunities for snorkeling and enjoying an aperitif on board with friends.

The sailing departs from Porto Conte Marina and continues to Porto Conte and the cliffs of Capo Caccia. A stop is planned to swim and admire the marine fauna and flora by snorkeling.

During the excursion there is an aperitif on board with a view of the coves consisting of typical Sardinian dishes including a charcuterie and cheese board paired with local wines.

The dinghy excursion is organized on a shared basis and can be done in the morning or afternoon, with a duration of about 3 1/2 hours. In addition, depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may be changed.

Maximum capacity: 8 people.

Depart daily at 10 a.m. from the Banchina Dogana in Alghero harbor for a boat excursion with lunch along the coast of western Sardinia.

During the trip, you will cross the Coral Riviera via Capo Galera and Punta Giglio, until you reach the promontory of Capo Caccia. You will admire the Scala del Cabirol and Neptune's Caves, as well as Isola Foradada and Cala d'Inferno. Next, you will skirt the bay of Porto Conte and stop near the Torre del Bollo for diving, sunbathing and snorkeling in the Capo Caccia Marine Protected Area and Porto Conte Regional Nature Park.

At 1:00 p.m., a delicious lunch will be served on board with an appetizer of local sausage and cheese, followed by pasta with fresh crab sauce and mussels alla marinara. Beverages, including water, local wine, and coffee, are all included. A fish-free or vegetarian menu can be requested in advance.

In the afternoon, the tour continues to Cala Dragunara, Tramariglio Beach and El Faro, and then returns to port at 6 pm. The boat is equipped with life jackets for children and adults.

For the scuba diving experience, you must fill out a medical form, declare that you do not suffer from sinusitis and/or eardrum problems and that you do not have nasal septum deviations.

With the dinghy excursion in Porto Conte Park in Alghero, you will learn about the most fascinating places in Sardinia where you can swim or snorkel.

Departing from Maristella, the snorkeling excursion includes several stops along the Park's coves, where you can admire the seabed and cliffs of Capo Caccia, accompanied by an experienced instructor.

The dinghy trip lasts half a day and is organized on a shared basis. The itinerary is customizable, depending on the skipper's decisions, and during the stops you can learn how to snorkel among the Park's creeks.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience among the views of Sardinia and snorkeling in great company.

Maximum capacity: 11 people.

The half-day dinghy trip along the coast of Alghero will have you explore the coast of the Coral Riviera and its picturesque coves, among which you can swim and snorkel.

During the excursion you will visit numerous beaches near Alghero, and two itineraries are provided:

• Northern Itinerary, which includes famous coves such as Cala Inferno and Capo Caccia. The sailing includes several stops along the coast north of Alghero.
• Southern Itinerary, which includes Poglina and Le Croci Reef. Sailing includes several stops along the south coast of Alghero.

The skipper will be on board at all times and will decide which stops to make, depending on weather conditions. During the navigation, you will also be offered an aperitif on board with fresh fruit and typical Sardinian products.

The dinghy trip lasts about 4 hours and can be organized on a shared or exclusive basis. The activity is suitable for everyone and is ideal for a summer experience in Sardinia in company.

Maximum capacity: 8 people.

The boat excursion with lunch on board in the Gulf of Alghero will have you admiring Sardinia's marine wildlife while snorkeling and enjoying a lunch of local products. If you are lucky, you may spot dolphins.

Departing from the port of Alghero, you will explore Capo Galera and Capo Caccia. Then, you will visit Porto Conte Park and the Posidonia Oceanica Marine Protected Area, where you can snorkel and observe the seabed. To conclude the navigation, depending on weather conidictions and the skipper's decisions, you can visit some well-known coves such as Grotta dei Palombi and Cala Inferno.

A lunch on board of local cold cuts and cheeses accompanied by Sardinian wine is provided during the navigation.

The boat trip lasts a full day and is organized on a shared basis. You will be provided with snorkeling equipment and only need to bring your own towel. In addition, the exclusive trip does not include lunch on board and is done during the evening.

The experience is suitable for everyone and will give you an unforgettable time along the coast of Alghero and its seabed.

Maximum capacity: 16 people.

The wine tasting and vineyard tour in Villasimius is an unforgettable experience, in which you will be accompanied through the rows of our vineyard by owners Gianluca and Mario of Colline del Vento.

You will learn the secrets of the production of our organic wines, while savoring our typical Sardinian products, such as cheese, sausage, bread and extra virgin olive oil, paired with the tasting of our wines.

Relax in the shade of the carob tree as you enjoy our cannonau and vermentino, and complete the experience by tasting our organic myrtle and aquavit.

Get ready for a quad bike excursion to discover the sights of Sardinia, starting from Porto Giunco.

The tour will pass through Notteri Pond, habitat of pink flamingos, and the pine forest of Porto Giunco to reach Cala Burroni, extreme southeastern tip of Sardinia. Next, it will visit Cava Usai before arriving at the tourist port of Villasimius. Punta Molentis, with its crystal-clear water and very white sand, will be one of the most fascinating stops, followed by a dirt path to Cala Pira for a morning swim.

Before departure, an experienced guide will provide instruction and hands-on driving lessons to familiarize you with the ATVs, which are excluded from the duration of the excursion. The facility will provide helmets and disposable under-helmet caps.

Comfortable, athletic clothing, sneakers and comfortable pants are recommended. Those who wish to bathe should bring a towel.

It is possible to cancel with 50% refund up to 2 days in advance, while in the 48 hours before, no refund is given. In case of bad weather or displacement, full refund will be given.

The one- to two-hour horseback ride in Villasimius is suitable for everyone, including beginners, over the age of 14.

The horseback ride is conducted until April on the beach, and the times of the rides vary depending on the season.

The 2-hour tour is more scenic, there is a ride by the pond where you can see flamingos. And the possibility of reaching the Saracen tower.

You will be provided with all the equipment for the horseback ride, including helmet. Recommended clothing includes long pants and closed shoes.

During the vineyard picnic in Villasimius, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a classic picnic experience, ideal for enjoying a beautiful sunny day with friends and in total freedom, surrounded by nature in Southern Sardinia. The experience can be in two different time slots, from 10:00 am for lunch and 4:00 pm for aperitif time.

You will be provided with a blanket and a wonderful wicker basket containing everything you need for a picnic for two people, consisting of a bottle of organic wine (your choice of vermentino or cannonau) and a cutting board of typical Sardinian products at km 0 (cheese, sausage, carasau bread). After picking it up, you can choose to position yourself in your preferred location within the vineyard.

At your request, you can customize the baskets with vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free or gluten-free foods.

Discover the typical culinary traditions of Villasimius and Sardinia at a winery of excellence in the Sardinian territory.

Discover the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area with a private dinghy excursion departing from Villasimius.

The private dinghy excursion to Villasimius consists of 3 main stops: Isola dei Cavoli and Baia della Madonna del Naufrago, where the 3-meter statue of the Virgin is located; the Balestra fish shoal, excellent for snorkelers; and the beautiful and unique Punta Molentis Bay.

However, depending on the duration of the excursion, it will be possible to reach in total freedom the coves and the most isolated points of the Villasimius coast, further embellished by the stories of the expert skipper.

Half Day

The half-day tour lasts three hours and can be done either in the morning or in the afternoon. Numerous stops for swimming in the crystal clear waters of Sardinia will be possible.

Full day

The full-day tour lasts seven hours and starts at approximately 10:00 am. Given the long duration, it will be possible to customize the itinerary more and make numerous stops for swimming in the crystal clear waters of Sardinia.

The dinghy rental does not include fuel, so the price will vary depending on your itinerary. Soft drinks will be served during the excursion.

The speedboat excursion departing from Villasimius Marina will take you through some of Sardinia's most famous islands, offering the opportunity to swim among its coves.

You will explore the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, which includes the Isola dei Cavoli and its museum. Later you will visit some of Sardinia's most famous beaches and islands, such as Porto Giunco, Punta Molentis and Serpentara Island. The skipper will always be on board and, depending on the wind conditions, will decide which destinations you can visit, including Serpentara Island, Cala Pira and Cala Pisanu.

The excursion will last 6 hours and includes a snack on board a speedboat equipped with many amenities, including sun cushions, tables for eating and cabins.

This experience can be organized as a group or exclusively and is suitable for everyone. It is a unique opportunity to discover the beaches of South Sardinia in the company of friends and family.

Maximum capacity: 8 people for the group excursion and 4 people for the private excursion.