The 20 best things to do in Costa Smeralda on Vacation

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 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.

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.

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.

Spend a day sailing with a skipper, perfect for families and admiring the beauty of the Emerald Coast and the Maddalena Archipelago.

The sailboat is a Sun Odyssey of 51 feet or equivalent length (over 15 meters), very spacious and perfectly maintained.

During the excursion you will visit several islands or bays of the La Maddalena Archipelago and make several stops for diving and beautiful swims in the turquoise water.

After the first swim it will be time for lunch with drinks included. However, during the day you will always have various drinks available.

The day excursion in the Gulf of Cagliari allows you to experience a day on an exclusive boat accompanied by an experienced skipper.

Scheduled departure is at 9 a.m. from the port of Su Siccu, in Cagliari.

The excursion begins with an educational moment. How to go to sea, safety rules, basic information for sailing, activities and behavior on board.

Following this, you will fill in the sailing plan and route together with the skipper, depending on the weather conditions. 

Leaving your moorings, you will sail into the Gulf of Angels skirting the promontory of Capo Sant'Elia and its multicolored cliffs until you reach Cala Fighera where you can swim in crystal clear emerald green waters.

You will then coast the famous Sella del Diavolo, which owes its name to an ancient folk legend. It is a promontory rich in traces of frequentation since the Neolithic period, with high white cliffs, fragrant Mediterranean scrub, home to seagulls and cormorants. 

Navigation then proceeds by heading to Poetto Beach. Eight kilometers of beach with fine white sand and water, crystal clear, sandy bottom and low for tens of meters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. 

A stop at the beautiful beach of Is Mortorius is also planned, where there will be a lunch break, some relaxation and swimming in the crystal clear waters.

In the afternoon you will return to the port of departure.

The half-day skippered boat excursion allows you to explore the Gulf of Cagliari and soak in the crystal clear waters.

You can choose whether to share this experience with other participants or book an exclusive boat.

The excursion begins with an educational time. Afterwards, you can plan the route together with the other participants.

Leaving your moorings, you will depart from the Golfo degli Angeli and sail along the Capo Sant'Elia promontory and its multicolored cliffs until you reach Cala Fighera, where you can swim in the crystal clear waters.

You will then have the opportunity to admire the Sella del Diavolo (Devil's Saddle), a promontory rich in traces of frequentation since Neolithic times, with high white cliffs.

The navigation will then proceed by heading towards the Poetto Beach. Eight kilometers of beach with fine white sand and water, crystal clear, shallow sandy seabed for tens of meters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. 

The itinerary may be subject to change, depending on weather conditions. Any changes will be promptly communicated 12 hours before the excursion or otherwise at the time of embarkation.

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 group boat tour from Cagliari allows you to admire the Sardinian coast from the sea and visit the bays of the Sella del Diavolo guided by a professional skipper.

You will explore enchanting places where you can relax on board, swim and snorkel with the equipment provided by the facility.

You can visit hidden corners of the coast that can only be reached by dinghy and listen to local stories while enjoying a cool glass of Prosecco.

4 swimming stops are scheduled and they will be chosen by the skipper depending on the marine weather conditions.

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

The 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 your first swimming 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 swimming 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 is 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: 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.

This group dinghy excursion departing from Olbia allows you to visit the protected area of Tavolara and Molara with friends or family.

The itinerary includes:

•    Island Piana
•    Horses Island
•    Cows Beach and Turtle Beach
•    Capo Ceraso and Poltu Casu
•    Doctor's Beach
•    Tavolara Island Cala Spalmatore
•    Pools of Molara

You will sail towards Capo Ceraso and stop at the Spiaggia del Dottore, a small beach: a real marine aquarium with white sand framed by granite rocks.

This beach, with clear turquoise waters and undemanding seabed, is ideal for those who want to enjoy a nice swim.

The excursion will continue with stops at the Cavalli islet, Tavolara and its Spalmatore di Terra, Molara and the pools, Cala Girgolu and the Sassi Piatti to end with the Spiaggia delle Vacche.

Return to port is scheduled for 5:30 pm.

During the day you will be offered a rich aperitif with various cold dishes, accompanied by local wines, water and coffee.

In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility after booking.

This day trip by vintage sailing ship in the Tavolara and Molara marine protected area departing from Olbia will allow you to experience a unique day with friends or family.

You will be welcomed aboard a sailing ship where you will find cheerfulness, music and comfort, accompanied by good food and excellent wines. 4 or 5 swimming stops are also planned throughout the excursion.

You will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will take you to the many nooks and crannies of paradise and you will be enveloped in spectacular and lush marine fauna and flora.

The itinerary includes:

•    Porto San Paolo
•    Tavolara Cala Spalmatore
•    Island Molara Le Piscine
•    Cala Girgolu and I Sassi Piatti
•    Island Piana
•    Porto San Paolo

Snorkeling, swimming and diving are the “life-motive” of this memorable tour.

You can swim in coves with shades of blue and emerald green and in the turquoise waters of the Molara Pools, surrounded by thousands of fish swimming around you.

An excellent and tasty aperitif accompanied by fresh vermentino or prosecco DOCG, offered in the middle of the day, will satisfy your appetite, and a good coffee with a Sardinian digestif will conclude your lunch break.

The aperitif includes:

•    prosecco or fresh vermentino
•    tartine
•    cuts with Sardinian cold cuts and cheeses
•    water
•    snacks
•    coffee

In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility after booking.

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.

Daily departures at 10 a.m. from the Customs Quay in the port of Alghero 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 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 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. Water, local D.O.C.white wine and coffee, are all included. It is possible to request a menu without fish or vegetarian 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, it is necessary to 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

You will explore the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, which includes Isola dei Cavoli and its museum. Then you will visit some of Sardinia's most famous beaches and islands, such as Porto Giunco, Punta Molentis, and Serpentara Island.

The island of Serpentara is one of the most popular beaches in Sardinia.

The skipper will always be on board and, depending on wind conditions, will decide which destinations you can visit, including Serpentara Island, Cala Pira and Cala Pisanu.

The excursion will have a duration of 6 hours and includes a snack aboard a speedboat equipped with many amenities, including sun cushions, tables for eating and cabins.

This experience is a unique opportunity to discover the beaches of South Sardinia in the company of friends and family.

Maximum capacity: 8 people.