Sardinia excursions: top 10
Sardinia is an area full of activities, wonderful places, beaches to see and things to do. It is difficult to say which are the best excursions in Sardinia because there is so much variety: inland visits, boat trips, wine and food experiences, tour walking tours of towns and cities and much more.
We therefore see a curated selection
La Maddalena Archipelago
1. Sardinia excursions: La Maddalena Archipelago boat tour
A tour of the La Maddalena Archipelago is an extraordinary experience that takes visitors into a world of breathtaking natural beauty. Located in the north of Sardinia, this archipelago consists mainly of the islands of La Maddalena, Caprera, Santo Stefano, Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria. Here is what to expect on this fascinating cruise:
Departure from Palau
Most excursions start from Palau with a few from Santa Teresa Gallura. From here, embark on a comfortable motor boat or sailboat and get ready to explore the marine paradise of the La Maddalena Archipelago.
White sandy beaches and crystal clear waters
The archipelago's beaches are famous for their snow-white sand and crystal-clear waters that fade between turquoise and emerald green. Popular destinations include Spiaggia Rosa in Budelli, famous for its pink sand, and Cala Corsara in Spargi, an isolated cove surrounded by granite rocks.
La Maddalena and Caprera
During the boat tour, you will have the opportunity to visit La Maddalena, the main island of the archipelago, and Caprera, famous for being the home of national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. On La Maddalena, explore the picturesque old town and admire the colourful architecture of the houses, while on Caprera visit Garibaldi's museum house and walk along scenic paths offering breathtaking views.
Marine Life and Snorkelling
The La Maddalena Archipelago is a National Park with a marine environment rich in biodiversity. During the cruise you can see colourful fish, marine fauna and lush vegetation. Excursions often include stops for snorkelling, allowing you to explore the crystal-clear waters and admire the underwater life.
Golfo Aranci
2. Dolphin sighting Olbia, Golfo Aranci
Anyone visiting Sardinia on holiday at any time of year cannot do without a tour for dolphin spotting.
Where do excursions to see dolphins start?
The tour dinghy and boat trips to see dolphins depart from Olbia and Golfo Aranci. You can book a dolphin-watching trip online and let yourself be carried away on this magical experience without any worries.
Whatever your preference, the advice is to book as early as possible. As these are the most popular excursions, the places available on board sell out very quickly.
3. Sardinia excursions: boat tour Tavolara
The Tavolara Island boat tour is an extraordinary experience that combines breathtaking scenery, crystal clear waters and a rich history. This fascinating boat tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the impressive island of Tavolara and its surrounding waters. This is what makes this cruise unforgettable:
imposing cliffs and cliffs overlooking the sea
crystal-clear beaches with pebbles and impalpable white sand
island walks
snorkelling to discover underwater panoramas
Where do the excursions for Tavolara start?
Boat excursions to Tavolara depart from Olbia, Golfo Aranci and Porto San Paolo. From here you can embark on comfortable dinghies and enjoy one of the most fascinating destinations in northern Sardinia.
Island of Tavolara
The island of Tavolara rises majestically from the sea, reaching a height of over 560 metres. This partly granite, partly limestone island is the heart of the Marine Protected Area Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo, a nature reserve that is first and foremost a sanctuary for marine fauna and migratory birds. Nature lovers and snorkellers are always fascinated by its unique flora and fauna.
Tavolara and Molara
The boat route may include the picturesque passage between Molara Island and the island of Tavolara. This area is famous for its transparent waters and natural pools. The panoramic view of the peaks of the two islands reflected in the sea always creates an opportunity for evocative shots.
The Kingdom of Tavolara
The Island of Tavolara is rich in history and fascinating legends. Its history includes the brief period when it was declared an independent kingdom under the 'King of Tavolara'. Experienced guides often share these stories, enriching the experience with a touch of charm and mystery.
Cala Gonone
4. Sardinia Excursions: tour Gulf of Orosei
![Escursioni Sardegna [Le Migliori 10]](https://www.yepsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/crociera-golfo-orosei-motoryacht-livenza.jpg "Escursioni Sardegna [Le Migliori 10]")
The tour Gonone offers a unique experience exploring the Gulf of Orosei, one of the pearls of Sardinia's east coast. On this dinghy excursion led by an experienced skipper, participants will have the opportunity to sail through the crystal-clear waters of the gulf, discovering hidden coves, spectacular sea caves and breathtaking natural scenery along the coastline.
During the tour, the skipper will share knowledge about the local history, geology and marine fauna, enriching the experience with interesting information and trivia. Stops to snorkel, swim in the turquoise waters and enjoy the sun will be an integral part of the trip, offering a complete experience of relaxation and adventure in one of Sardinia's most fascinating places.
Choose whether to explore the Gulf of Orosei by dinghy or boat
Alghero
5. Sardinia excursions: horse riding Alghero
![Escursioni Sardegna [Le Migliori 10]](https://www.yepsea.com/wp-content/uploads/escursioni-sardegna-passeggiata-cavallo-porto-ferro.jpg "Escursioni Sardegna [Le Migliori 10]")
During this two-hour adventure, you will have the unique opportunity to completely immerse yourself in nature. Explore winding paths through the forest and beautiful sandy beaches, covering seven kilometres of unspoilt territory.
The tour begins at scenic Lake Baratz, Sardinia's only freshwater lake. Breathe in the fresh air of the pine forest as you pedal around the lake, then ride deeper into the forest and past vast sand dunes until you reach the beach.
Continue along the picturesque Porto Ferro beach, following the boundary of the famous Coral Riviera, which has been renowned for centuries for its collection of precious red corals used for jewellery since Roman times. Along the way, admire the majestic Spanish watchtowers dating back to the 17th century, silent witnesses of bygone eras as the blue waves crash on the coast.
Cagliari
6. Sardinia excursions: tour by boat Sella del Diavolo
Visit us just a 5-minute walk from the city centre and get ready for an adventure in the spectacular bays of the Sella del Diavolo, with the guidance of an experienced skipper.
You will explore enchanting places where you can relax, make friends, listen to Cagliari stories, snorkel with equipment provided by us, and enjoy a glass of Prosecco.
You will discover secret corners of the coast only accessible by dinghy and - with a bit of luck - it will be possible to spot dolphins in the harbour!
The tour is shared with up to 11 people on board.
7. Sardinia Excursions: tour by catamaran La Maddalena Archipelago
![Escursioni Sardegna [Le Migliori 10]](https://www.yepsea.com/wp-content/uploads/escursioni-sardegna-tour-arcipelago-la-maddalena-catamarano.jpg "Escursioni Sardegna [Le Migliori 10]")
Explore the Maddalena Archipelago on a leisurely boat trip from Palau. Enjoy breathtaking views of the rocky islands and crystal-clear waters aboard a comfortable catamaran.
Hop aboard the catamaran and choose your favourite spot from the many relaxation areas and deck to admire the coastal landscape. Enjoy the beautiful Spargi, Budelli or Santa Maria and pass by the famous Pink Beach.
Cagliari
8. Sardinia excursions: guided tour of Cagliari
During this tour walk you can see the historical centre of Cagliari, also called the Castello quarter.
This medieval quarter was founded in the 13th century and is surrounded by ancient walls. Along these walls, you can see the Bastione Santa Croce and the famous Elephant Tower.
Arriving in Piazza Carlo Alberto, you can see the Cathedral of Santa Maria, Cagliari's most important church, built in the 12th century in Romanesque style, although its main façade was added in the 20th century.
The tour will end in the Castello district from one of the best vantage points in the historic centre, from which we will enjoy a spectacular view of Cagliari.
Cagliari
9. Sardinia Excursions: Underground Cagliari
To discover the secrets of a city, what better tour than a guided underground tour?
With the underground Cagliari guided tour you can visit the caves, crypts and tunnels under the city. Strolling through the Stampace and Marina districts, you can enter the private tunnel under a school that was used as an air-raid shelter during World War II.
Golfo Orosei
10. Sardinia excursions: boat excursion to Cala Goloritzè
Enjoy a day of total relaxation along the Baunei coastline, exploring the beauty of Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu, Cala Biriala, Cala Gabbiani, and Piscine di Venere. During this boat excursion you will discover places only accessible by sea. You will be led to secret bays, ancient shipwrecks and caves used by pirates in the past.
On board the boat you will have all the facilities such as a bar, restaurant, toilets, sun deck and live music.
What experiences to have in Sardinia?
Paradise beaches
Sardinia is famous for its breathtaking beaches. From Cala Luna to Spiaggia del Principe, there is a wide choice of beaches to discover.
Discovering Nuragic Culture
Visit the mysterious nuraghi scattered around the island, such as the nuragic complex of Barumini, a UNESCO site.
Sardinian cuisine
Delight your palate with traditional dishes such as culurgiones (Sardinian ravioli), porceddu (roast pork) and seadas (fried sweet with honey).
Boat Excursions
Explore Sardinia's rich seabed, teeming with wrecks, caves and diverse marine life.
Mountain Excursions
Enjoy spectacular views with hikes in the Gennargentu massif or the Sulcis mountains.
Sea caves:
Visit coastal caves, such as the Neptune Caves at Alghero or the Grotte del Bue Marino in the Gulf of Orosei.
Festivals and traditional feasts
Savour the authenticity of Sardinian culture by participating in local festivals, religious celebrations and folklore events.
Visiting historic cities
For a plunge into history, visit cities such as Cagliari, Alghero and Sassari, rich in history, architecture and culture.
The best tours Sardinia
