Sardinia Excursions [The BEST 10]

Excursions Sardinia: the top 10

Sardinia is a land rich in activities, wonderful places, beaches to see, and things to do. It’s hard to say what the best excursions in Sardinia are because there is an immense variety: visits to the interior, boat trips, food and wine experiences, walking tours of cities, and much more.

Let’s take a look at a curated selection 

Archipelago La Maddalena

1. Excursions Sardinia: boat trip Archipelago La Maddalena

The tour of the Archipelago of La Maddalena is an extraordinary experience that takes visitors into a world of breathtaking natural beauty. Located in the north of Sardinia, this archipelago mainly consists of the islands of La Maddalena, Caprera, Santo Stefano, Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria. Here’s what to expect during this captivating cruise:

Departure from Palau
Most excursions start from Palau, with a few trips from Santa Teresa Gallura. From here, embark on a comfortable motorboat or sailboat and get ready to explore the marine paradise of the Archipelago of La Maddalena.

White sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters
The beaches of the archipelago are famous for their snow-white sand and crystal-clear waters that blend between turquoise and emerald green. Among the most popular destinations are Spiaggia Rosa in Budelli, famous for its pink sand, and Cala Corsara in Spargi, an isolated inlet surrounded by granite rocks.

La Maddalena and Caprera
During the boat tour, you’ll have the chance to visit La Maddalena, the main island of the archipelago, and Caprera, renowned for being the home of national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. In La Maddalena, explore the picturesque historic center and admire the colorful architecture of the houses, while in Caprera visit Garibaldi's house museum and walk along scenic trails that offer breathtaking views.

Marine Life and Snorkeling
The Archipelago of La Maddalena is a National Park with a rich marine environment full of biodiversity. During the cruise, you'll see colorful fish, marine fauna, and lush vegetation. Excursions often include stops for snorkeling, allowing you to explore the crystal-clear waters and admire the underwater life.

Golfo Aranci

2. Dolphin watching Olbia, Golfo Aranci

Anyone visiting Sardinia on vacation, at any time of the year, cannot miss a tour for dolphin watching.

Where do the excursions to see dolphins depart from?
Boat and rubber dinghy tours for dolphin watching depart from Olbia and Golfo Aranci. You can book a dolphin watching trip online and let yourself be swept away in this magical experience carefree.

Whatever your preference, the advice is to book as early as possible. These are the most requested excursions, and spots on board fill up quickly.

3. Excursions Sardinia: boat trip Tavolara

The boat trip around the island of Tavolara is an extraordinary experience that combines breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and a rich history. This fascinating boat tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the imposing island of Tavolara and its surrounding waters. Here’s what makes this cruise unforgettable:

cliffs and impressive steep rock faces
crystal-clear beaches with pebbles and fine white sand
walks on the island
snorkeling to discover submerged landscapes
Where do the excursions to Tavolara depart from?
Boat trips 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 meters. This island, partly granite and partly limestone, is the heart of the Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area, a natural reserve that is primarily a sanctuary for marine wildlife and migratory birds. Nature and snorkeling lovers are always fascinated by its unique flora and fauna.

Tavolara and Molara
The boat route may include the picturesque passage between the Island of Molara 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 reflecting in the sea always creates the opportunity for stunning photos.

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. Excursions Sardinia: tour Gulf of Orosei

The tour of Cala Gonone offers a unique experience of exploring the Gulf of Orosei, one of the jewels of the eastern coast of Sardinia. With this dinghy excursion led by an experienced skipper, participants will have the chance to navigate through the crystal-clear waters of the gulf, discovering hidden coves, spectacular sea caves, and breathtaking natural scenery along the coast.

During the tour, the skipper will share knowledge about the local history, geology, and marine fauna, enriching the experience with interesting facts and curiosities. Stops for snorkeling, swimming in turquoise waters, and enjoying the sun will be integral parts of the journey, offering a complete experience of relaxation and adventure in one of the most fascinating places in Sardinia.

Choose to explore the Gulf of Orosei by dinghy or by boat

Alghero

5. Excursions Sardinia: horseback riding Alghero

During this two-hour adventure, you’ll have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself completely in nature. Explore winding paths through the forest and wonderful sandy beaches, covering seven kilometers of untouched territory.

The tour begins at the picturesque Lago Baratz, the only freshwater lake in Sardinia. Breathe in the fresh pine-scented air as you ride around the lake, then delve deeper into the forest and cross vast sand dunes until you reach the beach.

Continue along the scenic Porto Ferro beach, following the edge of the famous Coral Riviera, renowned for centuries for the harvest of precious red corals used in jewelry since the times of ancient Rome. Along the way, admire the majestic Spanish watchtowers dating back to the 17th century, silent witnesses of past eras while the blue waves crash upon the coast.

Cagliari

6. Excursions Sardinia: boat tour Sella del Diavolo

Join us just 5 minutes walking from the city center and get ready for an adventure in the spectacular bays of Sella del Diavolo, guided by an experienced skipper.

You’ll explore enchanting spots where you can relax, make friends, listen to the stories of Cagliari, snorkel with equipment provided by us, and enjoy a glass of Prosecco.

You’ll discover secret corners of the coast accessible only by dinghy and – with a bit of luck – you might spot dolphins in the harbor!

The tour is shared with a maximum of 11 people on board.

7. Excursions Sardinia: catamaran tour Archipelago La Maddalena

Explore the Archipelago of La Maddalena with a relaxing boat trip from Palau. Enjoy breathtaking views of the rocky islands and crystal-clear waters aboard a comfortable catamaran.

Jump on board the catamaran and choose your favorite spot among the numerous relaxation areas and the deck to admire the coastal scenery. 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 walking tour you will see the historic center of Cagliari, also known as the Castello district.

This medieval district 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.

Upon reaching Piazza Carlo Alberto, you can see the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the most important church in Cagliari, built in the 12th century in Romanesque style, although its main facade was added in the 20th century.

The tour will conclude in the Castello district at one of the best viewpoints in the historic center, from which we can admire a spectacular view of Cagliari.

Cagliari

9. Sardinia Excursions: Underground Cagliari

To discover the secrets of a city, what better tour than an underground guided visit?

With the underground Cagliari guided visit, you can explore the caves, crypts and tunnels beneath the city. Walking through the neighborhoods of Stampace and Marina you can enter a private tunnel beneath a school that was used as an air raid shelter during World War II.

Gulf of Orosei

10. Sardinia Excursions: Boat Trip to Cala Goloritzè

Enjoy a day of total relaxation along the Baunei coast, exploring the beauties of Cala Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu, Cala Biriala, Cala Gabbiani, and the Pools of Venus. During this boat excursion, you will discover places accessible only by sea. You will be taken to secret bays, ancient shipwrecks, and caves once used by pirates.

Aboard the boat, you will have all services such as a bar, restaurant, restrooms, sun deck, panoramic 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 selection of beaches to discover.

Discover the Nuragic culture
Visit the mysterious nuraghes scattered across the island, such as the nuragic complex of Barumini, a UNESCO site.

Sardinian cuisine
Delight your palate with traditional dishes like culurgiones (Sardinian ravioli), porceddu (roast pig), and seadas (fried dessert with honey).

Boat excursions
Explore the rich seabeds of Sardinia, filled with shipwrecks, caves, and diverse marine life.

Mountain excursions
Enjoy spectacular views with hikes in the Gennargentu massif or the Sulcis mountains.

Marine caves:
Visit coastal caves, such as the Neptune Caves in Alghero or the Bue Marino Caves in the Gulf of Orosei.

Local festivals and traditional celebrations
Taste the authenticity of Sardinian culture by participating in local fairs, religious festivals, and folk events.

Visit historic cities
For a dive into history, visit cities like Cagliari, Alghero, and Sassari, rich in history, architecture, and culture.

The best tours Sardinia