Sardinia Excursions [The BEST 10]

Excursions Sardinia: the best 10

Sardinia is a territory 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 a vast variety: inland visits, boat excursions, gastronomic experiences, walking tours of cities, and much more.

Let's see a curated selection.

Archipelago La Maddalena

1. Excursions Sardinia: boat tour Archipelago La Maddalena

The tour of the Archipelago of La Maddalena is an extraordinary experience that takes visitors to 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 enchanting cruise:

Departure from Palau
Most excursions begin from Palau, with some tours from Santa Teresa Gallura. From here, board 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, known for its pink sand, and Cala Corsara in Spargi, a secluded 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. 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 panoramic trails that offer breathtaking views.

Marine Life and Snorkeling
The Archipelago of La Maddalena is a National Park with a marine environment rich in biodiversity. During the cruise, you might 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 dolphin watching tour.

Where do dolphin watching excursions depart from?
Rib and boat tours for dolphin watching depart from Olbia and Golfo Aranci. You can book a dolphin watching trip online and let yourself be carried away in this magical experience without worries.

Whatever your preference, it's advisable to book as early as possible. These are the most popular excursions, and spots on board fill up very quickly.

3. Excursions Sardinia: boat tour Tavolara

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

cliffs and towering rock faces plunging into the sea
crystal-clear beaches with pebbles and fine white sand
walks on the island
snorkeling to discover submerged landscapes
Where do excursions to Tavolara depart from?
Boat excursions to Tavolara depart from Olbia, Golfo Aranci, and Porto San Paolo. From here, you can board comfortable inflatable boats and enjoy one of the most fascinating destinations in Northern Sardinia.

Island of Tavolara
The Island of Tavolara majestically rises from the sea, reaching a height of over 560 meters. This island, partly granite and partly limestone, is the heart of the Marine Protected Area Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo, a natural reserve that is first and foremost 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 scenic passage between Molara Island and Tavolara Island. This area is famous for its transparent waters and the Natural Pools. The panoramic view of the peaks of both islands reflecting in the sea always creates opportunities 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: Gulf of Orosei tour

The tour of Cala Gonone offers a unique exploration experience of the Gulf of Orosei, one of the gems of the eastern coast of Sardinia. With this inflatable boat excursion led by an experienced skipper, participants will have the opportunity 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 local history, geology, and marine fauna, enriching the experience with interesting information and curiosities. Stops for snorkeling, swimming in turquoise waters, and sunbathing will be an integral part of the trip, 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 inflatable boat or by traditional boat.

Alghero

5. Excursions Sardinia: horseback riding Alghero

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

The tour starts 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 venture deeper into the forest and cross vast sand dunes until you reach the beach.

Continue along the scenic Porto Ferro beach, following the boundary of the famous Coral Riviera, renowned for the collection of valuable red corals used for jewelry since the time of ancient Rome. Along the way, admire the majestic Spanish watchtowers dating back to the 17th century, silent witnesses of past eras as the blue waves crash upon the shore.

Cagliari

6. Excursions Sardinia: boat tour Sella del Diavolo

Come visit us just 5 minutes walk from the city center and prepare for an adventure in the spectacular bays of Sella del Diavolo, guided by an experienced skipper.

You will explore enchanting places where you can relax, make new friends, hear stories about Cagliari, snorkel with equipment provided by us, and enjoy a glass of Prosecco.

You will discover secret corners of the coast accessible only by inflatable boat and – with a little luck – it may be possible to 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 Maddalena with a relaxing 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 favorite spot among the many 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 neighborhood was founded in the 13th century and is surrounded by ancient walls. Along these walls, you will see the Bastione Santa Croce and the famous Elephant Tower.

Arriving at Piazza Carlo Alberto, you will 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 of the historic center, where 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 will enter the private tunnel under a school that was used as a bomb 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 beauty 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 led to secret bays, ancient wrecks, and caves once used by pirates.

Aboard the boat, you will have all the services including 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 choice of beaches to discover.

Discover the 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 like culurgiones (Sardinian ravioli), porceddu (roast suckling pig), and seadas (fried dessert with honey).

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

Mountain hiking
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.

Traditional festivals and events
Experience the authenticity of Sardinian culture by participating in local festivals, religious celebrations, and folkloric events.

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

The best tours Sardinia