The 20 best things to do in Costa Smeralda on Vacation

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.

This group excursion to La Maddalena allows you to experience an unforgettable day aboard a comfortable inflatable boat exploring the crystal clear waters of the Archipelago.

The itinerary of this excursion includes must-see stops, including:

•    Spargi (Cala Corsara, Cala Soraya, Cala Connery and Cala Granara),
•    Pink Beach of Budelli
•    Natural Pools at Porto Madonna
•    Cavaliere Beach
•    Passo degli Asinelli

During the experience, swimming stops are planned and you will be served snorkel masks that will allow you to admire the seabed.

During the tour you will also be offered a rich aperitif with local products.

You will be accommodated by a spacious and comfortable dinghy with large XXL sundeck, non-slip teak top, freshwater shower, refrigerator and console with facilities.

Sail aboard an elegant and comfortable sailboat to experience the nature of the La Maddalena Archipelago in the far northeast of Sardinia, departing from Palau.

This excursion combines exclusivity and relaxation, adventure and outdoor sports. You can choose between the private and group excursion.

With the wind at your back, you can visit the most beautiful islands of the archipelago with possible stops at Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, Razzoli or Caprera.

You will have at your disposal an experienced skipper who will take you to the best areas to enjoy long swims, with the possibility of swimming to the beaches.

You will experience a day of fun and comfort enriched by a delicious lunch on board, featuring fish pasta and local products.

Lunch includes:

•    a typical aperitif based on local products
•    fresh local fish dish according to recipes of the characteristic Sardinian cuisine
•    wine vermentino
•    beer
•    fruit
•    sardinian sweets
•    mirto, the typical Sardinian liqueur extracted from the characteristic Mediterranean vegetation of these islands.

If food intolerances or special requests are present, it is advisable to bring your own packed lunch (only no-fish or vegetarian options are possible to request by contacting the facility after booking).

Discover the Maddalena Archipelago aboard a historic vintage wooden gozzo boat. You will explore the various islands of the archipelago with swim and beach stops in the company of friends and family.

Departing from Palau or La Maddalena, the gozzo excursion lasts 7 hours and will take you through the most well-known islands of the archipelago. In particular, you will visit the islands of Caprera, Spargi and Budelli and the island of Santa Maria.

While sailing, you will be served a lunch on board that includes a freshly made pasta dish according to traditional Sardinian recipes and a bottle of water.

The gozzo trip is suitable for groups, families and couples and is a unique opportunity to experience a fun day in the crystal clear waters of Sardinia and its hidden coves.

Maximum capacity: 30 people.

The group excursion by vintage boat departing from Palau will have you explore the most striking beaches and coves of La Maddalena National Park, where you can swim and practice surface snorkeling.

You will board the vintage boat M/V Apollo II and the first stop will be in Caprera, at Cala Garibaldi. Then, the navigation continues and the next stop will be Budelli Island, where, during the second stop, you will be able to go down to the beach or snorkel around the boat and swim to Cavaliere Beach. The last scheduled stop will be at Spargi, before returning to Palau.

The boat trip is organized on a shared basis and lasts a full day. Stops may vary depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions. The experience does not include the mandatory landing fee, which must be paid on site.

Lunch is not included, you can bring a packed lunch or use the onboard bar service stocked with salads, paini, etc.

The activity is suitable for everyone and will give you an unforgettable experience on the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean in excellent company.

Maximum capacity: 70 people.

The motorboat excursion to Spargi and Budelli will give you an unforgettable experience on the coast of Sardinia. Departing from your choice of La Maddalena, Baja Sardinia or Palau, you will sail along the Costa Smeralda and the island of Santo Stefano, with shore and beach stops. 

Sailing begins by skirting the island of Caprera and the island of Santo Stefano. Upon reaching La Maddalena, there will be an initial stop and you can stroll through the town's historic center. Afterwards, the navigation continues to the island of Spargi, where you will have the opportunity to dive into the sea and relax on the beach. 

Sailing concludes by visiting the island of Budelli, the island of Santa Maria and the other smaller islands that complete the archipelago.

The motorboat tour lasts 8 hours and the boat è equipped with every comfort, such as a relaxation deck and covered dinette. Two motorboats are available: the M/B Orient Express, which will stop at Cala Granara, and the M/B Paradiso, which will stop at Cala Connari. Languages spoken on board: Italian and English.

Maximum capacity: 170 people. To the cost of the ticket è must be added the mandatory landing fee for adults and reduced (0-3 years free) to be paid on board. It costs 2.50€ in May, September and October; while it costs 5€ in June, July and August.

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.

The half-day skippered sailing 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 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 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 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.

This luxury RIB 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.

Go aboard a comfortable boat for a group tour departing from Olbia that will allow you to spot dolphins.

This group adventure is designed for small groups of up to 12 people per boat. This intimate approach ensures a’personalized atmosphere.

The meeting point is directly at the MOYS Marina in Olbia, from which this 3.5-hour dolphin sighting tour departs.

You will immediately sail to the waters near Figarolo Island, a known habitat of wild dolphins that often frequent this area. 

While cruising along the Sardinian coast, you will admire striking views made up of towering cliffs and crystal clear waters.

The excursion is entirely geared toward respecting nature, following strict guidelines for responsible dolphin watching.

The boat will stop near a fish farm, where dolphins are frequently spotted while feeding, thus increasing the chances of meeting them up close.

With a sighting rate of more than 95 percent, you might see them swimming, jumping or playing in the waves near the boat.

On board you can relax while enjoying soft drinks on offer, while your guide tells you trivia about dolphin behavior, marine biodiversity, and environmental conservation efforts. 

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.

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.

The daily sailing excursion to Alghero allows you to have a unique experience admiring the Sardinian coastline from the sea.

Departure is scheduled from the Gulf of Alghero. You will sail to Cala dell'Olandese, where the first stop will take place.

You will continue sailing to the promontory of Capo Caccia and then admire the Foradada from the outside.

Afterwards, you will reach Cala Dragunara where you will stop for lunch and then return to the Port of Alghero.

You will be served a lunch based on typical Sardinian products with appetizer, 1 first course, drinks and coffee.

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

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.

The dolphin sighting boat aperitif from Alghero will give you   the opportunity to experience a special moment, where you can relax, admire the beauty of the sea and its inhabitants, and enjoy pleasant company while savoring delicious appetizers and drinks.

The tour includes three itineraries, which vary depending on weather conditions: Cala Bolantì, Capo Galera and Fertilia. It begins with a brief tour of the coast, followed by a one-hour stop where you can swim or snorkel in an exclusive cove.

The tour begins with a short visit to the coast, followed by a one-hour stop where you can swim or snorkel in an exclusive cove.

After the break, the adventure resumes with a passage near the fish farm , where it is possible to spot dolphins.

After the swimming stop you will be offered a tasty aperitif on the boat.

The group sunset sailing excursion to Alghero allows you to admire the Sardinian coastline while enjoying a rich aperitif.

Departure is from the Port of Alghero and the excursion takes about 2 hours. After a short sail in the Gulf you will make a stop at La Madonnina.

You will be offered an aperitif with some typical Sardinian appetizers such as carasau bread, olives and mixed cheeses accompanied by a glass of Brut.

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

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 sailing boat excursion with aperitif from Alghero will leave you with an unforgettable memory. An experience on board to enjoy the fantastic colors of the sky at sunset directly from the sea of Sardinia.

The tour lasts about two hours during which you can relax. You will sail in front of the city of Alghero following the course indicated by the wind, to the Maddalenetta lighthouse, where you can take the last dive of the day and admire a beautiful sunset.

On board, there will be music in the background and a magical atmosphere. In addition, you will be offered appetizers accompanied by delicious snacks.

Maximum capacity: 9 people per boat.

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.

You can enjoy a typical Sardinian snack with salami, cheese, carasau bread, olives, chips and sparkling wine and water.

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

When booking, you can choose between the group tour and the exclusive tour.

Maximum capacity: 8 people.

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.

Rent an inflatable boat without a license and drive in the crystal clear waters of South Sardinia in Villasimius.

Visit the Marine Protected Area "Capo Carbonara" aboard 5.5-meter-long inflatable boats with a maximum capacity of 8 people on board. Rental duration can be half-day or daily, depending on your preference

To drive the dinghy you must be of legal age and have a B license.

Before departure, the facility will provide you with all the information on driving the dinghy and the best areas to visit.

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.

Discover the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area with a three-hour boat trip from Villasimius with bathroom stops.

The excursion can be done either in the morning or afternoon and can be done either by boat or dinghy depending on availability.

During the tour you will make 3 stops with swimming at the most picturesque places on the coast of the marine area.

The first stop is at Isola dei Cavoli and Baia della Madonna del Naufrago, where you can admire the Vergina statue placed 11 meters above the seabed. We then continue to the Balestra Fish Shoal, this stop is the most beautiful for snorkelers.
Finally, the last stop is at the bay of Punta Molentis.

Throughout the boat excursion you will always skirt the coast near Villasimius, having the opportunity to see coves, beaches, towers and islets.

You will be accompanied by experienced skippers who will make you dream with seafaring stories and anecdotes.

The excursion will take you to the islands of the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, including the island of Cavoli and some of Sardinia's best-known beaches, such as Porto Giunco and Punta Molentis, where you can swim and snorkel.

The private excursion will have a duration of 3 hours and takes place at sunset. With a little luck you may spot dolphins and Caretta Caretta turtles.

It represents a unique opportunity to explore the beaches of South Sardinia at sunset, in the company of friends, family or your partner.

Maximum capacity: 8 people.