The 20 best things to do in Costa Smeralda on Vacation

Discover the beauty of the La Maddalena Archipelago aboard the large sailing ship "Dolce Vita" on an 8-hour tour departing at 10:00 am.

The crew, with 20 years of experience, will guide you through the islands and seabed of the Archipelago, enriching the day with stories of the famous people who have passed among these granite islands.

From Admiral Nelson to Napoleon, from Garibaldi to Mussolini, from the flagship of the British fleet Victory to modern Navy ships. The sea is the absolute protagonist of all historical events and still gives unforgettable days of rare beauty.

There is room for everyone on board: the spacious stern has comfortable seating for those who want to observe the captain's maneuvers at the big helm, while above the cabin you can sunbathe and relax on soft sunbathing cushions.

Lunch will consist of a rich menu that includes appetizers based on typical Sardinian products: sausage and pecorino cheese, carasau bread, and guttiau. The main courses will be fish-based, accompanied by Vermentino di Gallura DOC wine, myrtle, desserts and coffee.

If needed, the menu can be customized.

The crew, experts in the Archipelago, will guide you to discover unique bays, always looking for the best places.

A Yacht Day in the Maddalena Archipelago departing from Palau consists of a day exploring the smaller islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago.

The tour has no set stops, but will do its best to visit the most striking destinations depending on weather conditions. Possible stops include beautiful coves such as Cala Corsara, Cala Zavagli, Cala Soraya, Cala Granara, Cala Connari and Cala Ferrigno in Spargi, the famous Porto della Madonna and Natural Pools in Budelli, as well as the pink beach "Cala di Roto" closed since 1994 for photography.

Other possible destinations include Cala di Santa Maria, Cala Lunga di Razzoli and the Passetto degli Asinelli or del Topo located within the Manto della Madonna.

The speedboat has a large sundeck at the bow and comfortable seating at the stern. There is also a shaded area for meals, a small aft beach with a swim ladder, an available tender, two comfortable sofas, galley and bathroom.

Lunch served on board includes Sardinian antipasto, Sardinian fregola, Gallura wine, coffee, dessert, fruit and sparkling wine, all included in the price. The cost of fuel is included.

We recommend you bring swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and hat to take advantage of the opportunity to swim in the small coves during the day.

The experience is a group tour, but by booking for 12 people you can have the boat exclusively.

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.

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.

Horseback riding with American-style riding at La Maddalena Island departing from Spalmatore.

Included in the outing is pick up from the ferry port on La Maddalena Island to the riding stables, (ferries leave from Palau every half hour).

For the excursion, it is recommended that you put on comfortable clothing consisting of: closed shoes and long pants. The facility will provide you with all equipment for riding horses, including helmet (mandatory).

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The sailing excursion with lunch from Alghero allows you to discover one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world: the Capo Caccia Marine Protected Area.

This experience allows you to immerse yourself in local places and traditions. You will be accompanied by a skipper who will take you to picturesque places. Return to port is scheduled for about 5:30 pm.

During the excursion, swimming stops are scheduled. You will also be able to use the SUP that you will find on board and that will allow you to discover small bays with crystal clear water. 

On board you will be offered lunch and an aperitif. The seafood menu includes:

•    stuzzicchini
•    Catalan salad
•    1 first course with shellfish
•    fruit
•    wine
•    water
•    drinks
•    coffee
•    bitter liqueur

In case of allergies, intolerances or food preferences you can contact the facility after booking.

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 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.

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 sunset aperitif on a sailing boat allows you to have a unique experience discovering the coast of Alghero.

You can experience the magic of an aperitif on a boat at sunset, when the coast is tinged with striking colors. 

This experience è perfect to share with your partner or in the company of friends and family.

The navigation will last about 2 hours and will allow you to admire the ancient walls of the city of Alghero from the sea.

You can enjoy a rich seafood aperitif in front of an evocative sunset over the Mediterranean.

The aperitif includes:

•    tastings of local products
•    prosecco
•    drinks

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.