Sardinia: Emerald Island in the Mediterranean

Individual arrival in Sardinia. You can either cross over with your own car by ferry or arrive by plane and rent a vehicle locally. Then, proceed to Tempio Pausiana, the largest town in rural Gallura in northeastern Sardinia. The coast of Gallura enchants with fine sandy beaches and offshore islands on the Costa Smeralda, as well as extensive dune beaches on the Costa Serena. Inside the island, cork oaks and dense bushes of maquis characterize the landscape.

Check-in for 4 nights at the Pausiana Inn Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head to the Costa Smeralda, known for its emerald green sea, exclusive jet-set atmosphere, and first-class luxury hotels. Here, one dream beach follows another, which you can explore along the picturesque coastal road. Small and secluded coves invite exploration. The real highlight of this region is the town of Porto Cervo. Although it was founded only in the 1960s, the heart of the Costa Smeralda beats here. The town was carefully planned with great architectural and landscape care around the characteristic Piazzetta. In the charming, winding alleys, you'll find exclusive restaurants and nightclubs, and at the marina, you can admire the mega and super yachts of the rich and famous.

The beautiful peninsula of Capo Testa in the northernmost part of Sardinia is characterized by bizarrely shaped granite rocks and clear water glowing in various shades of blue. It attracts a different kind of tourist. In the Valle della Luna, hippies and dropouts lived in the 1960s until wild camping on the island was banned. But even in the high season, several tents of backpackers can still be seen in the valley. The Capo Testa lighthouse rises amidst the granite rocks. The small bathing bay at the end of the access road can be quite lively in the high season but is definitely worth a visit. If you prefer it quieter, it is recommended to hike through the rocky landscape. Behind the lighthouse, the hustle and bustle subsides, and there are many charming viewpoints.

Overnight at the Pausiana Inn Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we visit the coastal town of Castelsardo in northeastern Sardinia. It is situated picturesquely on a peninsula, with the medieval fortress surrounded by city walls on its highest point. With clear visibility, you can see all the way to Corsica from there. A walk through the narrow streets of the historic old town is like a little journey through time. The pretty houses nestle against the rocky slopes below the castle, and in front of the houses, women sit weaving various basketware for sale. Here, you'll surely find some souvenirs! The beautiful Museum of Mediterranean Basketry is located within the Castelsardo fortress. Fascinating exhibits are displayed, including baskets, fish traps, reed boats, and numerous other everyday objects from Sardinia made of seagrass, dwarf palms, and reeds. Castelsardo is a car-free town, and it is recommended to park the car at the foot of the hill, where there are many mostly paid parking facilities.

In the afternoon, it is recommended to drive to the port city of Porto Torres. The city has been inhabited since the Stone Age and experienced a boom during Roman times as Turris. Nowadays, the most important promenade is Corso Vittorio Emanuele II with numerous shops and bars. At the upper end of the street is the largest Romanesque church in Sardinia, the Basilica di San Gavino, built in the 11th century by Pisan builders. Near the port is also the Antiquarium Turritano Museum, which mainly exhibits finds from Roman times. From the upper floor of the building, you have a beautiful view of the adjacent Archaeological Park, which can be visited as part of guided tours. Walking through the old, paved streets or looking into one of the Roman villas, you feel transported back to ancient times.

Overnight at the Pausiana Inn Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we recommend a trip to the northwest of Sardinia to Stintino, the pearl of the Mediterranean. The western side of the peninsula is dominated by high, rugged coasts with small sandy and gravel coves. On the protected eastern side, several beaches stretch for about 7 km in length. The town was founded in 1885 when a penal colony and quarantine station were established on Asinara. The fishermen have long lived off tuna fishing, which still forms the basis of the culinary tradition of the place. A little further on lies the Capo Falcone nature reserve with the picturesque La Pelosa beach. The dazzling white, fine sand beach gently slopes into the water. Next to it is the equally beautiful little sister, La Peloseta, with the ruined watchtower, which is the landmark of Pelosa. From here, you have a magnificent view of the island of Piana and the Asinara National Park. It is the home of the famous Sardinian donkeys, with their characteristic white fur and blue eyes. In the eastern part of the island, there are many breathtaking coves and beaches like the pink-colored Cala Scombro di Dentro beach. If you're looking for a quiet holiday amidst untouched nature without much hustle and bustle, a visit to the island of L'Asinara is definitely recommended. A ship from Stintino takes individual travelers to the island twice daily. It is recommended to explore the island with a guide, as L'Asinara is a protected nature park.

Overnight at Hotel Pausiana Inn.

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. One of Sardinia's outstanding attractions awaits us: the Neptune's Grotto. The impressive stalactite cave is located near Alghero at Capo Caccia. The cave can be reached either by boat or by descending 654 steps along the rocky coast. During a guided tour, you will learn more about the cave's formation and discovery. If you take the magnificent descent via the stairs, don't forget water and sunscreen, as there is hardly any shade on the ascent. Alghero is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Sardinia. The city offers a fascinating mix of tradition and glamour. In the 14th century, Alghero was conquered by the Spanish House of Aragon, who settled Catalan settlers there. The Catalan influence is still palpable and audible today, which is why Alghero is often referred to as 'Little Barcelona'. The old town is car-free and is home to numerous attractions, restaurants, and shops. The alleyways are narrow and winding.

In the afternoon, we visit the Giara plateau. The almost flat basalt plateau is located at an altitude of 550 meters and is known for the wild Giara horses that roam in herds through the macchia. On the edge of the plateau, there are numerous nuraghes, prehistoric tower constructions whose exact function has not yet been fully clarified. Su Nuraxi near Barumini is particularly impressive due to its complexity and excellent state of preservation. Thousands of these fascinating structures can be found on the island. The Bronze Age fortress dates back 3500 years and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 and one of the most important and well-known nuraghe complexes in Sardinia. The complex was excavated in the 1950s and can be visited as part of a guided tour. The fortress consists of several towers. The narrow paths of the large, labyrinthine village are lined with houses with courtyards, wells, cisterns, and assembly huts.

Arrival in Quartu Sant'Elena and check-in for 2 nights at Hotel Califfo.

Breakfast at the hotel. The white beach with turquoise blue seawater at Chia transports us to the Caribbean. The dunes are covered with juniper bushes, and the breathtaking beaches Spiaggia Sa Colonia, Spiaggia Campana, and Spiaggia Giudeu stretch along a three-kilometer-long, straight coastline and seamlessly merge into each other. Thanks to optimal wind conditions, this part of Sardinia is a hotspot for surfers, sailors, and kite surfers. Chia is a small tourist town with a few houses, a supermarket, and a dairy.

The castle complex Castello die Ugolino in Acquafredda from the 13th century is already recognizable from afar. It is one of the largest castle ruins in Sardinia and perches characteristically on a small mountain, about 250 meters above sea level. The castle complex is best reached by car, and there is a parking lot at the foot of the mountain. The ascent is steep and partly leads over steps and wooden planks through the diverse, Mediterranean macchia. The effort, however, is rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding hilly landscape.

Overnight at Hotel Califfo.

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Today we will visit Villasimius. The town is located in a charming location and offers small shops, cozy restaurants, and delicious gelato. Capo Carbonara, a fantastic peninsula in the southeast of Sardinia, is especially suitable for a refreshing swim or a leisurely walk. At Punta Molentis, there is a white sand beach where numerous fascinating fish species such as barracudas or amberjacks live in its waters. Occasionally, dolphins, monk seals, and sea turtles can also be seen.

Costa Rei, in the southeast of the island, is a true Caribbean dream in Europe. The turquoise blue water stretches along small coves and long sandy beaches, surrounded by lush green hinterland and imposing granite rocks. Costa Rei embodies exactly the Sardinia you imagine, and the approximately ten-kilometer-long coastal stretch on the southeast coast of Sardinia is a popular holiday destination in summer with all amenities.

Arrival in Posada and check-in for 1 night at Tenuta Su Vrau.

Breakfast at the hotel & Check-out.