100% customisable travel idea
White sand and hilltop hamlets Sardinia from north to south
Italy - Sardinia - Arzachena - Alghero - Riola Sardo - Pula - Dorgali
100% customisable travel idea
Italy - Sardinia - Arzachena - Alghero - Riola Sardo - Pula - Dorgali
100% customisable for you
Arrive at Olbia airport, collect your vehicle and drive to the village of Arzachena. Spend two nights in a traditional farmhouse nestled in the maquis, at the foot of the Supramonte mountains, which has been converted into a charming guesthouse. The terracotta building blends harmoniously into the landscape, and in the middle of the garden, the sparkling blue swimming pool in the middle of the garden is an irresistible attraction. Your wonderfully rustic room opens onto a terrace surrounded by trees that are hundreds of years old. The perfect place to savour breakfast in complete privacy or simply to daydream. Already
organised - Tasting Sardinian specialities on site. Varied and rich in flavours, Sardinian cuisine is shaped by the island's insularity. Simultaneously original and simple, it has been enriched over the course of its long history by external influences and interactions with various Mediterranean cultures. Roast meats, bread, cheese and wine are its staples. The owner of the estate invites you to enjoy an aperitif prepared with local seasonal produce, served with two glasses of red wine.
High on its granite ridge, Arzachena overlooks a coastline punctuated by small golden sandy coves. The agricultural, hilly region of Gallura is rich in archaeological sites, including the famous Fungo, a rock shaped like a mushroom. Some beautiful human achievements have also stood the test of time, such as the Romanesque basilica of Saccargia and the granite town of Tempio.
On the agenda: Sailing around the Maddalena Islands. Hop aboard a sailing boat to the Maddalena archipelago, which has been eroded by the winds of the Strait of Bonifacio. Designated a national park, the seven islands and multitude of islets that comprise it cover 12,000 hectares (29,653 acres) of protected land where nature reigns supreme. The granite rocks and white sandy beaches give it the feel of the Seychelles, where scrubland has replaced coconut palms. Scenic stops, walks, and swimming punctuate the day.
Head to the west of the island and settle in for two nights in Alghero. There, in the middle of a vineyard, stands a historic residence that has been converted into a guest house. Your room has been carefully updated with a minimalist decor and light colours. When you open the window, authentic Sardinia stretches out before you: clusters of grapes ripen under the bright sun while the Mediterranean sea air fills your lungs. The ruins of the Anghelu Ruju necropolis, a magnificent archaeological site, and the region's historic caverns are easily accessible on foot. It’s the perfect opportunity to taste the local wine. All around, fine sandy beaches, pine forests and steep cliffs offer perfect spots for relaxing, walks and hikes. Just a few minutes’ drive away, the fortified medieval village of Alghero is the scene of a lively nightlife and the perfect place to enjoy lobster and sea urchins prepared according to Sardinian culinary tradition.
On the agenda - Alghero through the eyes of a local. Once ruled by Catalonia, Alghero has retained such a significant legacy from this period that it is nicknamed “Sardinia's little Barcelona” - part of its population originates from Catalonia, and the Alghero dialect, which is similar to Catalan, is recognised as an official language. During this decidedly informal stroll, you will learn about the medieval world of this tiny walled town with its narrow streets, as well as the modern-day habits of its residents. A veritable treasure trove of information and valuable advice for the rest of your trip.
Optional: - Hiking in the Alghero area.
Drive to Riola Sardo, near Oristano. The coastal route connecting Alghero to the colourful village of Bosa, halfway along the island, is one of the most beautiful on the island. It runs for around 45 kilometres along steep cliffs bordered by such deep blue water that it seems unreal.
Upon arrival in Riola Sardo, you will stay for two nights in an old farmhouse set in a lush Mediterranean garden overflowing with citrus trees and flowers. Vestiges of the past, such as the old bread oven, millstone and wine press, now blend into the scenery. The restored oil mill even has a place in the living room. An elegant arcaded patio leads to the building’s various rooms and to the bedrooms. Your cosy, welcoming room is furnished with antique furniture and ornaments, reflecting the traditional charm typical of the Sardinian countryside.
Located right in the centre of Sardinia's west coast, Riola Sardo is bordered by the waters of Stagno di Cabras and the Foghe river. Its town centre reflects the surrounding agricultural landscape - authentic and peaceful. The archaeological site of Tharros is not far away and is easy to reach. It contains the ruins of Roman buildings, including a temple.
Things to see and do - Relax on the beach at San Giovanni di Sinis; stroll through the streets of Oristano's old town; climb to the top of the majestic Tower of San Cristoforo; admire the colonies of flamingos that spend their summers in the Cabras lagoon...
The road slopes gently down to the south tip of the island. Arrive in Pula and settle in for two nights. The accommodation consists of several small villas surrounding a swimming pool, ideal for lazing in the sun and perfecting your tan. Yours is spacious and bathed in light. The shades of white and taupe create an atmosphere that is both modern and cosy. A large bay window opens onto the lush garden, where cosy areas furnished with comfy sofas await you in the shade of the trees, inviting you to relax and enjoy the island's mild climate.
While the Pula lagoon is home to astonishing diversity - sea turtles, cetaceans, and a wide variety of birdlife - it would be a shame to reduce the region to only that. It also contains traces of a fascinating history, such as the ruins of ancient Nora, which was one of the first cities founded on the island by the Phoenicians before it passed into the hands of the Carthaginians and then the Romans. Today, all that remains are ruins, including the ancient theatre, which hosts outdoor cultural events, and the remains of temples and villas with beautifully preserved mosaic floors.
In the spotlight: Cagliari through the eyes of a local; the underground city revealed.
Route to the east coast and Gulf of Orosei. Stay for two nights in the centre of Dorgali, in an old stately home dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. Although modern in style, the rooms retain their period atmosphere with antique furniture, pieces of craftsmanship, and statues and paintings that evoke the opulence of a bygone era. There is no restaurant as such on site, but a kitchen is available for guests to use when they are not dining at one of the nearby trattorias. From the panoramic terrace, where you can enjoy breakfast and an aperitif al fresco, you can see most of the historic town.
Today's plan: the Lanaitto Valley in a 4x4. Accompanied by a private guide, you will travel through this valley surrounded by granite cliffs. The first stop is the Nuragic village of Sa Sedda 'e Sos Carros, which was dedicated to the worship of water and whose buildings date back to the Bronze Age. This is followed by a more natural setting, the Sa Oche cave. Over thousands of years, karst phenomena have created numerous underground basins and rock tunnels. Next, head to the Su Gologone spring on the slopes of Supramonte, where the exceptionally pure waters have painstakingly carved their way through the limestone.
Optional: Hike to Cala Luna.
Not to be missed - Looking away from the sea, you will find the villages of Orgosolo and Mamoiada.. The first is a veritable open-air museum, with frescoes covering many of its façades - over 400 works conveying profound and powerful messages. The second is renowned throughout the island and beyond for its famous masks, symbols of the Sardinian carnival. A tradition whose history is chronicled by the Museo delle Maschere Mediterranee (Museum of Mediterranean Masks). In contrast, when facing the coastline, the Supramonte mountain range has sculpted sandstone and porphyry cliffs in the Gulf of Orosei, which slope down into deep coves at Cala Gonone and Cala Mariolu and form an impressive natural arch at Cala Goloritzé. Up in the mountains, sporty types who are not afraid of heights enjoy trying their hand at trekking. Down below, it's time for dips in the sea, snorkelling and exploring the vast Karst caves which stretch deep into the bowels of the Earth, such as the Bue Marino cave.
Return trip to Olbia Airport, return of rental vehicle, and direct return flight.
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