NORTHERN SARDINIA AND ISLANDS: 8 DAYS/ MADDALENA, ASINARA AND CORSICA

The Sardinian coastline, from north to south, is full of wonders that are no less impressive than those found in overseas destinations. From south to north the Sardinian coastal landscape has a thousand shades and aspects: from the wide and long beaches of Villasimius to the small and rugged coves of the north, it is impossible not to fall in love with these masterpieces that Sardinian nature offers. To compelete this masterpiece, there are undoubtedly the small islands that surround Sardinia, These are small corners of paradise waiting to be discovered and cherished. This itinerary is designed to take you on a journey to discover some of the most well-known and loved coasts of northern Sardinia: the Costa Smeralda, Santa Teresa di Gallura with its red lands, all the way to Stintino. During this trip, you explore the northern islands: the paradisiacal Maddalena and the enchanting Asinara. To top off the journey with a special touch, there will also be an opportunity to make a stop in Corsica, the wonderful wild island geographically very close to Sardinia but belonging to France. Don't miss out on this pot-pourri of enchanting beaches and crystal-clear waters that will leave you speechless!

8 days/ 7 nights- 2 pax minimum

Day 1: Arrival to Costa Smeralda

Free arrival in Cannigione from Olbia and accommodation at the hotel. Free time. Dinner on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: La Maddalena Island cruise- Lunch

In the morning, after meeting with the guide at Palau, you will prepare for a boat trip cross the waters of the Mar Tirreno for an excursion to discover the enchanting island of La Maddalena. During the boat tour, you will have stops to visit various islands of the La Maddalena archipelago, where you can take a dip, enjoy the tranquility of the place, and sunbathe on the beach. First, you will anchor in the Corsara Cove of Spargi Island, where you will spend about an hour. You will have time to relax in this corner of paradise before continuing the boat tour towards Budelli, one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. We will approach its pink sand beach, and you will discover the reason for this particular color. After taking photos of this bay, you can take a nice swim in the Cavaliere Cove, located on Budelli Island. Later on, you can enjoy a delicious meal on board. The third stop of the excursion will be on the island of Santa Maria. After swimming along the coast. you will sail towards La Maddalena, where you will have an hour of free time to visit its historic center. You can walk around the harbor, visit its churches and historical buildings, and discover the island's dialect. Finally, you will return to the boat and conclude the excursion, arriving at the departure pier seven hours after the start of the activity. You will have the rest of the afternoon/evening free to explore the Costa Smeralda. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3: Arrival to Santa Teresa di Gallura

Departure on your own to Santa Teresa di Gallura. You can take advantage of the day to independently visit the beautiful coast and beaches along the way and take a long walk in the charming center of Santa Teresa di Gallura. Accommodation and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: Southern Corsica boat tour- Lunch

The day will be entirely dedicated to a boat excursion to discover the southern coast of Corsica. After meeting the guide at the meeting point, you will sail for half an hour towards the southern coast of Corsica, discovering gems like Piana Island and Cavallo Island, and sailing on their crystal-clear waters. You will follow a flexible itinerary adapted to weather conditions and two or three stops selected by the skipper. During the tour, you can also dive into the sea directly from the boat, for swimming, snorkeling, or bathing. If the weather permits, it will also be possible to land on a beach to admire the beauty of the Strait of Bonifacio, which separates the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. At lunchtime, you can enjoy a delicious lunch on board. At the end of an unforgettable day on the waters of southern Corsica, you will return to the meeting point in Santa Teresa Gallura after eight hours of activities. Evening free. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5: Castelsardo 

The morning will be dedicated to discovering Castelsardo. Located on a promontory of the northwest coast of Sardinia, it is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. You will start the visit in front of the Porta Pisana, an imposing entrance that will take you back to the Middle Ages. You will continue walkling through the characteristic alleys of Castelsardo while listening to some legends about the city. The next stop will be the Municipal Loggia, an symbolic building that reflects the history, political life, and local culture. Afterward, you will head towards the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a sacred place that holds the mysteries of Settimana Santa. There, we will discuss the incredible religious tradition of the city and the festivals and processions that take place during this time of year. You will have some free time to explore on your own the Cathedral of Castelsardo or its ancient medieval fortress, the Castle of the Doria. The view of the Mediterranean Sea from this point will leave you speechless! Finally, you will end the tour with an aperitif in a typical restaurant. Salumi, cheeses, and many other delicacies waiting for you! You can also pair these delicious foods with a local wine, such as Vermentino or Cannonau, a draft beer, or a non-alcoholic drink. After two hours, the visit will end, and you can enjoy the rest of the day independently to relax in one of the wonderful coves in the area. Dinner on your own and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6: Arrival to Stintino

 Departure for Stintino. You can take advantage of the day to independently visit the beautiful coast and beaches along the way. Accommodation and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 7: Asinara boat tour

The day will start with discovering the island of Asinara, one of the most picturesque corners of Sardinia. After about fifty minutes, you will arrive at the Asinara port, where you will depart for the national reserve onboard a 4x4 vehicle. During the tour, you will discover the natural wonders of the island, as well as its history and its most famous monuments.To fully appreciate its unparalleled scenic beauty, you will make stops at the most suggestive points, such as Cala di Mackerel, the narrowest point of the island, from where you will admire geological formations known as the Dwarfs. You will then continue towards the center of Asinara, with a stop at Campo Perdu, a former prison transformed into a riding school. After, you will visit the CRAMA, a recovery center for sea turtles, to discover how injured turtles in the park are cared. You will also stop at Cala Reale, which served as a maritime station between the XIX and early XX centuries, Cala d'Oliva, and Cala Sabina, a cove known as one of Asinara's most famous beaches. Finally, you will return to the Fornelli port, where you will return with the motorboat to the Stintino pier, with an expected arrival at 17:45. Free time. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8: Departure

Departure on your own.