A unique round trip: special Sardinia
Our tour by (rental) car will lead you to 4 different regions, combining a journey of discovery along some of Sardinia's highlights with a relaxing beach holiday. We've selected 4 authentic accommodations for you, ensuring a unique and memorable experience!The itinerary through Sardinia
Your itinerary:
• 4 nights in I Vigneti in Alghero (north-west Sardinia)
• 3 nights in L'Orto in San Vero Milis (west Sardinia)
• 4 nights in I Mandorli in Lotzorai (east Sardinia)
• 3 nights in Tenuta Pilastru in Arzachena (north-east Sardinia)
This tour is intended to provide an illustrative example of a possible itinerary. The round trip can be customized on request, taking into account your flight details and travel period.
Distances:
• Alghero - San Vero Milis : 107 km
• San Vero Milis - Lotzorai: 172 km
• Lotzorai - Arzachena: 206 km
• Arzachena - Alghero: 147 km
A perfect tour for those...
The Special Sardinia tour is perfectly suited for travellers looking for a diverse trip which enables them to explore various areas by car, both on the coast and in Sardinia's inland, in just 2 weeks.
Alghero
The old town of Alghero consists of a maze of narrow cobbled alleys. The palazzos, city walls and defense towers are built in a Spanish style. In the city centre you can enjoy a stroll along the various piazzas or relax on the shaded terraces cooled by a fresh sea breeze. Since Alghero is located on the “Riviera del Corallo”, the Coral Coast, most boutiques have various coral ornaments for sale. At night, as the sun sets behind cape Capo Caccia, the city is bathed in a beautiful orange light. At this time of night we recommend taking a walk along the boulevard and the harbour to one of Alghero’s restaurants to enjoy the delicious seafood dishes. Don’t forget to try the local specialty, "Aragosta alla Catalana" (lobster)!
One of Sardinia’s highlights near Alghero is Neptune’s Grotto (“Grotte di Nettuno”), a stalactite cave on the tip of the peninsula of Capo Caccia whose entrance lies only around a metre above the sea level. The 204-metre-high cliffs and caves are therefore accessible via a boat trip of approximately 45 minutes from the port of Alghero. Alternatively, after a scenic route by car, you can descend the 654-step stairway cut into the cliff called “escala del cabirol” (goat’s steps) to visit the grotto.
Another highlight near Alghero is the winery of the renowned Sella e Mosca, where you can join a wine tasting, take a look in their wine cellar and buy beautiful wines. Would you like to explore Alghero's beautiful landscape? We recommend hiking through the nature reserve of Porto Conte.
The nearby villages of Stintino, Bosa and Castelsardo are definitely worth a visit as well!
San Vero Milis
Travelling southwards from Alghero, we recommend visiting the picturesque Bosa or exploring the narrow streets of Oristano. The highway will bring you to the next destination of this 15-day tour; San Vero Milis. However, we highly recommend taking the more scenic coastal route, from Alghero to Bosa. We have booked you a room in Agriturismo L'Orto, an authentic accommodation with pool, set in a lush green landscape.
One of the absolute highlights in the area near agriturismo L'Orto is Tharros. Having passed the city of Oristano and the fishing village Cabras, you'll arrive at this archaeological site, one of the most important sites in the Mediterranean. The coastal town, founded in 730 BC, was inhabited first by Phoenicians, then by Punics, followed by Romans. Nowadays just a third of the site has been excavated. The southern section consists of the Phoenician and the Roman town, with several baths, houses and sanctuaries.
Arbus is a small village located 60 minutes south of San Vero Milis. When travelling towards the sea, it becomes clear why this area is called the Costa Verde (green coast). The now abandoned neo-Gothic mining village Ingurtosu, at a mere 20 minutes from Arbus, used to house the mining administration. Lead, silver and zinc were obtained here. The remains of the mining industry are still present. Another renowned former mining village is located 6 kilometres from Arbus; the "miniera di Montevecchio", the Montevecchio mine.
Sardinia is the land of the nuraghe. Over 7000 remains of the megalithic area are scattered across the island. The impressive tower-fortresses are made of many layers of stones. The nuraghe complex of Su Nuraxi in Barumini, dating back 3500 years, is situated along the road leading from Barumini to Tuili, at a 60-minute drive from Arbus. In 1997 it was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. UNESCO declared Su Nuraxi the most important nuragic monument in Sardinia.
If you're in the area, we recommend exploring the high land Giara di Gesturi, made of volcanic basalt rocks overgrown with cork oaks, oaks, eucalyptus and Mediterranean vegetation. In spring the characteristic “paùli” are formed, small sinkings which fill up with rainwater, forming an impressive number of beautiful ponds covered in common water-crowfoot, functioning as a water supply for the many animals in the area. The plateau is renowned for the Cavallini della Giara, small wild horses.
Lotzorai
Baunei is a picturesque mountain village near Santa Maria Navarrese. From here, at an altitude of 1000 metres, you have a spectacular view across the area. A trip to the beautiful Cala Goloritzé, only accessible on foot or by boat, is a must! In order to get there, you have to drive to the high plateau Altopiano di Golgo, a beautiful natural area housing numerous animal and bird species (a beautiful area for a hike or exhilarating mountain bike tour!). From here you can walk to the so-called Pearl of Baunei in approximately 1,5 hours. If you prefer joining a tour, an electric train can bring you from the city centre of Baunei to the high plateau as well.
Another well-known village in Ogliastra is Arbatax, renowned for its red cliffs ("rocce rosse"). One of the best ways to explore Sardinia is by the "Trenino Verde", the little green train departing from Arbatax where it begins its laborious ascent into the mountainous heart of Sardinia along bridges, railway stations and houses often only accessible by train. You can admire the spectacular landscape along the way. The distance in between the rails is just 945 mm instead of the usual 1435 mm. Used for the first time in 1948, the "Trenino Verde" is one of the largest narrow gauge railways in the world.
In Arbatax you can book a boat (excursion) along the spectacular coast as well. Be prepared to be amazed by the many steep cliffs, high mountains, hidden bays and the stunning crystal-clear waters!
The caves Grotte Su Marmuri and the 2 waterfalls Cascate di Lequarci e Lecorci, at a 45-minute drive south of Lotzorai, near the village of Ulassai, are definitely worth a visit.
Curious about Europe's deepest gorge? After a drive of approximately 60 minutes you'll reach the rugged Gennargentu mountain range. The hiking tour starts just beyond the small mountain village Urzulei. A brisk hike of 1,5 hours, over a path made of stones and pebbles, leads you to the entrance of the spectacular canyon. The narrow gorge consists of high walls reaching up to 500 metres. It's possibile to hike back via a different path, after which you can travel back to the parking by Jeep.
Arzachena
En route from Ogliastra to the famous northern province of Olbia-Tempio you'll pass the lively seaside resorts of Budoni and San Teodoro. We recommend stopping over at the beach of Lu Impostu and the peninsula of Capo Coda Cavallo. There are 7 beaches here, one of which is Brandinchi, also called "Tahiti". A must see!
From Olbia it’s less than half an hour to Arzachena, renowned for the archaeological sites. The area of this municipality stretches for over 228 square metres and has a beautiful coastline with many bays and beaches and spectacular rocks. The wind has sculpted the rocks into beautiful shapes, the most famous of which is the “Roccia dell’Orso”, which with a bit of fantasy resembles a bear.
The strategic position of the agrihotel enables you to visit many nearby villages, such as the worldly Porto Cervo, the heart of the Costa Smeralda. Created by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV in the 60s and 70s, this Sardinian seaside resort is popular among both the national and the international jet set. In summer the elite resides in one of the luxurious resorts, villas or hotels or visits the boutiques near the central square.
One of the highlights in north Sardinia is La Maddalena. This archipelago consists of more than 60 islands, of which La Maddalena, Caprera, Santo Stefano, Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria and Razzoli are the biggest. Only the main island La Maddalena is inhabited. Many tourists visit the archipelago by boat to enjoy the beautiful rock formations, nature, sea, bays and beaches. A ferry can bring you from Palau to La Maddalena in a mere 20 minutes and with a bit of luck you can spot dolphins on the way. Should you like to visit the other islands of the archipelago, we recommend booking our boat excursion with the Lady Luna!
Agriturismo I Vigneti
Near Alghero Agriturismo I Vigneti is located in an oasis of tranquillity amidst vineyards. Nowadays the old traditions are being held high still. The area offers numerous activities to enjoy your days and discover the beauty of Sardinia.
Agriturismo L'Orto
L'Orto is a very special agriturismo, located in the western part of the island, far away from mass tourism, that will make you feel right at home. Francesca and Giorgio opened the doors of their biological farm in San Vero Milis in 2001. They love to introduce you to all the beautiful and tasty things this undulating area has to offer.
Agriturismo I Mandorli
I Mandorli is an idyllic agriturismo located on a tranquil estate near the sea in east Sardinia. The agriturismo features a pool and its kitchen serves delicious dishes made with the farm’s own products. You should definitely try their homemade mirto or limoncello.
Arrival: daily
Starting point: Olbia, Cagliari or Alghero
The tour includes:
• Stay: 14 nights
• Type of room: Standard room
• Board: bed & breakfast
Touring with an all-inclusive rental car
We're happy to book you a rental car. The Sunny Car's all-in formula includes all insurances and an unlimited mileage. During the online booking process you can easily add a GPS package as well. The shown prices are an indication of the rental price for the entire tour. Should the current price differ, we will inform you before confirming the booking of your rental car.
We offer various car categories:
• Small: 3-door Fiat Panda or similar, manual transmission with air-conditioning
• Comfort: 5-door VW Polo or similar, manual transmission with air-conditioning
• Station: 5-door Opel Astra STW or similar, manual transmission with air-conditioning
We're happy to tailor the tour to your preferences!
• You can easily extend or change the tour's itinerary
• Do you prefer a more luxurious stay? It's possible to upgrade to a superior room
• Do you prefer half board in all accommodations? Please ask us about the possibilities
• We're happy to help you find the best flights and crossings
• Travelling with kids? We're happy to send you a travel plan adjusted to your specific travel party
• Tip: extend your round trip with one of our unique excursions!