In Sardinia, people live for a hundred years and, as they say, the secret is to drink “two fingers of wine a day” from the good grapes that the island produces. That, and living among white sand, shared culture and tradition, respect, tasty food and nature that recharges your batteries. When you return home, you will wish to be reborn in Sardinia in your next life, so you can enjoy all things blue that the island has to offer.
On this tour we will take you to discover the Regional Natural Park of Porto Conte, near the city of Alghero. We will visit the prehistoric megalithic complex known as the Nuraghi. We will walk through narrow streets and medieval towers overlooking the sea. We will taste food and wine from local producers. We will walk along the paths overlooking the sea, surrounded by the natural wonders of the island.
We will cycle and sail in the nature reserve of Capo Caccia, where we will find the famous “Grotta di Neptuno”.
All this under the watchful eye of an extraordinary witness: Capo Caccia, known as the Sleeping Giant, an imposing and majestic limestone promontory that for millions of years has guarded the natural, historical and cultural riches of Alghero.
Itinerary
DAY 1: City of origin - Alghero
Welcome to Sardinia! On arrival in Alghero, we will meet the guide who will take us to our accommodation in the Porto Conte Natural Park and we will have a welcome drink at the home of a local family to learn about the traditions of the area.
The route respects true “eco-mobility” and we will move from one point to another only with touring e-bikes.
Dinner and overnight at a agrotourism farmhouse.
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DAY 2: Porto Conte
After a delicious breakfast, we will go by electric bike to the beginning of a road where we will start an easy walk to Cala Barca, inside the Natural Park of Porto Conte. We will pass very close to “The Sleeping Giant”, where we will observe the typical hawks of the region and enjoy a view that will surely leave us speechless.
We will have lunch in a local shop in the park and in the afternoon we will visit the Casa Gioiosa Museum.
After a rest, we will accompany the owners of the agriturismo to pick up the ingredients for the dishes we will prepare in a cooking class that will introduce us to the local gastronomy of the island.
Dinner and overnight at the agritourism.
(B/L/D)
DAY 3: Alghero - Castelsardo
Today we head north on our e-bike. Sixty kilometres separate us from our next destination: Castelsardo.
In the centre of the Gulf of Asinara, in the historic region of Anglona in northern Sardinia, stands a promontory full of history and spectacular beauty. From here you can see all the coasts of the Gulf, even those of Corsica.
Castelsardo has not only preserved its historical richness, linked to its position in the Gulf, but also its delicious traditions. Be sure to taste some of its delicacies while enjoying the magnificent panorama that opens up before you on a splendid terrace overlooking the Gulf of Asinara.
Overnight in a charming 3* hotel.
(B/-/-)
DAY 4: Castelsardo - Sassari
We continue our journey towards Sassari. During this stage we will enjoy a beautiful route in the typical hinterland of Anglona, long dirt roads through oak woods, with some stops at old wheat mills and remote villages that have left behind the way of life of many years ago. In the afternoon we will arrive in the city of Sassari, where we will have a guided tour to learn about its history, culture, gastronomy…
Accommodation in a charming 3* hotel.
(B/-/-)
DAY 5: Sassari - P.N. Asinara - Alghero
An early start today to visit one of the most impressive places on the island, the Asinara National Park.
Our driver will pick us up and take us to the port of Puerto Torres. There we will take the ferry to Asinara.
The park is extraordinary in its entirety. You will visit colourful beaches that remind you of the Caribbean; enjoy breathtaking views and learn about its history by visiting a maximum security prison, famous for being the place where some of the most famous members of the Italian mafia spent a good part of their lives; the Austro-Hungarian ossuary and the sea turtle recovery centre, one of the most productive in the Mediterranean, and much more…
Asinara is uninhabited, so there are no cars or crowded beaches. You can cycle around the area and enjoy the beautiful views of the Gulf of Asinara and Corsica.
At the appointed time you will return to the port to catch the ferry back to Porto Torres. Return to Alghero by minibus.
Overnight stay at a agrotourism farmhouse.
(B/-/-)
DAY 6: Alghero
After breakfast we cycle to the megalithic complex of the Nuraghe Palmavera, dating back to the fifteenth century BC. The nuraghe are an undisputed symbol of Sardinian culture.
We continue to the town of Alghero, where we spend the day learning about its history, culture, language and enjoying one of the most famous sunsets on the island.
Overnight stay at an agritourism farmhouse.
(B/L/-)
DAY 7: Neptune's Grotto
Today we travel to Neptune’s Grotto in the belly of the giant. The cave was formed about two million years ago. It is one of the largest sea caves in Italy and one of the most fascinating natural gems in the Mediterranean.
Inside we will see amazing karst formations of stalactites and stalagmites, a white sandy beach and a huge underground lake. The entrance is reached by descending the Escala del cabirol, ‘stairs of the deer’: 654 steps that cling to the western edge of the promontory of Capo Caccia up to the mouth.
A series of nine-metre-high columns will take you down to the crystal-clear, salty waters of Lake La Marmora, which is one hundred metres long at its widest point and nine metres deep.
The tour ends with a boat trip to admire the coast from the sea. Lunch on board.
Accommodation at an agritourism farmhouse.
(B/L/-)
DAY 8: Alghero - city of origin
It’s time to bid the Giant arrivederci. After a rich organic breakfast, we cycle back to the airport where we will collect our luggage to return home after our blue adventure in Sardinia.
(B/-/-)
* Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Important notes
✔ Accommodation in the indicated hotels or similar.
✔ Meals indicated in the itinerary.
✔ Electric bicycles.
✔ Entrance fees to museums and sites indicated.
✔ Transfers.
✔ Local guides.
✔ Activities indicated in the itinerary.
✔ Travel insurance.
Does not include:
✘ International flights.
✘ Meals and dinners not indicated in the itinerary.
✘ Personal expenses.
✘ Gratuities.
✘ Any services not specified in the above itinerary.
Accommodations
Agritourism located in a rural area, managed by a local family. Organic agriculture. Use of solar panels.
Sustainable mobility
Transfers by electric bicycle and on foot.
Nature
Hiking trails to connect with nature.
Culture and tradition
Direct contact with the inhabitants of the area. Tasting of local products. Local cooking class. Interpretative routes of the heritage of the area.
Passport or ID card
Spanish citizens may enter the country with a valid ID card or passport.
Vaccines
None.
Clothing
Comfortable clothing and footwear. Appropriate clothing for hiking and cycling activities. Include beach clothes.
Don’t forget to bring: sunscreen, sunglasses, basic first aid kit.
Electricity
In Italy the common voltage is 230 V. The frequency is 50 Hz. The plugs and sockets are type F / L.
Currency
The official currency is the Euro
Language
Several languages are spoken in Sardinia, the predominant ones being Italian and Sardinian. In the main tourist areas English is usually spoken.
Weather
As in the rest of the Mediterranean, the climate in Sardinia is temperate. It is characterized by long, hot summers, with temperatures around 30°C, and mild, wet winters, with an average minimum temperature of 15°C.
Luggage
As there are stages by bike, it is recommended to carry light luggage.