Authentic Sardinian gozzo boat tour in Costa Smeralda with aperitif

Corsica daytrip with guided walking tour and ferry

So near and yet so far apart. Corsica and Sardinia are like two siblings who moved to different countries and are separated not just by the sea but by culture, too. This day trip to the cliff-perched town of Bonifacio in southern Corsica is the ideal way to get to know France's wildest region. Local guide, Francesca, explains the dynamic, “People often think of the two islands as neighbours, but for centuries they were rivals. And despite Corsica being only 12km from Sardinia, the language, food and traditions feel distinctly French.”After a drive to the north of Sardinia to catch the ferry at Santa Teresa, you'll make the 50-minute crossing. Precariously built on 70m-high cliffs, Bonifacio's fjord-like harbour is quite the sight. You'll hop on a mini train to the centre before a guided tour of its vertiginous citadel with tightly packed narrow alleys. Once the tour has given you your bearings, the afternoon is yours to find a spot for lunch and explore.As you wander the cobbled streets, you'll be following in the footsteps of Corsica's most famous son, Napoleon, who plotted his failed 1793 invasion of Sardinia from here. The epic views from the cliffs make it easy to see why he chose this spot, but Francesca advises branching out from the viewpoints, “most visitors head straight for the views, but Bonifacio's real charm is in the backstreets. That's where you'll find the little cafés and workshops locals still use every day". You can browse for antiques, handicrafts and jewellery in the shops that now fill the ancient houses, or head down to the harbour to watch the yachts come and go.

La Maddalena boat tour from Golfo Aranci

The La Maddalena Archipelago is one of the most alluring destinations in the Med. This boat tour stops off at vibrant La Maddalena Island, where you'll explore quaint cobbled streets in town. Cruise to Santa Maria Island, spotting underwater marvels from the boat. On to admire the extraordinary beauty of Budelli, while a light lunch of local cuisine is served with a backdrop of azure waters. Finish at Spargi Island's Cala Corsara, diving into a world of diverse marine life with a swim. Top tip, bring a snorkel and mask if you have one, as there's plenty to see under the surface.

Dolphin-watching from Golfo Aranci

Explore the dazzling scenery and marine life of the Figarolo Island natural reserve, home to a colony of bottlenose dolphins. Under the guidance of an experienced skipper, you'll hopefully spot them in their natural habitat. Visit serene Cala Moresca, with its gorgeous sand and blue-green waters for a guided snorkel, offering a tranquil escape for relaxation.

Sardinian snorkeling trip to Tavolara and Molara

The clear water around Sardinia are home to a wealth of colourful marine species. Your experienced skipper will lead you to snorkel at the stunning Doctor's Beach, where you'll explore underwater wonders among granite rocks and white sands. Next, sail to the Molara Pools, inside the Protected Marine Area, and finish under the cliffs of Tavolara, on one of the glorious beaches here.

Snorkelling Tavolara and Molara morning

The marine life in Sardinia's Marine Protected Area is vibrant and varied. Equipped with snorkeling gear, depart from a prestigious marina on a spacious inflatable boat, reaching the southern wall of Tavolara after a short but scenic journey. Encounter colourful marine life, guided by your instructor. For an extra thrill, there's a ride on a sea scooter included, so you can save your leg power as you're propelled through the water, and if you've got children aged 5 to 11, they can ride the sea scooter with you. Enjoy a snack onboard before exploring the Molara shoals, a true underwater spectacle.

Molara natural pools snorkelling experience

Take the plunge for an afternoon exploring the underwater world on this three-hour snorkelling tour. Cast off from Puntaldia Marina for a short journey across to the natural pools of Molara, where you'll don your mask and dive in to spot schools of fish that remain unphased by humans. For an extra thrill, there's a ride on a sea scooter included, so you can save your leg power as you're propelled through the water, and if you've got children aged 5 to 11, they can ride the sea scooter with you. It's worth pulling yourself off your sunbed for this one.

Snorkeling at sunset with aperitif

Exploring the Marine Protected Area of Tavolara and Punta Coda Cavallo at sundown is magical. Set off from Marina di Puntaldia aboard an inflatable boat, skirting Isola Ruja and the Gulf of Lu Impostu and Cala Brandinchi. Experience the underwater world with night lights and for an extra thrill, there's a ride on a sea scooter included, so you can save your leg power as you're propelled through the water, and if you've got children aged 5 to 11, they can ride the sea scooter with you. Follow-up with a sunset tasting of local wine and Sardinian products amidst stunning natural surroundings.

Costa Smeralda Boat Tour from Golfo Aranci

The Costa Smeralda is one of Sardinia's finest stretches of coastline. This boat tour begins at Mortorio Island, where tempting clear waters invite a refreshing dip. Then, visit the blissful Spiaggia del Principe beach, renowned for its beauty. Lastly, stop in Porto Rotondo for a look around the exclusive town, keeping your eyes peeled for celebrity sightings.

La Maddalena Cruise from Budoni

Like rubies scattered across dazzling seas, the islands of La Maddalena are one of Sardinia's best-loved treasures. This cruise focuses on the archipelago's southern isles, with stops in la Maddalena and Spargi islands, and a few hours cruising by the pink granite coastlines of Santo Stefano and Caprera.

Nordöstra Sardiniens stränder Rundtur med ledig tid och glass

Utforska den fantastiska kusten i nordöstra Sardinien på en resa fylld av sol, sand och hav. Vi har två riktigt speciella stränder, en pittoresk kustby och dessutom en söt överraskning som väntar på dig. Daniele, en av våra lokala experter, säger: ”Gelato är inte bara glass – det är Italien i en sked. Tillverkad av färska, naturliga ingredienser och vispad till silkeslen perfektion. Efter en skopa förstår du varför italienarna tar sin gelato på så stort allvar.”Först åker vi till Cala Ginepro, en strand som ser ut som den är hämtad från ett vykort. Föreställ dig en böjd strand med ljusguld sand, rosa klippor och ett bländande turkosblått hav. Det är den perfekta platsen att koppla av på, med lugnt, grunt vatten som bara väntar på att du ska hoppa i. Därefter besöker vi den gamla fiskebyn Santa Lucia. Strosa genom de charmiga gatorna där lokala fiskare går om sina dagliga sysslor och se hur havet är en del av vardagen.Efter ledig tid att njuta av denna fotogena plats är det dags att åka till La Caletta, en lång, bred strand som är perfekt för familjeaktiviteter. Omgiven av en tallskog har den allt du behöver, från segling och surfing till dykning och båtturer, plus alla bekvämligheter du kan önska dig. Du avslutar dagen på en lokal gelateria där hemgjord glass i alla regnbågens färger står på menyn. Oavsett vilken smak du väljer kommer dina smaklökar att få en riktig upplevelse.