Things to do in Olbia

Guided tour of Costa Smeralda and San Pantaleo from Baia Sardinia

Just 20 minutes from the coast, the pace of life shifts down a gear as you arrive in the rustic village of San Pantaleo. It's sat at the base of a mountain range, where towering granite formations create a dramatic backdrop to this otherwise low-key community. Local guide Valentina, says, “San Pantaleo has a creative, artsy edge. It's a spot that's attracted lots of artists, musicians and writers over the years, meaning there's stacks of choice when you browse the stalls of ceramics, paintings and jewellery.” You'll have half an hour here, so be sure to head to the village square to see local life unfold. As you head back towards the coast, the scenery shifts. The hills flatten out, the greenery becomes more manicured and the horizon switches from mountain peaks to the masts of luxurious yachts bobbing in the marina. At the heart of the Costa Smeralda you'll find the glitz and glamour of Porto Cervo – a total contrast to the dream catchers and tie-dye scarfs of San Pantaleo. After a guided tour of the purpose-built resort, you'll have free time to ogle the yachts, sip a coffee at a stylish pavement café or check out the designer boutiques.After seeing two very different sides of Sardinia, you'll head back along the coast to Baia, which will feel like a stylish yet relaxed balance. There's free time here to swim at the beach or grab a drink with your fellow travellers before you return to your hotel.

Guided tour of Costa Smeralda with Porto Cervo and beach time

San Pantaleo is known for its low-key rustic charm, with narrow streets and stone buildings that give it a traditional and authentic feel. The village square is the heart of San Pantaleo, and it is here that visitors can browse the small shops run by local artisans, selling traditional and unique handicrafts and Sardinian produce.In total contrast, Costa Smeralda is a sleek destination with Porto Cervo at its luxurious heart. Take a guided tour to see its marina packed with millionaire yachts and maybe mingle with the jet set. Soak up all the glamour from one of the pavement-side cafes, or in the designer shops and high-end boutiques.The last stop is Baia Sardinia, a glorious beach where you can enjoy some free time to relax, swim, or take a break in a beach bar. The fine sand invites you to linger, while the beach is bookended by rocky outcrops perfect for snorkelling or rock-pooling. We'll take a scenic route back to base with views over the coast and countryside.

Corsica day trip 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.

Costa Smeralda catamaran cruise with swim stops and lunch

Departing from the port of Golfo Aranci on a catamaran, you'll glide toward Cala Sabina for your first swim stop of the day. From there, you'll continue to Porto Rotondo, where granite cliffs, hillside villas and tucked-away coves come into view as the coastline shifts around each bend. You'll stop again at Costa Smeralda for a swim in its natural pools and enjoy a Sardinian lunch served on board. The day wraps up at Cala Moresca's sheltered bay, where there's time for a longer swim before cruising back to the port.

Introduction to scuba diving lesson at Isola Ruja

Have you always wanted to give scuba diving a go? Then this one's for you. You'll start with a fun 15-minute intro to scuba basics before gearing up for your first dive. With an instructor guiding you the whole way, you'll get into the waters of Isola Ruja or another beautiful spot in the Marine Protected Area to spot colours, corals and curious fish, all while experiencing the thrill of breathing underwater for the very first time.

Gulf of Orosei by motorboat

Tucked away between limestone cliffs and craggy coastline, some of Sardinia's best beaches hide away in the Gulf of Orosei. With clear blue waters lapping powder-white sands, it's like Italy's answer to the Caribbean. Enjoy some sun on your face, knockout views and swim stops at a trio of hidden bays on this relaxing motorboat tour.

Kayaking Tours in Tavolara Marine Park

See the best of Tavolara Marine Park on this kayaking adventure in the great outdoors. Choose from a sunrise, mid-morning or sunset tour with each including a tasty snack – a light beach breakfast with espresso at sunrise, fresh fruit post-morning, or an evening apéritif. Essentials like a snorkelling mask, waterproof phone bag, life jacket, and a kayaking primer are provided.

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.

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.

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.