Things to do in South Sardinia, Sardinia

Live a memorable day while having fun and enjoying nature on a quad adventure under the guidance of an expert tour-escort. Cross pristine beaches and dirt paths, and admire breathtaking views onboard your quad. Upon arrival, you'll be given full instruction on handling the quad and all safety equipment will be provided. First, take a short trip to establish your confidence and then go on an amazing journey. Enjoy an authentic, exciting, and dynamic off-road experience on the powerful quads for 2 or 3 hours, depending on the option you choose. Drive through nature's twists and turns, among the vegetation and rocks modeled by time, and discover rare species and unique itineraries. Your local guide is happy to make the tour as personal as possible. He will assist you with his expertise and share interesting anecdotes for you before returning you back to the base camp.

Meet your guide in Orosei or Dorgali before starting the adventure with some off-road driving to descend into the valley where the trek path begins. The hike starts with some water wading through the Flumineddu river to enter the woodland area formed of Old Oaks, Arbutus and Mediterranean shrubs. Walk along the cliffs of Monte Oddeu and arrive at the entrance to the Gorroppu gorge in less than 2 hours. Admire the incredible rocky walls which rise for more than 400 meters over the dry river bed, making this gorge one of the deepest canyons in Europe. Today the canyon is a natural border between the Italian territories of Urzulei and Orgosolo. The canyon was formed when the Flumineddu river excavated the Jurassic limestone that formed when Sardinia was covered by the sea. Learn from your guide how the marine rocks are full of fossils from ammonites, fish and algae found in the area, and hopefully catch a glimpse of such an artifact. During the trek, discover the unique micro climate of the canyon that allowed the giant growth of the trees including the Phyllirea and the Old Yew. As you continue on the hike, the path becomes harder and harder, you may have to use your hands to proceed through the boulders. When it is no longer possible to go further, it’s time to head back.

Discover the nuraghe of Sardinia on a 4-hour tour of the Su Nuraxi di Barumini, the best example of a unique defence system that represented an exceptional response to political and social conditions, and an innovative use of the materials and techniques available to a prehistoric island. Recognized by UNESCO for its historical significance, the site provides a great introduction to the origins of Sardinian culture. During the tour, you will explore the vast megalithic bulk deep inside many tholos of incomparable beauty. Explore the massive central tower, built from large dressed stones without the use of mortar. Consisting of 3 chambers, one upon the other, they are connected by a spiral staircase. Learn about the construction of this remarkable site, including the massive stone curtain wall that linked 4 subsidiary towers. Time permitting, it will also be possible to enjoy a typical Sardinian lunch in one of the nearby restaurants. Alternatively, bring a picnic to enjoy in the Giara of Gesturi, where the small wild horses of Sardinia run free.

Experience one of Sardinia's most pristine locations with a marine biologist as your guide. Tour the Marine Protected Area of Capo Carbonara on the southern tip of Villasimius to learn about the efforts to conserve the wildlife that now thrives on the islands of Cavoli and Serpentara. Reach the islands by boat and learn the meaning of Sites of Community Interest, or SCIs, that are crucial for the repopulation of maritime flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for the endangered Corsican seagull whose population has been recovering in this region. Next, don your snorkeling gear and take the opportunity to observe native species like octopuses, sponges, algae, and more. Learn from your guide about how the creatures are cared for here and see their fascinating behavior in their natural habitat.

Nora is among the best preserved Roman cities in Sardinia. It rises above the remains of an ancient Phoenician-Punic settlement in a context of immense natural charm, reflecting itself in the waters of the small peninsula of Capo di Pula. The Roman mosaics still visible, in some of the most significant buildings are worthy the all visit, but what makes the tour memorable are also the well-preserved Roman theater, the remains of the Roman forum and the numerous Roman thermal baths. A few meters from the archaeological area is the church of Sant’Efisio, patron martyr of the city of Cagliari, to whom one of the most important festivals in Sardinia is dedicated. We will also visit this sacred place and tell the details of the wonderful celebration. We will also dedicate some time to describe the natural characteristics of the Nora lagoon, which has always been of considerable naturalistic importance with the center for the recovery of sea turtles and the pink flamingos.

Enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches and coves in Sardinia between Chia and Teulada on an exclusive tour. Meet your guide at the cruise terminal and board your transportation for a 40-minute scenic drive towards the southwest. Explore the coves and beaches that were twice named the most beautiful in Italy. Visit Cala Cipolla, where you can admire the lighthouse of Capo Spartivento. This cove offers one of the best places to snorkel in South Sardinia. Enjoy snorkeling or just spread out your towel on the sand, kick back, and relax. Also, visit Malfatano Beach, ideal for families with children due to its calm waters. Head to Cala Antoni Areddu, one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, and stop at S'isola Manna. Also, find small stands, cafes, and options to purchase lunch, drinks, or snacks throughout the day. Throughout your experience at Chia, your guide will share stories, history, and tales about the area and make your time as personalized as possible. Take in the picturesque scenery on your ride back to your Cagliari cruise port after a relaxing day on the beaches of Chia. This itinerary is flexible for your cruise ship and can take from 5 to 8 hours.

On the Giara, there is an important variety of animal species. Forests of cork and oak alternate with Mediterranean maquis, garrigues, prairies, and ponds to make this plateau a rich fauna shelter, in which the most famous specimen is the Giara horse. These wild horses of medium height (no more than 120 centimeters at the withers) are not a native breed, but they have been on the plateau since time immemorial. Driving about 1 hour from Cagliari in to the country side of Sardinia, you'll reach Barumini and you'll see this wonderful place that from 1997 has been enrolled in the UNESCO World Heritage Lists because of its uniqueness. After lunch(not included), you'll drive towards Gesturi, where you can have a walk tour in the Giara Park and meet the Sardinian Wild Horses. Also in the park you can visit the older kind of Nuraghe "Proto Nuraghe". The fauna of the Giara includes some of the most common species of mammals that are normally present in the woodlands of Sardinia: wild boars, foxes, martens, wild rabbits, hares and hedgehogs. Besides these, it is worth mentioning the many species of permanent birds, such as Sardinian partridges, sparrowhawks, and peregrine falcons, and a large number of migratory birds, both terrestrial (thrushes, blackbirds, woodcocks, wood pigeons) and aquatic (herons, ducks, snipes, marsh harriers). Nesting species include hawfinches, mistle thrushes, woodlarks, shrikes, black buntings, Dartford warblers, great spotted woodpeckers, jays and bee-eaters.

Visit the hidden inlets of Chia and Teulada on the beautiful southern coast of Sardinia on this tour aboard an inflatable boat. Explore the coves and beaches that were twice named the most beautiful in Italy.  Traveling from the beach at Chia to Teulada, make several stops in between and enjoy different itineraries depending on the weather. Dive into the shimmering, crystal-clear blue color of the waters of Chia. Marvel at the peach-colored sand that complements the stunning water and the lush green juniper trees are scattered among the dunes. With a little luck, see dolphins doing their magnificent dance, observe colonies of seagulls, cormorants, flamingos, colorful fish, and sea turtles laying their eggs in the most secluded beaches.  One of the coves you’ll visit is Cala Cipolla (depending on the itinerary). From here, admire the lighthouse of Capo Spartivento. This cove offers one of the best places to snorkel in South Sardinia. Sail to Cape Teulada and Cala Zafferano to get perfect views of the natural landscapes (this is a military zone, and you can only swim around the boat).  Throughout your experience at Chia and Teulada, hear the stories, history, and tales of the area from your guide and enjoy a personalized experience. Standard itinerary departing from Chia (with normal sea and wind conditions):• Caletta del morto• Campana• Su Giudeu• Cala Cipolla• Capo Spartivento• Perdalonga• Tuerredda• Capo Malfatano• Piscinnì• Isola Rossa• Porto Scudo• Cala Zafferano

Clamber over rocks and walk the rocky coast of the Chia area on a unique coasteering adventure in Sardinia. Experience the coastline from a different perspective and get the chance to dive from high points into the refreshing Mediterranean Sea.   Start at Pinus Village Beach, where qualified instructors will provide you with all the necessary equipment. Walk through the Mediterranean scrub until you get to the best points to build a cableway and dive into the crystal clear waters of Chia. Benefit from an itinerary that is 100% safe for beginners.

Explore the West Coast of Sardinia, on a tour of the West Beaches. Soak up the sun on two beaches with completely different styles of sand and sea, and revel in the relaxed environment of the day. Depart from Cagliari along the road that connects it to Pula, crossing the lagoon of Santa Gilla. Continue towards the magnificent coastal town of Chia, with its splendid beaches, pink granite rocks, and emerald sea, immersed in the Mediterranean scrub. First, visit two amazing beaches, that differ by shape, types of sand, and the depth of the waters. After a relaxing day dedicated to exploring the West coast of Sardinia, return to Cagliari at 3 PM.