Discover Sardinia - Itinerary 6 nights

The Secret Soul of Sardinia

Imagine a journey through time where limestone mountains give way to startling cliffs and turquoise waters, echoes of a very distant past go hand in hand with pivotal traditions that make this island a unique paradise: this is Sardinia’s stellar east coast, where the wild Barbagia and the glitzy northern coast are home to many-a-secret.

Must Try Sardinia food Sardinians are proud of their heritage and traditions, which naturally include delicious food, infused with influences from the many cultures that invaded the island over the centuries. Genuine and nourishing, it evokes all that life teaches us: less is more. Bread here is an art form – pane carasau and guttiau a treat – as is cheese – pecorino, where Sardinia makes about 80% of Italy’s supply – creamy goat’s cheese and ricotta or fiore sardo. Filled pasta is exceptional culurgiones – try also filindeu or pillus – but leave room for appetizing porceddu – suckling pig on the spit. Seafood is truly delicious – try aragosta alla catalana – and end on a sweet note with seadas, sospiri di Ozieri, coffettura or pardulas. What a feast!

Vineyards of Joy A blend of a unique character and diverse flavours, Sardinian wine is supremely delightful. Red Cannonau – admire the vineyards in Oliena and Jerzu, best cultivated on a warm, pebbly soil, which limits its productivity – and white DOCG Vermentino di Gallura rank high on the dream list for wine lovers. White torbato from Alghero is a wine rarity, and you will also find local exceptional productions of Vernaccia di Oristano, Malvasia di Bosa, Carignano del Sulcis, ending with sweet Mirto.

A sport Paradise From kayak to hiking, sailing to cycling, climbing to scuba diving, golf to horse-riding, Sardinia has it all. The perfect recipe for a supreme holiday, seasoned by the wind and the ancient wisdom of a proud people, this is a paradise for lovers of sport, who will enjoy its varied landscape, rich in hidden lakes and water sources, high mountains and a rugged coast bathed in Caribbean-like sea waters

Day 1. Immerse yourself in the Blue zone

Start in Nuoro, the birthplace of national hero Grazia Deledda, and visit its many interesting museums – including the ethnographic and national archaeological museums, as well as one dedicated to the famous author, but also to the sculptor Francesco Ciusa – and is your stepping stone to the many nearby Nuragic sites, like Romanzesu or the Su Tempieso Sacred Fount. Isolation and mystery are the keywords of this intriguing part of the island, but you can also decide to explore the area by kayaking on the Cedrino river or admiring the sunset from the spectacular Corrasi mountain on the Supramonte plateau, then end the day star gazing: light pollution is at its lowest here and the sky at night simply unforgettable

WHAT ARE BLUE ZONES? We’re talking about areas where life expectancy is longer, chronic disease is lower, all due to a combination of the ideal diet, climate and exercise. The area of Ogliastra is one such blue zone: pay a visit to learn the secret of the people living there and their longevity!

Day 2. Between canyons and ancient sites

Travelling through time gets in full swing at Gola Su Gorropu, Europe’s answer to the Grand Canyon. The main ravine is flanked by limestone walls towering up to 500 metres in height and several routes cross it, some of which going through oak woods, slopes and cliffs. Here you will find the famous Hotel Supramonte 8b multipitch route, opened in 1999 and only repeated by gnarly climbers!

Nearby Tiscali, in the Lanaittu valley, is a mysterious Nuragic village that is worth a trip: discovered in the late 19th c., it is a fascinating site hidden in a mountain-top cave.

Find some time to explore the magical Ispingoli cave, the gardens of S’Abba Frisca or the Nuragic village of Serra Orrios, and do not forget the Lanaittu valley with the Sa Sedda ‘e Sos Carros Nuragic sites or the Sa Ohe and Corbeddu caves

Day 3. Supreme blue: the Orosei gulf

Bluer than blue and simply mesmerizing, the many coves within this stretch of Sardinian coast are unforgettable. Part of the Gennargentu and Orosei National Park – Sardinia-s biggest – it is best explored aboard a boat: set off from Cala Gonone and move towards the Grotta del Bue Marino, a maze of stalactites and stalagmites, then reach spectacular Cala Luna and its crescent-shaped bay. From then onwards you’ll find one spectacular cave after the other: Cala Sisine, Cala Mariolu and magical Cala Goloritzé with its Aguglia, a limestone needle popular with rock climbers. When you’re done sunbathing and exploring, hop to nearby inland Orgosolo: once riddled by bandits, its many graffiti-style murals make it a unique destination.

Day 4. Move north-east: Costa Smeralda

Head to the dazzling white beaches of Costa Smeralda, where sophistication meets natural beauty and it’s perfectly normal to rub shoulders with the jet set. Porto Cervo, with its world-renowned marina, offers some of the finest marine facilities in the Mediterranean — a true icon of luxury living. And don’t miss the charm of San Pantaleo: a chic aperitivo in its boho-glam village square is the perfect way to end the day, immersed in the stylish spirit of northern Sardinia

Venture inland and you’ll discover an area rich in vineyards – what best opportunity to visit a cellar and enjoy some Vermentino wine tasting!

Day 5. The mysterious past

Move northwest and enter the mysterious world of the many Nuragic sites by Arzachena and its dazzling countryside. La Prisgiona, the Malchittu Temple, Li Muri, Li Lolghi and the Albuccio Nuraghi make a spellbinding sight, combining impressive ancient necropolis, standing stones and ancient ruins.

Move to Luras and explore the Olivastri Millenari (millennia-old olive trees) of Santo Baltolu, some being almost 4.000 years old. These majestic, time-sculpted giants are among the oldest in Europe, offering a humbling and magical encounter with Sardinia’s deep-rooted soul. Just outside Tempio Pausania lies yet another fascinating glimpse into Sardinia’s ancient past — the Nuraghe Maiori. Surrounded by cork forests and granite hills, this enigmatic Nuragic site invites you to step back in time and experience the mystery and majesty of a civilization that dates back over 3,000 years.

Day 6. The sea, the sea! And the wind…

Set sail into a Mediterranean dream with a private boat trip to the Arcipelago di La Maddalena, one of Sardinia’s most breathtaking treasures. This cluster of untouched islands and turquoise coves is best explored by sea, gliding through crystalline waters where time seems to stand still.

From the pink sands of Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli to the wild charm of Spargi and the luminous lagoons of Santa Maria, each stop reveals a new postcard-perfect scene.

Swim in secluded bays, enjoy an onboard lunch with the scent of the sea all around, and soak up the beauty of nature in its most exclusive form.

A must-do experience for those seeking quiet luxury, authentic beauty, and the true essence of Sardinia — far from the crowds, close to paradise.