There are so many reasons why we love holidays in Sardinia. We love the sea, which is even clearer than it is in the Caribbean; the fragrant countryside and beautiful landscapes; and the crisp sound of the Sardinian dialect, which is every bit as crunchy as the local flatbread. We love visiting Sardinia, not just in the summer, but at any time of year - it is exceptionally beautiful in every season.
Few people have yet discovered all that Sardinia has to offer, which is why we have put together this itinerary. For us it represents the ultimate self-drive holiday in Sardinia, staying at some of our favourite hotels. We think it is the best possible way to explore this charming island.
Day 1: Fly into Olbia and drive inland, to the east of Sardinia, towards the little village of Oliena. This charming spot is surrounded by hills, gorges and lakes – a landscape reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, but with much better weather! This is where you will alight upon the Su Gologone Hotel. It is not known as an ‘experience’ hotel for nothing. There are so many relaxing and pleasurable things to do at Su Gologone that you may find yourself spoiled for choice. However you choose to spend your time – a tour of the hotel’s art collection, a wine tasting, a film under the stars, or an adventure exploring the surrounding landscape – remember that it is the owners’ aim that you should take a little piece of Sardinia home with you, in the form of lingering memories.
Meals here will be a highlight of your holiday. In Sardinia cuisine expresses a simple approach to life, demonstrated by its cheeses, spit-roasted meats, panecarasau, handmade pasta, olive oil and distinctive wines. At Su Gologone, mealtimes are saturated with the fragrances and flavours of Barbagia. Savour maccarones de busa (handmade bucatini) and culurgiones (ravioli filled with local ricotta), porceddu allo spiedo (spit-roasted suckling piglet), and seadas al miele (honey fritters).
Day 2: During your stay here, you must make time to meander through the herb gardens. The view from the garden is magnificent, especially in the evening, when the sun sinks behind the mountains. Each plant has its name written in Italian, Sardinian and Latin on the plate next to it.
Spend some time discovering the locality, through the hotel’s food and drink tasting focusing on local wines, olive oil, cheeses and prosciutto. Of course, meal times will always be a highlight since the hotel has three restaurants, from which to choose.
Day 3: You may choose to explore your surroundings on foot or on two wheels, following ancient shepherds' paths through forests of holm oak, passing through picturesque clearings and canyons. Visit the important archaeological sites in the area, or travel to the pristine white beaches lining Sardinia’s crystalline sea.
Adrenaline junkies may prefer to head out in Land Rovers or on quad bikes, along paths lined with Mediterranean scrub, limestone rocks and wild flowers, in search of the landscapes made famous by comic-book hero Tex Willer.
Day 4: Spend the day exploring this incredible hotel and immersing yourself in the tranquil, enchanting atmosphere. Meander through the Tex Willer garden, where there are plenty of hammocks set amongst the plants and enjoy the company of blue and red horses parading silently along the wall – the garden is utterly unique and a wonderful place to unwind! Although the wonderful Sardinian seaside is just a few kilometres away, the swimming pool is an excellent alternative. It is 25 metres long and the water in it comes exclusively from the Su Gologone spring.
Meet up at the Magico Tablao terrace. As the name suggests, it is an entrancing place to sip an aperitif and try some Sardinian artichoke and wild cardoon antipasti, against the breath-taking backdrop of the Supramonte. Choose from 15 grappas, most of which are Sardinian, and local liqueur made from herbs and berries.
In the evening, enjoy the spectacular view of Mount Corrasi from Su Gologone’s ‘terrace of dreams’, one of the most captivating parts of the hotel. One night a week (usually Friday or Saturday), between May and September, local amateur astronomers join stargazing guests to study the stars and planets using telescopes and special video cameras.
Day 5: Make the 2 hour drive to Villa Mosca which will be your base for the next 3 nights of your Sardinian holiday.
Villa Mosca is located just a short distance from the centre of Alghero, which, despite being in Italy, displays a strong Catalan influence. Enjoy a romantic aperitif at sunset on the beautiful terrace, with the breath-taking city of Alghero as your backdrop, providing a sensational spectacle of ever-changing colours.
For dinner, you are sure to be served creative cuisine that draws its inspiration from local traditions.
Day 6: One of the most popular day trips from Alghero is to the Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune’s Grotto), which can be reached by either boat or road.
By boat you can take in some amazing scenery and spend time on the sea looking out at the blue bay of Porto Conte and the vertical cliffs at Capo Caccia.
If you decide to get there by road, you can meander down the 656 steps that lead to the grotto - an experience in itself! These have been named the Escala del Cabirol or goat’s steps, as they were cut into the sheer cliff. This spectacular cave is sure to be one of the highlights of your holiday in Sardinia!
For those who enjoy adventures under the sea, be sure to pack your snorkel and seek out the silent shipwrecks off the coast of Cagliari and the submerged Nereo Cave in the Coral riviera of Alghero.
Day 7: There is something very special about Sardinian beaches, with their fine, white sand and the calm, clear, emerald sea. Long Travel’s favourite is the Mugoni beach on the Porto Conte eastern road, which is sheltered from the wind by the pine forests surrounding the beach. You can hire a ‘patino’ boat and ride the waves or watch the wind-surfers from the comfort of the beach.
Those who want a little more culture and history should explore the religious architecture of Alghero. Start with the Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St Mary the Immaculate (Duomo di Alghero or Cattedrale Di Santa Maria Immacolata). Then wander to the Church of San Francesco which has been constructed in the same Gothic Catalan style as the cathedral. If baroque is more your style, take a look at the Church of San Michele (La Chiesa Di San Michelle), which is dedicated to the patron saint of the city and is located in the historic centre.
Day 8: Drive to one of Sardinia’s most hidden spots, Gallura, in the north-east of the island.
Here you will find the bays of the Costa Smeralda, lapped by clear waters, where you will stop off at the luxurious Relais Villa Del Gofo. The Mediterranean architecture of the Costa Smeralda is cool, modern and sober in design, tinged with hints of the Sardinian tradition.
Enjoy dinner at the Mira Luna Restaurant, renowned for its grill. Savour the fine Mediterranean cuisine as you take in the picturesque surroundings.
Day 9: Breakfast here is a real joy for the senses, showcasing fine local cuisine.
After lunch, meet your hosts and join them at the farmhouse for a cooking experience or choose wine tasting at the Art Boutique of Villa del Golfo instead. You can taste 3 different Vermentino, a Sardinian wine, accompanied by light food.
The nearby “La Colti” farmhouse-restaurant, serves Sardinian cuisine typical of the Gallura region. It is a must for dinner!
Day 10: Start the day with a relaxing Yoga class at the “Oasi of Luna” terrace, overlooking a stunning sea view. A soft introduction permits even beginners of all ages to enjoy the stretch into flexibility and lightness.
The Menu at the “Garden of Senses” has been conceived in such a way that you can enjoy a range of treatments with all natural products to allow you complete relaxation.
At Hotel Villa del Golfo guests can also rent the hotel’s private sailing yacht for exciting tours in the waters of the archipelago, or for a summer evening’s dinner on the emerald waters. This is a truly luxurious treat to end your stay in style!
Day 11: Return to Olbia for your flight home.
If you would like our travel experts to help you plan your very own multi-centre holiday in Sardinia, we will be happy to put together a self-drive itinerary. Just give us a call on 01694 722193 or request a call-back here.
Day 1: Fly into Olbia and drive inland, to the east of Sardinia, towards the little village of Oliena. This charming spot is surrounded by hills, gorges and lakes – a landscape reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, but with much better weather! This is where you will alight upon the Su Gologone Hotel. It is not known as an ‘experience’ hotel for nothing. There are so many relaxing and pleasurable things to do at Su Gologone that you may find yourself spoiled for choice. However you choose to spend your time – a tour of the hotel’s art collection, a wine tasting, a film under the stars, or an adventure exploring the surrounding landscape – remember that it is the owners’ aim that you should take a little piece of Sardinia home with you, in the form of lingering memories.
Meals here will be a highlight of your holiday. In Sardinia cuisine expresses a simple approach to life, demonstrated by its cheeses, spit-roasted meats, panecarasau, handmade pasta, olive oil and distinctive wines. At Su Gologone, mealtimes are saturated with the fragrances and flavours of Barbagia. Savour maccarones de busa (handmade bucatini) and culurgiones (ravioli filled with local ricotta), porceddu allo spiedo (spit-roasted suckling piglet), and seadas al miele (honey fritters).
Day 2: During your stay here, you must make time to meander through the herb gardens. The view from the garden is magnificent, especially in the evening, when the sun sinks behind the mountains. Each plant has its name written in Italian, Sardinian and Latin on the plate next to it.
Spend some time discovering the locality, through the hotel’s food and drink tasting focusing on local wines, olive oil, cheeses and prosciutto. Of course, meal times will always be a highlight since the hotel has three restaurants, from which to choose.
Day 3: You may choose to explore your surroundings on foot or on two wheels, following ancient shepherds' paths through forests of holm oak, passing through picturesque clearings and canyons. Visit the important archaeological sites in the area, or travel to the pristine white beaches lining Sardinia’s crystalline sea.
Adrenaline junkies may prefer to head out in Land Rovers or on quad bikes, along paths lined with Mediterranean scrub, limestone rocks and wild flowers, in search of the landscapes made famous by comic-book hero Tex Willer.
Day 4: Spend the day exploring this incredible hotel and immersing yourself in the tranquil, enchanting atmosphere. Meander through the Tex Willer garden, where there are plenty of hammocks set amongst the plants and enjoy the company of blue and red horses parading silently along the wall – the garden is utterly unique and a wonderful place to unwind! Although the wonderful Sardinian seaside is just a few kilometres away, the swimming pool is an excellent alternative. It is 25 metres long and the water in it comes exclusively from the Su Gologone spring.
Meet up at the Magico Tablao terrace. As the name suggests, it is an entrancing place to sip an aperitif and try some Sardinian artichoke and wild cardoon antipasti, against the breath-taking backdrop of the Supramonte. Choose from 15 grappas, most of which are Sardinian, and local liqueur made from herbs and berries.
In the evening, enjoy the spectacular view of Mount Corrasi from Su Gologone’s ‘terrace of dreams’, one of the most captivating parts of the hotel. One night a week (usually Friday or Saturday), between May and September, local amateur astronomers join stargazing guests to study the stars and planets using telescopes and special video cameras.
Day 5: Make the 2 hour drive to Villa Mosca which will be your base for the next 3 nights of your Sardinian holiday.
Villa Mosca is located just a short distance from the centre of Alghero, which, despite being in Italy, displays a strong Catalan influence. Enjoy a romantic aperitif at sunset on the beautiful terrace, with the breath-taking city of Alghero as your backdrop, providing a sensational spectacle of ever-changing colours.
For dinner, you are sure to be served creative cuisine that draws its inspiration from local traditions.
Day 6: One of the most popular day trips from Alghero is to the Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune’s Grotto), which can be reached by either boat or road.
By boat you can take in some amazing scenery and spend time on the sea looking out at the blue bay of Porto Conte and the vertical cliffs at Capo Caccia.
If you decide to get there by road, you can meander down the 656 steps that lead to the grotto - an experience in itself! These have been named the Escala del Cabirol or goat’s steps, as they were cut into the sheer cliff. This spectacular cave is sure to be one of the highlights of your holiday in Sardinia!
For those who enjoy adventures under the sea, be sure to pack your snorkel and seek out the silent shipwrecks off the coast of Cagliari and the submerged Nereo Cave in the Coral riviera of Alghero.
Day 7: There is something very special about Sardinian beaches, with their fine, white sand and the calm, clear, emerald sea. Long Travel’s favourite is the Mugoni beach on the Porto Conte eastern road, which is sheltered from the wind by the pine forests surrounding the beach. You can hire a ‘patino’ boat and ride the waves or watch the wind-surfers from the comfort of the beach.
Those who want a little more culture and history should explore the religious architecture of Alghero. Start with the Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St Mary the Immaculate (Duomo di Alghero or Cattedrale Di Santa Maria Immacolata). Then wander to the Church of San Francesco which has been constructed in the same Gothic Catalan style as the cathedral. If baroque is more your style, take a look at the Church of San Michele (La Chiesa Di San Michelle), which is dedicated to the patron saint of the city and is located in the historic centre.
Day 8: Drive to one of Sardinia’s most hidden spots, Gallura, in the north-east of the island.
Here you will find the bays of the Costa Smeralda, lapped by clear waters, where you will stop off at the luxurious Relais Villa Del Gofo. The Mediterranean architecture of the Costa Smeralda is cool, modern and sober in design, tinged with hints of the Sardinian tradition.
Enjoy dinner at the Mira Luna Restaurant, renowned for its grill. Savour the fine Mediterranean cuisine as you take in the picturesque surroundings.
Day 9: Breakfast here is a real joy for the senses, showcasing fine local cuisine.
After lunch, meet your hosts and join them at the farmhouse for a cooking experience or choose wine tasting at the Art Boutique of Villa del Golfo instead. You can taste 3 different Vermentino, a Sardinian wine, accompanied by light food.
The nearby “La Colti” farmhouse-restaurant, serves Sardinian cuisine typical of the Gallura region. It is a must for dinner!
Day 10: Start the day with a relaxing Yoga class at the “Oasi of Luna” terrace, overlooking a stunning sea view. A soft introduction permits even beginners of all ages to enjoy the stretch into flexibility and lightness.
The Menu at the “Garden of Senses” has been conceived in such a way that you can enjoy a range of treatments with all natural products to allow you complete relaxation.
At Hotel Villa del Golfo guests can also rent the hotel’s private sailing yacht for exciting tours in the waters of the archipelago, or for a summer evening’s dinner on the emerald waters. This is a truly luxurious treat to end your stay in style!
Day 11: Return to Olbia for your flight home.
If you would like our travel experts to help you plan your very own multi-centre holiday in Sardinia, we will be happy to put together a self-drive itinerary. Just give us a call on 01694 722193 or request a call-back here.
