| FR
Only 12km from the island of beauty, Sardinia is a small piece of Italian land with exceptional landscapes. Between mountains, idyllic beaches and amazing historical sites, the north of the island invites us to a wilder and more authentic journey. Follow our guide to discover the essentials and enjoy this stay in a luxury villa in Sardinia.
There is nothing better than renting a car to explore the island's roads. It will allow you to wander freely between the cities and the most important points of interest of this luxury holiday destination.
day 1: Maddalena Archipel
Maddalena and Caprera
On the first day, wake up facing the Maddalena archipelago in Villa Susanna, hidden in the hills in the very north of Sardinia. After breakfast, board a boat to explore this magical string of islands. On the main island you will stroll among the shops, picturesque cafés and paths with fantastic sea views. Then set off again for the island of Caprera, to immerse yourself in the story of a "father of the fatherland" on a visit to the Garibaldi house and memorial.
Lunch and sea tour
Between visits, enjoy lunch on the water in front of Spiaggia Rosa Beach on Budelli Island. On this protected beauty it is impossible to dock but you can be satisfied with the incredible panorama of the pink sand that dresses the beach. The rest of the afternoon, the captain will guide you to the most secret coves of the archipelago for a swim in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Day 2 : Port Cervo
Stroll through the city
Today we meet in Sardinia's most glamorous city, a true refuge for the international jet set. Porto Cervo's architecture has retained a terribly authentic charm. Stroll among the luxury boutiques, yachts and prestigious restaurants that line the sun-drenched streets. It is the ideal place for a luxurious and refined luxury holiday in Sardinia.
La Costa Smeralda
The Costa Smeralda is home to some of Sardinia's finest establishments. To enjoy the fine sandy beaches, you can relax on a sun lounger in a world-famous beach club. Then, at golden hour, book a table in one of the most beautiful restaurants on the coast, the ConFusion, where you can taste the refined Italian cuisine of the chef Italo Bassi. Then return to the freshness of your villa for a nightcap in front of the sea.
Day 3 : Olbia
City centre and history
The city of Olbia, "the prosperous one", is rich in cultural and historical treasures. By the Tyrrhenian Sea, one ventures there to discover the beauty of its Church of St. Paul and its roof coloured with majolica, of its Roman remains, such as its ramparts or its thermal baths, and of its archaeological museum which is an indispensable tool for understanding the remains scattered throughout the region.
Explore the surroundings
Just outside the city, there is so much to discover. On the road, one historical monument after another to be discovered. First there are the funerary sites dating back to the Bronze Age which are called "tombs of giants", the sacred well of Sa Test and the mysterious Nuraghes. Religious, military or astronomical monuments, they still keep many secrets. One can also be amazed by the 360° view offered by the medieval castle of Perdres. All these places are very well preserved and the nature that rocks them is striking and wild.
Day 4 : Castelsardo
Village on a hill
On arriving in this city, one can only be astonished at the sight of these colourful houses as if they were hanging on to the mountain. Before going up to the castle, stroll aimlessly through the tiny streets of the old town. At the top of each staircase, there is a detail, a shop to discover. Once past the gates of the castle, you will discover the museum of weaving and handicrafts as well as a breathtaking view of the gulf of Asinara and the Corsican mountains.
Discover the coast
As you leave the town, take the road again to admire the most impressive nuraghes of the region, Paddaju. You will be amazed by a rock in the shape of an elephant, rest on the beautiful idyllic beach of Lu Bagnu or plunge into the crystal clear water of Punta Li Paddimi for a tête-à-tête with the marine fauna and flora.
day 5 : Stintino
A beach day
Take advantage of a week's holiday in northern Sardinia to relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Stintino, in the north-west of the island, is the perfect destination for a day in the heart of stunning natural surroundings. The warm azure water meets the rock carved by the sea spray in an almost unreal setting.
Cape Falcone and the island of Asinara
At the far end of the island is Cape Falcone and La Pelosa beach. Perched on a promontory overlooking the sea, admire the exceptional coves and beaches that are home to the nests of majestic falcons. The views of the islands of Piana and Asinara invite you to travel. On the island of Asinara you can meet a very special species of the region, with a strong character, the Albino donkey.
day 6 : Alghero
A catalan city in Italy
At the wheel of our car, we drive along a seaside road winding along the steep cliffs in the north-west of the island. At the end of the road, a town with a more Catalan than Sardinian appearance is revealed. Spend the afternoon strolling through the streets of this ochre-coloured medieval town and enjoy an aperitif in the picturesque fishing port. As the sun sets, everyone crowds the ramparts to admire the intense, glowing red light reflecting off the waters. A memorable sight.
La grotte de Neptune
Along a rocky staircase, as if suspended above the water, lean over the void and watch the tumultuous waves crashing against the limestone rock. Alone on this path, you will be lulled by the tireless sound of the waves. Then visit Neptune's cave, whose large halls carved by time shelter a peaceful underground lake.
The rest of our stay is spent in the sunshine, on a beautiful sandy beach or around a swimming pool in a luxury holiday home. Take advantage of the island's scorching sunshine to take a well-deserved break.
With Le Collectionist, discover the region and its riches in a Sardinia villa rental. Explore our other articles to plan your next luxury holidays in Italy.
