It may be named after the Roman god of the sea – but Neptune's Grotto was discovered only a couple of hundred years ago. Hidden just above the water level at the base of the towering and remote Capo Caccia cliffs, the grotto is one of Sardinia's most dramatic natural attractions.After sailing from the harbour, you'll pass rugged coastline before reaching the grotto in under an hour. On arrival, you can choose whether to go in to Neptune's Grotto or not. If you do, you'll see stalactites biting down like incisors from the roof of the cave and stalagmites stabbing up from the floor like daggers, and a saltwater lake that stretches out for 120 metres – all while having the geology expertly brought to life by your local guide.If you choose not to take the subterranean tour, you can stay on board basking in the sunshine. Either option is a great way to spend some time before a leisurely trip back to port.
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Andrea Jensen Sailing Boat Cruise to Capo Caccia
Sailing the seas around Sardinia is an experience in itself, but on this exclusive full day cruise from Alghero to Capo Caccia you'll be in the lap of luxury. Step on board the Andrea Jensen, with its sleek wooden hull and winged sails, to spend the day soaking up the coastal vistas of Sardinia and indulging in some much-deserved chill-out time.
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Sardinian Culture Tour with Nuraghe Visit and Farm Lunch
This journey of discovery gives you a close-up view of authentic Sardinian culture and history. You'll visit the church of Santissima Trinità, then be transported back in time at Nurgahe Santu Antine, an ancient archaeological site. Lunch at a Sardinian farm rounds off the excursion. Anna, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Sardinia is a longevity hotspot, one of only five “blue zones” in the world with the highest concentration of centenarians. Find out the secrets of the blue zone lifestyle from people who live here.'Your first stop is the medieval church of Santissima Trinità di Saccargia, Sardinia's most striking example of Romanesque architecture. Its distinctive striped façade was created using alternating rows of limestone and dark basalt blocks. Step inside to admire the serene interior with its 12th century frescoes. Next, we'll visit the Nuraghe Santu Antine, a megalithic monument that dates back to 1600 BC. Here, you'll explore the unique stone dwellings that are characteristic of Sardinia's ancient history and culture.We'll then head for the Sas Abbilas farm, where you'll meet Antonello and his brother, who will share with you the secrets to a long and healthy life. You'll discover the produce and dishes that form the basis of the ‘centenarian diet', alongside a serene lifestyle. You'll get to sample some of the freshest local flavours, including cheese, salami, vegetables, typical Sardinian pasta and succulent roast suckling pig, all washed down with delicious local wine.
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Wine Tasting at Santa Maria La Palma
Sample some of Sardinia's wonderful wines at the renowned Santa Maria La Palma Winery, founded in 1959. The winery has won numerous awards for its excellent wines and it's known for producing some of the best wines in Sardinia's Costa Corallo. First you'll enjoy a tour of the cellars, then it's time for a tasting session with three wines and local nibbles.
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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. 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 this vertiginous citadel with tightly packed narrow alleys. There'll be a break for lunch, followed by free time in the afternoon.As you wander the cobbled streets, you'll be following in the footsteps of Corsica's most famous son, Napoleon, who plotted his invasion of Sardinia from here. 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.
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The pretty fishing village of Bosa is just a short scenic drive along the coast from Alghero. It's considered one of most beautiful Sardinia's seaside retreats. And on this excursion, you'll have plenty of time to explore the handicraft market and old town, sit down for some lunch and soak up the laidback vibe.As soon as you step foot in Bosa, you'll feel as if you've been transported back in time. Pastel-coloured houses flank the River Temo and character infuses every square centimetre. Lording it over the town is the hilltop Malaspina Castle – which while a shell of its former glory boasts a remarkably simple medieval chapel adorned with fragile frescoes.You'll be able to browse the stalls at the weekly market where artisans and locals sell their own produce and goods, and enjoy an optional tour of the centre if you wish. There's no rushing around on this tour, so you'll truly experience authentic Sardinia.
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