A.
One of the most enchanting aspects of Sardinia is that there is so much to see and so much variety to discover around every corner. Owing to the variety on offer, the island has been described as being "The Small Continent." Nowhere is this more apparent than in the countryside around Alghero.
One of the best ways of seeing what the island has to offer is to hire a car, walk or to take an "off road" tour.
As this is a page about Day Trips, it is the latter that will be discussed as the first of what will hopefully be many options offered by fellow travelers.
A local young man, named Claudio Desiati, fed up with the problems of business and commuting has started a business here in Alghero, offering walking, trekking and nature trail trips, or guided, off road LandRover tours of the Sardinian interior; many of these focus on the flora and fauna. He also takes climbing tours from beginner to advanced.
The 1 day walking tours take place in March, April and October. The 1 day, long wheelbase, LandRover tours, which can accommodate up to 6 people at a time, but he will also take one or two, (provided that you pay his daily rate). He is also able to cater for the disabled. The tours take place throughout the year, with a 9.30pm pick up. Drop off is at 2pm between October - March and 4.30pm between April - September
Claudio speaks good English. His contact details, explanations and diary dates for the various tours, walking and trekking holidays can be found on his website at: www.sardiniandiscovery.com
The following LandRover tours are offered for 2008:
1. A tour of Gallura, and north east Costa Smeralda.
2. A tour of Gallura including Monte Limbara.
3. A tour to Montiferru, to explore the Mouflon (an unusual type of goat found on very high ground) trail.
4. A tour of Caprera Island which has been a nature reservesince 1980 and is today part of the “ National Park of La Maddalena ”
5. A tour of the beaches of the Reserva Marina, Peninsola del Sinis.
6. A tour of the La Maddalena islands and the island of Caprera , including a tour of the Garibaldi museum.
7. A safari tour of the wildlife areas and nature reserves around Alghero.
8. A tour of the Piscinas, known as the Sardinian Sahara.
9. A tour crossing the western coast from Alghero to Capo San Marco, the furthest point on the Sinis peninsula, visiting Tharos.
10. A tour of the countryside surrounding Alghero, including the nature reserve of Porto Conte.
11. An Alghero sunset safari.
In addition, Claudio is flexible enough to be happy you somewhere that you would like to go, provided that you give him sufficient notice.
B.
Nobody should visit or holiday in Alghero without a trip to the beautiful Neptune’s Grotto or “Grotta di Nettuno,” which is located in and at the far side of the beautiful 186m headland at the end of the Gulf of Alghero , named Capo Caccia, or Frontuni as it is known by the locals.
Whilst strictly a “half day” trip, the caves can be reached, either by boat from the port in Alghero, when the weather is calm, or by bus from just around the corner in the town.
The caves are without doubt the most beautiful and well known in Sardinia . The cave entrance is at sea level, is about 8m high and 18m long. Inside the cave, there is a 100m long, shallow sea water lake, La Marmora, which is at sea level, but separated by a 1m rock projection near the entrance.
The lake reflects the breathtaking and stately stalactites and stalagmites which rise and fall into the water and are contained in the various chambers, the names of which reflect the history of the area – The Royal Palace, Room of Ruins, Organ Room, Smith’s Room, Music Gallery etc.
There is a 10 Euro entrance fee for adults 5Euros for children, which includes a bi-lingual tour. Tours take place every hour, on the hour, from 9am through to 7pm inclusive.
From late April, boats leave Alghero on the hour, every hour, between 9am - 5pm. Departures are from the port, immediately in front of the Old Town walls. The boats are of a reasonable size and can accomodate about 55 people Please understand that there are two tickets to be purchased. One is for the return boat trip. (Adults 13 Euros & kids up to 12 years 7 Euros). The other is the entrance fee to Netunes Grotto itself. There are in fact two companies that run boats to the caves; Navisarda and Linea Grotte Di Nettuno. Further information canm be found on their websites at: http://www.navisarda.it/lingue/ingles... and http://www.grottedinettuno.it/index_e... Tickets for the Navisarda boats are purchased from the first kiosk located in Via Garibaldi, where it meets the port. This line calls in at cala Dragunara on the other side of the bay to pick up passengers staying at the Baia di Conte & Capo Caccia hotels. Tickets for the Grottedinettuno line are purchesed on board. The trip across the bay and around the headland, takes about 50 minutes. If the weather is hot be sure to take some sunscreen as you can burn very quickly.On word of warning about the boat trip. Whilst the bay may look calm, once you round Capo Caccia, you are on the windward side. Cross currents can cause quite a swell, which means that disembarking can be very tricky for the timid, the elderly or the very young. Sometime, it is just not possible to get off the boat as it is too dangerous.
Tickets for the bus journey to Capo Caccia can be purchased at a cost of 4 Euros, from the cabin at the bus terminus, which is located just inside Via Catalogna, at the foot of the park. The blue, No. 321 FDS bus can be caught from this terminus.
The buses leave the terminal at 09:15, 15:10 and 17:10 during the holiday season, returning at 12:00, 16:05 and 18:05. During the low season, September – May, there is only one bus a day timed at 09:15 and returning at 12:00.
Now the catch - or as some would have it, the best bit! At the end of the scenic bus journey, at Capo Caccia, the caves are accessed by a newly renovated, shallow and safe flight of 600 steps, known as “Esacaladel Cabriol” or Roe Deer Stairs.
Whilst many have said that the walk down the steps was for them the best part of the day – taking in the spectacular, wild seascape and looking down on a variety of sea birds on the their nests or wheeling around in the sky – don’t forget that you have to walk back up again to catch your bus! A person of average fitness should expect to take about 15 minutes to walk back up the steps.
C.
For a really enjoyable full day at sea under sail, a day trip on the renovated, solid oak, 1939 built, former Danish fishing boat “Andrea Jensen” is a must. Many visitors to Alghero will say that it was the highlight of their holiday.
The boat, which is based in the Alghero Marina, is owned by an English couple, who treat their customers as personal guests.
The day is spent exploring the coastline of Sardinia , relaxing, helping to sail if you wish, swimming, eating or drinking – food & wine are provided in the price.
There is ample deck space for sun bathing and free snorkeling gear is provided. Often, shoal of dolphin or the occasional whale is spotted during the voyage.
The trips - itinerary depends on the wind - can be booked as a whole day (10am – 6pm) or half days (10am -1pm or 3pm -6pm). The cost for a full day is €65 per adult, with discount for paying in advance. Children under 7 are free. Children 7-12 pay half price. For a half day, adults pay €35.
Details can be found at: http://www.ajsailing.com/index.html
A visit to the gallery on the site, will give you a great insight as to what is on offer.
D.
For those who intend to hire a car - a couple of excellent, trips that can be accomplished in half a day or extended by a few hours, should you so wish.
The first, for lovers of nature, is a visit to the Nature Reserve named "Foresta Demeniale, Porto Conte, Priginotte." This is a vast expanse of forested land which, stretches from coast to coast and surrounds and climbs Monte Timidone. The reserve, to which entry is free between 10am - 4pm, preserves the natural environment and home of tortoises, wild, white donkeys, wild boar and Griffon Vultures to name but a few. There is a huge variety of trees, bushes, shrubs, plants, flowers and wild herbs.
It is possible to drive slowly to the far side of the reserve, where there is a car park, from where one can walk through the heavily scented forest to the edge of the high cliffs, overlooking Isola del Piana. The view is breathtaking.
There are marked footpaths from the ranger Station at the entrance to the reserve, to the summit of the mountain.
To get to the reserve, head north out of Alghero, through Fertilia to the "T" junction signposted Porto Conte to the left & Capo Caccia to the right. Take the right turn and follow the road, past the the signposts for the beach at Mugoni. You will come to another "T" junction, turn left, following the signs for Capo Caccia, keeping the Bay of Porto Conte on your right the whole time. Travel along the road for a mile or so & you will see the Baia di Conte hotel on your left. The entrance to the Nature Reserve is about 1km or so on the right. You will see a large, brown, wooden, notice board with the name of the Reserve facing you.
Please note that production of personal identification or car documentation is a requirement of free entry to this facility. To aavoid disappointment, please be sure to take your passports with you.
If when have finished exploring the forest, you have a little time left over, turn right when you reach the road and head to Cappo Caccia. Just before you get there, you will see a short piece of road off to the right, which parallels the man road. You will probably see some other cars parked there. If you pull into this road and park, you can scramble over a few rocks to see the other side of the headland - indescribable views.
E.
A visit to the small, pretty town of Bosa is well worthwhile.
Bosa lies some 40 kms south of Alghero and can be reached by a stunning, windy road that runs right along the coast past unforgettable seascapes and landscapes. The views are absolutely stunning. There are lots of places to stop and take in the view or to take photographs. About halfway between the two towns is the beach at "La Speranza." which is without doubt the best one in the Alghero area and also the quietest. An interesting point about La Speranza. It is the training ground of the Italian Special Forces. As one stands on the beach, facing out to sea, just around the headland on the right, the cliff face opens up as in a Bond Movie. Inside the cliff face itself is a harbour and complete command centre.
Bosa, a lovely authentic working town with a peaceful and friendly atmosphere, centres on a castle crested hill. The town is set in a beautiful, wild and unspoilt valley alongside a tranquil, palm lined river. It is one of the prettiest towns in all of Sardinia. The river Temo meets the sea two kms away at Bosa Marina, where there is an expansive, sandy beach. In Bosa itself there is a fascinating warren of tiny medieval streets with pastel coloured tower houses, in various states of repair, which make up the historic centre of the town, under the castle. The main street, the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, is made of basalt cobblestones, and elegant palazzos with wrought iron balconies line the street. Around every corner there is an evocative sight of an Italy thought to be long lost. There are some good restaurants around the town, and many bars and cafes, as well as two cathedrals and many smaller churches. A Romanesque church, San Pietro Extramuros, is located 1 kilometre further up the river inland from Bosa.
There are several attractive villages nearby, and some beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. Modolo, Magomadas and Tinnura are worth a visit. Tinnura is known as the "village of murals" and the main street has many colourful pictures covering the sides and fronts of houses. Mural painting is a modern tradition, and Pina Monne, who is the youngest and the only female of a famous group of muralists, lives in Tinnura.
The coastline nearby has many small cove beaches, often with exotic rock formations, and all with clear, clean turquoise water. These are accessible by foot or boat, and so they are often fairly empty. Bosa Marina beach is fringed by local cafes and bars where you can get a capuccino, beer or plate of pasta, but there is a total absence of "all day Sky TV" burger bars.
If you are interested in a holiday rental in Bosa, you can find lots of options for places to stay in TripAdvisors Sardinia pages. Self-catering accommodation can be found by looking at www.Ownersdirect.co.uk or www.SardiniaHolidayRentals.com o r www.holidaylettings.co.uk or www.RelaxinSardinia.com. Also look at the websites www.bosa.it and www.bosaonline.it for details of small local hotels, bed and breakfast or agriturismo accommodation, as well as a calendar of local events.
The return journey to Alghero can also be made across country through Montresta and Villanova Monteleone. If the weather is kind to you, you will be able to see for miles. You will see many flocks of sheep. (Look out for the traditional Sardinian sheep dogs, that hail the mountain village of Fonni, in the Barbagia heartland of the island. They are white in colour and at first site look like a cross between a Labrador and an Alsation. Unlike English sheepdogs, they live in the fields with the sheep the whole time). You will drive through Cork forests (You will see where the bottom metre or so of the bark has been completely removed) and the most stunning countryside, particularly as you drop down into Alghero, where you will see the whole town and Gulf of Alghero laid out, a few thousand feet below you.
If you have the time and the inclination, turn right when you get to Villanova Monteleone and follow the signs for Monte Minerva and or Monteleone Roccadoria. The first is a table topped mountain, with a nature reserve for wild donkeys and Griffon Vultures on the summit.
The second is a small village, with a huge, local history, built on the top of a mountain, surrounded by by the beautiful Lago di Temo. The views from both locations cannot be imagined.
F.
Those with children to amuse, may be interested in the Water Paradise water park, which is located at Marina di Sorso, on the north coast between Sorso and Castelsardo. The attraction opens daily from mid June and remains open until late September. Entry every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The slides close from 1 to 2 pm. The cost for 1 day is: Adults €13,00 - in August € 15,00. Kids up to 12yrs € 9,00 in August € 11,50. Senior over 65 € 9,00 in August € 11.50. Kids up to 1 meter tall €7 in August € 8, 50. Half day entrance (from 3pm to 7pm) Adults €10,00 - in August € 12,00. Kids up to 12yrs € 7,50 in August € 7,50. Senior over 65 € 7,50 in August € 7,50. Kids up to 1 meter tall Free in August. Further details can be found on the website at: http://www.waterparadise.it/Waterpara...
Whilst the easiest way to get there from Alghero is by car: Drive towards Porto Torres (SP42, SP34, SS131); from there follow the coast towards Platamona- Marina di Sorso. Then look for Marina di Sorso, keep going towards Lu Bagnu and you will find it. The attraction can also be reached by bus: There is a bus from Alghero to Porto Torres then a change at Porto Torres for another bus to Castelsardo, which passes through Marina di Sorso, where the water park is located.
The time tables can be found at: http://www.arst.sardegna.it/print.jsp... and http://www.arst.sardegna.it/print.jsp...
