Who said to choose one or the other? Sail and hike throughout Sardinia this spring for an unforgettable adventure

Star Yacht Group will help you choose the best time of year for a visit to the Mediterranean according to your individual travel preferences. If you want a Mediterranean cruise that includes as much beach time as possible, the high season is a good choice. However, if you want to spend a special time in spring, we can help you find the perfect luxurious destination for you. When you are considering when to cruise the Mediterranean, you can plan a trip that best suits your needs and desires.

With the year-round sunshine, spring is the best time to visit the hidden gems of the Mediterranean. If you are enjoying spring in the southern hemisphere, this is the perfect time to reflect on your European spring adventures for this year.

Traveling in spring allows you to beat the summer crowds and enjoy relative peace. The scenic backdrop in front of which you wake up every morning is real and you will finally understand why a sailing/hiking holiday on the Mediterranean is one of the best holiday experiences you have ever had.

These are the best months to travel to our lovely island. We may be best known for our crystal clear sea and breathtaking beaches, but Sardinia is much more than just water and sand. Take advantage of the rocky landscapes to dive into a fun-filled adventure, from hiking to trekking, to rock climbing and canyoning. Sardinia offers this and much more for tourists eager to explore the not-so-talked-about adventurous side of our island.

We would like to share with you an experience we had during this period last year with our fellow friends at Sardinia Exploring canyoning through Rio Pitrisconi, Monte Nieddu.

Let’s start by explaining in detail what is Canyoning. This adrenaline-driven activity consists of combining climbing techniques with normal trekking and swimming techniques. This allows us to descend courses of streams and rivers throughout the rocky context where bodies of water run deep.

In Sardinia, many canyons (most of which dry) take their name from the local language using the terms Bacu or Codula. These words indicate the gorges created by the flow the rivers have created. Therefore, Canyoning is a mixture of climbing and trekking on the riverbed, swimming, and diving in natural pools, sliding down natural slides carved by water (toboggan), and using ropes with speleological equipment to overcome waterfalls and jumps.

Don’t you worry if you don’t have any previous experience, we can assure you that the adventure is suitable for beginners. It is important however to be physically fit and to know how to swim. All you need to do is overcome a bit of vertigo and have fun!

Luckily the Mediterranean climate which is mild all year round allows you to practice canyoning without any risks of hypothermia. To get ready for our adventure we need to suit up against the low temperatures of the flowing water with a neoprene wetsuit very similar to a scuba-diving wetsuit, except for extra protection for elbows and knees. A specific harness is added to the rock climbing belt with a higher Belay loop that is reinforced to withstand the rubbing on rocks. A pair of PVC shorts are also applied to your backside for protection and sliding down the Toboggans.

Like with all outdoor activities you will need a helmet and this basic equipment to experience your canyoning adventure the safest way possible.

Let’s get ready to go canyoning!

 Our Canyoning experience with Sardinia Exploring at Rio Pitrisconi, Monte Nieddu.

Rio Pitrisconi is the most important and spectacular river that crosses Monte Nieddu. The high peaks of granite that reach up to 970 meters with the characteristic flow of the river gives us an environment ideal for Canyoning. Its particular position makes it possible to have constant water flow all year round.

With a half-day canyoning adventure and a run time of 5 hours, we didn’t know what to expect given we had no previous experience with these activities. All we knew is that we had to bring an extra pair of clothes and running/hiking shoes with a bottle of water.

After a 20 minute drive from San Teodoro throughout the mountainous paths with our instructor Chicco on board 4X4 jeeps, we arrived at a nice little spot, the park guards’ house. Here Chicco and his colleague explained what to expect during our trip. After we were informed and educated about all the safety procedures we were given all the necessary equipment and off we were on our first Canyoning adventure.

After following a small path in the forest we arrived at our starting point. The first scenario we encountered was spectacular, we found ourselves in front of our first canyon and below it a wonderful emerald natural pool. Before we could arrive at the rappel we needed to dive in the pool from about 3 meters. Here we have our first rappel of 12 meters. With initial fright and a bit of vertigo, we finally decided to slowly rappel our way down to the natural pool. At the end of this rappel, we continued to make our way through the slippery rocks and wonderful panoramas and landscapes Monte Nieddu has to offer.

Further, ahead we would run into a gift from Mother Nature, a unique ‘’door’’ passage created by a boulder stuck between two vertical slabs. As we continued through natural pools and small jumps we would arrive at our second challenge, the 18-meter rappel, the highest one today. At the end of the descent was another wonderful natural pool in which we swam for a couple of minutes. However, there was no time to waste we still had plenty of ways to go.

We continued through the canyon and its wonders gazing at the lush and unspoiled environment a real hidden wonder of our island. After wandering throughout the canyon for a couple of hours sliding down the Tobogas and diving in natural pools from scenic spots, we had arrived at our final rappel. On our way back to the park guards’ house we would continue to admire the landscape that seamlessly convinced us that we were in a different country than we had always experienced.

This is also the real Sardinia, this is Canyoning!

You can easily combine these activities with your cruising itinerary. Onboard a yacht you can explore to the fullest the gems our island has to offer. For example on your way to San Teodoro, there is much to be seen. Beginning in Costa Smeralda on your way down the coast you can appreciate crowd-less beaches and hidden spots to relax and enjoy your spring break. Here is a list of locations and beaches that we highly recommend during your spring cruise in Sardinia.

1. Porto Cervo 41°08'230’’ N 009°32'560’’ E

Porto Cervo rises on a cape formed from the bay of the Arzachena Gulf and was built in 1962 by prince Karim Aga Khan who remained fascinated by the beauty of these coasts. This location has the look and the atmosphere of a real village; in the center, you can enjoy a fascinating walk: from the little Chiacchiere's square until the sottopiazza it's full of alleys, windows, balconies, constructed according to the typical Costa Smeralda style.

There are many prestigious international boutiques and characteristic bars. Moreover the picturesque church of "Stella Maris" offers an extraordinary view of the "Marina di Porto Cervo".

2. Capriccioli 41°04’45.93” N 9°32’10.45” E

The beach of Capriccioli is located along the Costa Smeralda, 8 km far away from Cala di Volpe. The beach is characterized by fine, white sand and transparent, emerald-green water, set against a frame of pink granite rocks, which have been sculptured by the wind, and lush Mediterranean scrub. The small bay is surrounded by an abundance of Mediterranean brush, with lentisks, rockroses, olives, and pines, and it is divided into two by enormous round granite rocks.

3. Pevero Bay 41°06’51.77” N 9°32’26.69” E

Pevero bay is located just 3 km south of Porto Cervo, it consists of two beaches “Piccolo Pevero beach” and "Grande Pevero beach”. It’s a beautiful bay covered from Mistral, so when it is blowing, the marina can be full. The landscape is a fable, two beautiful sandy beaches, on the hill the famous Costa Smeralda’s villas with their green gardens.

4. Cala di Volpe 41° 5’10.19’’ N, 09°32’28.1’’ E

Cala di Volpe is a large inlet, which includes four beaches among the most beautiful bays of the Costa Smeralda, rich in vegetation within an emerald sea.

There are a small marina and the famous luxury hotel "Cala di Volpe" designed by Jacques Coulle inspired by the feature of traditional Sardinian up-country villages. The gulf is protected from the winds, green and smelling of Mediterranean perfumes. Anchoring is possible only at a private buoy. At the Hotel “Cala di Volpe” you can find the Spa, beauticians, hairstylists and do some shopping. The Cala di Volpe Restaurant is among the top places where you can eat in the Costa Smeralda.

5. Porto Rotondo 41°01′32″ N 9°32′36″ E

Porto Rotondo is sheltered by a small natural semi-circular bay between Punta Nuraghe and Punta Volpe. The port and the village both built by the Venetian family Donà Delle Rose in 1967 aimed to be a milieu for artists and intellectuals. Porto Rotondo hosts a fully equipped marina, appreciated by plenty of mega yachts.

Porto Rotondo is also a nice place where you can shop and there are some very good restaurants where you can eat, like Da Giovannino, Bambusa, ParaMare.

6. Golfo di Marinella 41°01′00″ N 9° 34' 00’’ E

Marinella bay is located just 4 Km from the renowned Porto Rotondo. It extended over a kilometer of white sand, a quiet place, offers the main facilities for water sports, hotels and restaurants, and a splendid view on the islands of Soffi and Mortorio.

7. Golfo Aranci - Cala Moresca 40 ° 59’12.92’’ N, 09 ° 38’46.6’’ E

The village extends along a strip of land in the sea, overlooking the Gulf of Olbia, that ends at the base of Capo Figari, ideal for diving and trekking inside a natural oasis. Trips via sea or on land along trails lead you to spectacular coves with heavenly beaches and sheer cliffs overlooking the crystal clear turquoise waters. There are over twenty beaches that populate this location. Such as the Cinque Spiagge (Five Beaches), the Spiaggia Bianca (White Beach), the lovely Cala Sassari, the fabulous stretch of Nodu Pianu. The wild beauty of Cala Banana, the heavenly Baia Caddinas, the fine sandy coves of Terrata, the little beaches of Baia de Bahas, and the beach of the Baracconi (little shepherds' and fisherman's huts).

Cala Moresca is characterized by the crystal clear blue of the waters, is located a mile from Golfo Aranci behind the island of Figarolo and the promontory of Capo Figari. The inlet has shallow and sandy bottoms that alternate with light rocky stretches. It offers shelter from almost all winds, except for the sirocco (south/east). The beach, ideal for lovers of diving and snorkeling, its background consists

of an extensive pine forest that gives shade and refreshment in the hottest hours.

8. Natural Park of Tavolara  40°54'28"N 9°42'27"E

Once in San Teodoro, you will notice Tavolara and Molara in the background. These two islands invade the horizon creating a wonderful panorama with their unmistakable profile. The legendary island of Tavolara is part of the protected marine area of Tavolara and Capo Coda Cavallo. It is a stretch of coast of great naturalistic value. These islands can be reached by boat. Do not give up on a day trip on the island during which you can enjoy a pleasant bath in its pristine waters. A suggestive location thanks also to the beauty of the majestic limestone massif overlooking the sea which, with its height of about 560 meters, characterizes the Island of Tavolara. Tavolara is also known as the ‘’smallest kingdom in the world’’. This area is marine protected, an international point of interest for conservation and beauty. You can find out more information on the following link https://www.amptavolara.com/en/home-page/

9. Capo Coda Cavallo 40 ° 50 '30 N, 09 ° 43' 25 E

The peninsula of Capo Coda Cavallo is located in northern Sardinia, in the Gallura region, about 20 kilometers from Olbia, facing the islands of Tavolara and Molara, in the middle of a marine park in a unique panoramic scenery. The entire peninsula is enclosed in the "Protected Marine Natural Area", rich in inlets and cliffs. In this area, there are many of the most beautiful beaches of the east coast of Sardinia, very white sand, crystal clear sea framed by lush vegetation, scents, and colors typical of the Mediterranean scrub. The Capo Coda Cavallo beach in San Teodoro, one of the most beautiful on the coast, stands on the promontory of the same name and is well sheltered by the Ostro and the Scirocco. The beach is also equipped with catering services.

10. Cala Brandinchi 40 ° 46′00 ″ N, 9 ° 40′00 ″ E

The beautiful beach of Brandinchi is located between Punta Sabbatino and Capo Coda Cavallo. Very busy in high season, "Tahiti" arrived thanks to its exotic appearance: fine white sand, shallow waters that give the water extraordinary and intense colors ranging from emerald green to turquoise to deep blue. The beach of clear, very fine sand is 720 meters long and 31 meters wide. It is surrounded by thick dunes of juniper bushes. The beach is equipped In front there is the island Ruia with its reddish granite rocks. Inland there are vast hilly areas covered with Mediterranean scrub pine, eucalyptus, and acacia.

This and much more awaits you on your journey for Springtime relaxation. Book your adventure with us at Star Yacht Group we have the right get-away and/or adventurous proposals. Leave the planning to us on sea or land, we have you covered. Whether you're looking for a state-of-the-art-yacht for a smooth cruise or an experience in the rocky treasures of the Sardinian canyons. You can count on us to deliver just the right mix of fun-filled good times you need on your holidays.