ONE DAY CULTURAL EXCURSIONS FROM COSTA REI
Discover the Soul of Sardinia Beyond the Beach
Escape the coastline for a day and journey into Sardinia’s rich cultural heartland. Our carefully curated excursions blend ancient history, authentic flavors, and hidden gems—all within easy reach of Costa Rei. From UNESCO-listed archaeological wonders to medieval churches and family-run farmhouses, experience the island’s timeless traditions on a single, unforgettable day trip.
Day Trip from Costa Rei to Barumini: A Journey Through History & Flavor
Depart from Costa Rei and explore Sardinia’s ancient past at the UNESCO-listed Su Nuraxi, followed by a gourmet farmhouse lunch and a visit to charming Guasila before returning.
Itinerary Highlights
- 7:30 AM – Departure from Costa Rei
Enjoy a scenic drive through Sardinia’s countryside toward Barumini. - 10:30 AM – Guided Tour of Su Nuraxi (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Step into the mysterious world of the Nuragic civilization at this 3,500-year-old fortress. Your expert guide will lead you through:
- The central stone tower, built without mortar using Bronze Age techniques.
- The ancient village ruins, including circular huts and hidden passages.
- The history of the Nuragic people, one of Sardinia’s most enigmatic cultures.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch at Madonna D’Itria da Andrea e Marta
A short drive from Su Nuraxi, this beloved agriturismo offers a true taste of Sardinia. As our guest, you’ll enjoy:
- A reserved table in their rustic dining room or garden.
- A complimentary local wine or mirto tasting.
- Dishes made with farm-fresh ingredients, like handmade culurgiones (stuffed pasta) or slow-roasted piglet
- 3:00 PM – Visit Guasila (Optional Stop)
On the way back to Costa Rei, we’ll pass through Guasila, a charming town known for:
- The striking Beata Vergine Assunta, a neoclassical gem designed by architect Gaetano Cima and built between 1842 and 1852.
- Santa Maria d’Itria: A 13th-century Romanesque church with rare fresco fragments and a tranquil cloister (Foundation for Romanesque Sardinia).
- 5:30 PM – Return to Costa Rei
Relax on the drive back, with drop-off at your accommodation and enjoy the sunset beach quiet scenery.
Why Book with Sardinia Vacations?
✔ Skip-the-line access at Su Nuraxi for a seamless visit.
✔ Exclusive perks at Madonna D’Itria (priority seating & welcome drink).
✔ Flexible options—extend your day with Guasila exploration.
Ready to explore Sardinia’s ancient wonders?
Contact us to reserve your spot or customize your trip!
Nora Archaeological Day Trip from Costa Rei: Phoenician Ruins, Roman Mosaics & Dining
Journey Through 3,000 Years of Mediterranean History
Escape to Sardinia’s southern coast for a day exploring Nora, the island’s first Phoenician city, where ancient civilizations left behind breathtaking ruins overlooking turquoise waters. This expertly curated excursion blends archaeology, coastal views, and gourmet dining for a perfect cultural escape from Costa Rei.
Itinerary Highlights
- 7:30 AM – Departure from Costa Rei
Enjoy a scenic drive through Sardinia’s countryside toward Nora
- 10:30am - Morning: Nora Archaeological Site (Official Info)
- A reserved table in their rustic dining room or garden.
- Walk through history at this layered site where Phoenicians, Romans, and earlier Nuragic people left their mark
- Must-see treasures
- 8th-century BCE Phoenician foundations (oldest in Sardinia)
- Exquisite Roman floor mosaics, including the famous Tanit symbol
- Well-preserved Roman theater with sea views
- Intact Roman baths with heating systems
- Tophet sanctuary with Carthaginian influences
- Guided tour includes skip-the-line access and insider stories
- 12:30pm - 1:00pm - Midday: Cagliari Gourmet Interlude
- Lunch at Antica Cagliari (Drive ~1hr from Nora)
- Why we chose it:
One of Cagliari’s most refined traditional restaurants
Michelin-listed & Slow Food-recognized - Exclusive perks:
Reserved table in their elegant dining room
Sommelier pairing available - Must-try dishes:
Bottarga (cured mullet roe) tasting
Culurgiones (handmade stuffed pasta)
- Why we chose it:
- :Afternoon Options
- Return to Costa Rei via coastal road (arrive ~5:30 PM)
- Extended Cagliari Visit (add 1.5 hrs):
- Explore the Castello district (medieval walls & viewpoints)
- Quick stop at Poetto Beach
Why Travelers Love This Tour
✔ Two iconic experiences: Ancient Nora + Cagliari’s food scene
✔ Smart pacing: Nora tour before midday heat, lunch at prime time
✔ Guaranteed authenticity: No tourist-trap stops
"Nora’s seaside ruins felt magical—and lunch at Antica Cagliari was the perfect modern contrast."
—Recent Guest Review
Cagliari Cultural Day Trip from Costa Rei
Medieval Castles, Roman Theaters & Michelin-Starred Dining
Why Explore Cagliari for a Day?
Just 1.5 hours from Costa Rei, Sardinia’s vibrant capital offers:
- 2,000+ years of history in its layered architecture
- Top-tier shopping (stores open from 4:00 PM)
- An unforgettable Michelin-starred lunch at Dal Corsaro
Itinerary Highlights
- 7:30 AM – Departure from Costa Rei
Enjoy a scenic drive through Sardinia’s countryside toward Nora
- 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Morning: Historic Wonders
Walk Through Castello District
- Bastione di Saint Remy: Panoramic terrace with Gulf views
- Cagliari Cathedral: 13th-century Pisan-Romanesque gem
- Roman Amphitheater: 2nd-century limestone-carved theater (Info)
- Elephant Tower and San Pacrazio Tower: Medieval fortresses with hidden stories
- 1:00 - 3:00 PM - Midday: Michelin-Starred Lunch *()*
Ristorante Dal Corsaro
Exclusive Perks:
- Reserved table
- Sommelier wine pairing available
- Signature Dish: Lobster with saffron fregola
- 3:00pm - 4:00pm - Afternoon: Leisure Time
- Extended lunch with post-meal digestifs or
- Stroll through Marina District (outdoor sights and cafés)
- 4:00pm to 6:30pm - Late Afternoon: Shopping & Sunset
1. Via Roma & Largo Carlo Felice (4:00 PM opening):
- Italian designers (Max Mara, Furla)
- Antica Enoteca Cagliaritana (rare Sardinian wines)
2. Marina District Shops (open until 8:00 PM):
- Terra Sarda (ceramics)
- Pelletteria Artigiana (leather goods)
3. Sunset Option:
- Poetto Beach stroll (6:00 PM) or
- Molentargius Park flamingo watching
Why Travelers Love This Tour
✔ Aligned with local rhythms: Matches Cagliari’s late shopping culture
✔ No rushed transitions: Leisurely lunch before stores open
✔ Golden-hour shopping: Avoids midday heat; ideal lighting for browsing
"The late shopping hours let us enjoy lunch without rushing—perfect pacing!"
—Recent Guest