The Route of Giants and the Emerald Coast, from Cagliari to Porto Cervo

You set off from Cagliari, the regional capital, leaving astern the Basilica of Bonaria, a Gothic-Catalan style religious complex with an majestic staircase. This historic city overlooking the very long Poetto beach will enchantyou with pink flamingos in flight, its various scenic points and the remains of ancient nuragic communities preserved in the Archaeological Museum.

Set a bearing of one hundred degree and sail towards Cape Carbonara. Head for Geremeas harbour, leaving the Sella del Diavolo on your left. About 16 miles from Cagliari, Villasimius is an excellent landing place that offers the opportunity to visit a wide variety of beaches and enchanting coves, such as Porto Giunco, Compulongu, Spiaggia del Riso, Punta Molentis, Campus and Porto Sa Ruxi. You can choose the most suitable one, depending on the wind. The Spanish tower in Porto Giunco and the Old Fortress overlook the coast. Round Cape Carbonara and head north to discover the Route of the Giants, the oldest area on the east coast of Sardinia.

Proceed towards Costa Rei with Capo Ferrato as a reference. Anchor at Cala Sinzias or Cala Pira, then go ashore to visit the Nuraghi in Sinzias, located on the hill from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view. You are in Castiadas, an important agricultural and archaeological area.

Return aboard and head northeast towards Villaputzu, as far as Porto Corallo. To your left is the islet of Quirra, between Capo Lorenzo and Punta Marras, where the military firing range is also located.

After 16 miles of sailing, put in at Foxi Manna, in Tertenia, one of the most beautiful beaches in Ogliastra, the soul of Sardinia. White sand, crystal-clear sea, red rocks and the Aleri and Foxi Manna Nuraghi. It's impossible not to be thrilled!

Return to the boat, round Cape Bellavista and enter the Gulf of Ogliastra, in the centre of which stands the red island of the same name, entirely covered with prickly pear plants. To your left, an enchanted mountain: the Baunei Supramonte. And here you are in Tortolì, in the interior of the gulf, once the capital of the Province of Ogliastra together with Lanusei, with its watchtowers and nuraghi.

From the Gulf of Ogliastra you have a choice of two marinas: to the south, the small commercial, industrial and recreational port of Arbatax; five miles ahead, the Marina of Baunei, in Santa Maria Navarrese. Visit the Tortolì wetland, the Monte Terli necropolis and the San Salvatore Archaeological Park.

Head towards Cala Gonone: sail along this stretch of coast slowly, to fully enjoy every single mile. See Pedra Longa, Capo Monte Santo, Cala Goloritzè and Cala Sisine in turn. Cala di Luna will delight you with its white sand, framed by lush Mediterranean scrub, which extends right to the sea, its caves and a canyon with a pond: a true paradise! Then the Grotta del Bue Marino, where monk seals often peek out, Grotta Miracolo, the Pools of Venus and the Mariolu and Briola coves.

Just three miles and you are in Cala Gonone. From this point you can start an excursion inland: the Nuragic village of Tiscali, the Gologone fjord, Oliena and Orgosolo are not to be missed.

Stock up on Nepente wine, extra virgin olive oil from Nera di Oliena, sheep and goat cheeses and cured meats from Ogliastra. See the Gennargentu Giants, the prehistoric tombs and the age-old olive trees, strewn across an absolute beautiful countryside.

Land in Siniscola, a lively village where you can buy ceramics and taste Sa Pompia citrus fruits: you can only find them here, in natural form and in jelly or jam.

After sailing round the rock of Pedrami, on the horizon is the imposing Island of Tavolara, a granite pyramid 4 miles long, which houses a NATO base. Before this, however, make a stop on land in Budoni, on the hospitable Sant'Anna beach. Another four more miles and you land at the port of San Teodoro, then head east, leaving to starboard Molara, a fascinating uninhabited island, known for its springs.

From Tavolara, head west and, after about 3 miles, land at Porto San Paolo, then take the sea towards Olbia, where it is worth stopping for a rest. In the city, it's pleasant to stroll along the seafront lined with palm trees. Visit the medieval Basilica of San Simplicio and climb the hill of the Riu Mulinu Nuraghe. Taste mussels and oysters, together with a cool Vermentino di Gallura.

The Aranci Gulf is the entrance to the Costa Smeralda. Choose between the marina in Porto Rotondo and that in Portisco. Seven miles of sailing and you're in the renowned Porto Cervo, the final destination of your wonderful trip.