We’ll begin our day by exploring the spectacular southwestern coast of Sardinia, visiting the beaches of Chia and Porto Pino, the historic island of Sant’Antioco Island, the remarkable mining port of Porto Flavia, and the historic town of Iglesias. Sardinia’s beaches are among the most beautiful in Europe—so beautiful it can be difficult to choose a favorite. Along this southern coastline, soft white sands meet exceptionally clear turquoise water, and in certain areas the wind sculpts fascinating patterns into the dunes, creating striking compositions of light, shadow, and texture that are perfect for photography.

Our journey continues to Sant’Antioco, the main town on Sant’Antioco Island and an active fishing port with a history stretching back thousands of years. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC as Sulci, it later became one of the most important ports on the island during the Roman era. The town takes its modern name from Saint Antiochus of Sulci, a Roman slave exiled here in the 2nd century AD who is believed to have brought Christianity to the island.

Next, we will visit the extraordinary Porto Flavia, a marvel of early 20th-century engineering carved directly into the cliffs 170 feet above the sea. With its twin 1,500-foot tunnels and ingenious mechanical loading system, the port once allowed zinc and lead ore to be loaded directly onto cargo ships waiting below—an impressive blend of industrial history and dramatic coastal scenery.

In the afternoon, we will continue to Iglesias, where we’ll stay through sunset. Surrounded by the remnants of Sardinia’s once-thriving mining industry, this historic town is full of character. Its atmospheric center features sun-bleached buildings, lively piazzas, churches, and wrought-iron balconies reflecting the town’s Aragonese heritage from its time under Spanish rule. During the spring season, the city becomes especially famous for its dramatic Semana Santa processions, when robed participants wind through the narrow lanes of the historic center. After exploring and photographing the town in the warm evening light, we’ll enjoy a wonderful dinner before returning to Cagliari. (B)

We’ll head east of Cagliari to explore the beautiful beaches scattered along the island’s southeastern coastline, traveling as far as Porto Corallo. This stretch of shore offers a remarkable variety of coastal landscapes, with countless beaches, each with its own unique character, ranging from wide sweeps of soft sand to secluded coves framed by rocky headlands along the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. These changing textures, colors, and patterns create wonderful opportunities for coastal and landscape photography.

By mid-afternoon, we’ll return to Cagliari to prepare for an evening sunset shoot overlooking the harbor. From our vantage point above the marina, we’ll photograph the warm light of the setting sun as it drifts across the city and reflects on the water—an ideal setting for long exposures and twilight photography. Afterwards, we’ll head into the city for another memorable Sardinian dinner together. (B)

Today, we will cross the heart of Sardinia from west to east, traveling through the rugged landscapes of Nuoro Province. Along the way, we’ll visit the hilltop villages of Ottana, Orani, and Nuoro before continuing toward the coast near Orosei. The villages of Ottana and Orani are especially known for their remarkable carnival traditions, where performers wear the distinctive masks of the Boes, Merdules, and Filonzana—figures rooted deeply in the island’s ancient folklore.

This is the region people seek out when they want to experience the most authentic side of Sardinia. Fiercely independent and historically isolated, these mountainous interiors resisted domination by outside powers such as the Romans and the Carthaginians. Over centuries that isolation shaped a culture where ancient customs remain woven into everyday life. In many villages, beautifully embroidered traditional clothing is still worn, and travelers fortunate enough to witness one of the region’s many festivals quickly sense that the rhythms of old rituals are still very much alive.

We’ll wander the narrow streets of Ottana, photographing daily life and chatting with residents. The town is also home to the elegant Romanesque Church of San Nicola, one of the architectural treasures of the region. From here, we’ll continue through Orani, the provincial capital of Nuoro, and several small villages scattered across the hills. Despite the depth of culture along the route, the entire journey across the island takes only about two hours.

Our drive will eventually bring us toward the coast, passing through the historic town of Orosei before reaching Cala Gonone. Beautifully positioned at the northern edge of the Gulf of Orosei and surrounded by marble quarries and orchards, Orosei remains one of the island’s lesser-known treasures. Over the centuries the silting of the Cedrino River, along with Spanish neglect, malaria, and pirate raids, gradually diminished the town’s role as an important port once controlled by Pisa. Today, its atmospheric historic center is a quiet maze of cobbled lanes leading to stone houses, medieval churches, and leafy piazzas where life still moves at a gentle pace.

Just east of town lies Marina di Orosei, where a long sweep of sand marks the northern end of the Gulf of Orosei. From here, the gulf arcs southward in a grand curve of cliffs and coastline. The beach is bordered to the north by the mouth of the Cedrino River, while behind the shore stretch the wetlands of the Stagni di Cedrino.

After settling into our hotel in Cala Gonone, we’ll head out to explore the town and end the day with a relaxed dinner overlooking the sea. (B)

We’ll rise well before dawn and depart by boat from Cala Gonone, setting out along the dramatic coastline of the Gulf of Orosei. As the sun begins to climb over the eastern horizon, we glide south toward some of the most spectacular coves in the Mediterranean, including Grotta del Bue Marino, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Luna. The boat hugs the rugged limestone cliffs as morning light slowly reveals the textures, caves, and hidden beaches carved into the coastline. We’ll explore the remarkable Grotta del Bue Marino both by sea and on foot, discovering the vast chambers and sculpted rock formations that have made it one of the island’s most celebrated natural wonders.

At Cala Mariolu the sea appears almost unreal, as though the water itself has been painted. The beach is known locally as ispùligi de nie (snow fleas), because its shoreline is made up of tiny rounded pebbles in shades of pink and white mixed with pale sand. The name Cala Mariolu is said to come from the Mediterranean monk seal, once common here, which fishermen from Ponza believed was stealing fish from their nets—earning it the nickname mariolo, or thief. Surrounded by towering cliffs rising nearly 1,400 feet above the sea, the cove shimmers with endless shades of deep blue, emerald, and turquoise. Reaching it by land requires a demanding trek through dense Mediterranean scrub, making arrival by boat all the more special.

The pebbled shoreline, sculpted rock formations, and crystal-clear shallows of Cala Mariolu offer endless photographic opportunities. Feel free to bring GoPros, drones, or underwater housings for your phone—there is plenty to capture both above and below the surface. For those who prefer to stay dry, the dramatic cliffs and luminous water provide equally compelling subjects from the shore.

We’ll also visit the iconic Cala Luna, famous for its sweeping crescent of sand and the large caves that open directly onto the beach like a series of natural amphitheaters. Photographing from inside these caves while looking out toward the sea can create beautiful frames, especially if a sailboat happens to drift through the scene. With luck, we may even bring along a model to pose among the rocks and soft light of the caves.

Later in the day, we will continue south by boat to Rocce Rosse di Arbatax near Arbatax, where striking crimson rock formations rise dramatically from the sea. Here, we’ll set up for long-exposure photographs of the famous red spires contrasting against the blue Mediterranean. After a full day exploring this extraordinary coastline, we’ll return to Cala Gonone at sunset, ending the adventure with a well-earned dinner and stories from the day’s images. (B)

While enjoying breakfast, we’ll gather for our final group discussion and image review, reflecting on the experiences and photographs created throughout our journey across Sardinia.

After checkout, we will depart for the airport, bringing our adventure together to a close. We warmly encourage you to extend your travels—whether by lingering a little longer on the island or continuing on to explore other remarkable corners of Italy, and to make full use of the inspiration and techniques you’ve discovered during this photographic journey. (B)