Looking for the best adventure location in Sardinia? Check out our review of Agriturismo Canales – an adventure lover’s dream stay!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend things I've tried myself or that a trusted peer has recommended. Thanks in advance for supporting my work!
Sardinia is an adventurer’s paradise. From beautiful beaches nestled under dramatic cliffs to broad canyons, inland lakes, and delicious victuals, Sardinia has it all.
The question is, how will you get the most out of your trip, making sure that you’re close to top attractions, not paying too much, and getting great meals to boot?
To us, there’s just one answer: Agriturismo Canales.
Located near Dorgali in Sardinia’s northeastern Nuoro province, this agriturismo (farm stay) is your ideal lodging for a Sardinian getaway. It has stunning views of its own, is within reach of bucket-list highlights like Cala Luna, Cala Goloritze, and Canyon Gorropu, and offers some of the best meals you’ll ever have. Frankly, it’s one of the best places we’ve ever stayed, and we’re dying to go back.
Read on for our detailed review of the best place to stay in Sardinia!
Agriturismo Canales Review
The Rooms
Canales offers rustic but comfortable rooms furnished with local textiles and products. Aside from air conditioning and a fridge, you won’t find excessive luxuries, but that only adds to the slowed-down experience of Sardinian living. The highlight is the views – either of Lago Cedrino or the valley – which sweep out from each room. Rooms are available for double, triple, and larger occupancies, and many feature a veranda perfect for enjoying the tranquility of landscape.
The Amenities
While you aren’t coming to Canales for an all-inclusive experience, it features several notable amenities. Meals are served in a gorgeous open-air dining hall looking out over the valley. The natural courtyard is masterfully designed and a perfect compliment to the environment within which Canales is situated. Off to the side is a patio area with staggering views of Lake Cedrino. Then there is the lake itself, which Canales takes full advantage of by facilitating kayak tours.
The Food
The food at Canales sets it head and shoulders above other places we’ve stayed. Breakfast is a continental smorgasbord of cakes, tarts, meats, cheeses, and grains, including many local specialties. And, of course, you’ll be treated to locally sourced and homemade treats like yogurt, eggs, jams, and breads. We had breakfast all three mornings at Canales and everything we tried was excellent.
Then there is dinner – an adventure in Sardinian gastronomy. Each night at Canales features a fixed-course menu that varies daily and seasonally. While the dishes tend towards simple and rustic, they are masterfully prepared using prime local ingredients and paired with excellent local wines. Regular appetizers include cured meats, cheeses, casadina (a cheese tart), and roasted seasonal vegetables. Main courses may include favorites like ravioli, traditional culurgiones, or crackling suckling pig. For dessert, you can look forward to homemade ice cream, seada (a Sardinian fried dumpling), or other treats.
The X-Factor
Canales is an agriturismo – meaning that you’re staying on a working farm. That has a few obvious benefits, like delicious homemade products and rustic natural surroundings. But less obvious is that by staying here, you’re minimizing your impact on the local environment. By supporting local products and business, you’re contributing to the sustainability of low-impact tourism in this beautiful part of the world.
What to Do During Your Stay at Agriturismo Canales
Canales is in an excellent location to enjoy the highlights of Sardinia’s east coast, particularly around Gulfo Orsei. Having a rental car is a must in Sardinia, but it will allow you to reach major highlights in an hour or less from the agriturismo.
Hit the Beach
Sardinia is famous for its crystal-clear water and beautiful beaches, and many of the best are a short drive from Canales. The beaches of Cala Fuili and Cala Luna are accessible from the seaside town of Cala Gonone, which is about 30 minutes from Canales. Cala Luna is particularly famous – known for its deep, shaded grottos – and can be reached via a 5ish-mile hike or by ferry. Cala Sisine and Cala Goloritze are other incredible options, though they require a hike to get to (well worth it). More easily accessible options include Spiaggia di Osalla and Spiaggia di Cartoe.
Take a Hike
Sardinia is fabulous for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers. As noted, many of the best beaches require a hike, but the trails and views are excellent. We particularly enjoyed the hikes to Cala Luna and Cala Goloritze, which featured dramatic cliffs, wild landscapes, and excellent views.
Another great option is the hike to (and into) Canyon Goroppu – a massive canyon about 40 minutes from Canales. It’s about six miles to the bottom, mostly downhill, but you have the option to take a jeep back up, which is an adventure in itself on narrow, unpaved roads!
For more information about exploring one of Europe's biggest canyons, read our guide to hiking Canyon Goroppu!
Explore Lago Cedrino
Canales’s kayak rentals are a great way to explore Lago Cedrino and the surrounding area. There are several suggested routes. One takes you to the church of San Pentaleo, located on top of an island in the lake, which you can reach by a short hike. Another brings you to the Rio Frumenddu, which feeds the lake from Canyon Goroppu. Further on, you can reach the source of Su Gologone, a mesmerizing turquoise pool fed by a deep underground spring.
For more things to do in Sardinia, check out the tours below!
Looking for more to do in Sardinia? Check out our Four Day Sardinia itinerary, that details everything we did in Sardinia during our trip! [COMING SOON]
Updated September 7, 2025