Natalie Ball review 3 Nov 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beautiful scenery and wonderful friendly people. We were made to feel so welcome, it was like coming home. We loved the farm, the traditional Sardinian cooking, the animals (Mikko, Argo and Linda) and the vast, rugged sweeping countryside.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Hire a car. We hadn't planned on hiring one, but on advice from our kind host Alberto we did - and were so glad. The farm, although on a main road, is fairly remote and public transport is infrequent. We managed to get out and about and see so much of the island, that we wouldn't have seen otherwise.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The Agriturismo has clearly enabled Alberto and his family to diversify their farm, use the land wisely, and create a sustainable business. Meat was home grown, they use ecological cleaning products and encourage recycling, They also use solar
energy. They have created a wonderful holiday package that we loved, and the other guests seemed to enjoy it too. You really feel like you are at the heart of the local community.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing, it blew us away completely. We will definitely return, hopefully with family and friends in tow next time!
Alison Jenkins review 19 Oct 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We felt very looked after by Alberto who served us breakfast every morning and dinner every evening. He always had plenty of time to talk about the local area. Our daughter, aged 4, was quite entranced by him and loved drawing pictures for him. For us, it really made a difference to feel you were staying at someone's home rather than at a more impersonal resort.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for a 30 minute drive to the coast. Also, very windy roads which, with our hired Fiat 500, made anyone sitting in the back feel car sick. However, the upside of the location is that you feel well away from any tourist spots, properly within unspolit Sardinian landscape.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we were impressed with the array of recycling bins in the kitchen and the use of local food for the meals.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Best holiday we've ever had. Properly relaxing.
Lillian Ayala review 6 Aug 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The farmhouse itself and, of course, Alberto. It is an enchanting place with an extremely attentive host. We just returned yesterday from a 2 week stay. The farmhouse is truly magical. If you need a place to rebuild and recharge then this is it. This is the first family holiday we've had with very little moaning or complaining or fighting from the kids (2 girls: 12 and 7). There is a peacefulness that seems to surround the farmhouse. Alberto has created an environment that is honest and welcoming. It is a tribute to him and his approach that we all felt immediately at HOME.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You'll definitely need a car. The nearest beach is 30 minutes away but it is beautiful and an easy journey. The beach is postcard perfect! If you're getting a car from Olbia Airport give yourself an hour to get the car. It get's very busy and it takes time. The farmhouse is a great place for young families.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Alberto was very good about guiding us to local services. The farm itself seemed very eco-conscious. There was recycling and local produce being used during meals.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely fantastic. If you're going to do an Agriturismo, then this is the place. We met some great people travelling through over the 2 weeks we were there. The snorkling was great as was the sailing. The food was simple but top notch. Walking back to our room from the restaurant under a star-filled sky was the perfect ending to the perfect day. We had 14 perfect days!
Charlotte Wigzell review 18 Oct 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our stay at la Cerra, Alberto Pesenti's agri- tourismo Sardinian accommodation was memorable. First of all the location next to the giant monolith was outstandingly beautiful. Alberto was thoughtful at all times. The easy going manner in which the establishment operates suited us so well. The north coast was like a dream. Red rocks and blue green and clear sea.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Unless you are staying specifically to trek in the immediate area a car is really a necessity. Places of interest are then reachable easily, such as the sea, archeological sites, Romanesque churches and towns and villages of character. Most other guests were staying for afew days in different areas of Sardinia and I think that is a wise plan. There is so much to see all over the island. We had temperatures of around 22oC during the last week in September and first week in October which is good if you cannot take excessive heat. We were told that April and May are the months to see the wild flowers. The roads were nearly empty but it was end of season. If you want a quiet holiday, fine, but if you want to have a lively time you would want the summer season.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think our holiday benefitted local people. We were eating locally supplied food. We visited the local museums and bought presents made in Sardinia in the traditional style. We prefer to spend money on afew items of quality rather than collect a mass of little souvenirs. By driving a car we were causing some undesirable environmental impact. By visiting historic churches, museums and ancient tombs I would say we were supporting conservation. prepared to spend money b
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We loved our holiday. The warmth of the Sardinian people, the language, the old culture, the climate and colour of land and buildings has really set us up for an English winter.
Joy Downey review 30 Jun 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were many things to love. Memorable for us was the 2 hour loop walk behind the farmhouse up beside the amazing granite monolith, and to see the abundance of wildflowers - never ending white 'rock roses' (cistus), and the occasional pink, and lavender. To see a profusion of lavender growing wild was a treat! There were stunning views back down tothe farmhouse, and photo opportunities galore!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just go. If you go to one agriturismo choose this one. It is close to the coast, wonderful countryside, nuraghe, and close to the lovely granite city of Tempio Pausania.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, local people owned and were employed at the accommodation, and local produce was either produced on the farm or sourced from neighbours. For example, the superb fresh local ricotta cheese drizzled with 'abbamele' - (an old traditional 'black' honey produced after honey is extracted from the comb).
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent! We loved our host Alberto. We loved the food served to us every night (we stayed 5 nights) by the marvellous chef Gianni. And the location was marvellous and different- granite and cork trees.
Margaret Breugelmans review 12 Oct 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Driving around in my Fiat 500 viewing the beautiful Sardinian countryside and coastline.
Alberto was a magnificent host - with marvellous local knowledge, taking good care of us and making us feel very welcome.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you're looking for activities and a full house don't leave it too late in the season.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, local people were given employment on the agriturismo, I saw evidence of recycling.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I enjoyed it. I mistakenly thought it might be more of an 'activity holiday' but managed to occupy myself for the 11 days and still talk to people at the evening meals and breakfast. Weather was unexpectedly warm. Sardinia is very unusual in terms of landscape and very uncrowded.
Brian Stout review 21 Aug 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was great to be able to travel as a family and spend so much of our time doing things we all could enjoy together. The advice and recommendations from Alberto really helped us to make the most of our time in Sardinia.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would have no hesitation in recommending the farm where we stayed to anyone. It would be perfect for families with children of any age or for anyone travelling without children.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We definitely felt that the fact that all the food and wine was so local brought real benefit to the local community, and it was lovely to get to know Alberto, Marco and the rest of the team over the course of the week.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We loved every aspect of our holiday and were absolutely delighted with our choice of this accomodation.
Claire Harris review 30 Aug 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The hospitality offered by Alberto and his family. The location of the farm between the craggy rocks and the very good beaches.
Everyone really enjoyed the evening meals and after several games of table football we would often stargaze from the hammocks on the veranda. Our children loved having cake for breakfast.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for generous evening meals and country noises in the evening! The beaches are good but you do have to be prepared to drive to them. Vignola Beach worked well for us, which is the nearest beach. We flew to Olbia which was really easy.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes definitely. The farm has solar panels, its own water springs and we ate produce from the farm e.g vegetables and meat and drank Gianni's home-made wine.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had a really relaxing time. We stayed for two weeks in the middle of August with a five and six-year old and were still relaxed! We visited different beaches, usually those suggested by Alberto and did a bit of exploring of the region. Alberto is a very genial and accommodating host.
Heidi Olufsen review 4 Jul 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Great host, fantastic food and incredible scenery.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Enjoy the nearby area, go for small walks, enjoy the food, the landscape.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, absolutely.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very, very nice! Would absolutely like to do it again.
Jon Anson review 24 Jun 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Car breaking down :-)
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't hire from Hertz.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Had a very good time (car breaking down was just a minor headache). Saw a lot,
learnt a lot.
Alice Olsson review 20 Sep 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The wonderful food and the fabulous hospitability of our host.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely. We felt we had minimal impact on the environment with maximum luxury and comfort... highly recommended to anyone.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. We so enjoyed ourselves and were made to feel to welcome. For families, couples and singles this is a holiday that suits everyone. We saw plenty of wildlife and were located perfectly for beautiful beaches and scenery too. My son (who is 14 months old) loved it too! Lots to keep him entertained in the communal area and highchairs and cots were all available, could not have been better facilities wise.
The personal gestures really made the holiday- little things, preferences were picked up on even if you didn't make them clear, and the host would change plans to cater for guests particular tastes (e.g, food preferences), he would also recommend the most suitable places to visit in the nearby area, all of which we really enjoyed. A lovely lovely holiday!
Nikki Ellis review 26 Jul 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This is a truly beautiful place to switch off and absorb some spectacular landscape. Alberto has to be the best host and looked after us so well sending us off for a different adventure each day. We spent time wandering around small villages and towns in the Gallura countryside, then hit the beach and enjoyed the warm crystal clear water. We stayed for 10 days and went to a different beach each day, remaining in the north west.
The variety of coves and beaches was fantastic and amazed that we could find quiet places in July. Another real highlight was the restaurant serving delicious food each evening. I cannot remember the names of the local dishes but each evening we tried something new which was an exciting end to the day. Perhaps one of the unique things about this accommodation is the friendliness of all the guests. We met some lovely people during our stay from all over Europe.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just spend the time exploring the local area rather than driving miles all over the island - there is so much on the doorstep. Our Italian is non existent so Alberto's help is invaluable - just a few key words in Italian would be helpful
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, all the wine and food are locally produced.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Our children aged 14 and 11, and my husband and I have returned really refreshed/recharged and would recommend this accommodation to anyone who wants to see unspoilt rural Sardinia and experience a stay with a very special host and his family and 2 dogs.
Biljana Brankovic review 5 Aug 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Tranquility of the place, Alberto's hospitality and the food.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This is a place where you can rest, enjoy professionally prepared, hearty food, but also explore the north coast, the town of Tempio, villages, take hiking routes. You need to come by car. Don't expect luxury and fancy stuff - this is not that kind of place.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
This agritourismo is locally oriented in every possible aspect - food is either produced on the farm or acquired from the surrounding properties. People who help Alberto are his neighbors, the chef lives nearby and the wine served at dinner is his produce. We drank water from the spring. We had a feeling that environment is respected in every way possible.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A revealing experience that brought us in a close touch with Sardinian landscape, people, food and wine. We were pleasantly surprised to see how child-friendly this place is - we got a cot, child feeding chair, the kitchen (well equipped) is at everyone's disposal, so we could prepare baby's meals; there were many toys, a bicycle... The host - Alberto contributed a lot to our pleasant stay with his friendly advice.
Val Horsman review 3 Jul 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Beautiful landscapes and Alberto was an excellent host. Great beaches.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. The food and wine was sourced locally. Lots of locals also ate at the restaurant - clearly a measure of it's high quality!!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. We really enjoyed ourselves. We divided our time between the coast and chilling out at the agriturismo. We did some sightseeing but generally relaxed. There was lots of choice about what to do.
Marko Velic review 25 May 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Beautiful scenery, excellent food and very nice and helpful people.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Rent a car to see as much as possible. Cycling is also a good idea, walking too. From a wheelchair user point of view, accessibility is surprisingly good, many restaurants will have a ramp and accessible toilet.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. Eat local food, it is delicious. If you don't have to rent a car (for example, being a wheelchair user), you could get around by bicycle. There is a local transport, I haven't tried it.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a great holiday. It was a surprise for my wife (our honeymoon) and she loved it.
Alison Aebi review 18 May 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
First and foremost the welcoming smile of Alberto ( yes, I suppose one always falls in love with him a little...even my husband !!!) Definitely the position of this wonderful place , nature at it's best, great walks, well marked, the flowers were really marvelous..
What a paradise, despite the May weather!!! Even the dogs and cats were hyper friendly!
We were very pleasantly surprised with the evenings around a large table (one could have a small table "tête à tête" if preferred, nice touch) and 3 gourmet meals, VERY tasty, and prepared with skill and care by Gianni and crew.
There really are many interesting and friendly people around in these REAL places.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This is really an out of the way escape from the stress of our times, after all , surely, that's why one chooses farm holidays.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. The personnel were obviously local so their employment can only be good.
The rooms, very comfortable, were simple and very well thought out. Thank goodness the towels WERE NOT changed all the time. Very refreshing.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We stayed 3 nights , a wonderful experience!!
Myriam Algoet review 26 May 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Every aspect of the holiday was wonderful. The farm is run by the Pesenti family and Alberto made us feel at home. The bedroom was very comfortable, the shower pure luxury as the water comes straight from a mountain spring, leaving our skin and hair feeling like that of a baby and the views from the patio absolutely wonderful. The Gallurese area is very beautiful and May was probably the best time to visit it as everything was in bloom. We were extremely lucky with the weather, not a single drop of rain in 7 days and temperatures around 26-33C during the day but lovely cool nights. Apparently, these high temperature are a little unusual. We won't complain.
We visited quite a bit of the East and West Northern coast. Plenty of amazing places. The ones we preferred were the least developed area around the West coast and the mountains of Gallura. We did have a look at Costa Smeralda and our visit confirmed that package holiday in tourist villages is not for us anymore.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't hesitate to ask Alberto for tips on what to visit. He directed us to some wonderful places (secluded beaches, fantastic little roads which are not even on the map through the mountains, great towns (Bosa) and historic sites all within easy reach. We stopped looking at the guide as we found that his local knowledge was worth all the guides and maps we had. We took our Tom Tom with us, to avoid getting too lost. Was of some help but don't forget your map and have a good mapreader with you as neither the tom tom or the maps were very accurate. We have to recommend the restaurant. Nothing fancy but delicious home made comfort food. Whilst it was perfect for us, the concept of a set menu might not suit everybody, particularly fussy eaters. Olbia airport was the closest (~1h away). Flight choice at this time of the year was limited and we ended up with Thomas Cook airlines. Not great and we will look alternatives next time.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely. The farm complex although small (only 5 bedrooms) employs a number of local staff and the restaurant serves local produces, including the farm's own. The buildings look as if they have always been there and local materials and traditional building techniques were used when restoring stables or building the bedroom block. Nothing looks out of place. The farm is organic and the cattle free to roam.
Water and electricity are well managed, with spring water collected and electricity produced via solar panels. The lack of air conditioning might have shocked a couple that we met on our last night but thank goodness Alberto's kept it simple. Just close the shutters to keep your bedroom cool during the day!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Splendid, beautiful, so relaxing. Having to come back home and readapting to our normal life was a shock. We could not have hoped for a better holiday. This was our first time in Sardinia, our first farm holiday, away from the beaten tracks. We spent a week and rested so much that we feel as if we've been away for months. We are now missing Alberto, the dogs and the cat, the beauty of the farm and Gallurese area and the wonderful food and wine that Alberto put on our table every night. We'll definitely come back for some more!
Andrew Drysch review 21 Apr 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The yacht trip from Alghero, exploring the stunning Maddalena Archipelago, climbing the incredible rocks at Capo Testa, walking and scrambling around Monte Pulciana (a stone's throw from the accommodation) in the evenings with Linda and Argo (Alberto's lovely little dogs who were always friendly, always up for an adventure, and who came for a fond farewell on our last morning), the all-encompassing quiet and tranquillity, the warm sunshine and the smell of rosemary and myrtle, the ever-changing view from our room across to Monte Limbara, the food and the wine, and of course the friendly welcome from Alberto and all at the accommodation... it was all memorable and exciting! We have been back twice and will keep going back!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just get in the car and drive! Whatever direction you go in, you will stumble on the most breathtaking turquoise beaches and beautiful towns imaginable! We discovered Northern Sardinia by chance because of cheap flights, and were so blown away by its beauty that when we set our wedding date, there was no doubt where we wanted to go for our honeymoon!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, the farm is certified organic, although as Alberto explained to us, Sardinia is basically an organic/ environmentally friendly economy, and an example of life at its most beautiful and sustainable, so certification seems a mere formality. New development is sympathetic to the local environment and we ate the most wonderful and varied food, both at the accommodation and in restaurants around the island. Our home is now filled with beautiful items painted and handcrafted all over the island, which will be a lasting memento of a perfect honeymoon in a perfect place.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Perfect - a quiet and secluded place to stay in amazing surroundings with a friendly welcome and wonderful weather, food and wine, a short drive in any direction to stunning mountain scenery, breathtaking beaches and beautiful towns and villages, with wonderful art, crafts and historical sites all on the doorstep. We have some wonderful memories and will certainly be back - thank you Alberto!
Karin Murphy review 31 Aug 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Sardinia is a beautiful island with such contrasting landscape features that it was a pleasure to explore. The locals were unfailingly friendly and helpful - despite our pathetic attempts to communicate out of our trusty phrasebook! Each day out was finished off with a trip to one of the many beaches (of course we had to go and rub shoulders with the jet-set on the Costa Smerelda on our first day!) but it was always a great relief to escape the crowded tourist-traps back to the peaceful, simple and traditional retreat that is Alberto's agriturismo. The highlight of each day was the anticipation of a wonderful meal cooked by the delightful couple in the kitchen, and served by Alberto's brother (Marco) who was as fun, friendly and good natured as Alberto, himself.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Hire a car when booking your flight (Olbia is the nearest airport). Pick Alberto's brains re. local attractions, best beaches, route suggestions that may not be apparent on your map. Take a phrasebook - essential unless you're fluent in Italian! Consider the time of year; we went in August - it was VERY hot and the beaches crowded...
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. Certainly Alberto's efforts to employ locally, use home-reared, homemade, locally sourced food and wine, and the use of local, traditional building materials are to be commended. Nice to see that the cleaning /laundry ladies handwashed the breakfast stuff and dried the washing outside on the line.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful! Excellent food (the cook taught us to make pasta ''gnocchetti'' and gave my daughter some pasta dough to take home - she and friend will make it for supper this evening!), delicious home-produced wine, congenial company and gorgeous pets...Silence all around us and very dark, starry nights.
Ruth Hecht review 24 Aug 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The stunning panoramic views of the countryside from the position of the hammock on the terrace... the hospitality shown by Alberto - his friendliness, knowledge of the local area, and willingness to help with all our questions... the wonderful food - loved the zuppa gallurese.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You need a car to get around. We went in August, which is not the best time - very hot (on average 35 degrees) and the beaches are packed. It's worth spending time exploring the towns and villages around the accommodation - we visited a couple of great little ethnographic museums, one in Luras and one in Aggius - both very close.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We flew to Sardinia and used a car to get around... so although our impact on the environment was minimal when actually at the accommodation, it certainly wasn't getting there. Staying there obviously benefits the immediate people working at the accommodation and puts money into the local economy of villages and towns round about.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Had a wonderful time - extremely relaxing; wonderful to be in the Gallura countryside surrounded by the hills and silence.
Kerry Riddell review 26 Jul 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The wonderful locally produced food and wine in a fantastic sunset imbued setting amongst the cork trees and hills.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Have a small lunch and bring some thing (wine or beer) to keep you going as dinner is not until 8 (though it is huge and delicious) and wine is served then.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes family run and local people involved in the cooking in the restaurant and cleaning of the rooms. Yes all food locally produced, energy solar.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Alberto was a fantastic host and his accommodation was tasteful and beautifully situated. Food top class.
Rosie Tanner review 25 Jul 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beautiful small beaches of all different kinds - sand, rock, turquoise sea; practically empty beaches just ten minutes' walk away from the crowds, even in July. The mountains - rocky, thistly, full of space. The pastel-coloured towns and villages, particularly Bosa.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This accommodation is a real gem, hidden up in the mountains which are cooler than the coast. Alberto is a fantastic host, providing delicious meals made from local products, and conversation and tips about the area. Our little apartment had everything we needed, including a lovely vine-covered patio with views of the mountains. It is quiet, far away from the bustle of coastal towns: an oasis.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. Alberto has solar panels, cooks local products, including some from his own farm. He employs locals to cook and clean. He serves the most delicious (Sardinian) red wine I have ever tasted.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent accommodation, highly recommended and good value.
Cathy Sheppard review 4 Jun 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything the accommodation was great! We loved the room opening onto the veranda with a fabulous view. We loved meeting Alberto who was a terrific host - most welcoming and considerate. Every day we went out to beaches or into the countryside but the best part was getting back to the house and looking forward to supper! We really enjoyed our four course evening meals which were accompanied by really good local wine.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would recommend staying for longer than we did. It is striking scenery and near enough to some lovely beaches to warrant several days. Bring a good book and relax in one of the hammocks on the veranda in the afternoon. The resident cat and two gorgeous little dogs will come and see you.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Our rooms were wonderfully cool despite the soaring temperatures outside - this I guess is due to the design.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Having never stayed at an agriturismo we were not sure if it would be our sort of thing. Staying at this accommodation was the best introduction possible and our only regret was booking for only three days. It really was so relaxed there.
Aj de Beaufort review 3 May 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Maybe the most impressive moment was waking up, after arriving late at night in the dark, and overviewing the magnificent panorama outside for the first time. And just the start of a series of great little family-adventures. For the oldest boy (7) being in nature, seeing lizards and turtles, climbing rocks, looking for stones and relighting the fire was fantastic. The smallest (2) loved to play on the veranda, the little playfield or inside in the large common room.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We went here with our two boys the end of April, and the surroundings are quiet, lush and green, with an abundance of flowers (like orchids) and birds (like the hoopoe). So no unbearable heat and yellow grass as probably in august (at least some parts of Sardinia), but also in our case it meant that we had one rather cold, windy and rainy day. No problem at all but take some warm clothes with you and you can enjoy overwhelming nature. We made a trip to the enormous 2000 year old olive tree near an artificial lake, and saw some really impressive nuraghes. We can also recommend a trip to the coast nearby, or La Maddelena Islands. Also we really liked the zuppa Gallurese, the ravioli dolce and the ricotta with honey in the restaurant, delicious. For travelling the pane carusau/carte musica is worth trying. You can look up the house on Google Maps, its east of Monte Pulchiana, an enormous rock that you can recognize by its large shadow. The entrance at the main road SS133 is (if I remember correctly) between km-sign 12 en 13.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, lot of home made food, also in the small and delicious restaurant that is part of the accommodation.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great, too short though (7 days). The friendly and helpful owner of the place Alberto Pesenti who is around often attributed to this a lot too. Our boys adore him. There were books and maps of the area and Alberto told us the ins outs of special locations. He made us feel at home in a place completely different from our real home in Netherlands.
Linda Harrison review 2 Apr 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The peace and quiet as we sat on the patio was very special.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We visited at the end of March, pack warm clothes. As the holiday season had not started many things were not open, but that did not detract from our enjoyment of this beautiful island. We also found our Sat Nav very useful.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. As it is a small farms area, we feel that Agriturismo is a very good idea to supplement local incomes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Stress free, interesting and very relaxing. Alberto our host was very helpful in every way, he spoke much better English than we did Italian, and pointed us in the right direction to start exploring. We claim the right to fame as the only ones to get lost on the local walk, soon rectified by retracing our steps, Alberto thought it was highly amusing. We found the local people helpful and friendly.
Andrew Drysch review 11 Aug 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Sardinia is a beautiful island, and this accommodation was a wonderful place to stay. Very relaxed, nice bedrooms, excellent food and Alberto Pesenti was a great host - friendly, laid back and also able to speak English (very helpful for those of us struggling with their Italian!).
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Sardinia has very many beautiful areas and personally we preferred to stay away from the tourist resort areas, preferring instead the wild beauty of the Gallura mountains, the sandy beaches of the north west coast, and the castles, churches and coffee shops of the many pretty towns and villages.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - this is a beautiful working farm staffed by friendly local people, and I assume the money we spent there helped to maintain that business.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent - will definitely return, and probably to the same place. Definitely like staying at Agriturismos - the food there is excellent and all local specialities.
Ana Monica Costa Antunes review 13 Aug 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Beautiful mornings, great landscapes from the accommodation during the day and amazing starred nights in a peaceful and quiet place (after a magnific typical "galluresse" 3 course dinner!).
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
- When you arrive, go directly to the kitchen (La cuchina). Alberto, the owner, will give you all best tips and spots from the region.
- For local products, go directly to the major town around, Tempio Pausania.
- Plan, at least, 1 week to get to know only the north of this beautiful island. Preferably outside the high season in August.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, paradisiacal beaches, see-through blue (sometimes green) water, not so crowded even in August. A paradise for agriturism, we will surely be back soon!
Polly Doyle review 4 Aug 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We stayed at this accommodation for three nights and really enjoyed our stay. Alberto was a very welcoming and accommodating host who helped us brilliantly with all our queries. The view as you lie in the hammock on the veranda outside the door to your room is incredible. The local food that was served each night was delicious.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book in advance so you don't miss out!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The food was all locally sourced and the cooking/ production process was described to us. Alberto recommended and arranged for us to go to a local riding stable that we enjoyed too.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was excellent - in a beautiful and tranquil setting.
Aidan Fitzpatrick review 21 Jul 2008
Thanks for your recommendation, it really was great. Staying with Alberto Pesenti and his family in Sardinia was a real joy and a highlight of our Italian adventures. The food was great and he does his best to minimise the impact of his guests, while treating us like royalty and fattening us like his best livestock!!!
He also commented very favourably on the people who contacted him through your good offices. I was very impressed too by your service and would hope to use it again.
