Gallura: Picnic on a Farm with Animals

Gallura: Picnic on a Farm with Animals offers a charming peek into Sardinia’s rural side, all set just a short drive from the sea in the north-eastern part of the island. While I haven’t tried this experience myself, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of a relaxed, heartfelt outing that appeals to anyone craving a genuine chance to connect with animals and local flavors.

Two things we particularly like about this experience are the chance to engage with rescued animals in a serene setting and the authentic Sardinian picnic featuring local cheeses, bread, and seasonal produce. It’s a lovely way to enjoy nature and slow down, especially if you enjoy animals or want a family-friendly activity in Sardinia.

One potential consideration is the limited interaction with the animals, as access to the pens is restricted for safety reasons. If you’re hoping for hands-on petting or close encounters, this might be more of a viewing and cuddling experience rather than a hands-on farm day.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate gentle, meaningful activities, especially those who love animals or want to sample genuine Sardinian cuisine in a peaceful setting. It’s also an excellent choice for families with children or anyone seeking a calm, nature-oriented escape from busier tourist spots.

Key Points

Beautiful setting: Close to the sea in Gallura, offering a peaceful backdrop.
Rescued animals: The farm is home to animals rescued from mistreatment, giving them a dignified life.
Authentic picnic: Sardinian cheeses, bread, seasonal fruits, and local drinks make for a delicious, simple lunch.
Limited interaction: Pens are off-limits for safety, focusing on observation and cuddling rather than hands-on animal care.
Flexible timing: Available hourly from 10 am to 4 pm, making it easy to fit into your day.
Family-friendly but calm: Ideal for those wanting a gentle experience with animals and nature.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A closer look at the experience

Setting the Scene: A Farm Close to the Sea

As you arrive at the farm, you’ll notice it’s beautifully situated amid lush greenery just a stone’s throw from Sardinia’s coast. The location offers a chance to breathe in fresh air and enjoy the sounds of nature, with views that make the simple act of sitting down feel like a mini escape. The entrance, marked clearly on the main road (SP73), is easy to find, with two stone posts guiding you in.

While the farm itself isn’t large, its charm lies in the caring environment created by the hosts and the rescued animals that call it home. The farm’s mission—to provide animals rescued from mistreatment a peaceful life—adds a layer of meaningfulness to the experience, making it more than just a picnic. You’re contributing, in your small way, to their well-being.

Meeting the Animals

The farm houses a variety of animals, all of whom are friendly and accustomed to visitors. During the experience, you’ll get to see hens, geese, ducks, turkeys, doves, two donkeys, dwarf goats, lambs, rabbits, and guinea pigs. You won’t be allowed to go into the pens for safety reasons, but you can observe and cuddle the animals in the open spaces, which are wide enough for them to explore and socialize naturally.

What really shines through in reviews is how gentle and good-natured these animals are. As one visitor put it, “the animals were so friendly and the host was super welcoming,” which instantly sets a warm tone for the visit. It’s clear that the animals are loved and well cared for, something that enhances the whole experience for animal lovers.

Feeding and Interacting

A highlight for many is the opportunity to feed the animals. The hosts prepare seasonal, healthy foods like apples, pears, carrots, and carob—simple ingredients that the animals relish. Feeding is a relaxed activity, and although you can’t enter the pens, the open space allows for plenty of interaction.

The reviews mention how much children enjoy feeding and cuddling the animals, making it a family-friendly activity. The calm environment helps foster a bond of trust, especially when visitors maintain respectful, gentle behavior around the animals.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Sardinian Picnic: Simple, Delicious, and Authentic

After spending time with the animals, you’ll settle in for a picnic featuring local Sardinian products. The spread includes cheeses, Carasau bread, focaccia, seasonal vegetables and fruits, and snacks based on what’s available that day. Drinks include water and a soft drink, with the option to choose a glass of local wine.

The picnic is laid out on a table with a cloth provided, making it a cozy, relaxed way to enjoy your meal. The food, while straightforward, captures the essence of Sardinian cuisine—unpretentious and flavorful. Many reviews highlight the quality and freshness of the produce, especially praising the homemade marmalade, which is described as “really tasty.”

Timing and Practicalities

The activity runs hourly from 10 am to 4 pm, giving plenty of flexibility to fit it into your day. The experience lasts about an hour—perfect if you’re looking for a short, meaningful outing rather than a full-day activity.

Included in the price are the picnic, the food for feeding the animals, a tablecloth, and the chance to relax in beautiful surroundings. It’s a pretty good value considering the setting, the chance to meet rescued animals, and enjoy a tasty regional snack for just $39 per person.

What’s Not Included

There’s no guide or structured tour, so it’s more of a self-guided experience in a way. The emphasis is on the environment, the animals, and the food—simple but effective. For those seeking a more educational or guided experience, this might feel a bit limited, but for most visitors, the relaxed pace is part of the charm.

Authentic Reviews from Visitors

Real travelers have shared their thoughts, giving us a glimpse of what to expect beyond the description. Millyn called it “an amazing experience,” praising the welcoming atmosphere and the genuine love the hosts have for the animals. She even mentioned Dino, the adorable dog who accompanied the group—a little detail that underscores the farm’s warm environment.

Amy noted how her little one adored the animals and appreciated the peaceful setting, saying, “We couldn’t believe how good-natured the animals were.” Swetha appreciated the friendliness of the animals and the host, highlighting the vegan options and tasty marmalade, which shows the flexibility and attentiveness of the hosts.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This experience is best suited for those who want a low-key, meaningful encounter with animals and enjoy authentic regional foods. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with children or simply looking to relax away from bustling tourist attractions. If you like animals but prefer a calm, respectful environment, this farm picnic will resonate.

However, if you’re after extensive hands-on farm activities or close-up animal care, you might find this experience on the gentler side. Since it’s not wheelchair accessible, travelers with mobility issues should consider this before booking.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for outdoor activities.
• Bring a calm, respectful attitude around the animals to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
• The experience is flexible; check availability for the times that suit your schedule best.
• Celiac, vegetarian, and vegan options are available if you request in advance.
• Remember that animals must be on a leash or muzzled if brought along, and small, calm dogs are generally welcome.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews suggest children enjoy feeding and cuddling the animals, and the environment is calm and safe.

Can I feed the animals?
Absolutely, the hosts provide seasonal food like apples, pears, carrots, and carob for feeding.

Is the picnic included?
Yes, the price covers the picnic with local cheeses, bread, fruits, vegetables, snacks, and drinks.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for outdoor activities are recommended.

Can I visit at any time?
The experience is available at hourly intervals from 10 am to 4 pm; check availability to choose your preferred time.

Are there guide-led explanations?
No, this is more of a self-guided experience with a focus on relaxation and observation.

Are animals allowed to be brought along?
Yes, animals are permitted if leashed or muzzled; small, calm dogs are generally accepted.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
No, this activity isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to terrain and access restrictions.

How long does the experience last?
Approximately one hour, making it easy to slot into your day without a big time commitment.

Is the experience family-friendly?
Definitely, especially for families with young children who enjoy animals and outdoor picnics.

In all, Gallura’s farm picnic offers a peaceful, heartfelt slice of Sardinian life. It’s perfect for those wanting to connect with rescued animals, enjoy a simple regional meal, and soak up the natural beauty of the island. While it’s not a high-energy or hands-on farm day, the calm, caring environment makes it a memorable and worthwhile stop for many travelers. If you value authenticity, tranquility, and a little bit of rural charm, this could be a highlight of your Sardinian trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: