4.7(589 Reviews)

Guided Tour of Olmedo Animal Shelter with Meal in Alghero

  • 3h 30mDuration
  • Max 12 peopleGroup Size
  • English, French, ItalianSpeaking Guide
  • Mobile ticketAccepted

About this experience

Duration3 hours 30 minutes
Group SizeSmall group
Starts AtOlmedo
LanguagesEnglish, French, Italian
Animal Sanctuary Experience

Alghero Animal Refuge Visit with Vegetarian Lunch or Dinner in a Traditional Pinnetto

Step into a place where rescued animals roam free and the table brings people together over honest, local food.


A few kilometres from the coast, near Olmedo in north-west Sardinia, this animal refuge experience near Alghero offers a rare combination of guided sanctuary discovery and a shared vegetarian meal prepared from ingredients sourced directly from small local producers.

Alice, the refuge founder, left Rome to build something rare in Sardinia: a living space shared by more than 150 rescued animals, each with a story of survival. Goats saved from slaughter, abandoned dogs, and animals once exploited now live side by side in an environment shaped entirely around their freedom and wellbeing.

After exploring the refuge and meeting its residents, guests gather around a table inside a traditional pinnetto, the low stone shepherd's dwelling that has defined rural Sardinian life for centuries. The meal is unhurried, the atmosphere is genuine, and the ingredients reflect the honest character of the territory.

Highlights

Meet more than 150 rescued animals, each with a story shared by the refuge owner herself.

Explore a working sanctuary set in the quiet countryside just outside Alghero in north-west Sardinia.

Sit down to a full vegetarian lunch or dinner built around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Dine inside a traditional pinnetto, the historic Sardinian shepherd's stone dwelling.

Hear Alice's personal story of leaving city life to dedicate herself to animal rescue and sustainable living.

Ingredients are supplied by small local producers, keeping the food both fresh and tied to the land.

How the Experience Unfolds

1
Arrival at the Refuge

Guests arrive at the sanctuary near Olmedo, just a short drive from Alghero. Alice welcomes the group and introduces the philosophy behind the refuge.

2
Guided Tour of the Animals

Over roughly one hour and fifteen minutes, Alice leads a walk through the refuge, introducing each animal and recounting how it came to find a home here. Visitors are encouraged to interact calmly with the animals in their natural environment.

3
Setting the Table in the Pinnetto

Guests move to the traditional pinnetto, a stone shepherd's hut that serves as the dining space. The rustic interior sets the tone for a relaxed, convivial meal.

4
Vegetarian Lunch or Dinner

The meal lasts approximately two hours and follows a set menu. Adults receive hummus with seasonal produce and cereal bread, vegetarian lasagna, a vegetable flan with refuge potatoes and peas, caramel panna cotta, and water. Children receive pasta with sauce and water.

5
Conversation and Departure

The meal closes with open conversation about the refuge, its animals, and Alice's journey. Guests leave at their own pace once the table is cleared.

What Is Included and Excluded

Included

  • Guided tour of the animal refuge with Alice
  • Full vegetarian lunch or dinner (adults and children menus)
  • Water included with the meal
  • Use of the traditional pinnetto dining space
  • All ingredients sourced from local small producers

Not Included

  • Transport to and from the refuge
  • Additional beverages beyond water
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities

Important Information

This experience takes place at a working animal refuge. Guests are asked to move calmly and respectfully around the animals at all times.
Duration
Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes total, comprising around 1 hour 15 minutes of refuge visit and approximately 2 hours for the meal.
Meeting Point
The refuge is located in Olmedo, a short drive from Alghero in north-west Sardinia. Exact address details are provided on the booking voucher.
What to Bring
Comfortable closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain. Light layers are advisable depending on the season. Notify any dietary requirements in advance via the contact number on the booking voucher.
Cancellation
Please refer to the booking platform for the full cancellation policy applicable to this experience.
Accessibility
The refuge grounds include natural terrain that may not be fully accessible for guests with limited mobility. Contact the host in advance to discuss specific requirements.
Age Range
This experience is suitable for all ages. A dedicated children's meal is provided. Parents or guardians are responsible for supervising children throughout the visit.

Reserve Your Place at the Refuge

This experience runs on selected dates and group sizes are kept intentionally small to ensure a personal visit. Secure your spot to avoid missing out on one of Sardinia's most distinctive animal and food encounters.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the experience suitable for children?▼
Yes, children are welcome. A specific children's menu of pasta with sauce and water is provided, and the refuge visit is designed to be engaging for younger guests under parental supervision.
Can dietary requirements such as vegan or gluten-free be accommodated?▼
Options for allergies, intolerances, and vegan preferences are available upon request. Contact the host directly using the number provided on your booking voucher before the experience date.
How far is the refuge from the centre of Alghero?▼
The refuge is located near Olmedo, which is a few kilometres from Alghero. Transport is not included, so guests are advised to arrange their own means of getting there.
What kind of animals will guests encounter during the tour?▼
The refuge is home to more than 150 animals rescued from situations including slaughterhouses, abandonment, and exploitation. Species include goats and dogs, among others, all living freely within the sanctuary space.
Is the meal served indoors or outdoors?▼
The meal is served inside a traditional pinnetto, a typical Sardinian stone shepherd's dwelling located on the refuge grounds, providing an authentic and sheltered dining environment.
What level of physical fitness is required?▼
The experience is rated easy. It involves a gentle walk around the refuge on natural terrain, making it accessible to most guests. Those with significant mobility limitations should contact the host in advance.
Animal Refuge SardiniaVegetarian ExperienceAlghero TourOlmedo SanctuaryPinnetto DiningRescued AnimalsLocal Food SardiniaEco ExperienceEthical TravelFamily Friendly TourSardinian CultureSlow Travel Italy
Last updated: June 2025 | Product ID: alghero-animal-refuge-lunch-dinner

Departure area

The exact meeting point is on your voucher.

Activity Site

Where the experience takes place.

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