The rugged coasts open up to the turquoise sea of the Costa Smeralda and small coves with powdery sand beaches.
Here you can enjoy mornings on the beach, stroll through elegant boutiques and experience lively evenings under the starry sky of Porto Cervo. From Santa Teresa to Palau, you can admire the majesty of the La Maddalena Archipelago and Caprera. The island of Tavolara offers a journey into the blue waters, while San Teodoro reveals its pearls such as La Cinta.
Northeast Sardinia enchants with its magic, combining nature, relaxation and adventure, offering hidden treasures, lots of culture, typical local gastronomy, and activities such as diving, horseback riding and water sports.
Discover here all the most beautiful villas for rent in northeastern Sardinia.
The Maddalena Archipelago, an authentic marine paradise bathed by crystal-clear waters, is a must-visit during a trip to the northeast of the island, accessible by small ferries or private boats.
This protected area of incredible beauty offers exceptional coasts with brightly coloured rocks. It is famous for the clear waters surrounding its seven main islands including La Maddalena, Caprera, and Budelli, as well as numerous beaches and granite islets. Among these, the Pink Beach and the Cavalieri Beach on the island of Budelli stand out, as well as the beaches of Cala Coticcio, Spargi, and Relitto on the island of Caprera.
You cannot leave the northeast of Sardinia without experiencing a boat trip in this enchanting archipelago.
Wild goats on the Caprera Island - photo courtesy @Laura Mor
In the surroundings of Arzachena, there are fascinating paths for trekking lovers. One of them is the historical path of Monte Moro, which offers spectacular views of the Costa Smeralda and eastern Gallura, with a view of Corsica. Monte Moro is also an ideal place for mountain bike enthusiasts.
Another interesting route is Monti Mazzolu, characterized by suggestive rock formations and a prehistoric wall. From Romazzino, you can take the trail that leads to Monte Zoppu, a promontory that offers a panoramic view of islets inhabited by rare species of seagulls. Along the way, you can admire enchanting coves and breathtaking views of the coast.
View of Surrau vineyards - photo courtesy @Tiziano Canu
To combine winery visits, vineyard tours, and wine tastings with the most beloved seaside holidays in Sardinia, the ideal choice is Gallura. Here you will find white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an unspoiled inland, as well as a rich food and wine tradition.
Thanks to the unique landscape of Gallura, with gentle windy hills and granite terrain, wine tastings offer intense white wines with fruity and floral notes, pronounced acidity, and excellent alcohol content. Vermentino is the king of Gallura wines, with the DOCG denomination of Vermentino di Gallura. Other denominations include Vermentino di Sardegna DOC, Moscato di Sardegna DOC, Colli del Limbara, and Isola dei Nuraghi as IGT.
The best wineries to visit in Gallura for tastings include the Surrau Winery in Arzachena (pictured here - awarded in 2020 by Gambero Rosso for its Vermentino Superiore DOCG Sciala), Tenute Olbios south of Olbia, Cantina Tani in Monti (awarded Best Red Wine in Italy at Vinitaly 2019 for its Serranu IGT Isola dei Nuraghi), Cantina Siddura in Luogosanto (awarded as the best winery in 2021 at Vinitaly) and the Capichera winery, a perfect expression of the wines of Gallura.
Surrau winery - photo courtesy @Tiziano Canu
San Teodoro is a hidden gem in Sardinia, a charming seaside resort that captivates with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. La Cinta Beach, one of the most famous on the entire island, stretches for kilometres along the coast, with fine white sand that feels almost impalpable.
But San Teodoro is not just about sea and sun, it also offers the opportunity to discover the surrounding area in an adventurous way. A horseback ride along the coasts of La Cinta allows you to immerse yourself completely in the natural beauty of this area. Galloping along the beach and through scenic trails, you can admire breathtaking landscapes, explore the local flora and fauna, and have a unique experience in total harmony with nature.
A horseback ride in San Teodoro is an unforgettable way to discover the area and the surrounding landscape that is constantly changing amidst the colours and scents of Mediterranean vegetation.
The island of Tavolara, in northeastern Sardinia, is a unique place not only for its intriguing history but also for its incredible natural beauty. This small island was named after the family that lived there in ancient times and later was the place of residence of the Bertoleoni family, self-proclaimed royalty of the "smallest kingdom in the world."
Today, Tavolara Island is considered a protected marine area, characterized by vast expanses of Posidonia oceanica. During an unforgettable snorkelling adventure on Tavolara, two places not to be missed are Tegghja Liscia and Forni da Calce, in the southern part of the island, as well as the island of Molara.
Northeastern Sardinia is an enchanted treasure that offers a perfect combination of nature, relaxation and adventure. A trip to this part of the island represents an extraordinary opportunity to discover the timeless beauty of Sardinia.
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Cover: landscape around Villetta Tavolara @Alberto Persico
See here the zoning and beaches of the Maddalena Archipelago
