TIPS FOR TRIPS
Those who visit Sardinia are taken by the beautiful environment and atmosphere of the island. You may choose to come and simply relax at the beach and in our garden and eat fresh local food or you may explore the close or further surroundings of the island.
There is so much on offer for nature or history lovers, sportif people or those wishing to explore culture.
By Foot
San Pietro A Mare (600 m)
Strolling from our closest beach to the right, pass the Kurumba beach bar, after 7 mins you arrive at the San Pietro a Mare, the centre of Asinara Bay with a lake and more lively beach clubs and water sports. A wonderful beach that connects the local river and sea into which it enters. Boats/kayaks can be rented to take you from the river to the sea. directions
Valledoria (2 km)
Holiday centre with shops, restaurants, bars and cafeterias, entertainment for the day and evening of the day. You will most likely be shopping here, or get fresh produce at the Saturday morning market or buy a fish or special cheese at the following places Pescheria Santoni or local cheese Pastori Perfughesi. Valledoria is not picturesque but practical with all you need including pharmacy, guarda medica etc. directions
La Ciaccia (2.6 km)
Strolling from our beach to the left or heading out to the the main road you find a village la Ciaccia. It offers another beautiful beach with a fancy restaurant and café “La Locanda” and is popular for kiteboarding and widsurfing. There is also a pizza restaurant, paddle court upon reservation and mini market. directions
Monte Ossoni hike and Agriturismo Bedda Ista (4 km)
From la Ciacca you can climb or drive a 1 km up the Monte Ossoni mountain (3 hr hike) to visit a farm that offers local gastronomic specialities which are produced directly on the farm from their own grown products. From the top of the mountain you can see the Gulf of Asinar, on the beach of Valledoria, Asinara, Isola Rossa and even Corsica. directions
La Mudizza (1.8km)
About 1.8 km from our house directly away from the sea is located a village La Mudizza. On the edge of the village, Cantina Ligios is a family winery that offers tasting of local wines, cheeses, meat, as well as other specialities specific to the area. There is a church in the centre of the village, which allows you to visit the church at specified times. directions
Cala Ostina (8 km)
A pleasant walking trail from la Ciaccia direction to Castersardo along the main road which continue to run alongside the coast and under the hill of the bar on La Ciaccia, about 3.5 km to a small bay called Cala Ostina. This beach is marked by a dark golden sand, sanded beneath red rock walls with a large number of plants, making the beach very impressive. In case of big waves on the main beach, this beach is more suitable for swimming with quieter water. directions
Castelsardo (8 km)
For those ready to work longer, you can go along the coast to a medieval town of Castelsardo with its dominant sight of 12th century castle which can be also visited. The island of Corsica and Asinara can be seen in good weather. It comes with rich history, ancient craftsmanship and religious traditions, everywhere there are many shops with a wide range of souvenirs made by handwork and restaurants. directions
By Car
Castelsardo (12 km)
Taking a road away from the coast via la Mudizza, you can experience a scenic drive to a medieval town of Castelsardo with its dominant sight of 12th century castle which can be also visited. The islands of Corsica and Asinara can be seen in good weather. It comes with rich history, ancient craftsmanship and religious traditions, everywhere there are many shops with a wide range of souvenirs made by handwork and restaurants famous for seafood. We like the family owned bar Bar Roma Pizzeria-trattoria for cheap pizza and pasta and terrasse with sea and castle views). Important to park at the entrance to the town and walk to the centre as parking is difficult during the season. directions
Sedini (10 km)
Sedini is a small town with archaeological and cultural treasures, steep stairs and narrow streets. The well preserved Domus de Janas rock graves that were put into the rock from 3400 to 2700 BC, are small caves in the ground or in rocks, often grouped one or more rooms, which served as collective graves. The house of La Rocca is the largest Domus de Janas cathedral, which was first shaped by nature and then modified by humans. It was used to make bricks, as a prison, for keeping animals, as a shop and now as a museum. Sedini offers an excellent view of its surroundings, in particular the rich streams, reefs and historical buildings. directions
A bit further away in the vicinity of Martis, there are remains of petrified forests (a type of fossilize wood to see (Perfugas and Martis)- 23 km.
Terme di Casteldoria thermal baths (11 km)
Not far from Viddalba, the hot springs of salt bromine – iodine medicinal water, already known from Roman times – are fed into the local stream. Thermal water comes from a depth of 2000-3000 metres of volcanic rocks, from which it absorbs rare mineral salts and intense heat and gives it its medicinal properties. This water flows at a very high temperature, up to 65 to 78 degrees C. The baths built on the river bank specialise in the medicinal mud found there, which is used for therapeutic purposes.
The surrounding landscape on the slope of the Cohignas river is covered by a Mediterranean forest. Although not always the best maintained, this site is interesting to visit anytime, especially for the colder days of the spring and autumn. directions
Roccia dell Elefante (8 km)
On the way to Castelsardo there is a powerful gantry block that looks like an elephant. The roccia dell Elefante’s is a piece of Monte Casteddazz’ that fell into the valleys and has weathered over a long period of time into this shape. You can also find there the two Domus de Janas, which are graves from the pre-Nourrango period with drawings and symbols of e.g. cow’s horns and bull heads at the bottom of the house. directions
Isola Rossa (20 km) and nearby beaches
An authentic fishermen’s village, located around the Aragonese Tower from the 16th century, which in the past protected the bay from pirates’ attacks, is now a popular seaside resort with marina, boat rentals, and restaurants with authenthic sea cuisine. We love to stop by for a great ice cream and a tiny diving spot among the rocks in the city , or you may enjoy the beautiful city beach. directions
On the way to Isola Rossa, a hidden gem is Cala Rossa Canneddi beach, where you can chill under pine trees with a relaxed music and snorkel to see sea life and great red rocks view. On the way you can also stop at La Marinedda beach – another favourite place. From Cala Rossa beach heading east you can find a small trek that takes you to Tinnari beach or even to Costa Paraiso. Amazing track along the wild coast best in cooler weather in spring or autumn.
Costa Paradiso (30 km)
A touristic resort mainly alive during the main season with houses set among beautiful, pink rocks with amazing views is often referred to as the ‘pearls of northern Sardinia’. The beauty of the entire scenery and the submarine world is appreciated by divers or snorkelers who can use the services of a diving centre at Costa Paradiso. directions
Porto Torres (45 km) a Scogliera di Balai Lontano and Monte d Accodi (38 km)
Porto Torres is one of the main ports in the Gulf of Asinar and an important link with the ports of Genoa, Marseilles and Nice. Porto Torres is an industrial centre but there are many beautiful beaches not far anda drive through Platamona - pine forest is pleasant. The Water Paradise Aquapark can be also found there. directions
On the way it is worthwile to stop at the Balai Lontano church, which was built on a coastal road where, according to tradition, the bodies of three martyrs Gavina, Prota and Gianuaria were thrown to the sea and brought back to the shore. Taking a stroll to a meadow you can have a beautiful view of Balai Lontano reefs with many shades of white and blue colour. directions
7 km southeast of the Porto Torres you can visit Monte d’Accodi a sacred megalithic construction in the shape of a pyramid. directions
Sassari (45 km)
Sassari is the second largest city of Sardinia. Apart from industrial zone with shopping opportunities with all major European and Italian brands, Sassari with 4 gates to enter has maintained its medieval appearance to this day. There are historic houses from the 16th and 17th centuries in the historic centre as well, churches, private and public palaces and the known Rosello fountain. The main sites of Sassari include the castle of Castello di Sassari, the medieval castle, the San Nicola Cathedral, the Palazzo D’Usini Renaissance Palace and the Teatro Verdi theatre. Close to Sassari, you can also visit a remarkable medieval church Basilica di Saccargia. directions
Alghero (78 km)
If you arrive to Sardinia via Alghero airport, only about 15 mins drive, we recommend you to visit Alghero town with many little streets, powerful gates around the town and the 16th century Cathedral Santa Maria. The city has a Catalan atmosphere because of the Spanish colonisation in the 14th century. At the centre of the city, Lido San Giovanni’s long urban beach and the calm beaches: Le Bombarde and Lazzaretto, which are covered with yellow sand and have crystal-cleaned shallow water suitable for snorkelling, are popular. These beaches are also called a coral riviere for the rich presence of red sea coral. directions
Porto Conte (83 km) and the Neptun’s caves
The Porto Conte Bay consists of small bays, reefs and a long beach Pineta Mugoni. Capo Caccia is considered one of the most impressive caves in Sardinia. The best known is a 1 km long Neptun's cave, which is the only one above the sea level and therefore accessible not only by sea, but also by the so-called goat stairs with 660 steps. It offers amazing stalagmites and Stactites, a large salt lake La Marmora and other amazing interior sights and halls. directions
La Maddalena (80 km) and the Costa Smeralda
The famous archipelago of 7 islands is a national park of immense beauty. You can drive or bike around the largest island la Maddalena and enter also la Caprera where there is archaeological museum. A boat trip to visit a beautiful pink beach Spiaggie Rosa on Budelli is also recommended. directions
The Costa Smeralda is the most touristic and expensive place of Sardinia with luxury hotels. During the summer months, it attracts crowds, celebrities, billionaires, and yachts. Parking is almost impossible. However, around Porto Cervo and Olbia there are some beautiful beaches and many activities for those who want to taste the glamorous lifestyle at least for a day. directions
Santa Teresa di Gallura (59 km)
Only 11 km from Corsica is a nice seaside village in the Gallura region which grows in size in summer and offers nice beaches, chic bars, live music and rich history. directions
Ferries departing from the port in La Maddalena archipelago, Corsica to Bonifaccia, as well as a cruise ship to the islands of Spargi and Budelli.
