It has been in my dreams since we started traveling more to visit the Sardinia and experience this magical part of Italy that is truly the definition of Paradise! The irony is that we live only 700 km and it took us a few years to get there. Yet we had one of the finest road trips in Europe. From flying over the sea by plane and renting a car, secluded beaches became a daily thing, eating pasta every day like true Italians (Pasta arrabbiata saved my holidays there, talking as a vegan), swimming in luminous azure sparkling waters with sand whiter-than-white was something I did not expect to find in Europe.
We flew into Olbia, a city northeast of Sardinia, while the island has 3 airports, but we wanted to focus more on the norhern part. So we rented a car and did a circle trip including La Maddalena archipelago.
San Teodoro
We drove just 20 minutes to our first stop southern from the airport and found my favorite place on the island. San Teodoro offers what you’d expect to find on an island in the Caribbeans. Endless beaches, as-white-as-it-gets sand, turquoise waters and FLAMINGOS (!!). Yes, you’ve read right. There are actual pink flamingos behind the beaches and there are hundreds of them. We spent 3 days in that area and if I could do it again I would trade in 2 days in the northern, overpriced Costa Smeralda to be in this area. And regardless of easy accessibility of the beaches, you won’t find crowds here.
Paradise Resort & Spa
Ok, I admit. Maybe I liked San Teodoro so much because of the resort we stayed in. This luxury resort & spa is one of the dreamiest locations to spend your time whilst in Sardinia. It’s right on the beach and it consists of single storey villas, granite stones and colorful ceramics. We were invited to spent a few days there and couldn’t have spend it in more super chilled out, relaxing vibe, where you can lounge out in the shade, by the pool or in your own little booth overlooking the sea. The food was so fresh and tasty, covered all our vegan needs. And when you think it can’t get any better, they took us to Spa for a massage.
San Giovanni di Sinis
It took us almost 3 hours by car, 2 portions of spaghetti and ice cream to hit the east coast of Sardinia. The roads are well maintained, however there’s no highway on the island. We wanted to visit it due to the beautiful views over this historic place. What used to be a fishing village is still charming little town with beautiful beaches and a perfect place to stop for half a day to do a little hike.
Bosa
Prettiest town on the island with the colorest little houses. Cinque Terre of Sardinia, except it’s just one. We wanted to make just a short stop, but then I couldn’t stop exploring the dreamy streets and ended up staying the whole day there picking our new house. I chose pink, he wanted a blue one.
Castelsardo
The town is a small Medieval jewel right on the little hill with the colorful houses, turquoise seas & white sand beaches and looks like a dream. Surely most touristic spot of the west coast, yet do not expect anyone speaking english. Perfect for the lunch stop and a quick dip to cool down from the heat on the island in September.
Regional Natural Park of Porto Conte
The territory is mostly flat and includes 60 kilometres of shore: sandy beaches alternate with steep cliffs. In close proximity of Alghero and the only thing about this place we regret is not staying longer and waiting for the sunset.
Maddalena archipelago
And best for last. La Maddalena. If you are time limited and unsure whether to spend it on Costa Smeralda (or anywhere else) or La Maddalena and you’re more adventurous type – my vote goes to La Maddalena. Take a ferry from Palau, it departs every 15 minutes and it takes nearly 20 minutes. Hands down, we found best beaches in Europe right there. Good ones are slightly more difficult to reach and require 30 minutes hike. Look for Tahiti beach (most famous and more crowded) and my absolutely favorite – Caprera beach.
