Sardinia is a wonderful island, long regarded as one of the most sought-after summer destinations.
Its beaches are considered among the most beautiful in the world, its archaeological sites are true open-air museums, and its ancient history and traditions shape the strong identity of the Sardinian people, along with their renowned hospitality and generosity.
Visiting the whole of North Sardinia in a short time without a car is very difficult, especially if you rely on public transport. Our advice is to book a rental car and experience Sardinia fully on the road. If, for example, you have chosen to spend your holidays in the north of the island, once you land at Olbia Airport you can book or pick up the vehicle you prefer at our “Ellepi” car rental agency.
In this article we share a short itinerary to help you see, in a limited amount of time, some of the most stunning places in North-East Sardinia, all easy to reach thanks to the convenience of hiring a car.
Exploring North-East Sardinia
North-East Sardinia is famous for beautiful beaches and an elegant, refined vibe. It stretches between the Gulf of Arzachena and Cugnana and offers fine sand, clear and crystal waters, breathtaking views and plenty of fun. This side of the island has also long attracted well-known names from entertainment and national and international VIPs.
Let’s not waste time and start our trip right away, behind the wheel of our rental car. After driving around 30 km, we reach the best-known destinations along the island’s north-eastern coast, including Porto Cervo.
This area offers countless beaches to visit, such as:
- Liscia Ruja beach, made up of several beautiful and distinctive bays thanks to the presence of junipers and white lilies. The sand is fine and golden, and the sea shows shades of blue and green
- Capriccioli coves, on the southern side of Porto Cervo: the sand is extremely fine with greyish notes that blend into blue water, all surrounded by Mediterranean scrub and granite rocks. This beach is also ideal for children
- Spiaggia del Principe, a romantic and stunning spot with an unforgettable view. White sand, turquoise water and a pink-granite inlet create a fairytale backdrop
After a day at the beach, nothing beats a walk through Porto Cervo’s squares. Beyond the famous luxury boutiques, you will find plenty of restaurants, clubs and nightclubs, perfect if you want an evening full of company and fun.
For the second stop of the holiday, we take you to Palau, just over 30 km from Porto Cervo.
This seaside town also offers beautiful beaches to visit, such as:
- Porto Pollo beach: also known as “Gabbiani right side”, it sits on a white-sand inlet that splits two beaches surrounded by fragrant Mediterranean scrub. It is one of the favourite spots for windsurf lovers, and it’s great for children too: the seabed is shallow and the water is typically crystal-clear
- Cala Inglese: also called Punta di Sardegna beach, it is a quiet beach surrounded by Mediterranean scrub. The sand is fine and pale, while the sea is an emerald green. Nearby you will find Porto Rafael, a rather distinctive small tourist marina
- Nelson beach: this wonderful beach is known for particularly fine sand and is bordered by Mediterranean scrub that almost reaches the shoreline, creating a truly enchanting landscape
As an alternative to these beaches, we suggest an excursion to the La Maddalena Archipelago and its beaches, easy to reach by ferry from Palau. Considered by many one of the most beautiful tourist areas in Sardinia, this archipelago includes around 60 islands of various sizes, including Caprera, Budelli and Spargi.
To explore the smaller islands, you can choose a boat trip or a dinghy tour, spending the day discovering fantastic and unique beaches.
For the last stop of our journey, we decided to take you to a beautiful destination close to Olbia Airport: Porto Rotondo.
Beyond its many beaches, the town offers several atmospheric and artistic places to visit. Start with the Church of San Lorenzo, created by Andrea Cascella and Mario Cerioli, known for the wooden sculptures that form the ceiling and the Murano-glass rose window. Continue your walk to Via del Molo, where you will find a beautiful mosaic, also known as “Food Chain”, created by Emmanuel Chapalain.
To end the trip on a high note, do not miss a visit to the Porto Rotondo marina, a well-equipped area full of services with a beautiful view.
And what about the beautiful beaches of San Teodoro? La Cinta, Lu Impostu, Cala Brandinchi: definitely not to be missed!
Other places to see in North Sardinia
Beyond the destinations we have suggested, North Sardinia offers many other interesting places to visit during your trip.
Here are a few extra ideas to enrich your experience:
- Castelsardo: on the island’s north-western coast, Castelsardo is a charming medieval village known for its castle, picturesque lanes and panoramic coastal views. Explore the old town, admire local crafts, visit the Museum of Mediterranean Weaving and enjoy traditional food in one of its characterful restaurants.
- Alghero: this coastal city is famous for its Catalan atmosphere and its beaches. Walk along the medieval walls, explore the historic centre with its cobbled streets, visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria and relax on nearby beaches. Alghero is also a great base for exploring the spectacular Neptune’s Grotto, reachable both by sea and via a panoramic staircase carved into the rock.
- Stintino: at the north-western tip of Sardinia, Stintino is renowned for La Pelosa, with white sand and crystal-clear water that looks like a postcard. This beach is very popular, so it is best to arrive early to find a quieter spot. From Stintino you can also take a boat trip to Asinara Island, a protected area rich in wildlife and plant life.
- Bosa: on the western coast, Bosa is a picturesque town with a colourful historic centre and a medieval castle. Walk along the Temo river, admire pastel-coloured buildings, visit the Cathedral of Bosa and enjoy traditional Sardinian dishes in local restaurants. From Bosa you can also explore the Valley of the Nuraghi, an area rich in ancient Nuragic sites.
Our journey comes to an end. For any information or car rental tips, feel free to contact us!
