Things to Do in North Sardinia

North Sardinia is where turquoise seas meet time-worn castles, and every winding road seems to end at a view worth gasping over. This corner of the island is rugged, sun-kissed, and just a little bit wild. It’s the kind of place that rewards explorers who stray from the crowds.

Serene coastal scene with an ancient stone tower on a small island, clear turquoise waters, sandy beach, and people enjoying the seaside in Cornwall, UK.

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If you’re dreaming of boat trips, secret coves, and lazy afternoons over seafood and Vermentino, this list of things to do in North Sardinia will help you uncover its most magical spots.

Hi, I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger with an incurable love of small towns, Mediterranean food, and anywhere the sea sparkles. North Sardinia won me over completely – here’s why it might do the same for you.

Cruise the Maddalena Archipelago 🚤

If you only do one thing in North Sardinia, make it this.

Sunny Mediterranean beach with turquoise waters, rocky shoreline, lush green hills, and boats anchored near the coast, perfect for scenic coastal holidays and relaxing seaside escapes.

Beach in La Maddalena, Sardinia. Light coloured sand with ropes leading down to the beach

La Maddalena National Park is a string of dreamy islands off the northeast coast – full of hidden coves, electric-blue water, and pink-sand beaches like Spiaggia Rosa.

Boats leave daily from Palau and Cannigione. Smaller group tours are best if you want swim stops and secret snorkelling spots.

Lounge at La Pelosa Beach (Stintino) 🏖️

This beach is Sardinia’s showstopper – and for good reason.

A woman in a swimsuit stands in shallow, clear blue water at a beach with distant islands and a tower visible under a partly cloudy sky.

Imagine wading into a shallow, crystal-clear sea with white sand underfoot and a medieval tower on the horizon. It’s postcard perfection.

Note: There are many rules (like not putting towels directly on the beach to protect the sand), and reservations are required in peak season. Is it worth the effort? Absolutely.

Explore Castelsardo’s Old Town 🏰

This colourful hilltop town oozes charm.

Colourful coastal village on a hillside with a historic fortress at the top, overlooking the sea and beach on a clear sunny day, perfect for travel and holiday photography.

Castelsardo, Sardinia - Woman standing on a bridge overlooking the colourful coastal town of Castelsardo with hills and sea in the background.

Wander its cobbled lanes, snap pics of pastel houses, and climb up to the Doria Castle for epic views of the Gulf of Asinara.

While you’re here, browse the local basket-weaving shops – Castelsardo is famous for them!

Visit Elephant Rock & Other Granite Oddities 🐘

Sardinia’s wind-sculpted granite rocks are the stuff of legends – and selfies.

Elephant Rock, Castelsardo, Sardinia — Natural rock formation shaped like an elephant overlooking the countryside near Castelsardo.

Near Castelsardo, you’ll find Roccia dell’Elefante – a huge rock shaped (uncannily!) like an elephant. There are even ancient tombs carved into its sides.

Other bizarre formations are scattered around Capo Testa and the Gallura hills. Keep your camera ready!

Discover Olbia’s Hidden Corners 🏛️

Often treated as just a ferry port or airport hub, Olbia is actually full of surprises.

Outdoor café tables and chairs line a cobblestone street with shops on both sides; a few people are walking in the distance.

Stroll its charming old town, visit the Romanesque San Simplicio Church, or grab a gelato in lively Piazza Matteotti.

Feeling fancy? Head to Porto Rotondo nearby for a stylish aperitivo overlooking the marina.

Stroll the Marina in Porto Cervo ⛵

Welcome to Sardinia’s glitziest spot. A polished seaside town where superyachts line the harbour and designer boutiques gleam under the sun.

A woman in a black dress stands on a pier by a blue body of water, with hills and buildings in the background.

Porto Cervo marina, Sardinia — View of luxury yachts moored in Porto Cervo harbour, framed by rocks and pine trees.

Even if you’re not here for the shopping, it’s worth an afternoon wander to soak up the contrast between old fishing village charm and modern luxury.

Grab a spritz by the marina and enjoy a bit of people-watching, Porto Cervo style.

Taste Vermentino in the Gallura Hills 🍷

Gallura isn’t just pretty – it’s tasty too.

This region produces some of Sardinia’s best wine: crisp, floral Vermentino di Gallura DOCG.

Houses are visible on a hillside covered with dense green and brown vegetation under a clear blue sky.

Book a tour at a local winery and enjoy a slow afternoon sipping wine, nibbling pecorino, and chatting with passionate winemakers.

Snorkel or Swim at Capo Testa🩴

This otherworldly peninsula near Santa Teresa Gallura is packed with wild granite shapes, hidden coves, and dreamy sea views.

You can follow trails from the lighthouse to find swim spots framed by boulders.

A stunning coastal scene featuring clear turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and lush greenery, perfect for travel and holiday planning with Hazel’s Travels.

Tip: Bring water shoes – the rocks are sharp, but the water is worth it.

Helpful Tips for Visiting North Sardinia 📝

🧭 Rent a car – Public transport is limited, and the best spots (like Capo Testa and hidden beaches) are often remote. I recommend Discover Cars for car rentals.

🥿 Bring reef shoes – Many beaches are rocky or have sea urchins. Your feet will thank you.

🕶️ Pack sun protection – That Sardinian sun is no joke, especially on boat days.

📱 Download offline maps – Signal can be patchy in rural areas or on smaller islands.

🧳 Book accommodation early – Especially in summer. Popular spots like Santa Teresa and Alghero fill up fast.

Map of North Sardinia

Planning your route? Here’s a map showing the places listed in this post.

North Sardinia FAQs 💡

Got questions? Here are the most common ones answered!

Is North Sardinia good for first-time visitors?

Yes, it’s a perfect blend of beaches, culture, and coastal towns without the southern crowds.

Do I need to rent a car to explore North Sardinia?

Strongly recommended! Public transport is limited, and many of the best spots are remote. I recommend Discover Cars for car rentals.

What is the best time to visit North Sardinia?

May to October is ideal. June and September offer sunshine without the chaos of peak summer.

Are there nice sandy beaches in the north?

Yes, the beaches are stunning. La Pelosa, Rena Bianca, and most of the Maddalena Islands have that dreamy white sand.

What kind of food can I expect in Sardinia?

Lots of seafood, homemade pasta like culurgiones, local cheeses, and amazing wines like Vermentino.

Are there 5-star hotels in North Sardinia?

Some options to try:

🌟 Hotel Pitrizza, Porto Cervo – Ultra-exclusive.
🌟 Cervo Hotel, Porto Cervo – Glamorous marina vibes.
🌟 Petra Segreta Resort & Spa, San Pantaleo – Wellness luxe.

Is English widely spoken in Sardinia?

In tourist areas, yes. In smaller inland villages, a few Italian phrases will help!

Can I do day trips to Corsica from North Sardinia?

You can! Ferries run from Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio – a great cross-border adventure.

Final Thoughts ✨

From the island-hopping adventures of La Maddalena to the stone lanes of Castelsardo and the pine-scented trails of Monte Limbara, the things to do in North Sardinia capture everything that makes this region unforgettable.

It’s a land of quiet coves, medieval towns, and that effortless Italian magic you can’t quite explain – only feel. Whether you’re sipping wine in the Gallura hills or watching the sun melt into the sea at Capo Caccia, North Sardinia has a way of slowing time down.

Succulent seafood dish featuring prawns and shellfish served with bread, garnished with fresh herbs, on a white tablecloth at Hazels Travels restaurant. — Sardinian Cuisine

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Tags: Italy, Sardinia

Things to Do in North Sardinia: Coastlines, Culture & Crystal Coves 🏝️