Seaside villages in northern Sardinia: the best stops
Northern Sardinia, like the whole island, is famous for its seaside villages, beaches and crystal clear sea.
There are quaint towns along the coast that can be visited at all times of the year enaturally beautiful, all year round.
We propose a beautiful itinerary that passes through 4 villages in North Sardinia: Palau, La Maddalena, Castelsardo and Stintino.
Palau, the village on the La Maddalena Archipelago
Palau is a famous tourist resort overlooking the La Maddalena archipelago.
It is a pleasant town to walk around, and if you feel like exploring, you will find wonderful sights in its surroundings.
Palau's nature is truly generous: the granite rocks have fabulous shapes, thanks to the wind that has sculpted them over the years.
Country churches, lush countryside, there are so many cues for those who enjoy walking in unique places like this.
Here are our tips on what to visit:
The Bear Rock at Capo d'Orso
It is a beautiful natural sculpture, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view.
Between myths and legends
It is said that Cape Bear may be "the land of the Lestrigoni," whom Homer mentions in Book X of the Odyssey.
The Lestrigons are the cannibal giants who gave their name to this land where Odysseus landed with his crew, whom they forced to flee in despair.
The Fortress of Mount Altura
On the road from Palau to picturesque Porto Rafael you will find the Monte Altura Fortress.
The imposing granite building is from the 19th century and served to protect the military base on La Maddalena.
Uno degli eventi più importanti di Palau fa tappa alla Fortezza di Monte Altura, portando in questa bellissima location concerti della migliore musica d’avanguardia e produzioni culturali di qualità: si tratta di Isole che Parlano .
La Maddalena, the enchantment of the village -- heart of the Archipelago
La Maddalena is the largest island that gives its name to the entire archipelago of stunning islets.
This is one of the most beautiful places in northern Sardinia.
A tour of downtown
The village of La Maddalena is really pretty: we recommend exploring the small streets in the center, pausing in the squares and admiring the historic buildings.
Head down to the sea and head to the port of Cala Gavetta, perhaps to chat with local fishermen.
Surroundings
By car, bike or public transportation you can venture dozens of miles in search of dreamy coves and breathtaking views.
Se arrivate fino a Caprera andate a visitare il bellissimo museo dedicato a Giuseppe Garibaldi, dove si trova la sua casa, in cui visse gli ultimi 26 anni della sua vita.
You will breathe an important part of Italy's history.
Castelsardo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy
Castelsardo is an authentic medieval village overlooking the sea.
It dominates the beautiful Gulf of Asinara and develops around the Doria castle, built in 1102 by the noble Genoese family as its impregnable stronghold.
Postcard-perfect history and sea
Superati i bastioni che la circondano, ci si ritrova tra affascinanti vicoli e ripide scalinate, numerose chiese e monumenti di notevole interesse storico, compreso l’interessante Museo dell’intreccio Mediterraneo.
Castelsardo also offers beautiful beaches of golden sand and crystal clear water, set among uniquely shaped rocks.
Tips for curious travellers
- The Cathedral of St Anthony Abbot, overlooking the sea and with a bell tower of coloured majolica tiles
- The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, guardian of remarkable treasures
- La roccia dell’elefante, splendida scultura naturale
- ThePalazzo La Loggia, seat of the old town hall
- The basilica of Nostra Signora di Tergu, an expression of Romanesque architecture.
Castelsardo is the setting for the famous event. Musica sulle Bocche, one of the most important events for music in Sardinia.
Stintino, the seaside village and its "masterpieces"
Stintino is a delightful seaside villagethat almost touches the island of Asinara.
It was founded in 1885 by Ligurian fishermen who resided on Asinara and were "evicted" from the island when the famous prison, considered the Italian Alcatraz, was established.
Fishing village
Stintino's history and culinary tradition are strongly linked to fishing.
We recommend enjoying some typical dishes, such as potato and lobster soup or excellent octopus Stintinese style in the restaurants overlooking the village's characteristic narrow streets.
Masterpieces of Nature
Its territory boasts wonderful places. We point you to 5 must -see stops in Stintino:
- La Pelosa beach, considered one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world
- The island of Asinara, between white donkeys and unspoilt nature
- Casaraccio Pond, a birdwatching paradise
- Tonnara Museum, discovering the past.
Tra gli eventi di Stintino vi consigliamo la coinvolgente Festa della Beata Vergine della Difesa.
