We are flying into Olbia June 1 and have planned to drive the Costa Smeralda Coastline the first day, making stops where interesting then spend 3 nights in Palau as home base, going to Maggdelena area and snorkeling. From there driving to rest of Coast through Teresa Gallura, Castelsardo, to Porto Torres (Stintino beach) and fly out from Alghero. Does anyone have any must sees or must stay areas? We love local culture, beautiful views, restaurants, snorkeling and sailing tours, beaches. We do not speak Italian. Is the North right area for these activities or should be have considered the south, west, east area?
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3167 posts
Five days on Sardinia is a really short visit and I think your plan is sound. You’ll find some beautiful beaches just west of Santa Teresa on Capo Testa. An interesting day or half day trip would be to take the ferry to visit Bonifacio on Corsica. Beautiful and interesting town and they offer frequent boat trips along the chalk cliffs and calanques. In Alghero, visit the Grotta di Nettuno for a great boat ride and fascinating caves.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15195 posts
You are doing good. The north side is great.
Take a boat excursion to the Maddlena Archipelago National Park. Google images to see.
There are many companies offering it from both Palau and Santa Teresa.
Near Santa Teresa go to Capo Testa. From there walk to the Valle della Luna (Moon Valley). Google images to see.
A day trip to Bonifacio would be good too if you can squeeze it in your short stay.
Castelsardo is probably the quaintest town in Sardinia and Alghero probably the quaintest City (with a Catalonian heritage).
If you are interested in the Nuraghi prehistoric civilization, there is an archeological Park next to Porto Torres, called Turris Libissonis. All others tend to be in the interior so not as convenient for your itinerary.
The Costa Smeralda is the playground of the rich and famous. Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo are probably the must go towns. If you want to see some seriously huge yachts filled with pretentious people, you will see plenty there. There are also beautiful beaches as well, but those are everywhere in the island.
Sardinia is famous for the beaches of course. So choose the ones you like in the areas you visit.
http://www.unionesarda.it/sardegna/spiagge