7-DAY TRIP TO THE NORTH OF SARDINIA

Day 1: San Teodoro: Capo coda Cavallo, Cala Brandinchi, Lu Impostu

Departing from Livorno at 10pm, we disembark in Olbia at 8am. We immediately head towards the San Teodoro area to see the Cala Brandinchi beach. Unfortunately in August it is a very crowded area and the parking was already sold out. So we decided to spend the morning at Capo Coda Cavallo beach and then return to Cala Brandinchi around 1pm, where after a few minutes of waiting we managed to find a parking space. The beach is long and narrow, it is difficult to find a large place to sit. The water is clear and the landscape is wild.

After we moved to Lu Impostu. Of the three, it is the beach that I have preferred. Here the water is crystal clear and is much less crowded.

In general, are very crowded beaches for their fame, compared to those seen in the following days they are not worth so much. Lu Impostu, as I said, is the best one. Also nearby there is La Cinta beach, where we haven't been due to lack of time, but it should be similar to the other beaches in the area.

Dinner: Da Giona (Palau)

Typical Sardinian cuisine restaurant in the center of Palau. Culurgiones top dish of the evening. Too bad for the somewhat confusing and inexperienced service.

Night at B&B Gianni e Pia

Lovely farmhouse in the Arzachena area. Recently renovated rooms, with all comforts. Friendly and very pleasant service, very good breakfast (a mix between traditional and continental breakfast).

Day 2: Arcipelago della Maddalena

Wake up, breakfast and head to Palau for a Catamaran Tour of the Maddalena Archipelago. We stopped in Cala Soraja (Spargi), Razzoli, Piscine Naturali di Budelli and we admired the pink beach from afar.

The tour is organized by Sardinia Catamaran. Everything perfect; experience, food, company. I recommend it to all those who want to visit the archipelago. Without doubt the best day of the whole holiday.

Dinner: La Terrazza

Probably the restaurant we liked the least of the whole trip; for service and food. Fregola was not bad but not to leave you speechless either.

La Maddalena's old town is very nice, with an amazing atmosphere.

Night at Sardinia Holiday B&B Spargi Normal room, no "wow" factor. Highest price paid for a night in hotel of the whole holiday, but in any case it was the lowest price on the island. It is worthwhile if you want to spend an evening at La Maddalena.

Day 3: Arcipelago della Maddalena

Wake up, breakfast and head to the island of Caprera to carry out our 5-hour excursion to Cala Coticcio, also called Sardinia's Tahiti. Unrepeatable experience. The beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful we have seen. To get there, the trek is of medium level. Our guide was nice and gave us a lot of useful information about the place.

Please note: the beach cannot be visited unless you go with a national park guide. I recommend you to book in advance. There are two excursions per day (morning and afternoon) of about 20 people per shift.

After the excursion we moved to La Maddalena to see the beach Capocchia d'ù purpu (octopus head). It takes its name from the presence of a suggestive rock smoothed by the wind that resembles the large head of an octopus. Characterized by white sand, granite boulders and blue sea.

Dinner: Agriturismo Lo stabbiacciu The best dinner of our vacation. Only typical dishes, only zero km products. Fixed 5-course menu (starter, zuppa Gallurese, ricotta ravioli, porceddu and dessert) with very valid vegetarian options. Amazing atmosphere.

Night at Agriturismo Fioredda

Farmhouse in the middle of the Sardinian countryside. Lovely staff. You really feel at home. Superb breakfast with typical products; we fell in love with their carasau bread with fresh ricotta and abbamele (honey decoction).

Day 4: Santa Teresa di Gallura – Castelsardo – Alghero

Santa Teresa di Gallura, nice to visit. But above all, there is a beautiful beach near the city center called Rena Bianca.

Nearby you will find the Costa Paradiso and, about 1 hour, Castelsardo. A village of medieval origin, characterized by architectural and naturalistic beauties, craftsmanship, typical products, beautiful inlets and traditions that are always alive.

Aperitivo/Dinner: Riservato beach bar (Alghero) The hottest place in Alghero, where you can enjoy a spectacular sunset. The location is beautiful. We took a bottle of sparkling wine with some snacks. It's a pity they don't take reservations so you have to queue up to get in.

After dinner we took a walk in the center of Alghero, a very nice and lively city. I recommend you to stop in one of the many shops to buy a Fedina Sarda or coral jewelry.

Night at La Tanchetta (Alghero)

B&B slightly outside the center of Alghero. Newly renovated room and bathroom, quite spacious. Very nice and helpful staff. Too bad for the breakfast based on packaged products; fresh fruit and freshly made cappuccino were the only positive things.

Day 5: Stintino (Spiaggia La Pelosa, Le salile) - Asinara

Wake up, breakfast and we left towards Stintino to visit the famous La Pelosa beach, a must for your holiday in northern Sardinia. In order to access this beach you must make an online reservation and bring (or buy on the spot) some mats. The beach is beautiful and the sea had crazy colors despite being very rough. In front you can see the Asinara Island, very beautiful to visit by catamaran or with organized excursions.

After enjoying this beautiful beach for hours and hours, we moved to the Spiaggia delle Saline, also in Stintino. This beach is characterized by white pebbles that make the water always crystal clear. This is also very beautiful and much less busy.

Before dinner we visited Porto Torres. Honestly I didn't like the town, shabby and old style.

Dinner: Pizzeria Civico 3 (Porto Torres)

Very "food porn" pizzeria. Visit their social channels, you will have the mouth-watering just looking at those pizzas. The taste has absolutely not disappointed our expectations, very good pizzas and high quality ingredients. Is it worth stopping in Porto Torres on purpose to try it? Yes.

Night at La tanchetta (Alghero)

Day 6: Alghero (Grotte di Nettuno, Capo Caccia, spiaggia di Mugoni) - Porto Cervo - Olbia

On this somewhat cloudy day we decided to start the morning with a visit to Capo Caccia. We wanted to visit Grotte di Nettuno, unfortunately was closed becasue of the rough sea. In any case, Capo Caccia is a truly a fascinating place. The landscape is completely different from those we were used to. Very high cliffs, breaking sea, mysterious atmosphere. It was certainly a nice discovery.

Then we moved to the Mugoni beach, nearby. Nice and not too crowded, with a view of Capo Caccia.

Lunch: Focacceria Il Milese

A must in Alghero. You will have to be patient but I assure you it will be worth it. Here you will find a typical local focaccia with various fillings. I had the Milese (with tomato, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, rocket, onions, anchovies and fontina) paired with a classic Ichnusa. The perfect place for a tasty and cheap lunch, focaccias only cost 3€!

Since we had time, we decided to go to Porto Cervo. The most famous luxury destination in the whole Sardinia. Aside from luxury shops and many yachts, there isn't a great deal to see. But it is a very well-kept city and I enjoyed taking a walk there.

Dinner: Disizos ristorante tipico sardo

Very special location; tables outside are surrounded by graffiti representing Sardinian traditions. Fairy lights and nice atmosphere. The mixed appetizer with typical products was very good and the cutting board in the shape of Sardinia is a gem. Amzing shellfish revioli and very good nougat parfait. Super recommended place despite the slightly high price.

Night at Your Bed & Breakfast (Olbia) B&B that feels more like a guest house/hostel. Innovative self check-in and modern rooms (a bit too small). We didn't like the breakfast only of packaged products. But considering the low price of the structure, it deserves a pass.

Day 7: Tavolara - Olbia

On the last day in Sardinia we decided to visit Tavolara Island. You can get there easily by taking a small boat from Porto San Paolo (18€/round trip). They accept telephone bookings, recommended during high season. As soon as you disembark, I suggest you stop at the info point, they will be able to explain the various routes to reach the beaches and will give you some usefull maps. The island is full of very beautiful and uncrowded beaches.

Pranzo: Bar Da Tonino

There are a couple of affordable bars and restaurants on the island. Here you can find sandwiches, salads and wraps at fair prices.

Before taking the ferry to Livorno we took a walk in Oblia city center. I liked it very much, full of nice bars and shops.