Discovering North Sardinia

1. Welcome to Alghero and the Coral Riviera

The adventure usually begins at Alghero-Fertilia Airport, a strategic hub where renting a car is highly recommended to guarantee mobility.

Alghero retains a charming historic center protected by sea walls. Wandering through the alleys, must-see stops include the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the cloister of the Church of San Francesco. Moving out of the center, the coast offers fine sandy beaches like Lido di San Giovanni and Lazzaretto. Heading northwest, the landscape becomes wilder: the cliffs of Capo Caccia, the peaceful bay of Porto Conte, and the seaside mining ruins of Argentiera.
For archaeology lovers, the area boasts two exceptionally important sites: the Nuraghe Palmavera (a Nuragic complex with a main tower and village) and the Anghelu Ruju Necropolis, one of the largest concentrations of Domus de Janas (prehistoric tombs) in Sardinia.

• Main Festival: Feast of San Michele (patron saint, September) and the Setmana Santa (Holy Week, a Catalan tradition).
• Navigation: Alghero Historic Center, Capo Caccia, Nuraghe Palmavera.

2. Sassari: History and Traditions

Sassari is the cultural and administrative heart of the north. Do not miss the G.A. Sanna National Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum, which offers an immense overview of Sardinian history, and the Historical Museum of the Sassari Brigade, located in the city center, recounting the deeds of the legendary military unit from WWI onwards. The historic center, with Piazza d'Italia and the Rosello Fountain, is the city's drawing room. Nearby lies the impressive pre-Nuragic altar of Monte d'Accoddi, a unique ziggurat in the Mediterranean.

• Main Festival: I Candelieri (Descent of the Candlesticks, August 14th), a UNESCO heritage event.
• Navigation: Sassari - Piazza d'Italia, Museo Sanna, Monte d'Accoddi.

3. La Pelosa in Stintino and Asinara Island

Driving to the northwestern promontory, you reach the famous La Pelosa Beach in Stintino. Logistics note: access is strictly limited and requires a paid online booking well in advance. You must also use a rigid mat under your towel to protect the sand. Parking in the area is paid (blue lines). Expect a Caribbean-like sea overlooking the Pelosa Tower.
From Stintino (or Porto Torres), ferries depart for Asinara National Park. The island has a unique history: a former quarantine station, WWI prison camp, and finally a maximum-security prison. Today, it is a pristine natural paradise inhabited by wild white donkeys. It can be visited via off-road vehicles, rubber-tired trains, or bicycles.

• Main Festival: Beata Vergine della Difesa (Stintino, September).
• Navigation: La Pelosa, Asinara Departures (Stintino).

4. Castelsardo, Isola Rossa, and Santa Teresa di Gallura

Continuing east, Castelsardo emerges as a medieval village perched on the sea, dominated by the Doria Castle. It is renowned for its traditional woven baskets. Nearby, Isola Rossa features striking red porphyry rocks plunging into the water, guarded by an ancient Aragonese tower.
The northernmost tip of the island is Santa Teresa di Gallura. Its port is the crucial hub for ferries connecting to Corsica (Bonifacio is just 50 minutes away by boat). The Strait of Bonifacio highlights the deep historical and geographic bond between Sardinia and its French sister island. Nearby, the archaeological site of Lu Brandali (nuraghe and giants' tomb) is worth a detour.

• Main Festivals: Lunissanti (Castelsardo, Easter rites), Sant'Erasmo (Isola Rossa), San Lorenzo (Santa Teresa).
• Navigation: Castelsardo, Isola Rossa, Santa Teresa Port.

5. Costa Smeralda, Olbia, and Porto Torres

Costa Smeralda represents international luxury: locations like Porto Cervo and Baia Sardinia offer exclusive marinas, boutiques, and renowned clubs. However, the area isn't just about the jet-set lifestyle; a few kilometers from the luxury, you'll find majestic archaeological sites like the Coddu Vecchiu Giants' Tomb and Nuraghe La Prisgiona (Arzachena).
The main eastern arrival and departure point is Olbia, featuring a major International Airport and the island's primary passenger port (alongside the other major northern port, Porto Torres, located to the west and famous for the Roman ruins of Turris Libisonis).

• Main Festivals: San Simplicio (Olbia, May), Festha Manna / San Gavino (Porto Torres, Pentecost).
• Navigation: Porto Cervo, Coddu Vecchiu, Olbia, Porto Torres.