The Nearest Towns to Visit in Red Island: A Journey through Sardinian History and Traditions.

Isola Rossa is a beautiful seaside resort on the northern coast of Sardinia, known for its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. However, in addition to enjoying the sea, those visiting this part of the island have the opportunity to explore some fascinating towns located nearby, each rich in Sardinian history, culture, and traditions. In this article we will explore the towns closest to Isola Rossa, describing their main attractions and how to reach them to enrich your trip to Sardinia.

• Castelsardo
• Temple Pausania
• Valledoria
• Santa Teresa di Gallura
• Badesi

Castelsardo

Castelsardo is one of the most charming towns in Sardinia, located about 30 km from Isola Rossa. This picturesque medieval town stands on a rocky promontory overlooking the Gulf of Asinara, offering spectacular views of the sea. Its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses and castle towering over the town make Castelsardo a must-see destination for those visiting the region.

One of Castelsardo’s main attractions is the Doria Castle, built in the 12th century by the Genoese. Inside the castle today is the Museo dell’Intreccio Mediterraneo, dedicated to the ancient art of reed and dwarf palm weaving, a typical tradition of the town. The castle walls offer breathtaking views of the entire northern coast of Sardinia, and on a clear day, Corsica can be seen on the horizon.

There is no shortage of religious attractions, such as the Cathedral of St. Anthony Abbot, famous for its octagonal bell tower covered in colorful majolica tiles. During Easter, the city hosts the atmospheric Lunissanti, a nighttime costume procession that attracts visitors from all over the island.

How to Reach It

To get to Castelsardo from Isola Rossa, simply follow the SS200 road heading east. The drive takes about 40 minutes and offers beautiful panoramic views along the coast. Public transportation also connects Isola Rossa to Castelsardo, with buses leaving regularly during the tourist season.

Temple Pausania

Tempio Pausania, located about 45 km from Isola Rossa, is the historic capital of Gallura and one of the most charming inland towns in Sardinia. Tempio is known for its traditional character and for being surrounded by hills covered with cork and oak trees, which give the town a serene and picturesque atmosphere.

The heart of Tempio Pausania is its Piazza Gallura, overlooked by the Cathedral of St. Peter, one of the most important churches in the area, built in the Romanesque-Pisan style. As you stroll through the streets of the historic center, you can admire the gray granite buildings typical of Gallura, visit artisan stores and taste local products.

Tempio is also famous for its cork production, and in the nearby hamlet of Calangianus you can visit the Cork Museum, where you can learn all about the process of making this precious material, which is used all over the world.

How to Reach It

To reach Tempio Pausania from Isola Rossa, one can take the SP74 road that leads inland. The journey takes about 50 minutes by car. Despite being further away than other towns on the coast, Tempio Pausania offers an authentic experience of inland Sardinia, perfect for those seeking culture and tradition.

Valledoria

Valledoria is a coastal town located just 17 km from Isola Rossa, easily reached in less than 20 minutes by car. Known primarily for its long sandy beaches, Valledoria is an ideal destination for those wishing to explore a quiet tourist resort, yet full of activities and natural beauty.

One of Valledoria’s main attractions is San Pietro a Mare Beach, a vast expanse of golden sand bathed by crystal-clear waters. Here, the Coghinas River flows into the sea, creating a unique environment ideal for water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing and kayaking. During the summer, the beach is equipped with bathing establishments and kiosks that offer refreshments to bathers.

In addition to the sea, Valledoria also offers hiking along the Coghinas River, where you can rent canoes or participate in guided tours to explore the river’s fauna and flora. The village is also known for its production of olive oil and wine, with numerous agritourisms where you can taste typical local products.

How to Reach It

Valledoria is easily reached from Isola Rossa via the SP90 road in the direction of Castelsardo. The trip by car takes less than 20 minutes, and it is also possible to use public transportation that regularly connects the two localities.

Santa Teresa di Gallura

Santa Teresa di Gallura, located about 50 km from Isola Rossa, is one of the most picturesque towns on the northern coast of Sardinia. This charming town sits facing the Strait of Bonifacio, with spectacular views of nearby Corsica. Its strategic location and beautiful beaches make Santa Teresa one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations.

The town’s landmark is the Tower of Longosardo, a Spanish fortification built in the 16th century to protect the coast from pirate raids. Today the tower offers incredible views of the sea and Corsica, and is one of the most striking vantage points in the area.

Santa Teresa is also famous for its main beach, Rena Bianca, an expanse of fine white sand washed by a turquoise sea. The beach, which is a short walk from the town center, is equipped with bathing establishments and offers the opportunity to practice a variety of water sports. Regular ferries to Corsica also depart from Santa Teresa, making it an ideal connection point for those wishing to visit the French island.

How to Reach It

To get to Santa Teresa di Gallura from Isola Rossa, you can take the SS133 road in the direction of Palau. The drive takes about an hour, but the beauty of the landscape and beaches along the way make the journey extremely pleasant.

Badesi

Badesi, located just 10 km from Isola Rossa, is a small village overlooking the Gulf of Asinara, famous for its pristine beaches and crystal clear sea. Despite its small size, Badesi is a fast-growing tourist resort, particularly popular with nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

Badesi’s main attraction is Li Junchi Beach, one of the longest beaches on the northern coast of Sardinia. This beach offers ample space even during the busiest summer months, and is ideal for those seeking relaxation and tranquility. The clear waters and sandy seabed make it perfect for families with children, but also for those who want to practice sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.

For those who enjoy hiking, Badesi is the ideal starting point for exploring the dunes and Mediterranean scrubland surrounding the village. In addition, the area is famous for the production of fine wines, such as Vermentino di Gallura, which can be tasted in the many wineries and agritourisms in the area.

How to Reach It

Badesi is easily reached from Isola Rossa by car, following the SP90 southbound. The trip takes about 10-15 minutes, making Badesi a perfect destination for a day trip to discover its beautiful beaches and food and wine traditions.

Conclusion

The towns near Isola Rossa offer a variety of experiences, from charming medieval towns like Castelsardo to the paradisiacal beaches of Valledoria and Santa Teresa di Gallura. Each of these destinations has something unique to offer, whether it is history, culture, or simply natural beauty. If you are planning a vacation to Isola Rossa, consider visiting some of these towns to enrich your experience in Sardinia and discover new corners of paradise.

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