Best spots to visit in North Sardinia - a local's guide! (2025)

Whether you’re into relaxing on stunning beaches, exploring historic towns, or soaking up incredible views, North Sardinia has so much to offer! 

Let me take you through some of my favorite places to visit!

1. Alghero – The most charming town in Sardinia

Yes I said it! In my opinion, Alghero is the most charming town in Sardinia - if you are traveling to North Sardinia, you can’t miss it! 

Alghero has it all: cobblestone streets, rich history, amazing food, beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, and so much more.

Start your day relaxing on the beach with a cold Ichnusa beer in hand, and spend your evening wandering the picturesque streets of the old town. Wrap up the night with a seafood dinner and a glass of local wine near the Bastioni. If you’re up for more, Alghero’s beachside bars are perfect for a laid-back night out.

What to do in Alghero?

• Rent a bike: Ride out to Maria Pia Beach, just a few kilometers from the town center. It’s a peaceful spot with soft sand and clear waters.

• Visit Neptune’s Grotto: Take a boat tour from the port to this stunning sea cave filled with incredible stalactites and stalagmites. Feeling adventurous? Skip the boat and tackle the Escala del Cabirol - 654 steps carved into the cliffside. The climb back up is no joke, but the breathtaking views make it all worth it.

• Catch the sunset at Foradada Island Belvedere: If you have a car, this scenic spot is unbeatable for golden hour views.

• Swim at Bombarde Beach: Known for its crystal-clear, blue waters, this beach is a Sardinian gem - though I’ll warn you, the water can be chilly! Fun fact: this is where Reid and I got married last September!

Grotte di Nettuno

What about food? Here's some of my favorites in town!

• Focaccia Milese: a very popular spot on the Garibaldi seafront, famous for its handmade sandwiches filled with delicious Sardinian ingredients.

• Paella algherese: the Sardinian version of seafood paella, that swaps rice with fregola sarda, a typical Sardinian pasta. I highly recommend La Botteghina, their seafood fregula is mouth-watering.

• Pizza! After all, we are in Italy. Head to Il Refettorio in the old town for delicious gourmet pizzas and a great ambience!

2. Stintino and Spiaggia La Pelosa Beach – One of the most beautiful beaches in Europe

When you picture Sardinia’s beaches, you’re probably seeing La Pelosa. Located in Stintino, this beach is famous for its unbelievably clear water, almost like a natural swimming pool! It is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. No matter how many times I visit, it never fails to take my breath away. The colors of the water are so vivid and stunning that no photo can truly capture how amazing it is. You just have to see it for yourself!

Being such a spectacular spot, it’s no surprise that La Pelosa is very popular. In the past, the crowds got so intense that it was nearly impossible to find a spot to lay your towel. Over time, this started to take a toll on the beach. Its fine white sand would get stuck on people’s feet, towels, and bags, gradually causing the beach to erode. To protect this natural treasure, La Pelosa is now a regulated and protected beach, which comes with two key rules, that you need to know before you go:

1. Bring a stuoia (mat): This is mandatory and must be placed under your towel to prevent sand from sticking to it.

2. Book your spot in advance: Visitor numbers are limited to preserve the beach, so you’ll need to reserve your place. Tickets cost €3.50 per person for a day, and you can book them here.

   
   

3. Castelsardo – Medieval charm with a sea view

Who needs to go to Positano when you have Castelsardo?! Perched on a hill with an enchanting view of the Gulf of Asinara, Castelsardo is one of those places that seem straight out of a postcard. Its historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, craft shops, and houses in earthy shades of red and orange.

What to do:

• Climb up to the 12th-century Doria castle for a breathtaking panoramic view of the coast. Inside, you’ll find a museum dedicated to traditional Sardinian basket weaving, a craft that’s been around for centuries.

  
  

Where to eat:

• I recommend Ristorante Rocca ‘Ja: not only has this restaurant unbeatable views over the city, but also serves the best food in town. The menu includes all sorts of Sardinian typical food: suckling pig, culurgiones, gnocchi sardi, but also wood-fired pizza. Ask for a table next to the terrace!

4. Valle della Luna – For the free spirits

If you’re looking for something more rugged and untouched, Valle della Luna (“Valley of the Moon") is a surreal spot just outside Santa Teresa di Gallura. Known for its unique rock formations that glow under the moonlight, this is a place full of character and history, once famous for its community of hippies who set up camp here to live in harmony with nature. Although the hippies were eventually evicted, the magic of the place remains unchanged.

Getting to Valle della Luna involves a short hike, so be sure to wear proper shoes - definitely no flip-flops! The area is completely wild, with no bars, food stalls, or toilets, so come prepared with plenty of water and snacks. Once there, soak in the beauty of the untouched landscape, and enjoy one of Sardinia’s most enchanting and unique spots!

5. La Maddalena Archipelago – Sardinia’s ultimate paradise

If you’re looking for the ultimate beach paradise, head to La Maddalena. This collection of islands off the coast is accessible by a short ferry ride from Palau and is packed with dreamy beaches, crystal-clear waters and untouched landscapes. 

The best way to explore La Maddalena? By boat! You can join a guided tour or rent your own for the day, hopping from one stunning island to the next, each with its own unique vibe. If your budget allows, I highly recommend renting your own boat or opting for a small group tour. The big tours can get crowded, which makes it harder to fully soak in the beauty and serenity of the area.

A couple of my personal favorites are Cala Soraya on Spargi Island, named after Queen Soraya of Persia, and Cala Coticcio on Caprera Island, one of the most scenic spots in North Sardinia. Trust me, these spots are pure magic!

Final tips for visiting North Sardinia

• Best time to visit: Late spring or early autumn when the weather is perfect (not too hot, not too cold!) and the crowds have thinned out.

• Getting around: Renting a car is your best bet for exploring the island at your own pace. Sardinia’s roads are scenic, and having the flexibility to stop whenever you please is priceless.

• Respect the environment: Sardinia’s beauty is fragile, so please remember to leave no trace, respect protected areas, and help keep the beaches clean. Remember that taking sand, shells, or rocks from the beach is strictly forbidden and can result in hefty fines.

Northern Sardinia is a true gem, filled with hidden coves, historic towns, and unforgettable landscapes. So pack your bags, bring your camera and your swimsuit, and let Sardinia amaze you. You might just fall in love with my island as much as I have!