Borgo Castelsardo
North Sardinia
Sea · Archaeology · Flavors · Wine
A guide born from direct experience: hidden coves off the map, silent nuraghi at dawn, taverns that don't advertise. Everything that transforms a stay into an authentic experience.
I — Sea and Marine Parks
Asinara
Asinara
For over a century a prison island, now restored to the Mediterranean in its most pristine form. The only white donkeys in the world. No accommodation, no private vehicles. Access is restricted. Ferry from Porto Torres or Stintino. Only with authorized services: 4x4s, ecological buses, catamaran, or guided trekking.
Maddalena Archipelago & Cala Coticcio
Cala Coticcio
Sixty-two islands and islets spanning 180 kilometers of coastline. Cala Coticcio, on the island of Caprera, is nicknamed the Tahiti of Sardinia: the water shifts from green to cobalt in just a few meters, reachable only on foot or by kayak.
Budelli
Budelli
The sand is pink due to a scientific reason: shells of microscopic organisms from Posidonia oceanica. Antonioni filmed it in 1964. Access has been prohibited since 1994—it can only be admired from the sea. Boat tours from La Maddalena or Palau.
Pelosa
Pelosa
Impalpable sand and very shallow water. Limited access—online reservation is mandatory. No smoking, mat required.
Small Coves
Cala Serraina
Cala Serraina
A labyrinth of turquoise channels among red granite rocks. Accessible by sea or trail from the road.
Capo Testa
Capo Testa
White granite polished by the mistral wind, four accessible coves on foot. Extraordinary sunset.
Li Cossi
Li Cossi
An amphitheater of pink granite, reachable only on foot.
Valledoria
Kilometers of golden dunes. Space is the primary luxury.
II — Archaeology and Trekking
North Sardinia is one of Europe's most layered territories. Civilizations that predate Rome by millennia left monuments that astonish those who encounter them unexpectedly.
Monte d'Accoddi
Monte d'Accoddi
The only ziggurat of the Mediterranean. A stepped altar from five thousand years ago, unequaled in Europe. The stone spheres scattered at its feet belong to a ritual still without answers.
Santu Antine
Santu Antine
"Sa Domo de su Re"—originally 25 meters high, with a trilobate geometry of absolute precision.
Roccia dell'Elefante
Roccia dell'Elefante
A perfect silhouette of an elephant. Inside: domus de janas with bull protomes painted in red ochre.
Anghelu Ruju
Anghelu Ruju
38 domus de janas carved into sandstone, over 5,000 years ago.
III — Culinary Experiences
The catch of the village and the porcheddu of the countryside are distant worlds, both worth exploring.
Fregola
Porcheddu
Restaurants in Castelsardo
Spaghetteria Aragona
Panoramic position, excellent pasta with seafood.
Pensione Pinna
An institution: local lobster, fish soup, a tradition spanning decades.
L'Imperfetto
The gourmet proposal: technical creativity and Sardinian ingredients.
Frassau
A quick stop with quality mixed dishes at accessible prices.
Agriturismos
Endless appetizers, Sardinian ravioli with ragù, roasted porcheddu, wine without limits. Reserve at least a week in advance.
IV — Wine Tourism
The wines of the North carry within them the salt spray of the Mediterranean and the warmth of granite.
Vigne
Tenute Asinara
Marine wines of great character. Vermentino di Sardegna is a must. Also Chianina Sarda.
Nuraghe Crabioni
Vermentino and Cannonau on granite soils with sea views. The terroir is felt in every glass.
Cantine Sorres
An immersive vineyard experience. To understand Sardinian wine from its roots.
Shardana Sardinia · Castelsardo · Edition 2025