Sardinia recalls, in the collective imagination, a series of attractions linked to summer: clean sea, fine sandy beaches, breathtaking views, lush and wild vegetation, crowded clubs and discos that enliven the nights of tourists.
However I think that this island is so unique that is impossible to restrict it to a few attractions and I recommend a long stay in Sardinia to better appreciate its wonders.
I stayed in Gallura, precisely Porto Taverna area, due to its geographical position that allows you to spend relaxing days on the beach but also to join excursions in the inland and see places that seem to belong to another era. This brief guide is based on the journey I did last summer.
The pink flamingos, symbol of San Teodoro
In San Teodoro there is a lagoon, located behind the beach La Cinta, which is worth visiting because is populated by beautiful and rare pink flamingos, animals considered lucky since ancient times. The lagoon is surrounded by the Mediterranean scrub and can be visited by booking guided tours (also onboard a boat), a great opportunity to admire the dance of the flamingos, the flight of herons and enjoy the quiet of a balanced ecosystem. More information are available on the Sardinia tourism official webiste: www.sardegnaturismo.it
The Isuledda, dreamy beach for relax
The plenty of many beaches in Gallura is one of the reasons why you should come here for summer. I recommend Punta dell’Isuledda because it is framed by thick juniper bushes and by a deep blue sea. The shallow water makes Isuledda a beach suitable for children, on the horizon you can see Tavolara marine protected area, while behind the beach stands Monte Nieddu, a view that is unmatched elsewhere and collects the natural wonders of Sardinia.
Furthermore, the beach is equipped with a kiosk and you can rent pedal boats and kayaks.
Sport fishing in harmony with nature
Active holidays are an increasing trend in the last years. In other words there are a lot of people who wants to play sports on holiday and join activities that are usually precluded in the urban centers. Sport fishing lovers are part of this niche and they like to go to Sardinia to practice and respect the environment by using the most suitable techniques guided by experts aboard of equipped boats.
Along the coast of Gallura this service is supplied by Zeus Faber, which offers courses and excursions on board a Blackfin 29, reaching the best fishing spots in the heart of the Marine Protected Area of Tavolara and Punta Coda Cavallo. I suggest planning your excursion with sport fishing experts and attend courses to learn the basics of this sport. This experience is certainly recommended to people interested in new challenges off the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Dancing on the moon in San Teodoro
The nightlife in San Teodoro is lively as much as the morning. One of the most popular disco clubs is Luna Glam Club, which now is preparing the program of the next summer season. One of the most famous guests of the club was Skin, singer of Skunk Anansie, but the resident DJs are the real protagonists of summer nights, a success confirmed by the increasing number of people who come to dance “on the moon”.
This range of proposals is quite indicative of Sardinia attractiveness: I am sure that this destination can fulfill the wishes of travelers who like to stay on the beach and those who want to discover little by little to the surprises of this charming island.
The advices about localities, routes and activities to do in Sardinia are suggested by the team of Lu Nibareddu, Residence Hotel in Porto Taverna, between San Teodoro and Porto San Paolo.
Italo Rizzo, travel and lifestyle storyteller
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.