Breathtaking landscapes in Northern Sardinia: the Costa Rossa and the village of Isola Rossa

They say it is only an ancient island rising in the middle of the sea surrounding Italy. And yet, Paradise must be more or less like this, were it not for the sun, which beats down mercilessly during the hottest hours of the summer months, and for the Mistral that some days, in this part of northern Sardinia, makes itself felt with all its force. The wild beauty that can be discovered as we travel along the winding coast road up a steep slope to Costa Rossa (Red Coast) is incredible, amidst the scents of the Mediterranean maquis and a landscape that is never the same, where silence reigns. Suddenly, looking towards the horizon, a deep red cliff appears, with an emerald sea at its foot. 

This is what is so special about Sardinia: that it offers those who wish to visit ever-changing panoramas. In the stretch between Santa Teresa di Gallura and Badesi, the Mistral wind over the centuries seems to have had fun letting loose all its imagination and, unleashing the force of the waves, has created a landscape made up of strangely shaped rocks and coves with sand in various shades ranging from pink to white and abandoning themselves to a sea of different hues, from green to turquoise to the deepest blue. 

One of the most fascinating stretches of coastline is the Costa Paradiso (Paradise Coast), with its succession of particularly jagged inlets, plays of colour and natural pools, a real paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. Li Cossi beach can be reached via a path or by sea, enclosed by pink cliffs on either side and a small pond behind. Also worth mentioning is Li Tinnari beach, which can only be reached on foot and is the symbol of Costa Paradiso, unusual for its double arch shape, and the small natural inlets of Le sorgenti, Li Tamerici and Le Baiette. A little further on, Cala Sarraina with its fine pink sand and Cala Faa characterised by a small beach with a slightly coarse pink sand. 

Halfway between Costa Paradiso and Castelsardo, on the promontory of the same name stands the small fishing village of Isola Rossa (Red Island), right in front of a red islet that emerges from the sea and takes on the colour of fire at sunset. Since the end of the 16th century, the great coastal tower has been scanning the horizon to defend the territory from pirate and Saracen incursions that were once a great scourge of Sardinia. Meanwhile, life in the village glides serenely along the seafront, among the stalls, restaurants, craft shops and the bustle of tourists. This is the perfect destination for those seeking contact with nature and relaxation, as well as for excursion lovers who will not be disappointed. There are numerous boat trips from here, surfing and windsurfing on the waves created by the Mistral, trekking and horse riding among the thousands of colours and scents of the Mediterranean maquis, diving and snorkeling to admire the world that lives under the sea, populated by many fish and red corals, and for the fun of children there is the Acquafantasy water park.

Among the marvellous coves and beaches in the area, two should certainly be mentioned, equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas: Spiaggia Longa, the most important beach in the locality, and the small beach of Li Femini, ideal for families with small children. Five minutes away by road is the bay of La Marinedda, which, on days when the Mistral blows, becomes a surfer's paradise, and nearby Cala Rossa, hidden among the rocks, wild, with a pine forest behind it and various boulders emerging from the water. Part of a now completely different landscape, Li Feruli beach is seven kilometres long and Li Junchi beach is over eight kilometres long, famous for its light-coloured sand and for being the ideal place for wave lovers, in the territory of nearby Badesi. 

In an ancient island where Nature is the undisputed master, life and culture also follow its own rhythms, amidst the silence of history, the echo of traditions and the hubbub of legends.

Halfway between Trinità D'Agultu and Isola Rossa, in the hamlet of Paduledda, is the Nuraghe Bastianazzu, which stands near the sea on top of a hill and, further inland, the Nuraghe Izzana, probably the largest and one of the best preserved in Gallura. Nuraghi are thousands of years old, traces of the Sardinian civilisation of the past. They have a truncated cone shape and are made of stone boulders resting one on top of the other. Austere and solitary, there are an estimated 7000 in Sardinia and it is not uncommon to see them, more or less preserved, in the island's countryside. Their function is still unclear to scholars, but it is believed that it was different depending on where they were built: military or defence, religious or astronomical observatory. 

Domus de Janas (Fairies' Houses) are another vestige of the past in the Sardinian territory. They are hypogeic tombs dug into the rock belonging to the pre-Nuragic civilisation that reproduced the home of the living on a "reduced scale". The subject of numerous legends, it is said that the Janas who lived there were tiny, luminous and beautiful creatures, a bit like witches and a bit like fairies, capable of digging into the rock with their nails. Near Isola Rossa is the Conca di Li Fati tomb. 

In the midst of the hills where you can breathe in the scent of myrtle, lies the municipality of Trinità D'Agultu e Vignola, closely linked to the traditions of its territory. "Primavera in Gallura" (Spring in Gallura) is an event that aims to rediscover traces and evidence of the past, typical customs and traditions of the Gallura farming civilisation, involving many villages. Trinità D'Agultu and Vignola are taking part by re-proposing "L'abbrazzu", the engagement ceremony of ancient times.

Talking about food and wine, the area is rich in vineyards that produce Vermentino wine and among the typical dishes we should definitely mention Zuppa Gallurese, a poor recipe made with bread, pecorino cheese and sheep broth.

Isola Rossa is home to the Hotel Relax Torreruja Thalasso & Spa: a romantic getaway, perfect for couples seeking absolute privacy. The village's shops and promenade are just a stone's throw away, while Isola Rossa's marina is an ideal base from which to discover the most fascinating places along this stretch of coastline, the unspoilt jewels of the La Maddalena Archipelago and southern Corsica, as well as the characteristic Bonifacio, thanks to a fleet of Delphina-owned boats. Equally strategic is its location in northern Sardinia, about an hour's drive from Olbia and Alghero and about 40 minutes from the ports of S. Teresa Gallura and Porto Torres.

An elegant and refined 4-star Superior and for the most demanding guests also a prestigious Imperial Suite - a real dream, with large verandas to enjoy the sea view on several sides - in addition to the Junior Suite Executive, in 5-star standard. Guests can choose from 124 rooms (from Standard to Suites and Master Suites) furnished in Mediterranean style, as well as elegant villas, some with private swimming pool (for up to 8 people, with fully equipped kitchen) for those guests who want even more space and independence (villa guests, during the hotel's opening periods, can use the swimming pool and some of the hotel's services free of charge, while restaurants and spa are charged for). And for those who want to keep fit even on holiday, the Hotel Relax Torreruja Thalasso & SPA also has an open-air gym with a direct view of the Gulf of Asinara.