A natural paradise waiting to be discovered, from famous beaches such as La Marinedda and Li Cossi to the wild Cala Tinnari and Cala Faa. A treasure trove of history from small country churches in the open countryside, mysterious “domus de Janas” up to the most famous towers in Sardinia: the nuraghe and the Torre Aragonese.
In the heart of the Costa Rossa, where the sea meets the red hues of the rocks and the scents of juniper and strawberry tree blend together in the air, there is the typical little fishing village of Isola Rossa. From this small Gallura town you can set off to discover fascinating destinations, immersed in history, nature and the sea.
Excursions on foot, along the paths and trails of the wild Costa Rossa
Trekking enthusiasts are spoiled for choice. You can start from the Longa beach at Isola Rossa (a 2022 Blue Flag winner together with La Marinedda) and go along in front of the cliffs of Li Bicchi Rossi to reach the beach at Li Feruli. Or you could leave the La Marinedda bay in front of the Hotel Marinedda Thalasso & SPA and walk towards the promontory of Punta Li Canneddi and the small and exclusive Cala Canneddi, also known as Cala Rossa.
One of the most popular routes is undoubtedly the Sentiero dell’Eremita or Path of the Hermit, a long walk dedicated to discovering the hidden coves near Costa Paradiso. This path, which takes its name from an ascetic who lived nearby, is a two-hour itinerary departing from Li Cossi, a white crescent-shaped beach overlooking the crystal clear sea. You arrive at Li Tinnari, a pebble beach notable for its double arched shape which meets in the centre thanks to a small cliff and which overlooks a sea of incredible colours. This is a trek among gnarled junipers and fabulous views, colourful butterflies and wild rosemary, a nature trail of impressive beauty which is really worth seeing.
Excursions over the water of the Costa Rossa
Those who prefer to stay on the water and experience the sea at first hand, can devote themselves to exploring via Sup or Kayak, by far the best ways to discover the numerous concealed coves that line the coast or be enchanted by the grandeur of the Aragonese tower at Isola Rossa that has looked out over the sea for centuries. After the effort, take a break in the most beautiful bays of the Costa Rossa with an unforgettable swim.
Sport fishing enthusiasts, on the other hand, can take advantage of the boats of the Poseidon fleet and head offshore to the teeming waters of the Gulf of Asinara. Expert skippers accompany sportsmen and women on an electrifying adventure in which they can test themselves with the best fishing equipment available and, hopefully, strike it lucky.
And for lovers of history and archaeology…
But there’s much more than just sea and sand! In addition to dream beaches and fairytale landscapes, the Costa Rossa offers the chance of visiting numerous places of historical and cultural interest. Starting from our base camp at Isola Rossa, we immediately come across an Aragonese Tower dating back to the 1500s, built with the aim of keeping watch over the seas and defending the coasts from the extremely dangerous Saracen pirates. Clearly visible from the romantic Hotel Relax Torreruja Thalasso & SPA, with its different shades of red granite the tower has a timeless charm, which at sunset is unequalled.
The countryside between the towns of Trinità d’Agultu and Aggius are instead dotted with rural churches, typical for the simplicity of their construction and the tranquillity that you can actually breathe. These include S. Pietro Martire, a few kilometres from Trinità d’Agultu going towards La Paduledda while in the other direction, going towards Aggius from Trinita and just after the road sign for Nigolaeddu, there are three small churches that give a unique flavour to the open Trinita countryside: the Church of San Giuseppe, the church of S. Antonio da Padova and the church of S. Michele Arcangelo.
To end our journey around the Costa Rossa, we take you back in time during a period when the Nuraghic people built important megalithic architectural structures. Visit the Nuraghe Bastianazzu, a structure of granite blocks located in the hamlet of La Paduledda which was used to control the entire coast. Then there is the Conca di Li Fati, one of the numerous Domus De Janas scattered around the island, tombs excavated in the rock and the subject of numerous legends. In fact, it was thought that beautiful tiny creatures known as the Janas lived in these cavities in the rocks, part witch, part fairy with pale skin like the moon and lovers of weaving.
