Red rocks, Blue Flag beaches, intimate villages and landscapes chosen by international cinema: a discovery for those seeking the wild beauty and varied scenery of Gallura.

There is a corner of Northern Sardinia to discover at a leisurely pace. This is Costa Rossa, overlooking the Gulf of Asinara between Castelsardo and Santa Teresa Gallura: an area far from the busiest tourist routes, chosen by those who want a holiday in close contact with nature and hospitality deeply rooted in the surrounding landscape.

The name Costa Rossa recalls the most distinctive feature of this stretch of coastline: the colour of its rocks. With their unusual shapes and intense shades, especially at sunset, they create a striking contrast with the sea and the green Mediterranean scrub. Costa Rossa is also the name created to promote the area of Trinità d’Agultu e Vignola, bringing together landscape, beaches, local culture and experiences to enjoy along the coast.

At the heart of this area lies Isola Rossa, a small seaside village that takes its name from the reddish rocky islet rising from the sea just off the coast. Gathered around the Aragonese tower and the marina, the village invites visitors to slow down. The seafront is perfect for gentle walks among boats and venues overlooking the sea, while the harbour is the ideal starting point for exploring the coastline. The best way to experience it is to alternate relaxing days with short explorations along the coast.

From the harbour of Isola Rossa, it is possible to hire a small inflatable boat and reach quieter bays, stopping for a swim or to explore the seabed with a mask and snorkel. At sunset, the light colours the rocks, revealing some of the most evocative views in the area.

La Marinedda, Cala Sarraina and Spiaggia Longa in Isola Rossa have once again been awarded the Blue Flag in 2026. Spiaggia Longa, convenient and close to the village centre, is easily reached on foot. La Marinedda opens onto a wide bay framed by Mediterranean scrub, while Cala Sarraina retains a more secluded character, with small coves, wind-shaped headlands and rocks in pink and red tones, surrounded by juniper, myrtle, mastic trees and strawberry trees.

The cinematic power of Northern Sardinia has not gone unnoticed by major international productions. After Disney’s remake of The Little Mermaid, filmed in several locations along the island’s northern coast, the area of Trinità d’Agultu e Vignola was also chosen for scenes from Star Wars: Starfighter, the new chapter in the famous saga, expected in cinemas in 2027.

The set involved the area between Li Cossi and Isola Rossa. Wind-sculpted rocks, hidden coves and the intense colours of the sea create landscapes that already seem made for the big screen.

Costa Rossa invites visitors not only to admire the landscape, but also to change pace. Days can begin with a walk by the sea, continue with a swim in a quiet cove and end in front of the sunset. There is no need to fill every moment: part of the charm of this area lies precisely in the chance to pause and follow the rhythm of nature.

Costa Rossa is also an excellent starting point for exploring other places in Northern Sardinia.

Towards Castelsardo, visitors come across the Elephant Rock, a natural monument containing ancient domus de janas, recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Continuing along the coast, it is possible to reach the medieval village of Castelsardo, the beaches of Aglientu and the great granite boulders of Capo Testa, near Santa Teresa Gallura.
Inland, Aggius is well worth a visit: a Gallura village surrounded by granite rocks and cork oak forests. Its stone streets, museums and weaving workshops reveal a different side of Gallura, closely linked to local traditions and culture.

Overlooking the Gulf of Asinara and close to the centre of Isola Rossa, Hotel Relax Torreruja Thalasso & SPA is a privileged starting point for discovering Costa Rossa. The connection with the local area continues within the hotel itself, with intimate coves, solariums set among the red rocks and panoramic terraces overlooking the gulf. Its collection of villas, included by The Telegraph among the 50 best options in Europe for summer holidays, combines independence with hotel services.