5 Things to see and do in and around Isola Rossa in Sardinia

It’s not just beaches in Gallura. There are day-long excursions through the splendid nature found in the North of Sardinia – walks and entertainment during your holidays on the Costa Rossa.

When you choose to spend a holiday in the typical little village of Isola Rossa you will find peace and quiet without giving up any of the comforts found in a town as well as the options of easily reaching other places and the many beaches of Northern Sardinia. This is the ideal place for a holiday spent enjoying relaxation and wellbeing!

It sometimes happens that the weather doesn’t let you spend a lazy day at the beach or by the pool, so why not take the opportunity to make a day trip to the inland areas of Gallura?
In just 20 minutes you can reach the main towns, typical granite villages in which to experience the hospitality of the locals, enjoy traditional Gallura cooking and visit fascinating sites of historical and cultural importance.

Here we are going to give you some advice on what to do in and around Isola Rossa:

The rocks of the Valle della Luna

Starting from Isola Rossa we first come across the Valle della Luna, a valley so named because of the particular shape and position of the rocks that resemble a lunar landscape. These huge boulders have been eroded and oxidized over time and when seen from the top of a viewpoint on the road, they can let your imagination run riot with the many different shapes that catch the eye. An absolute must if you find yourself near Isola Rossa and Badesi.

The authentic old town of Aggius

Continuing along the road, you reach the turning for Aggius. This small but delightful village, listed as an authentic Italian village and which has been awarded the Bandiera Arancione, or Orange flag, is a definite stop for a break. The cafe tables on the main street, the handicraft workshops and typical hand-woven rugs, as well as the Oliva Carta Cannas Ethnographic Museum and the Banditry Museum will surely make your stop both interesting and entertaining!

The Monte Pulchiana monolith

From Aggius you reach Monte Pulchiana in just 15 minutes by car. The largest monolith in Sardinia, which stands on a plateau covered with low sparse vegetation is known as an inselberg It was created by a process known as hydrolysis which led to the disintegration of the rock around it and the creation of a surrounding area that is unique throughout the whole island. A wild place to visit in Gallura, an excursion to go on especially during the delightful Sardinian springtime to enjoy the best of its colours, the scents of the Mediterranean maquis and the mild climate.

The Nuraghe Majori at Tempio Pausania & Sunset from the Aragonese Tower at Isola Rossa

A stop at the Nuraghe Majori on the way back to your hotel is a must! Located about two kilometers from Tempio, it is the best known nuraghe in the Alta Gallura area. A single tower nuraghe built in ‘Tholos’ style complete with corridors , it can be reached after a pleasant walk through woods of cork oaks. Expert young guides will be happy to explain not only the history of the archaeological site but also to give some useful background information on understanding the Nuraghic civilization in Sardinia. This is a place immersed in nature where you will also find a small shop selling handicrafts, Sardinian jewels and original souvenirs created by local artists.

After returning in the evening, a walk along the Isola Rossa promenade from the harbour to the Longa beach is a nice way to end an alternative holiday day out. But there is a special place from where you can watch the sunset and lose yourself in the horizon of the Gulf of Asinara: the Aragonese Tower. Built on a cliff about 35 metres above the sea, unfortunately it isn’t possible to go inside the tower but it forms an essential part of this evocative setting when the colour of the sea and the sun become as red as the rocks of the Costa Rossa. A place of peace, immersed in nature, without even leaving the town!