Three Slow-Paced trails to explore the Costa Rossa on foot

There are no set rules for lovers of slow-paced hiking: encounters with nature and history follow their own rhythm. They live on intermediate stages, meditative pauses or revitalising swims after a long walk. They include observing the Mediterranean scrubland or the surprise of spotting a land tortoise or a family of wild Sardinian hares.

Excursions suitable for everyone, discovering often little-known places that still have the power to enchant: this is the Costa Rossa, a 40-kilometre stretch of white beaches and red cliffs between the municipalities of Vignola and Trinità d’Agultu. Timeless locations, perfect for rediscovering the sense of freedom and well‑being, and reconnecting with the slower rhythms of nature.

From Isola Rossa to Li Feruli Beach along the Enchanting “Li Bicchi Rossi” Coasts

The journey to discover the Costa Rossa begins from its southwestern boundary, namely the fishing village of Isola Rossa, developed on the edge of Spiaggia Longa, near the Hotel Relax Torreruja Thalasso & SPA. A strip of white sand washed by clear, crystalline waters and equipped with all amenities, which for years has been awarded the Blue Flag by the FEE. It is precisely from this splendid beach that the first of our slow itineraries takes its start. The hike is easy and unfolds through fragrant Mediterranean scrubland, along the rough red cliffs of li Bicchi Rossi, until reaching the small, secluded beach of Oltu di Li Canni, shallow and rocky, and then the “Campanile”, a tall rock in the sea resembling the architectural structure of the same name. Beyond this little islet, you reach the beach of Li Feruli, the first in a long series of beaches stretching for no less than 8 kilometres. Once there, it is highly recommended to visit the Alburu di Li Banderi, a centuries‑old juniper tree symbolising those who died aboard the steamship Tripoli during the First World War.

From the Pastel Colours of La Marinedda to the Wild Red of Cala Canneddi

The second itinerary starts one kilometre from the village of Isola Rossa at La Marinedda beach, just a stone’s throw from the Hotel Marinedda Thalasso & SPA. The bay of La Marinedda is known for the turquoise shades of its waters and the intense scent of helichrysum filling the air. Surrounded by the green of the Mediterranean scrubland and the pale colours of sea roses and sea lilies, La Marinedda is the ideal destination for water-sports enthusiasts as well as families with young children. This is thanks to its shallow, sandy seabed and wide range of services, reasons behind its re‑confirmation as a Blue Flag beach in 2021.

On the northeastern side of La Marinedda begins a low red cliff, from where the slow journey starts along narrow paths through the greenery at the cliff’s edge and the splendid coves of Cala Calboni and Cala Falza, until reaching the rocky peninsula of Punta Li Canneddi. From this exceptional vantage point you can admire the island of Asinara and the characteristic village of Castelsardo to the west, as well as the distant, wild Corsica to the east.

The excursion ends at Li Canneddi beach, also known as Cala Rossa. Hidden behind the cliff of Punta Li Canneddi, Cala Rossa is characterised by transparent waters dotted here and there with small red rocks—a true fairy‑tale landscape. The shady pine wood behind it is ideal when you need a break from the sun to rest before heading off again.

From Cala Tinnari to Li Cossi Beach: Discovering the Crescents of the Costa Rossa

Wide, solitary landscapes and distinctive red cliffs plunging into the sea are the main attractions of this route, which begins halfway between Isola Rossa and Costa Paradiso. From the provincial road, turn in the direction of Monte Tinnari and follow a dirt track for a few kilometres until you reach a gate, where you can leave your car and begin the adventure on foot.

After a walk through cistus, mastic and helichrysum plants you suddenly become spectators of a unique spectacle: two silver‑pebble crescents joined by a rocky islet and emerald-green sea. This is the famous Cala Tinnari.

After a swim, you’re ready to plunge again into the dense Mediterranean scrubland, where the discoveries begin anew. A few steps from the cove you come across an ancient gallurese stazzo surrounded by the wild salsola of the beach and not far away a dense forest of Mediterranean scrub. Here, behind this evergreen barrier, you glimpse a new pleasant surprise: a splendid little beach of pink pebbles. This particularly secluded cove is called Porto Leccio because it was once surrounded by a holm oak forest.

But the journey doesn’t end here. A little further on, hidden by two towering red trachyte cliffs, appears the beach of Li Cossi—a crescent of golden sand, characterised by soft sandy seabeds and golden hues, another unmissable stop on the Costa Rossa. Li Cossi beach can also be reached via the panoramic path from Costa Paradiso, built on cliffs plunging into the sea and offering a natural spectacle of rare beauty. Romantic souls will appreciate walking this path at sunset; from here you can admire one of the most beautiful sunsets on the Costa Rossa!