And along the road leading to Castelsardo, don’t miss the famous Elephant Rock, a curious rock formation resembling a seated elephant. This large block of red trachyte, sculpted by wind and weather, is not only a perfect spot for photos but also houses the Domus de Janas, or the so-called fairy houses, ancient pre-Nuragic tombs that bear witness to Sardinia’s long history.

And for a refreshing dip before returning to your hotel, the large beach of Lu Bagnu is just two minutes by car from the historic centre, or you can opt for Marina di Castelsardo beach within the village, while Punta Li Paddimi has a mixed seabed of sand and rocks, ideal for snorkelling.

It starts on Friday, June 28th in Piazza Tortu (5:45 PM) with Lingua Madre Social, where Ivo Murgia talks with Emiliano Mulas and Marina Meloni Mameda about promoting the Sardinian language on social media. At 6:30 PM, Cercala se puoi, a discussion on the art of songwriting with Chiara Effe, winner of the 2018 Fabrizio de André prize, considered one of the most interesting new songwriters. At 7 PM, Chiara Effe will be the protagonist of the festival’s first concert.

On Saturday, June 29th, the morning begins in the coolness of the Fonte Cagadda with Di Suoni e Sapori, a dialogue between Marco Lutzu and Arrogalla on the integration of electronic and folk sounds. This is followed by Il poeta degli stazzi (11:30 AM), a discussion on poetry in the Gallurese language and a performance titled Di Versi e Suoni (12 PM), featuring a selection of poems and stories from the Aggju Prize of Gallurese tales and cossi curated by the Gallurese Dramatic Company. In the afternoon, focus on the Capitza Park with Poetas a Tenore (6 PM), a meeting on Sardinian literature and tenore singing with Bustianu Pilosu and Tenore Vitzichesu. From 7 PM, an evening of concerts with the dark folk band Ilienses, Pierpaolo Vacca ft DJ Cris, Arrogalla, and Pellegrino.

On Sunday, June 30th, the doors of the Church of Santa Vittoria open for a solo cello, electronics, and voice concert by musician Gianluca Pischedda. In the afternoon, at the Meoc Ethnographic Museum, Behind the Scenes, a discussion on the presence of women in the four-part singing tradition of Sardinia with Dolores Biosa and other young interpreters. Also at Meoc, at 6 PM, there is a session on film music with Faber, Sardinia, a discussion with Gianfranco Cabiddu, author of the 2015 documentary Faber in Sardinia & Fabrizio De André’s last concert, and Mark Harris, keyboardist, arranger and internationally renowned American composer, long-time collaborator of De André since the ’70s. The third edition of “Etnosfera” will be concluded by Mark Harris with a suggestive solo piano concert in Piazza del Rosario (9:30 PM), inspired by images from Cabiddu’s film projected on the granite walls of the church, creating a fantastic night of music and emotions.

Imagine waking up breathing the fresh sea air on the Gulf of Asinara. Each villa is a haven of beauty and privacy, perfect for families or friends, with all the hotel services available.

Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic retreat, a group of friends, or a family, the Torreruja Villas offer a true sanctuary for those seeking a holiday in freedom. Spacious verandas that open onto the sea, sun decks equipped with private pools, bright living spaces, and refined furnishings add a touch of exclusivity and comfort, thanks to the proximity to the hotel and its services.

A corner of Northern Sardinia to be enjoyed from dawn to dusk at the Torreruja Villas, all equipped with large verandas and barbecue areas for outdoor dining with family or friends. Tastefully furnished in elegant Mediterranean style and capable of accommodating up to 8 people, the villas are perfectly integrated into the Mediterranean scrub of the Red Coast. For those looking for an extra touch of exclusivity, six villas offer a private pool for an even more exclusive and intimate experience.

The option to access the services of Hotel Relax Torreruja is also highly appreciated, including booking breakfast or dinner in its restaurants. And for those who want to stay active, there is an outdoor fitness area and the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the seawater pool. The hotel’s wellness center, the Venere Thalasso & SPA Center, features multifunctional heated seawater pools, sauna, Turkish bath, and cabins for wellness and beauty treatments—a real boon for body and soul!

The newest addition, Villa Lentischio, boasts a view overlooking the gulf and a stone pool nestled among myrtle bushes, while the interior is characterized by a clean and elegant design, light furnishings, and a linear style created by local artisans who enhance wood, ceramics, and fabrics. And what about Villa Tinnari with its exclusive and sophisticated Mediterranean style, two large verandas, and a private pool surrounded by greenery, or the spacious solarium of Villa Canneddi where modern design and local craftsmanship blend perfectly?

The view from the panoramic rooftop solarium of Villa Romasinu is not to be missed, an ideal choice for those who love large spaces and wish to lose themselves in the vistas of the Red Coast visible from various angles. Villa Asinara is named after the gulf it overlooks: its stone pool set amidst greenery makes it a magical place from which to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, between a barbecue and an aperitif on the veranda. Lastly, but certainly not least in terms of refinement and elegance, is Villa Gli Olivastri, characterised by warm-coloured furnishings where wood is the predominant element. This option also allows for unforgettable moments in a spacious rooftop solarium with sun loungers and sea views on multiple sides and over the red rocks of Punta Canneddi.

A scenic footpath of around 500 metres leads to this gem of Costa Paradiso, a small seaside village just a few kilometres from Isola Rossa. Marked by wooden railings and winding through the fragrant Mediterranean scrub, the path opens up onto a sort of canyon carved by a small stream, and then to a beach of white sand tinged with pink and emerald waters. Sheltered by dramatic cliffs, it’s a stunningly atmospheric spot. The shallow waters make it ideal for children’s games, while those who love snorkelling will be amazed by the variety of marine flora and fauna that inhabit these waters.

You’ll find this small cove just beyond Costa Paradiso, along the coastal road towards Santa Teresa Gallura. Cala Sarraina is a strip of sand framed by red rocks and aromatic Mediterranean plants, offering fiery, enchanting sunsets in the evening. Small paths meander along the cliffs leading to hidden corners and tiny coves where you can enjoy the sea in complete seclusion.

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.

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.