San Teodoro – Sardinia: top things to see, beaches & tips
Welcome to San Teodoro, a stunning coastal town in northeastern Sardinia. With its pristine beaches, lively atmosphere, and natural wonders, it’s a perfect getaway. This guide helps to plan your trip. Let’s dive in!
Where Is San Teodoro?
San Teodoro is in northeastern Sardinia, about 25 km south of Olbia. Its sandy shores stretching toward the Tavolara and Punta Coda Cavallo marine protected area, make one of the most enchanting destinations in northern Sardinia. Granite hills and a lagoon frame this pretty village in the Gallura region.
How to Get There
- By Plane: Fly into Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (25 km, 25-30 min drive via SS125). Rent a car for ease, check the offers on DiscoverCars.
- Other Airports: Cagliari (260 km, 3 hr 15 min) or Alghero (150 km, 2 hr 20 min).
- By Ferry: Ferries from Italy dock at Olbia (25 km) or Golfo Aranci (40 km). Drive or bus from there. Check ferry prices with DirectFerries
- By Bus: ARST buses link Olbia to San Teodoro. Check arst.sardegna.it (2.50€, 35-45 min).
- Tip: A car’s best for beach-hopping but there’s a bus service during summer.
Quick History of San Teodoro
San Teodoro dates to Nuragic times, with sites like the Naracheddu nuraghe. Romans used it as a stop en route to Olbia. In the 17th century, shepherds and fishermen settled here, shaping the town. Today, it’s a thriving summer destination.
Top Things to See in San Teodoro
✔️ Punta Molara Park
The Punta Molara Park, created in 2006, spans 55 hectares and is owned by the Municipality of San Teodoro, managed in partnership with the Forestas Agency. In 2023, services were enhanced with new fences, picnic tables, and vertical signage to improve usability.
- Natural Trails: It offers three trails of varying lengths (900, 1400, and 2100 meters, totaling 4.5 km), immersed in Mediterranean scrub, with views of Tavolara and secluded coves.
- Easy Access: Reachable from Monte Petrosu via Via Molara, with two free parking areas; park entry is free.
- Attractions: An area rich in vegetation (arbutus, junipers, mastic trees) and sea views, ideal for trekking and shaded picnics.
✔️ San Teodoro Lagoon
A conserved lagoon with diverse flora and fauna.
- Wildlife: Hosts fish and birds like flamingos and herons.
- Trails: Accessible via paths from north or south.
- Access: starting from La Cinta Beach, you can park near the two beach entrances: Via Gramsci or Via del Tirreno. For those accessing from La Pischéra (via SS125), there’s a free parking area nearby.
✔️ Protected Marine area of Tavolara Island & Punta Coda Cavallo
The Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area was established in 1997 to safeguard the sea between Tavolara, Molara, and Capo Coda Cavallo. It covers 15,000 hectares of sea and 40 km of coastline. Features rich seabeds with corals, gorgonians, posidonia meadows, and species like groupers, dolphins, and sea turtles.
- Activities: Allows diving (with authorized centers), snorkeling, boat tours, and regulated fishing in Zone C.
- Access: Reachable from Porto San Paolo (10 km from San Teodoro) via summer ferries; info at the CEA in Porto San Paolo.
✔️ Town centre of San Teodoro
The historic center of San Teodoro began in the 17th century as a village of shepherds and fishermen, growing around the Church of San Teodoro. It’s a maze of narrow, cobblestone alleys with low, brightly colored houses typical of Gallura architecture.
- Points of Interest: Features Piazza Gallura, the lively heart with bars and shops, and the elegant, central Church of San Teodoro.
- Atmosphere: Offers a vibrant feel, with summer evening markets and a blend of tradition and modernity.
- Access: Easily walkable from the modern center, with nearby parking areas.
Monte Nieddu
Monte Nieddu is San Teodoro’s mountain, with its highest peak, Punta Magghjóri, at 970 meters above sea level. The granite massif is safeguarded by Sardinia Regional Law as an area of significant natural and environmental value.
- Activities: Offers ecotourism with trekking, canyoning among waterfalls and natural pools, and mountain biking on charcoal burners’ trails.
- Natural Attractions: Features holm oak and cork forests, spectacular waterfalls, granite pinnacles, and panoramic views of San Teodoro and Tavolara.
- Access: Reachable from SS125 (Budditogliu, Via Aresola); private motor vehicles are prohibited, and local guides are recommended.
Best Activities in San Teodoro
The Beaches of San Teodoro
These are the 10 main beaches of San Teodoro’s 37 km of coastline. Some, like Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu, have restricted access in summer (booking required), while others are less organized but just as beautiful.
1- La Cinta
The main beach, 3-4 km of fine sand with dunes and shallow waters, close to the town center
2-Cala d’Ambra
Reachable from the center, one of the three main beaches near the town.
3-Isuledda (L’Isuledda)
The third main beach accessible from the center, known for dunes and junipers.
4-Cala Brandinchi
“Little Tahiti,” famous for clear waters and white sand, with a pine forest behind it.
5-Lu Impostu
Similar to Cala Brandinchi, with white sands and transparent waters, near Puntaldia.
6-Punt’Aldia
Close to the Puntaldia tourist village, with a port and services.
7-Capo Coda Cavallo
Facing Tavolara, sheltered from winds, surrounded by Mediterranean scrub.
8-Cala Suaraccia
A small bay with views of Tavolara, framed by rocks.
9-Cala Girgolu (Cala Ghjlgolu)
Known for its turtle-shaped rock and the Gallura rooster, near Montipitrosu.
10-Costa Caddu
At the southern end, with rocky coves and a Dog Beach.
Food to Try
- Seafood: Fresh fish or zuppa Gallurese (bread, broth, pecorino).
- Wine: Vermentino di Gallura—crisp and local.
- Place to go: Restaurant “Li Mori” fixed menu (generous portions!)
Practical Info
- When to Go: May-June or Sept-Oct for warm weather, fewer crowds. July-Aug is peak season.
- Getting Around: Walk the town; drive or bike to beaches. San Teodoro Express (free bus service from june to sept) and Beach Bus (bus service to all beaches).
- Stay: serach where to stay in San Teodoro on the booking.com map
Events
- Festa di San Teodoro (Festa Manna): June—food, music, processions.
- Summer Nights: July-Aug—beach parties and live music.
Why Choose San Teodoro?
- Singles: Buzzing nightlife with bars and discos.
- Families: Shallow beaches like Lu Impostu are kid-safe. The lagoon’s a fun nature trip.
- Couples: Romantic beach dinners, quiet coves like Cala Brandinchi, and sunset walks.
- History Buffs: Nuragic ruins and Tavolara’s “kingdom” story (ask locals!).
- Nature Lovers: Lagoon wildlife, Monte Nieddu hikes, and Tavolara’s marine beauty.
San Teodoro blends stunning beaches, a fun vibe, and authentic charm. In summer, it’s lively yet rooted destination. Whether you’re here to party, unwind, or explore, this northeastern Sardinian treasure will steal your heart!