This itinerary includes stops, distances, points of interest, and recommended accommodations, designed for a relaxing yet discovery-filled journey. The total distance from Alghero to Santa Teresa di Gallura is approximately 135-150 km, depending on the route chosen.
Day 1 – Alghero and Surroundings → Stintino

- Distance covered today: approx. 50 km (Alghero – Stintino)
- Driving time: approx. 1 hour
- Rent a car from Alghero airport: prices from 20£ a day with DiscoverCars
🕙 Morning: Exploring Alghero
- Departure: Start your day in Alghero, a charming city with Catalan influences. Stroll through the medieval walled old town, visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria, and explore the Coral Museum (entry approx. €5, perfect for learning about the local red coral tradition). Enjoy breakfast at a café along the waterfront.
- Point of interest: Before leaving, take a short detour to the Nuragic Complex of Palmavera (10 km north of Alghero), a well-preserved prehistoric village with nuraghi and huts (entry approx. €6).
🕑 Afternoon: Stintino and La Pelosa Beach
- Stop: Drive to Stintino (50 km, approx. 1-hour drive via SP34 and SP42). This small town is famous for La Pelosa Beach, one of Italy’s most beautiful beaches, with white sand and turquoise waters. Arrive in the early afternoon to enjoy the sea (note: in high season, book online in advance, as the daily limit is 1,500 visitors).
- Activities: Swim, relax, or walk towards the Aragonese Tower on the islet, accessible on foot at low tide.
- Optional point of interest: If you have time, consider a boat excursion to the Asinara National Park (departures from Stintino’s port, approx. €15-20 per person, duration 2-3 hours).
🕦 Evening: Stay in Stintino
- Where to stay: Look for a B&B or a small hotel in Stintino, such as B&B Il Porto Vecchio). Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, trying specialties like Catalan-style octopus or fregola with seafood.
Day 2 – Stintino → Castelsardo → Costa Paradiso

- Distance covered today: approx. 70 km (Stintino – Castelsardo – Costa Paradiso)
- Driving time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
🕙 Morning: Castelsardo
- Departure: Leave Stintino and drive to Castelsardo (35 km, approx. 45 minutes via SS200). This medieval village perched on a promontory offers spectacular views over the Gulf of Asinara.
- Points of interest: Explore Doria Castle (entry €3-5), home to the Mediterranean Weaving Museum, and wander through the colorful alleys of the historic center. Don’t miss the Elephant Rock, a natural rock formation a few kilometers outside the village.
- Lunch: Stop at a local trattoria to try a seafood dish or malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi).
🕑 Afternoon: Costa Paradiso
- Stop: Continue to Costa Paradiso (35 km, approx. 45 minutes via SP90). This area is famous for its red cliffs and hidden coves.
- Activities: Visit Li Cossi Beach, a stunning bay accessible via a short scenic hike (15 minutes). Wear comfortable shoes and bring a swimsuit for a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
- Point of interest: The granite rock formations sculpted by the wind along the coast are perfect for breathtaking photos.
🕦 Evening: Stay in Costa Paradiso or Isola Rossa
- Where to stay: Choose a stay in Costa Paradiso (Hotel Costa Paradiso, rooms from €80-120) or nearby Isola Rossa (Sea Shell Isola Rossa Apartment, 100m from the beach). Enjoy dinner with fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant.
Day 3 – Costa Paradiso → Santa Teresa di Gallura

- Distance covered today: approx. 40-50 km (Costa Paradiso – Santa Teresa)
- Driving time: approx. 1 hour
🕙 Morning: Capo Testa
- Departure: Drive to Santa Teresa di Gallura (40 km, approx. 1 hour via SP90). Before reaching the town, stop at Capo Testa (5 km west of Santa Teresa), a stunning promontory with wind-sculpted granite formations and emerald waters.
- Activities: Explore the Valley of the Moon, a natural area with unique rock formations, and take a swim at Cala Spinosa, a quiet cove with crystal-clear waters.
- Point of interest: Visit the Capo Testa lighthouse for a panoramic view of Corsica, visible on clear days.
Afternoon: Santa Teresa di Gallura
- Stop: Arrive in Santa Teresa di Gallura, a lovely town overlooking the Strait of Bonifacio.
- Activities: Stroll through the historic center, visit Longosardo Tower (free entry, with sea views), and relax at Rena Bianca Beach, just a short walk from the center, featuring fine sand and clear waters.
- Optional point of interest: If time allows, book a boat trip to the La Maddalena Archipelago (departures from Palau, 20 km east, duration 4-6 hours, approx. €40-50).
🕦 Evening: End of the Itinerary
- Where to stay: Spend the night in Santa Teresa, for example, at B&B Rosa dei Venti (rooms from €70-100). Enjoy dinner with a plate of sea urchin spaghetti or lobster at a port-side restaurant.
Practical Tips
- Transportation: Rent a car in Alghero for maximum flexibility.
- Best time to go: June or September to avoid summer crowds and enjoy mild weather.
- What to bring: Swimsuit, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and water.
- Total distance: Around 160-170 km over 3 days, with short, relaxing stops.
Recommended activities for this itinerary
This itinerary allows you to discover the wild beauty of northern Sardinia, with a mix of stunning beaches, charming villages, and unspoiled nature. Enjoy your trip!