Where we would send a friend

A long strip of white sand between the sea and the lagoon, looking at Tavolara. Free, no booking. The car park is paid and full by ten.

Photo: Emabarto01, CC0

Shallow turquoise water; locals call it Tahiti. In summer the number of visitors is capped and you book a place the day before, for about €2 a person, at santeodorospiagge.it.

Photo: Ramon Espiña Fernand…, CC BY-SA 3.0

A limestone island that rises 565 metres straight out of the sea, inside the marine reserve. Boats cross from Porto San Paolo. Go for the beach and the swim.

Photo: Mikołaj Kirschke, CC BY-SA 3.0

A headland in the marine reserve, with small coves and very clear water. The best snorkelling on this coast, and a view over Molara and Tavolara.

Photo: Benoît Prieur, CC0

The village. Piazza Gallura for an evening walk and a gelato, and the shops, bakery and pharmacy you will need.

Photo: Herbert wie, CC BY-SA 4.0

A medieval village stacked on a rock, with the Castello della Fava at the top. Climb the tower for the river plain and the coast.

Photo: Superbass, CC BY-SA 3.0

The next bay north of Brandinchi: wider, with dunes and juniper behind it. The same summer booking applies.

Photo: Basilicofresco, CC BY-SA 4.0

A free beach facing Tavolara and Molara, usually quieter than its neighbours. Snorkel at the rocky end.

Photo: fadda domenico ange…, CC BY-SA 3.0

Behind La Cinta, and again at Posada. Flamingos, herons and stilts, best seen early or at dusk.

Photo: Gianfranco, CC BY-SA 4.0