Guide to Isola Rossa

'Simple seaside Sardinia - Isola Rossa mixes appealing harbour life with glorious sandy beaches.'

If you're looking for a simple seaside spot with bags of charm, Isola Rossa's just the ticket. Nuzzled on a small peninsula on Sardinia's North West coast, this terracotta-roofed town's bordered by a medieval watchtower, beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear seas.
Wander through the streets and you'll discover that tourism hasn't changed things too much. A few traditional trattorias sit happily with modern pizzerias and music bars, and the old granite harbour now attracts marina-style crowds of boats and people. Yet the pace remains authentically unhurried, with locals and visitors relishing the slow pace of life as they sip cappuccinos and dawdle around the little grocer, beach and gift shops.
Away from here, bright sandy beaches studded with pink granite rocks shine from the coast. Plant yourself on the silvery sands and let your mind wander as the sun's rays do their work. Before long, the sparkling waters will entice you in, letting you gaze at the island in the seas opposite that gave Isola Rossa its name.
For a change, grab a snorkel to see fish cruise through the sun-beamed, ultramarine waters. Or take a diving excursion to marvel at the coral reefs and aquatic life further offshore.
Make sure you venture out to experience more of the stunning shoreline. Costa Smeralda, a protected section of coastline, has immaculate beaches and a luxury resort village - definitely worth visiting. And don't miss Capo D'Orso, a rugged headland topped with a massive bear-shaped rock overlooking the coast below.
Back home, stroll around the town square, often the scene of cabaret shows, before settling under a starlit sky for some delicious home-cooked pasta and crisp local wine. Utter bliss.

Find the cheapest late deals to Isola Rossa leaving in the next six weeks.

Recommended Isola Rossa hotels and apartments

Hotel Relax Torreruja Thalasso And Spa

Resort Dune Village

Hotel Marinedda Thalasso And Spa

Isola Rossa hotels and apartments

Our hotels and apartments in Isola Rossa include Hotel Marinedda Thalasso And Spa, Hotel Relax Torreruja Thalasso And Spa and Resort Dune Village.

More Sardinia holiday destinations

Looking for holidays in Sardinia? Our Sardinia holiday destinations include Abbasanta, Alghero, Arzachena, Badesi Mare, Baia Sardinia, Cala Capra, Cannigione, Conca Verde, Isola Rossa, Oliena, Palau, Porto Cervo, Porto Rafael, San Pantaleo, Santa Margherita Di Pula and Villasimius.

Beaches

The kilometre long beach in Isola Rossa is the stuff of dreams. Imagine soft white sands slipping through your fingers as the sun kisses your brow and slow waves stroke the shore. The water is so clear that sunbeams can be seen dancing on the sea bed. The incredible clarity coupled with an amazing variety of fish and coral make diving and snorkelling extremely popular. Strap your mask on, kick your fins and prepare to be dazzled by Sardinia's underwater playground.

Eating out

The few trattorias that grace Isola Rossa serve traditional Italian cuisine to perfection. Sardinia is renowned for its bread and pasta. Try 'pane carasau' - wafer thin bread, also known as music paper. Baked twice, it boasts a long shelf life and decades ago, was used by shepherds tending their flocks far from home. A delicious Sardinian pasta dish is 'li pulicioni' - crescent shaped pasta stuffed with ricotta cheese and grated lemon rind, served with a chunky tomato sauce. Wash your meal down with 'vermentino' - a crisp white wine produced in the lush vineyards of Northern Sardinia.

Nightlife

Nightlife takes a back seat in Isola Rossa, being seriously overshadowed by the golden beach and gentle pace of life. However, there are a couple of laidback bars, some playing live music, and the village square occasionally features folk concerts and cabaret performances.

Shopping

Most of the shops here sell sea and beach paraphernalia, from canoes to coral, from deckchairs to diving gear. The region is also known for its handicrafts, particularly granite statues and icons, carved from the stone in which this part of Sardinia is drenched. Cork and embroidered pieces are also common, and make good value souvenirs.

Local information

Isola Rossa is wonderfully located for exploring the rest of the island, including Costa Smerelda - one of the most exclusive resorts in Europe. Purpose built to protect the natural beauty of the area, it boasts 55 kilometres of exceptional coastline, backed by outstanding landscapes and traditional, pastel coloured architecture. Other resorts that shouldn't be missed include Alghero, Stintino and Teresa di Gallura. Isola Rossa lies in the mountainous region of Gallura, where large granite rocks punctuate the scenery. Sculpted into fantastical shapes by the elements, they are definitely worth visiting. The most incredible - shaped like a huge bear - can be found at Capo D'Orso.