By Rahel, Lead B2B Marketing & Office at Princess Goes Hollywood
There are trips that slow you down. And then there are trips that change you. Sardinia – and particularly the north around Santa Teresa Gallura – falls into both categories for me.
And because the scenery was simply too beautiful not to capture, a small styling diary with our FLOWERFUL silk collection also emerged. But the real reason for this trip was different: simply being there. Sitting at the table in the evening, drinking local wine and thinking – I want to stay here longer.
So that you can have the same feeling when you plan your trip to northern Sardinia, I'm sharing everything I can truly recommend here.
Why the North – and not the Costa Smeralda?
The Costa Smeralda is beautiful. That's undeniable. But it has an energy that sometimes feels more like seeing and being seen than a real vacation.
The north around Santa Teresa Gallura is different. The beaches are just as breathtaking – sometimes even wilder and more untouched. The restaurants are more personal. And the light at this time of year is simply incredible.
Santa Teresa itself is located on the northernmost tip of Sardinia, directly opposite Corsica. On clear days, you can see the white cliffs of Bonifacio. That alone is worth a visit.
Where I stayed: Massidda Country Retreat
If you're looking for peace and quiet, far from large hotel complexes, you should remember the Massidda Country Retreat near Santa Teresa Gallura.
This small boutique retreat is nestled in the Sardinian landscape and combines authentic charm with modern comfort in a way that you won't soon forget. There are only a few rooms – and that's exactly what makes the difference. You feel like a guest, not a number.
What I particularly remember is the breakfast: lovingly prepared, with regional products that clearly show that someone has really put thought into it. And the pool area, which invites you to linger after a long day at the beach like hardly any other place.
My tip for the best photos: early morning or just before sunset – the warm light harmonizes perfectly with the vibrant colors of the FLOWERFUL prints. And with the silk in the wind... that's another story.
What I ate – my three recommendations
I could write about food in Sardinia for a very long time. Here are my three most honest recommendations.
Cucumiao is one of those restaurants you think about for weeks afterwards. Surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, it offers authentic Sardinian specialties – no show, no tourist trap, no disappointment. The first thing I recommend to anyone traveling to Santa Teresa.
If you really want to understand Sardinia, you should eat at an agriturismo at least once. Casa Saltara offers exactly this experience: regional dishes, homemade specialties, and a warmth that is typical of the island. The menus are based on seasonal products from the region. You eat what's available – and that's usually the best.
And for connoisseurs: A visit to the organic winery Petra Bianca is a must. Between vineyards and the Mediterranean landscape, wines are produced here that truly reflect the terroir of northern Sardinia. The tastings at sunset, when the light bathes the landscape in warm golden tones, are among the most beautiful moments of this entire trip.
My beach recommendations – honest and unfiltered
Cala Spinosa is the most beautiful for me. A small bay protected by rocks with a blue water you won't believe until you see it. You have to walk a short distance – but that keeps the crowds away.
Rena Bianca right near Santa Teresa is the city beach – convenient, beautiful, and ideal for a spontaneous afternoon. Head out early in mid-summer.
Cala Macchia / Porto Liscia is expansive and natural, perfect for long walks where you feel like you're the only person on the beach. Due to the constant wind, Porto Liscia is also very popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Valle della Luna – the Valley of the Moon – is less a classic swimming beach than a fascinating coastal landscape. Definitely plan it for a small morning hike.
View of La Maddalena
The excursions I absolutely didn't want to miss
From Palau, about 30 minutes away, regular ferries go to La Maddalena. My tip: rent an e-bike there and explore both La Maddalena and the neighboring island of Caprera. The coastal roads, the hidden coves, the viewpoints – that's one of the most beautiful days you can spend in Sardinia.
Just a few minutes from Santa Teresa lies Capo Testa, the northernmost point of Sardinia. Gigantic granite formations, small hiking trails, spectacular views. Especially at sunset, the landscape shows its most beautiful side – the wind-sculpted rocks appear almost surreal and are also the perfect backdrop for photos.
And if you have another day left: Only 12 kilometers of sea separate Santa Teresa from Bonifacio in Corsica. Ferries run several times a day, the crossing takes an hour. The old town is walkable from the harbor – and the view from above of the sea is worth every step.
What I wore
If there's one place that really brings out our FLOWERFUL silk collection, it's Sardinia in summer. The vibrant pink, red, and turquoise tones of the floral prints harmonize with the Sardinian landscape in a way that's almost too beautiful to be true: white walls, deep blue sea, warm granite. The dress was my perfect travel companion – light enough for the beach, elegant enough for an evening at Cucumiao.
How to get there?
The closest airport is Olbia Costa Smeralda, about an hour's drive away. Direct flights from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are regular in summer. If you're traveling by car, take the ferry from Genoa or Livorno to Olbia. For ecological reasons, I chose to travel by train to Genoa and then take the ferry. I would still recommend a rental car – without it, you simply won't reach the most beautiful beaches and restaurants.
My favorite travel time: June or September. The light is perfect, the beaches are nicer than in mid-summer, and the prices are more reasonable.
Sardinia combines everything that makes a real summer vacation: nature that leaves you speechless, cuisine you won't forget, and the feeling of truly having left everyday life behind. I'll be back – that's for sure.
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