The most beautiful views around Porto Cervo

Discovering the natural beauty of the northeast coast

The northeast coast of Sardinia is an earthly paradise renowned for its fabulous beaches, crystal-clear sea and spectacular scenery. But the wonder of this area doesn’t end there. Among its hidden coves, rocky headlands and mediterranean scrub, we find a series of utterly unique places and views that will take your breath away.

• Natural wonders

We begin with Porto Cervo, the beating heart of Gallura area. From the viewpoint at Porto Cervo we can enjoy awe-inspiring views of the marina and the old port. But the views are already extraordinary from the road that runs from Cala di Volpe to Olbia; it’s known as la panoramica, and not by chance. Travelling north, we come to Spiaggia del Principe, one of the most iconic beaches on this stretch of coast. An Ismaili prince came from the sea, happened to land in the natural fjord of Porto Cervo and was captivated. It was the 1960s, and love at first sight between Karim Aga Khan IV, Arab prince and Muslim imam, and a wild and beautiful stretch of Sardinian coastline, a rough diamond steeped in the scents of the mediterranean scrubland that slopes from the mountains down to the sea to frame enchanting beaches. His favourite one became Spiaggia del Principe. It’s exclusively beautiful yet open to all: a few minutes’ walk takes us to the green, pink, turquoise and blue heart of this area of Gallura.

Spiaggia del Principe

Of the many promontories in this area, there’s a place not far from the beach of Liscia Ruja that offers one of the most spectacular views in this area. Coming from the road, the deep blue of the sea below fills the gaze and leaves us speechless. It’s an obligatory stop on our journey, especially in summer, when we can enjoy a coffee or a snack in the nearby mobile restaurant. But all over Gallura there are fabulous views, among the best on the whole island. Whether it’s sea, lakes or mountains, Sardinia is always ready to show its best face to visitors, inspiring their dreams and guiding them among its ancient natural features.

• Valle della Luna

Maybe because of its untouched beauty, its location at the very edge of the sky or its wondrous waters, in the 60s a community of hippies decided to settle in Capo Testa, in what would come to be known as ‘Valle della Luna’. The extraordinary landscape exudes the magical atmosphere of the numerous bays in the area, all uniquely beautiful and all different shapes and sizes. The rocks - ancient white granite - offer shelter from the wind or amazing views if you choose to climb them. The land here is carpeted with mediterranean plants and at night, under the stars, the white granite that shines by day is lit up by moonlight, framing the scene that has earned this place its name: Moon Valley.

Capo Testa. Valle della Luna

• Monte Nieddu

Monte Nieddu stands out against the Sardinian coast and hinterland like a great green giant. Here, at an altitude of more than 900 metres, everywhere you look the views are fabulous, depending on which route you take. So in one direction you can marvel at hidden lakes and streams, incredible waterfalls and the vast green forests of the valley. The granite massif rises in the southernmost area of Gallura, between Padru and San Teodoro. From its peaks, Punta Majore and Punta Coloredda, and from the viewpoints marked along the footpaths, the view ranges from Gennargentu to the splendid beaches of San Teodoro, and all the way to Tavolara Island.

Our journey continues northwards to reach the coast, and in particular the village of Isola Rossa, part of the municipality of Trinità d’Agultu and Vignola. It’s an unforgettable sight, with a little island as red as the setting sun that emerges from the emerald sea. Here the fiery red granite is at its best, creating a landscape of intense and memorable colour contrasts, aided by the bright green vegetation and the sparkling beaches. Isola Rossa was originally a fishing village, and today is a major tourist destination in the north of Sardinia offering plenty of accommodation options for all who love the sea and water sports.