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For those who’re on the lookout for a terrific seaside city in Italy, you’ll love San Teodoro. This vibrant city is on the northeast coast of Sardinia, and a spot the place I liked unplugging for a number of days.
This can be a quintessential trip spot with immaculate seashores, calm swimming situations, and lodges at a wide range of worth factors. If you wish to seaside the best way the Italians do, San Teodoro is THE place!
San Teodoro has calm seashores good for households, like La Cinta, and quieter, gorgeous seashores like Cala Brandinchi (Little Tahiti). Right here, you’ll be able to go to the off-shore islands of Tavolara and Molara, that are completely gorgeous and restrict guests to maintain issues quiet.
My husband and I spent 12 days driving round Northern Sardinia, and I deliberate on San Teodoro being the final place we visited. We saved it for final as a result of we knew we might be prepared for some leisure at that time, and since it’s near Olbia, we might simply get to our ferry.
Though seashores are the primary draw right here, there are many different issues to do in San Teodoro to make an extended keep worthwhile. These embrace journey actions within the mountains and studying about Sardinia’s Bronze Age historical past.
Whether or not you’re planning an extended street journey across the island like me, or simply wish to lie on the seaside the entire time, listed below are all the highest issues to do in San Teodoro, Sardinia.
This submit was revealed in February 2025 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Hannah Cooper.
Finest Issues to Do in San Teodoro, Italy
Calm down on the seaside
I imply, let’s be sincere — Sardinia has one of the best seashores in Italy, and among the finest seashores in Europe. These seashores are the explanation why Italians barely go to the Caribbean!
Begin with La Cinta Seaside: my favourite seaside in Sardinia, and all of Italy! This lengthy sweep of white sand types a crescent within the bay simply north of city. It’s in style with kite surfers and is walkable from the city middle.
Throughout summer season, you’ll be able to take the Trenino Teodorino vacationer prepare to La Cinta in addition to the close by Cala d’Ambra, which sits east of the city middle.
Cala Brandinchi, the seaside generally known as Little Tahiti, is a smaller cove additional north with pristine snorkeling situations. Lu Impostu Seaside sits in between these two seashores and presents light swimming situations and kayak leases. There are additionally a number of golf programs close by. These two seashores are accessible by automotive or taxi – it’s a protracted stroll from the closest bus cease.
Heading north, Cala Cirgolu is farthest afield. This can be a mixture of sand and pebbles and has some putting granite boulders which you’ll be able to clamber over for scenic views of the bay. You will get there by public transit on buses 514 and 609, which take about 45 minutes.
Cala Ginepro is another choice for a seaside day south of San Teodoro. You’ll want a automotive to get there, however the reward is a a lot quieter spot to sunbathe and swim. There’s additionally an uncommon canal north of the primary seaside.
One massive piece of recommendation: if you would like a chair and umbrella, you’ll must get there early. Charlie and I acquired to La Cinta at 9:00 AM and we acquired the final two chairs accessible on the membership. Understand that many San Teodoro guests reserve chairs upfront for the week or the month.
Go to the Tavolara and Molara Islands
Taking a ship tour to the islands of Tavolara and Molara is the primary exercise for guests in San Teodoro! Whereas vacationers are usually not allowed to land on Molara, you’ll sail near the island, discover attractive spots off the mainland coast, have a number of swim stops, and have time to go to Tavolara Island independently.
This was one among my favourite actions that I did in San Teodoro. I do advocate that you just carry good solar safety, as my tour was on a zodiac — a giant rubber boat with zero shade by any means. I used to be fortunate to have a wide-brimmed hat and a sarong.
This three-hour mini tour of the Tavolara Archipelago stops at Cala Brandinchi and skirts the Capo Coda Cavallo earlier than reaching Isola Molara to snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
The tour goes on to go to the island of Tavolara, a rugged limestone massif rising 565 meters above sea stage. It appears to be like straight out of Jurassic Park! There’s a restaurant by the port, and there are some strolling trails close by. Be sure you keep on the paths, because the island is protected.
Barely longer, this four-hour tour of Tavolara and Molara additionally stops at Cala Girgolu, Capo Coda Cavallo, and the Grottino Proratora. And this tour comes with a glass of native wine on the finish!
Stroll by way of San Teodoro’s City Middle
For those who’re anticipating a vibrant city like Alghero or La Maddalena, I believe you is likely to be a bit disenchanted with San Teodoro. That stated, the city middle of San Teodoro is beautiful for a night stroll and a few gelato.
As a basic seaside resort for Italians, San Teodoro has an ample collection of eating places and lodges. I even got here throughout a craft market one night time throughout my go to. Staying someplace central means you may get away with out a automotive rental and use a mixture of public transport, the vacationer prepare, and excursions for getting round.
This fashion, you’ll be able to stroll to locations to eat and luxuriate in strolling by way of piazzas at nightfall and absorbing the ambiance.
Uncover the Capo Coda Cavallo
One other in style spot for seaside connoisseurs of Sardinia, Capo Coda Cavallo juts out simply north of Cala Brandinchi. This peninsula has but extra attractive seashores and coves, together with Cala Suaraccia, which is in style for kayaking.
In case you have a automotive, you’ll be able to drive all the best way to the Belvedere Punta Est from the place you’ll see all of the various kinds of landscapes, together with mountains and sea grottos. The primary seaside on Capo Coda Cavallo is a protracted, sweeping crescent the place you’ll be able to go for a swim or lease a kayak.
The southern fringe of Capo Coda Cavallo is rockier and value testing for the distinction. Nonetheless, swimming situations are more difficult because of the rocks.
You may as well see Capo Coda Cavallo from a ship tour, as I did. The caves had been wonderful! This tour of Tavolara and Molara additionally calls at Capo Coda Cavallo.
Go to the San Teodoro Lagoon (Stagno di San Teodoro)
For those who’re curious about nature and chicken life, you’ll love eeing the flamingos at Stagno di San Teodoro! Visiting this lagoon is without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in San Teodoro. The birds relaxation on the San Teodoro Lagoon throughout their migration in summer season.
They’re often joined by different migratory birds, though the pink creatures do assume they personal the place. You’ll be able to go to the lagoon by taking the 514 or 609 bus from San Teodoro.
The perfect time to see the flamingos is between April and September. I might advocate visiting within the morning or within the late afternoon if potential, which lets you keep away from the extraordinary noon solar, and can be a lot better for images.
In case you have a automotive, you’ll be able to observe up your go to with a swim on the seashores of Lu Impostu, which is shut by. (La Cinta would possibly look even nearer on Google Maps, however it’s solely because the crow flies — it’s essential drive additional to get to it.)
Trip the Trenino Teodorino
For those who’re in San Teodoro with out a automotive, the Trenino Teodorino is a godsend! It’s not an precise prepare on tracks, however a prepare on wheels that carts you round city. And whereas youngsters love this prepare, adults find it irresistible simply as a lot for each its practicality and its sightseeing potential.
This can be a vacationer prepare that hyperlinks the primary components of city with the closest seashores of La Cinta and Cala d’Ambra. It’s a lifesaver for those who don’t wish to lease a automotive or cope with parking on a sizzling summer season’s day.
The Trenino Teodorino is in service between from June 1 till September 15. Tickets are offered on board and price 2.50 EUR ($2.60 USD) one-way, 5 EUR ($5.25 USD) for a return, or 20 EUR ($21 USD) for a weekly go.
Go climbing, canyoning, or offroading
There are many alternatives for an adrenaline rush in San Teodoro, together with canyoning. This high-octane exercise takes place within the Rio Pitrisconi round Mount Nieddu, which can be a well-liked space with hikers.
One very massive tip first: I simply need you to remember that Sardinia will get VERY sizzling in the summertime months. I wouldn’t go on a hike in noon summer season until swimming had been a giant a part of it. Fortunately, there are a number of excursions in San Teodoro that incorporate cooling off.
Be sure you carry solar safety and loads of water.
This canyoning tour in Rio Pitrisconi and Monte Nieddu combines abseiling and diving within the gorge. It takes 4 hours to finish the circuit and is pretty average total — you’ll should be okay with heights and capable of swim.
This five-hour canyoning tour in Rio Pitrisconi takes you slightly deeper into the wilderness for 3 hours of precise canyoning. This tour is designed to be beginner-friendly, with some greater jumps that extra skilled canyoners will get pleasure from.
Alternatively, this Rio Pitrisconi jeep and climbing tour takes you to see the river and its swimming pools, however you’ll discover on foot. The 4×4 jeep whisks you proper into the wilderness, from the place you’ll trek to the Pala di Monti lookout for dreamy views over the Mediterranean.
Go biking (or e-biking)
Biking is one other enjoyable choice for journey in San Teodoro. The perfect routes observe the same strategy to the canyoning excursions in Rio Pitrisconi and round Mount Nieddu.
As soon as once more, I like to recommend sporting solar safety and bringing loads of water!
This San Teodoro guided e-bike tour is appropriate for all biking ranges. The ability-assisted bikes take the strain off and the 21-mile (35 km) route isn’t too demanding. It mixes asphalt roads and filth roads slicing by way of the forest, which carry you to one of the best viewpoints.
As there are alternatives to swim within the waterfalls and swimming pools, you’ll wish to put on or carry your bathing swimsuit.
Discover the Archaeological Websites
Skip the seaside for a day of archaeology and exploration at Nuraghe San Pietro. This nuraghe — a nuraghe is megalithic edifice discovered solely in Sardinia — was constructed by the Bronze Age Nuragic civilization.
The Nuragic individuals constructed villages and houses by stacking slabs of stone on high of one another. Within the case of Nuraghe San Pietro, the stays focus on a primary tower and a few well-preserved fortifications.
The pure surroundings across the nuraghe is unbelievable, and it’s a novel alternative to see historic ruins. It’s a self-guided tour however the ticket desk does share some details about the historical past of the settlement.
Admission is 3 EUR ($3 USD). The placement, close to the small city of Torpè, is just accessible with a personal automotive. You’ll be able to simply add it right into a street journey heading south from San Teodoro, or on the best way again from different actions.
Attend the San Teodoro Competition
The San Teodoro Competition honors the namesake patron saint of Teodoro in summer season. I really like Italian festivals honoring the native saints, and extremely advocate attending a competition for those who can!
A conventional affair by way of and thru, this competition blends spiritual customs with vibrant cultural festivities for everybody to become involved.
This often means a procession, a mass service on the church, performances of music and dance, fireworks, and meals stalls. It’s nice enjoyable to hitch the revelries in case your journey to Sardinia coincides.
The competition of San Teodoro sometimes takes place on the finish of June or very early July. The precise date varies annually, so double-check earlier than your go to. And keep in mind that lodges are typically booked up across the competition.
How A lot Time to Spend in San Teodoro, Italy
How a lot time do you assume you would possibly want at a calming seaside vacation spot? That’s as much as you! Some individuals come for a day, some individuals come for every week, and loads of Italians arrange camp right here within the month of August.
I spent three days in San Teodoro as a part of my 12-day journey to northern Sardinia. That was sufficient time for a seaside day at La Cinta, a day on a ship journey to Molara and Tavolara, and a calming day on the lodge pool.
After greater than every week of driving round Sardinia (together with two flat tires in a row), I wanted a number of lazy days! For me, that was excellent.
On the naked minimal, I might advocate spending two nights in San Teodoro so you’ll be able to have one actual seaside day. Nonetheless, three days provides you time to see much more. You’ll be able to prolong your keep if you would like extra seaside time, or for those who really feel impressed to sort out each merchandise on this journey information.
How one can Get to San Teodoro, Italy
Olbia, San Teodoro’s nearest main metropolis, has each an airport and a ferry port. Whereas Charlie and I debated between flying and taking the ferry, we finally selected to drive from Prague and take the in a single day ferry from Genoa.
The in a single day ferry with Moby Strains was a terrific expertise (the ship was really Looney Tunes-themed!), our inside cabin was fundamental however snug, and I wouldn’t hesitate to journey to Sardinia by ferry once more.
Crossings from Genoa take round 12 hours, topic to sea situations. You’ll be able to guide a cabin for consolation or get monetary savings and reserve a seat. Moby Strains and Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) are the 2 primary service suppliers and you can even guide tickets by way of Direct Ferries.
For those who arrive by air, San Teodoro is a 30-minute drive or 45-minute bus experience from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB). Of the three airports on Sardinia, Olbia Airport is without doubt one of the higher choices for regional flights in addition to home connections from mainland Italy.
Do you want a automotive in San Teodoro? If all you’re going to do is lie on the seaside, you don’t want a automotive. However if you wish to discover your environment, a automotive will add GREATLY to your expertise in Sardinia, as many of the good spots aren’t accessible by public transportation.
For those who’re touring as a gaggle or with quite a lot of baggage, you’ll be able to guide a non-public switch from Olbia Airport to San Teodoro.
The place to Keep in San Teodoro, Italy
You’ll be able to select to remain proper within the middle of San Teodoro near the vacationer prepare and the eating places. Or, select quieter lodging on the outskirts of city for those who’re planning on driving your self round.
Both means, it’s all the time a good suggestion to verify in case your lodge has a shuttle to city or the seashores.
- Prime-rated luxurious lodge within the historic middle – Il Viandante is an genuine Sardinian-style residence dotted with regionally made textiles and ceramics. The lodge has a swimming pool and is inside strolling distance of the San Teodoro city middle.
- Beachfront price range lodge – Standing a stone’s throw from La Cinta Seaside, Resort Onda Marina is one of the best place to remain for a seaside trip in Sardinia. It’s additionally a walkable distance from the central space. The perfect rooms have a balcony with a sea view.
- Prime-rated mid-range lodge– Resort Le Mimose is a beautiful lodge with a pool in San Teodoro. The buffet breakfast is extremely beneficial. It does take round 25 minutes to stroll into city however the best way is flat and also you’ll be spared any noise throughout excessive season.
Finest Time to Go to San Teodoro, Italy
As with most Italian seaside locations, San Teodoro will get its finest climate in the summertime. That is one of the best time to go to the Sardinian resort for seashores, seeing the flamingos, and having fun with festivals and an all-around. buzzy ambiance.
On the draw back, summer season is the busiest and most costly time to go to San Teodoro. I like to recommend aiming for early June or late September for a extra peaceable expertise with reliably heat climate.
I might advocate skipping August if potential — that is the height journey month for Italians in San Teodoro, and it is going to be extremely busy.
San Teodoro could be very quiet within the low season for those who fancy an affordable getaway and received’t miss a Mediterranean dip. Simply keep in mind that quite a lot of locations can be closed and never all companies can be in operation.
For those who had been on the lookout for a spot to go to in Sardinia within the winter, I might head to a bigger metropolis, like Alghero, which has individuals residing in it year-round.
Is San Teodoro Value It?
I actually liked my time in San Teodoro, and it made the right stress-free finish to my Sardinia street journey! La Cinta seaside was an particularly massive spotlight, and the journey to Tavolara and Molara was so attention-grabbing.
For those who’re flying in or out of Olbia, or taking the in a single day ferry in like me, I believe San Teodoro makes a superb place for the start or finish of your journey.
I hope you have got one of the best time in San Teodoro — and Sardinia!
Planning a Journey to Italy:
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Have you ever been to San Teodoro? Have any suggestions?
