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In the event you’re in search of 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 cherished unplugging for a number of days.
It is a quintessential trip spot with immaculate seashores, calm swimming situations, and resorts at a wide range of value factors. If you wish to seaside the way in which the Italians do, San Teodoro is THE place!
San Teodoro has calm seashores good for households, like La Cinta, and quieter, beautiful 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 beautiful 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’d be prepared for some leisure at that time, and since it’s near Olbia, we may simply get to our ferry.
Though seashores are the principle 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 here are all the highest issues to do in San Teodoro, Sardinia.
This publish was revealed in February 2025 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Hannah Cooper.
Greatest Issues to Do in San Teodoro, Italy
Loosen up on the seaside
I imply, let’s be sincere — Sardinia has one of the best seashores in Italy, and a number of the greatest seashores in Europe. These seashores are the rationale why Italians barely go to the Caribbean!
Begin with La Cinta Seashore: my favourite seaside in Sardinia, and all of Italy! This lengthy sweep of white sand kinds a crescent within the bay simply north of city. It’s standard 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 Seashore sits in between these two seashores and gives mild swimming situations and kayak leases. There are additionally a number of golf programs close by. These two seashores are accessible by automobile or taxi – it’s an extended stroll from the closest bus cease.
Heading north, Cala Cirgolu is farthest afield. It is a mixture of sand and pebbles and has some placing granite boulders which you’ll clamber over for scenic views of the bay. You may get there by public transit on buses 514 and 609, which take about 45 minutes.
Cala Ginepro is an alternative choice for a seaside day south of San Teodoro. You’ll want a automobile 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 principle 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 obtainable on the membership. Take into account that many San Teodoro guests reserve chairs prematurely 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 usually are not allowed to land on Molara, you’ll sail near the island, discover beautiful spots off the mainland coast, have a number of swim stops, and have time to go to Tavolara Island independently.
This was certainly one of 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 in any way. 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 degree. It appears straight out of Jurassic Park! There’s a restaurant by the port, and there are some strolling trails close by. Make 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 means of San Teodoro’s City Middle
In the event you’re anticipating a vibrant city like Alghero or La Maddalena, I believe you could be a bit dissatisfied with San Teodoro. That stated, the city middle of San Teodoro is gorgeous for a night stroll and a few gelato.
As a basic seaside resort for Italians, San Teodoro has an ample number of eating places and resorts. I even got here throughout a craft market one evening throughout my go to. Staying someplace central means you will get away with out a automobile rental and use a mixture of public transport, the vacationer prepare, and excursions for getting round.
This manner, you’ll be able to stroll to locations to eat and revel in strolling by means of piazzas at nightfall and absorbing the ambiance.
Uncover the Capo Coda Cavallo
One other standard spot for seaside connoisseurs of Sardinia, Capo Coda Cavallo juts out simply north of Cala Brandinchi. This peninsula has but extra beautiful seashores and coves, together with Cala Suaraccia, which is standard for kayaking.
When you’ve got a automobile, you’ll be able to drive all the way in which to the Belvedere Punta Est from the place you’ll see all of the several types of landscapes, together with mountains and sea grottos. The principle seaside on Capo Coda Cavallo is an extended, 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 price trying out for the distinction. Nevertheless, swimming situations are more difficult as a result of rocks.
You may also see Capo Coda Cavallo from a ship tour, as I did. The caves had been superb! This tour of Tavolara and Molara additionally calls at Capo Coda Cavallo.
Go to the San Teodoro Lagoon (Stagno di San Teodoro)
In the event you’re all for nature and fowl life, you’ll love eeing the flamingos at Stagno di San Teodoro! Visiting this lagoon is likely 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 normally joined by different migratory birds, though the pink creatures do assume they personal the place. You may go to the lagoon by taking the 514 or 609 bus from San Teodoro.
One of the best time to see the flamingos is between April and September. I might advocate visiting within the morning or within the late afternoon if doable, which lets you keep away from the extreme noon solar, and can be a lot better for pictures.
When you’ve got a automobile, you’ll be able to comply with 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, but it surely’s solely because the crow flies — it’s essential to drive additional to get to it.)
Experience the Trenino Teodorino
In the event you’re in San Teodoro with out a automobile, 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 children love this prepare, adults adore it simply as a lot for each its practicality and its sightseeing potential.
It is a vacationer prepare that hyperlinks the principle elements 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 automobile or take care of parking on a sizzling summer season’s day.
The Trenino Teodorino is in service between from June 1 till September 15. Tickets are bought on board and value 2.50 EUR ($2.60 USD) one-way, 5 EUR ($5.25 USD) for a return, or 20 EUR ($21 USD) for a weekly move.
Go mountain 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 needless to say 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.
Make 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 general — you’ll must 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 larger jumps that extra skilled canyoners will take pleasure in.
Alternatively, this Rio Pitrisconi jeep and mountain 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. One of the best routes comply with an analogous strategy to the canyoning excursions in Rio Pitrisconi and round Mount Nieddu.
As soon as once more, I like to recommend carrying solar safety and bringing loads of water!
This San Teodoro guided e-bike tour is appropriate for all biking ranges. The facility-assisted bikes take the strain off and the 21-mile (35 km) route isn’t too demanding. It mixes asphalt roads and grime roads slicing by means 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 folks 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 major tower and a few well-preserved fortifications.
The pure surroundings across the nuraghe is unimaginable, and it’s a singular 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 barely accessible with a non-public automobile. You may simply add it right into a street journey heading south from San Teodoro, or on the way in which again from different actions.
Attend the San Teodoro Competition
The San Teodoro Competition honors the namesake patron saint of Teodoro in summer season. I like Italian festivals honoring the native saints, and extremely advocate attending a competition for those who can!
A conventional affair by means of and thru, this competition blends spiritual customs with vibrant cultural festivities for everybody to become involved.
This normally 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 every year, so double-check earlier than your go to. And keep in mind that resorts 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 soothing seaside vacation spot? That’s as much as you! Some folks come for a day, some folks 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 soothing 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. Nevertheless, three days offers you time to see much more. You may lengthen 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.
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 primary 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 may guide a cabin for consolation or lower your expenses and reserve a seat. Moby Strains and Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) are the 2 major service suppliers and you can even guide tickets by means of Direct Ferries.
In the event you arrive by air, San Teodoro is a 30-minute drive or 45-minute bus trip from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB). Of the three airports on Sardinia, Olbia Airport is likely one of the higher choices for regional flights in addition to home connections from mainland Italy.
Do you want a automobile in San Teodoro? If all you’re going to do is lie on the seaside, you don’t want a automobile. However if you wish to discover your environment, a automobile will add GREATLY to your expertise in Sardinia, as many of the good spots aren’t accessible by public transportation.
In the event you’re touring as a gaggle or with numerous baggage, you’ll be able to guide a personal switch from Olbia Airport to San Teodoro.
The place to Keep in San Teodoro, Italy
You may 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 at all times a good suggestion to verify in case your lodge has a shuttle to city or the seashores.
- High-rated luxurious lodge within the historic middle – Il Viandante is an genuine Sardinian-style house 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 Seashore, Lodge 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. One of the best rooms have a balcony with a sea view.
- High-rated mid-range lodge– Lodge Le Mimose is a beautiful lodge with a pool in San Teodoro. The buffet breakfast is very advisable. It does take round 25 minutes to stroll into city however the way in which is flat and also you’ll be spared any noise throughout excessive season.
Greatest Time to Go to San Teodoro, Italy
As with most Italian seaside locations, San Teodoro will get its greatest 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 doable — that is the height journey month for Italians in San Teodoro, and will probably be extremely busy.
San Teodoro could be very quiet within the low season for those who fancy an affordable getaway and gained’t miss a Mediterranean dip. Simply keep in mind that numerous locations can be closed and never all providers can be in operation.
In the event you had been in search of a spot to go to in Sardinia within the winter, I might head to a bigger metropolis, like Alghero, which has folks residing in it year-round.
Is San Teodoro Value It?
I actually cherished my time in San Teodoro, and it made the proper enjoyable finish to my Sardinia street journey! La Cinta seaside was an particularly massive spotlight, and the journey to Tavolara and Molara was so fascinating.
In the event you’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 could have one of the best time in San Teodoro — and Sardinia!
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Have you ever been to San Teodoro? Have any suggestions?
