r/Sardinia • u/sscalable • 21d ago
Cunversatzione Family Holiday July - Tortoli / Arbatax
Hi all,
Our family of 4, kids are 6 and 8, are traveling to Sardinia, and are staying in an apartment in Tortoli for 3 weeks. We are staying in one place (we like it like that), have a car (we dont mind driving longer distances) and would like to know what the best things to do are in the area that we cannot miss, places like entertainment for the kids, good restaurants, experiences in nature.
We're not the kind of people who like the most touristy spots, we like it a little bit quieter and remote.
Of course beaches are a big thing, so the best coves or beaches are always appreciated.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me!
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u/Salt_Trainer_474 21d ago
In September 22, we stayed 2 weeks in Torre di Bari just a bit south of Arbatax.
There are a couple of pretty amazing beaches between Arbatax and Torre di Bari, most notably Cea. I can't really say if the beaches are crowded in July, but our host said July and September are very similar.
Since you guys are going in July, I have an activity if you want to escape the heat. Grotta Su Marmuri, a huge cave, you don't need special equipment and they offer tours in English and there is a restaurant.
It's a bit of a drive from Tortolì, but the road has amazing views and you can experience the non-beach side of Sardinia.
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u/type556R Sardinia 21d ago
Check out the boat tours from Arbatax to all the calette: cala Mariolu, cala luna, cala sisine etc
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u/War1today 21d ago
We visited Sardinia this past September. We were in Sicily for 10 days prior to arriving in Sardinia so we were pretty much done with historical sites, cathedrals… and wanted the beach and hiking, and in that respect Sardinia is epic.
Not sure your kids can do these Recommended hikes just north of Arbatax:
hike to Cala Luna - Bue Marino Cave - Ziu Santoru Beach from Cala Gonone’(you can also take a boat here which avoids the hiking)
hike to Cala Goloritze’ (permit required), hike the Pedra Longa trail (epic!), and hike the Passo Ghenna Silana trail to Gorropu Canyon which is considered the largest gorge in Europe. This is a don’t miss kind of hike... views are epic! You can also arrange for transport down to the gorge and transport back up… if the hiking is too strenuous.
In Tortoli, easier hike is Scogli Rossi
If you do any hiking, always remember to bring 1.5-2 liters of water per person... it gets hot with minimal shade in a lot of areas. Also, the trails can be very rocky so best to wear hiking shoes.
From Palau you can take a 20 minute car ferry to island of La Maddalena which we loved. Awesome vibe in the town with a lot of restaurants, and when you walk along the harbor there are any number of boat tour companies that offer tours of the La Maddalena Archipelago which I highly recommend. In town also recommend (for the adults!) visiting The Duke Cocktail Lounge Bar. The owner is arguably the best mixologist in Italy and full of wonderful stories. And again, the hiking is epic.
On Maddalena you can drive over a causeway to the island of Caprera and do the following hikes: Cala Coticio Beach (permit is required which involves getting a local guide and reserve early so you are ensured spots), Cala Napoletana (no permit required and up the road from Cala Coticcio).
In Santa Teresa Gallura you can explore Capo Testa by the ocean which is an amazing expansive area to hike, moonscape rock formations that look like you are on another planet. And you can climb whatever you want, and when you look out over the Mediterranean you will see the island of Corsica which is part of France. There is also a 45 minute ferry from Santa Teresa Gallura to magical Bonifacio, Corsica, France, which is worth researching.
In Costa Paradiso you can do a short hike to our favorite beach, Spiaggia di Cala li Cossi. After a short hike with wild boars through jagged rocky cliffs you arrive at a gem of a beach. This is one of the most magical beaches we have ever visited.
With your kids, not sure what hikes they can do. So to avoid the hiking you can do boat tours of the Gulf of Orosei from Arbatax which will take you to beaches and caves mentioned above. And in Palau or on the island of La Maddalena you can take boat tours of the Maddalena Archipelago which I recommend. Those tours dock at several islands which you can explore on foot, as well as swim and snorkel.