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If you’re on the lookout for an amazing seashore 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 couple of days.
This is a quintessential trip spot with immaculate seashores, calm swimming situations, and inns at a wide range of worth factors. If you need to seashore 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). Here, you possibly can 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’d be prepared for some rest at that time, and since it’s near Olbia, we might simply get to our ferry.
Although 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 you’re planning an extended highway journey across the island like me, or simply need to lie on the seashore 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.
Best Things to Do in San Teodoro, Italy
Relax on the seashore
I imply, let’s be trustworthy — Sardinia has the perfect seashores in Italy, and among the finest seashores in Europe. These seashores are the explanation why Italians barely go to the Caribbean!
Start with La Cinta Beach: my favourite seashore in Sardinia, and all of Italy! This lengthy sweep of white sand types a crescent within the bay simply north of city. It’s widespread with kite surfers and is walkable from the city middle.
During summer season, you possibly can 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 seashore generally known as Little Tahiti, is a smaller cove additional north with pristine snorkeling situations. Lu Impostu Beach sits in between these two seashores and provides 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 an extended stroll from the closest bus cease.
Heading north, Cala Cirgolu is farthest afield. This is a mixture of sand and pebbles and has some hanging granite boulders which you’ll clamber over for scenic views of the bay. You can get there by public transit on buses 514 and 609, which take about 45 minutes.
Cala Ginepro is another choice for a seashore 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 can be an uncommon canal north of the principle seashore.
One large piece of recommendation: if you need a chair and umbrella, you’ll must get there early. Charlie and I bought to La Cinta at 9:00 AM and we bought the final two chairs out there on the membership. Keep in thoughts that many San Teodoro guests reserve chairs prematurely for the week or the month.
Visit 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! While vacationers aren’t allowed to land on Molara, you’ll sail near the island, discover attractive spots off the mainland coast, have a couple 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 suggest that you just convey 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 degree. It seems to be straight out of Jurassic Park! There’s a restaurant by the port, and there are some strolling trails close by. Be certain to remain on the paths, because the island is protected.
Slightly 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 San Teodoro’s Town Center
If you’re anticipating a vibrant city like Alghero or La Maddalena, I feel you could be a bit dissatisfied with San Teodoro. That stated, the city middle of San Teodoro is beautiful for a night stroll and a few gelato.
As a traditional seaside resort for Italians, San Teodoro has an ample collection of eating places and inns. I even got here throughout a craft market one evening throughout my go to. Staying someplace central means you may get away with no automotive rental and use a mixture of public transport, the vacationer prepare, and excursions for getting round.
This approach, you possibly can stroll to locations to eat and revel in strolling by piazzas at nightfall and absorbing the ambiance.
Discover the Capo Coda Cavallo
Another widespread spot for seashore 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 widespread for kayaking.
If you might have a automotive, you possibly can drive all the best way 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 predominant seashore on Capo Coda Cavallo is an extended, sweeping crescent the place you possibly can go for a swim or hire a kayak.
The southern fringe of Capo Coda Cavallo is rockier and value testing for the distinction. However, swimming situations are tougher because of the rocks.
You may also 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.
Visit the San Teodoro Lagoon (Stagno di San Teodoro)
If you’re fascinated about nature and fowl 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 normally joined by different migratory birds, though the pink creatures do assume they personal the place. You can go to the lagoon by taking the 514 or 609 bus from San Teodoro.
The finest time to see the flamingos is between April and September. I might suggest visiting within the morning or within the late afternoon if doable, which lets you keep away from the extraordinary noon solar, and can be a lot better for pictures.
If you might have a automotive, you possibly can observe up your go to with a swim on the seashores of Lu Impostu, which is shut by. (La Cinta may look even nearer on Google Maps, but it surely’s solely because the crow flies — you have to drive additional to get to it.)
Ride the Trenino Teodorino
If you’re in San Teodoro with no 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 children love this prepare, adults adore it simply as a lot for each its practicality and its sightseeing potential.
This is a vacationer prepare that hyperlinks the principle components of city with the closest seashores of La Cinta and Cala d’Ambra. It’s a lifesaver for those who don’t need to hire a automotive or take care of parking on a scorching summer season’s day.
The Trenino Teodorino is in service between from June 1 till September 15. Tickets are offered 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 loads of 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 large tip first: I simply need you to remember the fact that Sardinia will get VERY scorching 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. Luckily, there are a number of excursions in San Teodoro that incorporate cooling off.
Be certain to convey 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 reasonable general — you’ll should be okay with heights and capable of swim.
This five-hour canyoning tour in Rio Pitrisconi takes you a bit of 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 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 possibility for journey in San Teodoro. The finest routes observe an analogous solution to the canyoning excursions in Rio Pitrisconi and round Mount Nieddu.
Once 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 power-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 the forest, which convey you to the perfect viewpoints.
As there are alternatives to swim within the waterfalls and swimming pools, you’ll need to put on or convey your bathing go well with.
Explore the Archaeological Sites
Skip the seashore 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 prime of one another. In the case of Nuraghe San Pietro, the stays focus on a predominant 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 location, close to the small city of Torpè, is just accessible with a non-public automotive. You can simply add it right into a highway journey heading south from San Teodoro, or on the best way again from different actions.
Attend the San Teodoro Festival
The San Teodoro Festival honors the namesake patron saint of Teodoro in summer season. I really like Italian festivals honoring the native saints, and extremely suggest attending a competition for those who can!
A conventional affair by 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 affix 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 actual date varies every year, so double-check earlier than your go to. And keep in mind that inns are usually booked up across the competition.
How Much Time to Spend in San Teodoro, Italy
How a lot time do you assume you may want at a calming seashore 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 seashore 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 couple of lazy days! For me, that was good.
At the naked minimal, I might suggest spending two nights in San Teodoro so you possibly can have one actual seashore day. However, three days offers you time to see much more. You can prolong your keep if you need extra seashore time, or for those who really feel impressed to deal with each merchandise on this journey information.
How to Get to San Teodoro, Italy
Olbia, San Teodoro’s nearest main metropolis, has each an airport and a ferry port. While 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 Lines was an amazing 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 can e-book a cabin for consolation or lower your expenses and reserve a seat. Moby Lines and Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) are the 2 predominant service suppliers and you can too e-book tickets by Direct Ferries.
If you arrive by air, San Teodoro is a 30-minute drive or 45-minute bus journey 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 seashore, you don’t want a automotive. But if you wish to discover your environment, a automotive will add GREATLY to your expertise in Sardinia, as a lot of the good spots aren’t accessible by public transportation.
If you’re touring as a gaggle or with quite a lot of baggage, you possibly can e-book a personal switch from Olbia Airport to San Teodoro.
Where to Stay in San Teodoro, Italy
You can 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.
Either approach, it’s at all times a good suggestion to examine in case your lodge has a shuttle to city or the seashores.
- Top-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 Beach, Hotel Onda Marina is the perfect place to remain for a seashore trip in Sardinia. It’s additionally a walkable distance from the central space. The finest rooms have a balcony with a sea view.
- Top-rated mid-range lodge– Hotel Le Mimose is a beautiful lodge with a pool in San Teodoro. The buffet breakfast is extremely really useful. 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.
Best Time to Visit San Teodoro, Italy
As with most Italian seashore locations, San Teodoro will get its finest climate in the summertime. This is the perfect time to go to the Sardinian resort for seashores, seeing the flamingos, and having fun with festivals and an all-around. buzzy environment.
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 suggest skipping August if doable — 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. Just keep in mind that quite a lot of locations will likely be closed and never all companies will likely be in operation.
If you 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 dwelling in it year-round.
Is San Teodoro Worth It?
I actually liked my time in San Teodoro, and it made the right stress-free finish to my Sardinia highway journey! La Cinta seashore was an particularly large spotlight, and the journey to Tavolara and Molara was so fascinating.
If you’re flying in or out of Olbia, or taking the in a single day ferry in like me, I feel San Teodoro makes a wonderful place for the start or finish of your journey.
I hope you might have the perfect time in San Teodoro — and Sardinia!
Planning a Trip to Italy:
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Have you been to San Teodoro? Have any ideas?