Visit Castelsardo Sardinia: Top Things to See on the North Coast

Welcome to Castelsardo, a hilltop town that looks like it was designed by a painter with a thing for sunsets. Clinging to a rocky promontory above the sea, this place mixes medieval stone walls, tiny alleys, and postcard views without even trying. You’ll wander through old streets that smell like sea breeze and bakery doors, then end up drinking Vermentino with a view that makes you forget your phone. While you visit Castelsardo Sardinia if you’re into wine tasting and wineries in Sardinia, this is a great base, there are plenty of local bottles to try and no shortage of cozy spots to sip them. Castelsardo is relaxed but proud, colorful but never crowded, and perfect for anyone who wants the real deal without the tourist circus.

Visit Castelsardo Sardinia: Top things to do

Wander through the Castello dei Doria

Climb up to Castello dei Doria and you’ll get the kind of view that makes you stop mid-sentence. Sitting right on top of Castelsardo, this medieval beast of a castle has seen it all, battles, storms, and probably a few dramatic love stories. Inside, you’ll find the Museum of Mediterranean Weaving, which sounds niche but is actually pretty cool. Think colorful baskets, age-old techniques, and local stories woven into every piece.

Admire the Cathedral of Sant’Antonio Abate

Look up and you’ll spot the bell tower of Sant’Antonio Abate, it’s the one flashing colorful majolica tiles like it’s showing off. This cliffside cathedral mixes old-school charm with jaw-dropping views over the sea. Inside, it’s all quiet shadows, sacred relics, and a crypt that feels straight out of another century. One of the highlights? A rare piece by the mysterious Maestro di Castelsardo.

Explore the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie

Step into the shadows of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a quiet 15th-century gem hidden in the maze of Castelsardo’s old town. It’s not flashy, but inside you’ll find the striking Black Christ statue, carried through the streets during Holy Week in one of Sardinia’s most intense religious processions. It’s raw, moving, and deeply local.

Take in the sunset at Marina di Castelsardo

Head down to Marina di Castelsardo, where fishing boats bob lazily and the smell of grilled octopus hangs in the sea air. It’s the town’s mellow side, perfect for a glass of local Vermentino at sunset. Sit back, watch the cliffs glow under the castle above, and let the waves and chatter set the vibe. No need to rush, this is exactly why people visit Castelsardo in the first place.

Admire the colorful houses

Admire the colorful houses that cling to the hillside of Castelsardo like a Mediterranean mosaic. From the marina or the main road into town, the view is pure postcard material, pastel walls stacked along narrow alleys, all leading up to the ancient castle. Take your time, snap a few photos, and just let the colors do their thing. Golden hour? Even better.

Head to Lu Bagnu Beach

Few minutes from the center of Castelsardo, Lu Bagnu Beach is where locals and smart travelers go to cool off. Think soft golden sand, clear turquoise water, and plenty of space to stretch out with a towel or dive straight in. It’s a no-fuss, all-fun kind of beach day, and once you’re done swimming, there’s always a seafood spot or beach bar nearby calling your name for a cold Aperol and fried calamari.

Visit Castelsardo Sardinia: Top things to do around

Marvel at the Roccia dell’Elefante

Just outside Castelsardo, 8 minutes, you’ll spot Roccia dell’Elefante, a giant volcanic rock that looks uncannily like an elephant, complete with a trunk. It’s the kind of roadside stop that makes you pull over, snap a dozen photos, and wonder how nature pulled this off. But look closer, carved into the rock are Domus de Janas, ancient tombs dating back thousands of years.

Taste the sunset in the vineyards

Just 5 miles from Castelsardo, Roccabianca is a family-run vineyard that turns a wine tasting into a proper Sardinian moment. Sunset tastings here come with sea breezes, vineyard walks led by the owner, and glasses of their Vermentino or Cannonau served as the sky turns gold. It’s a small-scale, soulful experience, far from pretentious, packed with atmosphere.

Head to Nostra Signora di Tergu

Take a quick 15-minute drive inland and you’ll land at Nostra Signora di Tergu, a jaw-dropping Romanesque church tucked into the quiet Anglona hills. Built from deep red trachyte and loaded with medieval vibes, it feels like a hidden piece of Sardinian history frozen in time. Once tied to the Benedictine monks of Montecassino, the basilica still stands proud with its sculpted façade and peaceful surroundings. Even if you’re not big on churches, this one might surprise you.

Wander in the Historic Streets of Alghero

Visit Alghero Italy for a full-day adventure just an hour and a half west of Castelsardo. This coastal gem blends medieval charm with Catalan flair, think narrow cobbled streets, Spanish-style balconies, and sea views at every turn. Stroll the old town walls, pop into the Cathedral of Santa Maria, then grab a seafood lunch right by the water. The city’s bastions and buzzing marina make it a perfect mix of culture and coastal chill, and a solid addition to any Sardinia road trip.

Discover the best Sardinia beaches

Dreaming of turquoise water, powdery white sand, and that salty breeze that makes life instantly better? Sardinia delivers in full. From the iconic La Pelosa Beach in the north to the shimmering quartz grains of Is Arutas in the west, the island is dotted with jaw-dropping coastlines. To truly experience the best Sardinia beaches, pack your flip-flops, rent a car, and hit the road. Each stretch of sand is different, from family-friendly bays near San Teodoro to wild coves around Cala Gonone. Lounging, swimming, or just snapping that perfect sunset, these beaches are where Sardinia’s magic really shines.

Good to know before visiting Castelsardo