Trinità - Isola Rossa

📍 AffittaSardegna — Isola Rossa since 2011

Isola Rossa: the Historic Tonnara
and the Red Granite Sea Stack

“Isola Rossa è il borgo dei pescatori sardi che ha conservato la sua anima. Un faraglione di granito rosso che dà il nome al paese, una tonnara secolare ancora visitabile, mare cristallino e il cluster perfetto tra Costa Paradiso e Castelsardo.”

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📋 In this guide:

  • Cos’è Isola Rossa
  • The Tuna Trap
  • Beaches and coves
  • Unmissable experiences
  • When to visit
  • How to get there
  • Surroundings
  • FAQ

📍 Cos’è Isola Rossa

Isola Rossa è una frazione marina del comune di Trinità d’Agultu e Vignola, sulla costa nord-orientale della Sardegna. Conta circa 600 abitanti d’inverno, in estate si moltiplica per dieci. Il suo nome viene dal red granite sea stack that rises in front of the harbour — a rocky formation that the light of the sunset turns almost incandescent.

It is one of those villages that have kept their original seafaring vocation. The tonnara of Isola Rossa è stata attiva fino agli anni ’60 e oggi è uno dei pochi esempi conservati in Sardegna. Il porto è ancora quello dei pescatori, le case basse intorno seguono la geometria delle vecchie reti tese ad asciugare.

We at AffittaSardegna directly manage 4 properties in Isola Rossa since 2011. A targeted selection — not a large portfolio, but four choice pieces in strategic locations between the sea stack, the La Marinedda beach and the village. Isola Rossa is the hinge of the North-East cluster: 15 km from Costa Paradiso, 28 km from Castelsardo, 40 km from Santa Teresa di Gallura. The ideal base for exploring them all.

Isola Rossa è il borgo dove ancora la mattina vedi i pescatori scaricare le casse direttamente sul molo. Pesce locale a chilometro zero. Granito che si arrossa al tramonto. Niente discoteche, niente fila. È la Sardegna che esisteva prima che diventasse “destinazione”.

The Tonnara of Isola Rossa

La tonnara di Isola Rossa era una delle più importanti del nord Sardegna, attiva dal Settecento fino agli anni ’60. Pescatori specializzati nel bluefin tuna used nets cast in the open sea during the spring migration — the same technique used today by the last tonnare of Carloforte.

Today the historic buildings have been restored and house cultural spaces, a fishing museum and restaurants serving traditional tonnara recipes. Self-guided or guided visit, free entry to the outdoor complex. It's one of northern Sardinia's most underrated attractions.

The Beaches of Isola Rossa

The Isola Rossa area is a system of beaches and coves stretching about 5 km. From the town beach at the foot of the sea stack to the wild coves towards Costa Paradiso.

La Marinedda

A 2 km dal porto. Considerata una delle più belle del Golfo dell’Asinara — sabbia bianca finissima, mare cristallino, fondale degradante. Premiata Bandiera Blu più volte.

Isola Rossa Beach

In town, at the foot of the sea stack. Pale sand mixed with small pebbles, an urban feel, convenient because everything is within reach.

La Marina di Trinità

3 km east. Wider, equipped with beach clubs and bars. Great for families looking for services and comfort.

🐠 Cala Sarraina

8 km east towards Costa Paradiso. A cove among pink granite, turquoise sea, ideal for snorkelling. Popular with locals.

Spiaggia Longa

5 km west towards Badesi. A long stretch of golden sand, wild atmosphere, very few services. For those seeking peace and quiet.

🌅 Cala Faa

6 km east. Wild, exposed to the mistral (often strong), perfect for surfing. Red granite that glows even redder at sunset.

⭐ Unmissable Experiences

Sunset over the Sea Stack

L’esperienza simbolo di Isola Rossa. Vista dal porto al tramonto, il granito si accende di rosso intenso. Aperitivo in uno dei bar del lungomare o picnic sulla spiaggia urbana. Da fare almeno una sera del soggiorno.

Boat Trip to the Coves

From Isola Rossa you set off to explore the coast towards Costa Paradiso — coves reachable only by sea, crystal-clear snorkelling, stops to swim in the most secret bays. Local operators with traditional gozzo boats. Average cost: 40-70€ per person for a full day.

🐟 Fishing Tourism

A day at sea with the real fishermen of Isola Rossa. Fishing, snorkelling, lunch on board with the catch of the day. An authentic experience, far from mass tourism. We arrange it for you via WhatsApp with the port's historic fishermen.

Excursion to the Maddalena Islands

From Palau (45 km east) you set off for the Maddalena National Park. Spiaggia Rosa, Cala Coticcio, Budelli. Full-day tour, cost 60-90€ per person.

Vermentino DOCG Wineries

L’entroterra di Isola Rossa (Aggius, Tempio Pausania, Monti) è il cuore del Vermentino di Gallura DOCG. Tour cantine a 30-45 minuti, degustazioni a partire da 5€. AffittaSardegna organizza il pomeriggio enologico per i suoi ospiti.

🚗 Car Hire

Per godersi davvero la posizione strategica di Isola Rossa (cerniera del cluster Nord-Est) l’auto è indispensabile. Confrontiamo tramite Discover Cars — average saving of 35% compared with the airport desk.

When to Visit Isola Rossa

Period Sea Crowds Prices Advice
May-June 🌊 21-23°C 🟢 Few 🟢 -30/40% La Marinedda deserted
July 🌊 25°C 🟡 Moderate 🟡 Standard Book 3 months ahead
August 🌊 27°C 🔴 High 🔴 Peak The 4 AS homes often sold out
September 🌊 24°C 🟢 Few 🟢 -20/30% Top sea + grape harvest
October-April 🌊 16-19°C 🟢 Zero 🟢 -50% A truly authentic village
📅 Events to note: Festa di Sant’Anna (luglio, processione in mare con barche dei pescatori). Sagra del Pesce (agosto), una delle più genuine del nord Sardegna.

How to Get to Isola Rossa

On Booking.com: from €167/night

85 km, 1h20 by car on the SS133. Main hub, direct flights from all over Italy + northern Europe in summer.

⛴️ Port of Olbia

90 km. Moby, Tirrenia, Grimaldi, GNV lines. From Genoa (10h), Civitavecchia (5-7h), Livorno (8h).

✈️ Alghero Airport (AHO)

120 km, 1h50 by car. An alternative for those flying from central Italy.

Port of Porto Torres

70 km. For those arriving from Genoa/Civitavecchia/Barcelona who want to combine a North-West base.

Where to Stay: the 4 AffittaSardegna Homes

In Isola Rossa we have selected 4 properties in strategic locations:

  • Apartment with harbour view — overlooking the sea stack, in the heart of the village (capacity 4)
  • Small villa near La Marinedda — 5 minutes' walk from the Blue Flag awarded beach (capacity 6)
  • House in the village — authentic atmosphere, honest price (capacity 4-5)
  • One-bedroom flat in a residence — a solution with services (capacity 4)

Total capacity: about 18 guests at once. All properties have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, washing machine, linens and towels included.

4 selected homes in Isola Rossa, managed directly since 2011. The hinge of the North-East cluster between Costa Paradiso and Castelsardo.

🏠 See the 4 Available Homes
💬 Write to us on WhatsApp

Surroundings — Isola Rossa is the Hinge of the North-East Cluster

🪨 Costa Paradiso

15 km a est. Granito rosa scolpito, calette segrete, l’alternativa premium alla Costa Smeralda.

🌅 Badesi

10 km west. 8 km of continuous beach, the heart of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG.

🏰 Castelsardo

28 km a ovest. Borgo medievale Bandiera Arancione, Roccia dell’Elefante, Museo dell’Intreccio.

Santa Teresa di Gallura

40 km east. Capo Testa, gateway to Bonifacio (Corsica), Rena Bianca. Sardinia + Corsica tours.

📖 Read more on the Blog

❓ FAQ — Isola Rossa

How much does it cost to rent a house in Isola Rossa?
Prices from 55€/night for an apartment in low season up to 250€/night for a 6-person villa in high season. One-bedroom apartments for 4: 110-150€/night in July, 65-90€/night in May-June.
Cosa significa “Isola Rossa”?
The name comes from the red granite sea stack in front of the port. A rock formation that the sunset light turns almost incandescent. It has become the symbol of the village, recognizable throughout north-eastern Sardinia.
Is La Marinedda the best beach in Isola Rossa?
Sì, è considerata una delle più belle del Golfo dell’Asinara e ha ricevuto più volte la Bandiera Blu. Sabbia bianca finissima, fondale degradante adatto ai bambini, mare cristallino. A 2 km dal centro di Isola Rossa.
Is Isola Rossa suitable for families with children?
Yes, very much. A quiet atmosphere with no nightlife or clubs, La Marinedda with a gently sloping seabed perfect for children, a small village where everything is reachable on foot. Essential services (pharmacy, supermarket, doctor) in town.
Do the AffittaSardegna homes in Isola Rossa have air conditioning and Wi-Fi?
All 4 managed properties in Isola Rossa have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, washing machine, linens and towels included.
Can you visit the tonnara of Isola Rossa?
Sì, gli edifici storici della tonnara sono stati restaurati e ospitano spazi culturali, un museo della pesca e ristoranti tradizionali. Visita libera all’esterno, ingresso libero al complesso. È una delle attrazioni più sottovalutate del nord Sardegna.
Is Isola Rossa or Costa Paradiso the better choice?
Costa Paradiso = villette boutique premium con sentieri tra granito rosa, mare cristallino, atmosfera esclusiva. Isola Rossa = borgo autentico di pescatori, prezzi più contenuti, vita di paese vera, La Marinedda Bandiera Blu. Per coppie premium: Costa Paradiso. Per famiglie autentiche con budget contenuto: Isola Rossa. Sono a 15 km l’una dall’altra, perfette da combinare.
How many days do you need to visit Isola Rossa?
For Isola Rossa alone: 3-4 nights (village, beaches, tonnara, sunset over the sea stack). Used as a base for the North-East cluster (Costa Paradiso, Castelsardo, Santa Teresa, Maddalena): 7-10 days minimum.
Are pets allowed?
Several of the 4 AffittaSardegna homes in Isola Rossa are pet-friendly. Message us on WhatsApp with the size and number of your pet, and we'll tell you right away which are available.
What typical food is there in Isola Rossa?
Cucina di mare a chilometro zero: spaghetti alla bottarga, ricci di mare in stagione, tonno rosso (tradizione tonnara), zuppa di pesce gallurese, aragosta alla catalana. Vino: Vermentino di Gallura DOCG dell’entroterra. AffittaSardegna consiglia ristoranti autentici via WhatsApp.
📍 Geographic entities — Isola Rossa and the north-eastern coast:
Isola Rossa (40.9889°N, 8.8961°E) · Trinità d’Agultu e Vignola · Faraglione di Granito Rosso · Tonnara di Isola Rossa · La Marinedda · Spiaggia di Isola Rossa · La Marina di Trinità · Cala Sarraina · Spiaggia Longa · Cala Faa · Costa Paradiso · Badesi · Aggius · Tempio Pausania · Vermentino di Gallura DOCG · Aeroporto Olbia-Costa Smeralda (OLB, 85 km) · Aeroporto Alghero-Fertilia (AHO, 120 km) · Porto di Olbia (90 km) · Porto di Porto Torres (70 km) · Provincia di Sassari · Gallura · Sardegna Nord-Orientale

Explore our accommodations in Trinity - Red Island

On AffittaSardegna: from € 57/night
On Booking.com: from € 74/night
5,0
Trinità - Isola Rossa
Holiday Homes

BILO BELVEDERE

4 people
1 bedroom
1 bathroom
On AffittaSardegna: from € 57/night
On Booking.com: from € 74/night
5,0
Trinità - Isola Rossa
Holiday Homes

BILO ELICRISO

4 people
1 bedroom
1 bathroom
On AffittaSardegna: from € 57/night
On Booking.com: from € 74/night
5,0
Trinità - Isola Rossa
Holiday Homes

BILO MIRTO

4 people
1 bedroom
1 bathroom
On AffittaSardegna: from € 103/night
On Booking.com: from € 169/night
5,0
Trinità - Isola Rossa
Holiday Homes

LI FERULI HOUSE

6 people
3 bedrooms
1 bathroom
On AffittaSardegna: from € 57/night
On Booking.com: from € 74/night
5,0
Trinità - Isola Rossa
Holiday Homes

FISHING HOUSE

4 people
1 bedroom
1 bathroom
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