wantagig

I had to re-post because I gave you a bad URL for Hotel RoccaRuja. The web site I gave to you in the other post looks like some kind of apartment type of dwelling whereas we stayed in the hotel. I found the hotel phone number, but no web site.

Phone# 079-529-200

They do have a web site for their scuba lessons and tours:

http://www.asinarascubadiving.com/

On the bottom of this page you'll see a large building in an "S" shape. That's the hotel.

Hope that clears things up.

trvlgrl

That looks gorgeous... I had looked at the other site and it seemed to be primarily villa rentals... We'll probably head up there and decide between La Pelosetta and this hotel when we get there.

Glad to hear about Castelsardo beach, as the pictures I saw on the web seemed to show mostly very rocky shores with waves (of course I'm sure it depends on the wind...)

Thanks so much for your help. Fodorites are soooo helpful and generous with their time, information and knowledge. What a great site.

We are still deciding what we will do, and will probably take it day by day once we get there. I will post a report when we get back.

GAC

You won't find any place on Sardinia which can compare to either Panarea or Ravello, BUT you can find beaches which are much more beautiful. I can name Stintino, Costa Rei, Villasimius, Chia Laguna (all three in the South), Santa Maria Navarrese, Cala Golone, and of course the Costa Smeralda/La Maddalena areas.

The areas north east of Sassari (the road to Castelsardo) is indeed very scenic, and the hinterland of Castelsardo is also quite engaging.

The little beach in Castelsardo is nice but not spectacular. The Hotel Riviera has its own little slice of beach for residents.

wantagig

I'm very happy for you trvlgrl. I think it's a good idea to check out the two properties when you get there to see which property suits your family better. You won't be disappointed with either. What a feast for the eyes.

How fortunate to be in England with access to Ryanair which flys to Alghero so cheaply. My guess is that you'll want to return again and again. I'll be looking for your trip report!

Hi GAC, someday we'll return and fly into Cagliari. I'll definitely be studying up on the beaches you recommend in the south. Thanks for your help.

trvlgrl

Hi - I just realised I never followed up to let everyone know how it went. We had a wonderful time, the weather was perfect for all but two days (one day early on in the trip was cold and rainy and then the last day was windy, but that was fine as we were travelling anyway...). Also, many thanks again to AnnieP for recommending warm clothes for the evenings... the temperature really does drop at night. We stayed in two hotels near Alghero, really liked first one, Punta Negra - great food and super friendly and helpful staff with an okay beach; but didn't really like second one, Dei Pini - nicer facilities, gorgeous beach, but let down by bad food and indifferent service. We went into Alghero a couple of times, but it didn't really do much for us as a place where we wanted to "hang out" - too touristy and not terribly charming. In some ways, oddly enough, we enjoyed Fertilia more. It is a little town near the Punta Negra - very local, not very pretty in itself, but with a wonderful gelateria, a good pizzeria, and a gorgeous view over Alghero. We ended up going to Stintino and really enjoyed it, and thought the beach there was really pretty. Probably didn't travel around as much as I would have liked, but we were having too much fun relaxing. In fact, we liked it so much, we're planning to go again soon... Thank you all for all your help last year. I'll let you know if we go again and where and what we do...

Waldo

No one here has mentioned Golfo Aranci. It's a great little town, fifteen kilometers outside of Olbia. It's got lovely beaches, great restaurants, fantastic shopping, and it's not expensive. It has three or four outstanding hotels and beautiful sights.I think you would love it. I have a condo there, and I go there every year. Another benefit, if you want, is that it's right at the limit of the Costa Smeralda, and as such, one can visit the towns and sights of the Costa Smeralda very easily and quickly. Another fantastic thing-- if you are there on August 15, you will see a feast that you will never forget. After all, where could one eat drink and party ABSOLUTELY FREE!

wantagig

trvlgrl:

I just read your post. I've thought of you a few times over the last year wondering where you ended up staying and your impressions.

Did you end up staying in Stintino, or did you go there just to have a look around and enjoy the beautiful beach? It really is gorgeous. Did you ever make it to Castelsardo?

trvlgrl

Hi wantagig, thanks for wondering... We ended up staying near Stintino (actually out at La Pelosetta) and really enjoying ourselves... the hotel we stayed at is really basic... but the beach and the view and relaxing atmosphere make up for it. And we like sleepy little (out of season) Stintino. In fact, after a few hard months since September (family issues and some health problems) we had some holiday time in early June and decided to go back there again! Still haven't made it to Castelsardo... but probably will next time.

wantagig

Hi trvlgrl:

I just read your post. I'm so glad for you that you were able to escape once again to La Pelosa beach. I'm sorry for the circumstances though (family issues and some health problems)

Did you stay at La Pelosetta Hotel again? You had mentioned that the accommodations there were basic. Nice to know. I thought it would be nicer. I remember walking by. It looked like they had both cottages and a hotel. Is that right? Was it more crowed in June than September when you had been there?

Did you walk along the road to the pizzeria on the beach near the Rocca Ruja hotel? They had good food. We never actually made it into the town of Stintino.

I'll never forget the beautiful colors of the sea near La Pelosa beach. wow.

I hope you can visit the nice people at the Riviera Hotel in Castelsardo some day (mid September would be perfect!) and relax at the little beach across the street from the hotel. How I miss Sardinia. I love to talk about it though. Thanks for bringing back the memories!