Things to do in Badesi
Things to do in Badesi, Sardinia: Li Mindi and Baia delle Mimose beaches, the Coghinas river mouth, Vermentino wine, surfcasting, festivals and tips.
We are gathering the first experiences for this area. Check back soon, or tell us about an operator you know.
Badesi is a village in western Gallura, built on a hill overlooking the Coghinas river plain, the Gulf of Asinara and, on clear days, the outline of Corsica. Its territory is a mix of Vermentino vineyards, juniper-covered dunes and miles of fine-sand beaches such as Li Mindi and the Baia delle Mimose. It's a quiet, family-friendly place, ideal for open sea, nature at the river mouth and good wine, just minutes from Isola Rossa and Castelsardo.
What to see in Badesi
The village and its viewpoint
The centre, gathered around the parish church of the Sacro Cuore (Sacred Heart), built in the late 19th to early 20th century, is a great viewpoint: from here you can take in the farmland, the coast and the sea all the way to Asinara.
The hamlets and country churches
Around the village lie small hamlets such as La Tozza, with the church of San Giovanni Battista, and Muntigghjoni and L'Azzagulta, between which stands the church of San Francesco. They give you a feel for the area's rural character.
The Coghinas river mouth
The Coghinas, one of Sardinia's main rivers, reaches the sea through Li Mindi beach. Its reed-lined banks and river islets host resident and migratory birds, which is why the coast is protected as a Site of Community Importance.
Things to do in Badesi
- Sea and sport: swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and, when the mistral blows, windsurfing and kitesurfing on the long open beaches.
- Shore fishing: Badesi is a well-known name in surfcasting and has hosted an international competition in May for years.
- Nature and birdwatching along the Coghinas and in the wetlands at its mouth.
- Wineries and vineyards: Vermentino di Gallura tastings among the vines of the plain.
- Cycling on flat roads through countryside, dunes and sea.
Below this guide you'll find the experiences offered by local operators in Badesi and along the nearby coast: pick the right one for you and book.
Beaches of Badesi
Li Mindi
A broad beach of fine white sand backed by juniper-covered dunes, with views of Asinara and the whole coast from Castelsardo to Isola Rossa. It's so big it never feels crowded; in windy weather the sea can be choppy, which also makes it popular with sailors and boarders.
Baia delle Mimose
Towards Valledoria, this is the busiest beach: pale sand, a shallow sandy bottom and dunes covered in coastal plants. It's the best choice for families with young children.
Further stretches of sand line the whole coast, reached by small lanes through the pine wood and dunes: just pick the quietest one.
History
Badesi, in the historic region of Gallura, is a young village: tradition says it formed around 1700 when a few related families settled here, and their surnames, such as Stangoni, Carbini, Oggiano, Sanna and Fara, are still very common. The name is thought to come from the Sardinian badu, "ford", because locals waded across the Coghinas. Long tied to Sassari, after a 2002 referendum the municipality moved to the province of Olbia-Tempio, since abolished. The economy is still largely agricultural, with winemaking at its heart, while tourism keeps growing thanks to the beaches.
What to eat and buy
The signature product is Vermentino di Gallura, grown on the fertile alluvial plain of the Coghinas among dunes and junipers: a fresh, savoury white, perfect with fish. At the table you'll find Gallurese and northern Sardinian cooking: bread and cheese soups, roast meats, cheeses, cured meats and almond sweets. Take home wine, honey and local cheese.
Festivals and traditions
- Feast of the Sacro Cuore, the patron, in early June.
- International surfcasting competition, in May.
- Food festival of Gallurese specialities, in August.
- Summer carnival, in mid-August, part of the village's summer programme.
The local language is Gallurese, with Logudorese influences.
Nearby
- Isola Rossa (Trinità d'Agultu), about 15 minutes away, with its village and red-granite coves.
- Valledoria, with more beaches along the gulf.
- Santa Maria Coghinas, with the Casteldoria hot springs on the river.
- Castelsardo, a medieval village by the sea, about 30 minutes away.
Getting there and when to go
The nearest airports are Olbia Costa Smeralda and Alghero, both about an hour and a quarter by car; the handiest port is Porto Torres, about 50 minutes away. Badesi sits on the coastal road between Castelsardo and Santa Teresa Gallura. June and September are the best months for the sea; July and August are the liveliest; spring and autumn are perfect for birdwatching at the river mouth and visiting wineries around harvest time.
Frequently asked questions
Is Badesi good for families?
Yes: the Baia delle Mimose has shallow water and fine sand, and the village is quiet and child-friendly.
What is the best beach in Badesi?
Li Mindi, at the mouth of the Coghinas, is the most spectacular for its size and setting; the Baia delle Mimose is the most convenient.
How many days do you need for Badesi?
Three or four days are enough for the sea, wineries and surroundings; Badesi also makes a good base for exploring north-west Sardinia.
