Things to do in Trinità d'Agultu e Vignola
Things to do in Trinità d'Agultu e Vignola: Isola Rossa, the red rocks of Costa Paradiso, Li Còssi and La Marinedda beaches, boat trips and snorkelling.
We are gathering the first experiences for this area. Check back soon, or tell us about an operator you know.
Trinità d'Agultu e Vignola is a municipality in western Gallura that combines a hill village, about 365 metres up, with a long stretch of coast on the Gulf of Asinara. Here you'll find Isola Rossa, a seaside village with a Spanish watchtower, and Costa Paradiso, with red granite rocks sculpted by wind and waves. It's ideal if you're after wild coves, snorkelling, sunsets over the sea and a quieter mood than eastern Gallura.
What to see in Trinità d'Agultu e Vignola
Isola Rossa and its tower
Isola Rossa ("red island") is named after the reddish granite islet just offshore. The village, gathered round its small harbour, is overlooked by a coastal watchtower built by the Spanish in the 16th century. It's the starting point for boat trips along the coast and a perfect sunset spot.
Costa Paradiso
Costa Paradiso is a settlement founded in the late 1960s among red porphyry and granite rocks of extraordinary shapes. Many houses, designed by architect Alberto Ponis, take inspiration from the stazzi, Gallura's farmhouses, and blend into the landscape. The contrast of red rock, green scrub and blue sea is unforgettable.
Trinità village and the Santissima Trinità church
The village grew in the second half of the 19th century around an old country church: the Santissima Trinità (Holy Trinity) church on the main square dates, by tradition, to the early 1700s and gives the town its name. From up here there's a lovely view of the coast.
Ancient traces
The area has the Bastianazzu and Lu Naragheddu nuraghi and a domus de janas (rock-cut tomb) at Conca di li Fati.
Things to do in Trinità d'Agultu e Vignola
- Boat trips: from Isola Rossa you can explore the coves of Costa Paradiso and bays reachable only by sea.
- Snorkelling and diving: rocky seabeds and clear water among red rocks.
- Kayak and SUP along an indented coast on calm days.
- Coastal hiking: trails through scrub and granite lead to secluded coves such as Tinnari.
- Fishing tourism: trips with the fishermen of Isola Rossa harbour.
Below this guide you'll find the experiences offered by local operators: choose your boat trip or excursion and book it.
Beaches in Trinità d'Agultu e Vignola
Li Còssi
A small bay of pale sand at Costa Paradiso, framed by red rocks and reached by a walk of about ten minutes. Scenes from the film The Black Stallion were shot here. Wonderful for snorkelling.
Isola Rossa beaches
Near the village there are easy sandy beaches, ideal for families, with the red islet as a backdrop. Close by is La Marinedda, a wide bay of pale sand and turquoise water between granite rocks.
Cala Sarraina, Canneddi and Tinnari
Cala Sarraina has coarse sand and pinkish rocks; Canneddi is a more sheltered bay; Tinnari is a wild cove reached on foot by trail or from the sea. To the west there's also Li Feruli beach. These are for lovers of nature and quiet; bring water and proper shoes.
History
The area was frequented as early as the Mesolithic, as stone tools found at Porto Leccio show, and in Nuragic and Roman times, with finds of Republican-era coins. In the Middle Ages it belonged to the Giudicato (medieval kingdom) of Gallura. The area's historic name was Vignolas. Trinità grew in the 19th century around its church, which became a rural parish in 1813, and the municipality was created in 1958. Since the 1970s tourism has made Isola Rossa and Costa Paradiso its best-known places.
What to eat and what to buy
On the coast you'll find the day's fish and shellfish; inland it's Gallura stazzi cooking: suppa cuata (a bread, cheese and broth bake), sheep's and goat's cheeses, roast meats and almond-and-honey sweets. To drink, Vermentino di Gallura DOCG. Souvenirs: cheese, honey, wine and cork crafts.
Festivals and traditions
The village is tied to its devotion to the Holy Trinity, which gives it its name. In August the coast hosts the Costa Rossa Festival delle Arti, launched in 2021, with music and art. The hamlets keep small country churches, such as the Natività di Maria chapel at Paduledda.
Nearby
- Aggius and the Valle della Luna (about 30 minutes): wind-carved granite.
- Tempio Pausania (about 45 minutes): granite old town and Monte Limbara.
- Badesi (about 15 minutes): long beaches and vineyards.
- Castelsardo (about 45 minutes): a medieval village by the sea.
Getting there and when to go
The nearest airports are Olbia and Alghero, about an hour and a half by car; the port of Porto Torres is about an hour away. The coast road links Isola Rossa with Castelsardo and Santa Teresa Gallura. The best time is May to October: June and September are perfect for calm seas, while spring and autumn are ideal for coastal trails.
Frequently asked questions
Is Isola Rossa good for families?
Yes: near the village there are easy sandy beaches, services and a small harbour for boat trips.
How do you get to Li Còssi beach?
On foot from Costa Paradiso, via a path of about ten minutes; wear comfortable shoes.
How many days do you need?
Three or four days let you see Isola Rossa, Costa Paradiso, the main coves and a boat trip, with a visit inland.
