Imagine standing on a board, the warm September sun caressing your skin as you glide silently over the crystal-clear waters surrounding Cala Capra Park. With each paddle stroke, the coast reveals itself in all its beauty: hidden coves among juniper trees leading to the Capo d’Orso lighthouse, immersed in a nature that seems to guard ancient secrets.

Welcome to the world of SUP, Stand Up Paddleboarding, one of the most captivating activities you can try in Northern Sardinia: it means enjoying the freedom and peace that only direct contact with nature can offer.

In recent years, these large boards equipped with a paddle have become the stars of entire seaside holidays. And it’s no wonder: they are an excellent alternative to canoeing and kayaking, suitable for everyone thanks to a surprisingly quick learning curve.

If you’re a beginner, don’t worry. There are boards designed for every need, from all-around ones, perfect for beginners, to touring boards, ideal for exploration. Gallura is the perfect place to put yourself to the test among small coves and hidden bays.

The starting point is the Marina di Cala Capra for SUP rental, then follow the coastline towards Cala Selvaggia beach, a small bay that blends perfectly with the lush surrounding vegetation. It’s an experience that is not easily forgotten. From here, continue to round the Capo d’Orso lighthouse as the silhouette of the La Maddalena Archipelago looms on the horizon, then paddle towards Pluto’s Rock.

If there’s a way to fully experience the essence of a holiday in Sardinia, it’s this: explore, discover, and be enchanted by the timeless beauty of this land, suspended between myth and reality, with only the sounds of nature and the gentle lapping of the waves beneath the board for company.

Then there’s Bear Rock, a natural sculpture that dominates the landscape from its 120-metre height. Viewed from a certain angle, it really does resemble a bear gazing out to sea. This place is not only a masterpiece of nature but also a site rich in history and myth. According to some scholars, it might be identified with the land of the Laestrygonians, the cannibal giants who, according to the Odyssey, destroyed much of Ulysses’ fleet.

This journey is not only a feast for the eyes but also an excellent physical exercise. Moving on the water while balancing on the board engages all your muscles without stressing your joints. It’s a full-body workout that many choose to stay in shape while having fun, and some even combine it with yoga, transforming the SUP into a platform for performing asanas immersed in nature.