ABOUT AREA
On the extreme north eastern tip of the island is Palau. This lively small town and port is primarily a beach resort with its own selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Around 3km to the north of the town lies the Fortezza di Monte Altura, a 19th century bastion on a rocky slope above the town. From Palau you can also take a boat trip out to the nearby Maddalena Islands.
BEACHES
Santa Teresa
Enjoy stunning views of the straits of Bonifacio over the transparent turquoise sea as you head to the dramatic headland of Capo Testa to the west of Santa Teresa. The nearby bay of Santa Reparata has some delightful stretches of beach.
Tanca Manna
Tanca Manna sits approximately 250 metres from the road behind a saltwater lake. It has a great stretch of sand and plenty of facilities for families. A kilometre beyond Tanca Manna is Barca Bruciata, a small sandy beach which is quiet with no facilities.
Cala Capra
Cala Capra beach just beyond Golfo delle Saline is a pretty sandy bay tucked beneath the impressive Capo D’Orso headland with its distinctive bear shaped weathered rock.
Capriccioli
The Capriccioli headland has five beautiful small sandy beaches. There are facilities for boat hire and also a bar close to the beach. These beaches, including La Celvia, are amongst the most popular in the area.
FESTIVALS
Louis Vuitton Trophy - Maddalena Island – May/June
Sailing regatta.
Baltic Cup - Porto Cervo - June
Sailing show organised by the Yachting Club of Costa Smeralda.
Fish Festival - Santa Teresa Gallura - July
A festival inviting visitors to sample fried fish and delightful Vermentino wine.
Smeralda 888 European Cup - Porto Cervo - August
Prime sailing exhibition.
International Folklore Festival - Tempio Pausania - August
Held during Tempio’s summer carnival and featuring various ethnic groups from all over the world.
Time in Jazz – Berchidda - August
International Jazz Festival – one of the most important in Sardinia.
THINGS TO SEE & DO
La Maddalena Islands
Spend a day cruising around and swimming from these stunning islands - a favourite with those seeking tranquillity, natural beauty and unspoilt surroundings.
Corsica
Take the ferry from Santa Teresa di Gallura across to the neighbouring island of Corsica and visit the fortress town of Bonifacio.
Watersports
Discover the exquisite coastline from the sea and enjoy the excellent conditions of the north east coast for wind-surfing, sailing, diving, snorkelling, etc.
Prehistoric Sites at Arzachena
Visit the prehistoric remains including the Albucciu Nuraghe – a bronze age tower, the Tomba dei Giganti Coddu Vecchiu and the Li Muri Necropolis, scattered around the town.
Porto Cervo
An up-market town and centre of indulgence, it is located around two yacht harbours on the north side of this dazzling stretch of coastline, and being the main resort of the area and a paradise for the jet-set, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Inland Gallura
Explore by car or on foot the dramatic mountains of the interior, the rugged countryside and the small character towns and villages. Alternatively, leave your car in Palau and take the stream train to Tempio Pausania, a spectacular journey across the Galluran countryside.
Agriturismo
Sample traditional Sardinian cuisine in a farm restaurant. Amongst others, we recommend the Agriturismi Tenuta Pilastru, la Sasima or la Somara, all located near Arzachena.
