Cannigione is a relaxed small resort and tourist port on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, close to Olbia and the Costa Smeralda.   Like the Costa Smeralda it's close to beautiful beaches and the mountains of Gallura, but doesn't have the carefully-sculpted resorts and higher prices of that more famous section of coastline.

Cannigione's shops and restaurants cluster along the seafront and main street, and holiday accommodation stretches up the hill behind, with views across the bay  of Golfo di Arzachena to the granite mountains beyond.  There's a small sandy beach in the resort, within easy walking distance of all accommodation.  Other beaches are a longer walk or short bicycle/car ride away, or can be accessed by boat;  either north towards Palau and the islands, or south-east round the coast to the Costa Smeralda. 

The beach, port and coastline are Cannigione's main attractions, although it's also a good base to explore the countryside around Arzachena with its villages and archeological sites.  Saint's day is celebrated on 24 June, when a procession of boats carries the statue of Cannigione's patron saint S.Giovanni Battista from the church out to one of the islets in the bay for a blessing from the priest.  Visitors are invited to board one of the boats and take part in the procession.  On Ferragosto, the 15 August holiday which marks the climax of the summer season, there is a huge firework display off the beach, with fireworks and stars mirrored in the waters of the bay. 

How to get there

Nearest airport or sea port is Olbia/Golfo Aranci, slightly further are Alghero, Porto Torres and Santa Teresa di Gallura (for ferries from Corsica).  From June to September there's a coastal bus which links Cannigione directly with the Costa Smeralda, Olbia and Olbia Airport, while year-round there is a public ARST bus connecting to Arzachena, Olbia, Palau and S.Teresa di Gallura. 

When to go

Cannigione is extremely busy in high season, late July and August;  outside these weeks accommodation is easier to find, the beaches and roads are uncrowded, and prices lower.  In summer the resort is buzzing;  there are numerous bars and restaurants, sometimes with live music, and there's also a small night market along the seafront.  However, unlike many Sardinian resorts there is a year-round community here and several restaurants and shops remain open the whole year, making it an attractive base for autumn, winter or spring breaks.  It's also popular with cyclists, with a variety of coastal and mountain routes accessible and Olbia a good 28km run south over the mountain via San Pantaleo.  

The best way to explore the coastline is by boat - for details of self-drive RIBs,      CLICK HERE for boat hire information.  There are also day yacht charters, plus day trip boat tours of the islands of the La Maddalena peninsula departing from Cannigione's jetty.  To explore the underwater environment of the La Maddalena marine park, visit our DIVING section.   The fast-growing port has hundreds of berths for small and medium-sized boats.  It's also possible to waterski & windsurf, although not really a major centre for either.

Cannigione's holiday accommodation is primarily in rented houses and apartments, plus a few 3* and 4* hotels.  Restaurants and shops are focused in Cannigione;  there are more limited facilities in its satellite La Conia, which is about 1km along the seafront.   For independent travellers we have a selection of privately-owned accommodation available to rent in Cannigione;  please CLICK HERE to find an apartment in the village.