Gallura and its rugged coastline offer visitors stunning beaches with turquoise sea, rugged granite mountain ranges and archeological sites, plus high-quality local wines and a cuisine which combines both seafood and traditional mountain produce. The islands of the La Maddalena archipelago are easily reached by ferry, and can be explored on foot, by bus, bike or car, although some of the loveliest spots are only accessible by boat.

Archeology
The island has ancient nuraghi dotted throughout, and the Arzachena region has some particularly interesting sites where the island's earliest inhabitants constructed a civilisation.  Visit the archeological centre just outside Arzachena, on the Costa Smeralda road, for information on all the local sites, how to find them, plus to make an instant visit to the site immediately opposite.

Market days
Most towns have a market day, with stalls selling fruit, vegetables and local produce such as cheeses, plus during summer, tourist gifts and crafts.
Market Days:
Arzachena:  Wednesday
Cannigione:  Monday
Olbia:  viale Aldo Moro Saturday
San Pantaleo:  Tuesday
Santa Teresa di Gallura:  Thursday
 

Costa Smeralda

It's the Costa Smeralda which is Sardinia's most famous tourist area, put on the international tourist map by the Aga Khan's purchase and development of a stretch of empty coastline in the sixties.

Building development has been and continues to be strictly controlled, which means the main centres of Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo and Portisco are constructed in a very specific style, are carefully manicured, and and have been created to appeal to visitors with high disposable incomes and a desire for luxury and luxury goods.  These resorts cluster round marinas, with a central shopping and restaurant area.  Meanwhile the coastline's best beaches, such as Rena Bianca and Liscia Ruja, are undeveloped, with access often via a rough track and facilities limited to beach umbrellas and beds, plus a basic cafe.  The fact that the area is under private ownership has protected it from most incursions, and this is now combined with laws preventing new development on the seafront or immediately inland from the shore to ensure that the coast really is largely unspoilt, despite the millions of visitors who descend on Sardinia in the summer.