Gallura combines rugged granite mountains and a rural interior with stunning beaches and turquoise sea.  Visitors can also explore archeological sites and rural villages, plus enjoy 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 from the port of Palau, 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 on the edge of Arzachena, on the Costa Smeralda road, for information on all the local sites, how to find them, plus to visit the hilltop temple of Malchittu and the nuraghe close to the visitor centre.  The La Prisgiona site in the Capichera zone, only opened to the public this summer and still being excavated, is particularly impressive and demonstrates a sophisticated Bronze Age community.  The archeological sites of Gallura are inland rather than on the coast, emphasizing how Sardinia was traditionally an agro-pastoral rather than seafaring civilisation - as reflected in its food and traditional crafts.

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: Thursday  / Santa Teresa di Gallura:  Thursday
 

Costa Smeralda

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.

Development of the area has been strictly controlled, meaning the main centres of Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo and Portisco have been constructed in a very specific style, are carefully manicured, and created to attract visitors with high disposable incomes and a desire for luxury and high end shopping.  These resorts have a central shopping and restaurant area, clustered around a marina;  Portisco is much more orientated to its marina and visitors arriving by sea than its siblings.   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 and a basic cafe - although they are extremely busy in August.  Much of the area is privately owned and largely unspoilt, despite the millions of visitors who descend on Sardinia every summer.

Coastal Towns

Palau and Santa Teresa di Gallura are ports with tourist facilities, beaches and museums.  They're also the embarcation points for ferries to La Maddalena (from Palau) and Corsica (from Santa Teresa).  See our separate section for more information on the resort of Cannigione. 

Sant'Antonio di Gallura

A pretty village 25 minutes inland from the coast, and a good base if you'd prefer the cooler, quieter mountains;  CLICK THROUGH HERE for more information on the village.