sant_antonio

Sant’Antonio di Gallura is a village perched on top of a ridge with views in all directions across the mountains of northern Sardinia, c20km west north west of Olbia.

The old centre of the village is pretty, grouped around the piazza and church of Sant’Antonio, with more modern apartments spilling out from the centre in a style typical of the area.

There are several restaurants and bars, including the excellent La Pitraia (see our Food & Wine section), and a couple of basic shops, all grouped along the one main street which runs through the centre.

S.Antonio has a few visitors in the summer, but is very much a typical Gallurese working village – if you'd prefer to be surrounded by local residents rather than other tourists, this is the place.

Getting there and getting around

There is a bus service to Olbia and Arzachena, although it is limited in frequency and extent. By bicycle, it is a demanding (beautiful) ascent from Arzachena, for fit cyclists only. By car, the coast, Olbia, Costa Smeralda, Santa Teresa and ferries to Corsica and the peninsula are all in easy reach.

In summer the Trenino Verde tourist train runs from Palau south through the mountains and stops to pick up passengers at the small halt just outside Sant'Antonio, on the hillside overlooking the Diga Liscia lake. It's a beautiful route that meanders its way slowly through the hills and a very relaxing way to see the interior.

See www.naturalsardinia.com for links to the trenino verde.

This is a great base for walking or cycling or touring; explore the interior, with its ancient hidden chapels and old stazzu farmhouses.

Or head to the coast - the beaches are 25 minutes by car, and the Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena islands and marine reserve and S. Teresa and the ferries across to Corsica are all within easy reach of the village.

There are local vineyards to explore, including the well-known Capichera and Surrau wineries, and a wealth of archeological sites.

A good start for those interested in the island's history is the information centre just outside Arzachena on the Olbia/Costa Smeralda road, where maps and information are available plus tickets to two fascinating sites, the Malchittu temple and the Albucciu settlement, that are within easy walking distance of the centre.

If you'd like to stay in S.Antonio and enjoy its fresh mountain air and lack of tourist crowds, we have basic self-catering accommodation available within the village - CLICK HERE for more information.

Or email us: info@naturalsardinia.com