Santa Teresa Gallura

Routes and Beaches

Country.

The country. Walk the streets of the town and visit the 19th century parish church of San Vittorio, the "Rena Bianca" blue flag beach since 1987, the Spanish Tower of Longonsardo, the church of Santa Lucia. Don't miss the marina with the ruins of Arborea Castle and the panoramic view from the San Diego church. The tourist port, already known in Roman times with the name Longonis, is well sheltered from the winds and is one of the most popular ports in Northern Sardinia. Going up Via del Porto and turning left, you will reach near Piazza Bruno Modesto the war memorial by the artist Maria Scano and the sculpture Pinuccio Sciola "The History of Time".

Santa Teresa Gallura (Lungòni in Gallura, Lungone in Sardinian) is located at the end of the northern coast of Sardinia. Founded in the early nineteenth century, at the behest of Vittorio Emanuele I of Savoy, on the insistent requests of the commander of the Sardinian-Piedmontese garrison, Francesco Maria Magnon. The first settlement in the area dates back to the Nuragic period and it is still possible to see traces of it. During the Roman rule in Sardinia, there were two inhabited centers in the area: Longonis which stood on one side of the current port and Tibula which seems to have been located near Capo Testa where the consular road ended. The Romans used the area to cut and work the precious granite rocks that were used for the construction of monuments and noble villas of ancient Rome. Even today it is possible to find remains such as large blocks of granite that show signs of processing both on the beach and under the water (eg: Capo Testa). In the Middle Ages, during the period of the maritime republics, the Longosardo village was founded by the Pisans with the aim of constituting a strategic outpost, near Corsica then dominated by Genoa; bitter rival of Pisa. In 1384 Eleonora d’Arborea had a castle built (of which there is no longer any trace) which was later destroyed by the Genoese. This destruction led to the depopulation of the air which became a refuge for bandits and pirates for about two centuries. The intensification of smuggling pushed the king of Spain Philip II on the proposal of the Sardinian assembly, to build a military tower to control and consequently oppose the landing of smugglers. At the head of the tower, Francesco Maria Magnon was assigned as commander. Along Via XX Settembre you reach the spectacular terrace that allows you to enjoy an extraordinary view of the Torre di Longosardo, symbol of the town, the charming beach of Rena Bianca, the wonderful coast of Corsica a few miles away and the islands of the archipelago. A walk along the finely finished granite walkways that intertwine near the Torre di Longosardo is recommended. The geographical position and the vast extension on the territory, which goes from the western border with the territory of Aglientu to the eastern one of Palau, offers the visitor a diversified panorama, made up of beaches with fine sand, granite cliffs, monumental coves, unparalleled seabed , unforgettable aromas such as the aroma of myrtle, the fragrance of broom, the scent of rosemary. To the west of Santa Teresa a "Capo Testa" promontory is connected by a narrow isthmus to be considered the natural masterpiece of the whole area. Prehistoric nuragic remains are visible in Santa Teresa Gallura in the “Lu Brandali” complex. This settlement is very complex: it includes a nuraghe surrounded by walls with several towers, a village of huts, rock shelters and the tomb of the giants. Over the centuries, time and motifs of various kinds have altered the appearance and consistency of the structures. The first monument you come across when you reach the complex is the tomb of the giants. The characteristics of the construction with large stones meant that tradition attributed this type of tomb to legendary gigantic figures: it is actually the village tomb. That of Lu Brandali welcomed several dozen buried. It is suggestive to sit in silence, with your gaze turned to the sun in the space in front of the Tomb to enjoy the energy that this place releases. The site can be reached as follows: From the main road of the town Via Nazionale, take Via Tibula, towards Capo Testa until you meet a parking area with a gate that leads to a path that leads to the "Lu Brandali" multipurpose educational center. From the port of Santa Teresa Gallura boats leave daily to visit the Archipelago National Park and ferries to Corsica.

Rena Bianca Beach: Lying at the foot of Santa Teresa, it can be easily reached by following one of the streets or stairways accessible from Piazza San Vittorio. The beach is about 700 meters long, it is very fine and white, in some places it takes on the pink color due to the presence of small coral fragments that are deposited on the beach. The water is crystal clear and leaves observers enchanted by the gradations of colors it takes on from blue to blue. The beach is equipped with disabled access, public showers and toilets. A short, fun but not easy walk can be taken from Rena Bianca to the "Municca" island. To the left of the island lies the cliff of Punta Contessa.

La Colba or Santa Reparata beach. In Santa Teresa Gallura, along Via Tibula towards Capo Testa on the left, you will arrive at a viewpoint that leads to the Baia Santa Reparata Residence. Enchanting bay where between Mediterranean scrub and granite rocks alternate reserved villas overlooking the beach "La Colba". This location offers unforgettable sunsets and frequently, at sunrise or sunset, it is possible to admire schools of dolphins playing with each other.

Beach of the two seas. In Santa Teresa Gallura, along via Tibula towards Capo Testa, you arrive at the isthmus whose sides welcome the beach of Rena di Ponente or "La Taltana" on the left; on the right the "Rena di Levante" beach. The Rena di Ponente beach is very light in color and together with the clarity of the water they give the sea incredible shades of blue. The Rena di Levante beach or Baia Santa Reparata is composed of a initial stretch with a low cliff conformation and a subsequent one with the beach of Capicciolu or more commonly Aunt Colomba beach, also known as the granite beach. a simple diving mask A pleasant walk north among the rocks leads to the enchanting inlet of Poltu Sinu, whose small beach is shaded by tamarisk trees.

Cala Grande (Valley of the Moon). In Santa Teresa Gallura, along via Tibula towards Capo Testa, crossing the isthmus and continuing almost to the end of the road (about 150 meters before), you come to a dirt path on the left. This path leads to Cala Grande more commonly known as the Valley of the Moon. This place was made famous by the stay of hippies from all over the world, who since the 60s have made Valle della Luna a meeting place where to live in total contact with nature. From May to September the full moon is celebrated with night parties. The August moon is the most suggestive one.

Cala Francese. Santa Teresa Gallura along via Tibula towards Capo Testa, crossing the isthmus and continuing to the end of the road, you will come to a viewpoint that leads to the lighthouse. From here it is possible to visit the place through dirt walkways that go around the lighthouse sometimes penetrating the small Mediterranean scrub and sometimes alongside monumental natural granite sculptures. One of these paths leads to "Cala Francese" one of the most difficult beaches to reach but undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable.

Cala Spinosa. In Santa Teresa Gallura, along via Tibula towards Capo Testa, crossing the isthmus and continuing to the end of the road, you will come to a viewpoint that leads to the lighthouse and allows a view of "Cala Spinosa". Extraordinary body of water sheltered from the winds and dominated by a majestic granite complex.

Quadro (Fido Beach). From the port of Santa Teresa Gallura a panoramic road leads to Porto Quadro. Porto Quadro is a town located on a rocky slope characterized by thick vegetation. The visitor exploring this place will be enveloped by the typical scents of broom and rosemary, and captured by the colors that the strawberry tree and myrtle hedges give at certain times of the year. Peculiarity of the place are the small sandy beaches that alternate with the presence of granite shapes that emerge from the sea and that impose their colors on the whole surrounding environment. For some time now it has been possible to bring pets to this beach, respecting the rules of safeguarding the territory.

Punta Falcone. Leaving Santa Teresa towards Palau, take the SS131bis; at about 4Km a sign on the left indicates the direction for the beach "La Marmorata". Follow this road to the locality called "Marazzino", pass the first intersection and continue to the second intersection ", here turn right and you are in" La Ficaccia ". Follow the dirt road that you will meet for about 2km and you will reach "Punta Falcone". There is an alternative route that starts from the beach of "La Marmorata", a path leads with a walk to the promontory of "Punta Falcone". This is a suggestive and unique location, totally immersed in the typical Mediterranean vegetation. Its geographical position located at the extreme northern tip of Sardinia allows it to be an extraordinary observation point. In the past, during the Second World War, the military took advantage of its position to establish some fortifications and posts for the use of weapons such as cannons and other "Ferrero batteries". Traces can still be seen today. Naval survey points have been placed near the coves, characterized by smooth granite boulders. The isolation of Punta Falcone has allowed the survival of some ancient stazzi that still deal with livestock today.

La Marmorata. Leaving Santa Teresa towards Palau, about 4 km away, a sign on the left indicates the direction for “La Marmorata”. The seductive beach "La Marmorata" is considered the northernmost in Sardinia and one of the most beautiful. There is an alternative panoramic road to reach “La Marmorata” very suggestive that starts from the port of Santa Teresa heading east towards the town and its beach of “Porto Quadro”. The beach "La Marmorata" is flanked by a small cove called, "La Marmoratina" from here it is easy to reach the two small islets in front of it even by swimming.

Cala Balcaccia is a beach that can usually be reached from the sea. In fact, to reach this location by land it is necessary to cross private land holdings asking for authorization. The isolation of this beach due to its location makes it wild, but at the same time exclusive.

Licciola. Leaving Santa Teresa towards Palau, about 8 km away, a sign on the left indicates the direction for Valle dell’Erica. This enchanting place stands out for its colors, for the wild nature that surrounds it and for the composition of the beach; in fact, contrary to all the other beaches of Santa Teresa Gallura where the sand is the host, here small splinters of multicolored granite, smoothed by the erosion of the sea and tiny shells make up the beach. Pleasant is the sensation in the feet when walking.

Conca Verde. Leaving Santa Teresa towards Palau, about 9 km away, a sign on the left indicates the direction for Conca Verde. Turn left and follow the signs for the beaches and coves. The characteristic of Conca Verde is its geographical position which places it on the western side of the natural inlet of Porto Pozzo, therefore protected from the westerly winds, offering the visitor an almost always calm sea.

Porto Pollo / Isola dei Gabbiani (Surfers Paradise). Leaving Santa Teresa towards Palau along the SS131bis for about 19,500Km, a crossroads signals the entrance to Porto Pollo, a geographical area that belongs to the territory of Palau. This location is unique in its kind, its geographical position exposes it to all winds, for this reason sports disciplines such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing are practiced in absolute safety. Porto Pollo is the only defined area in Gallura, authorized by the harbor master, for the practice of Kitesurfing. The characteristic of the Porto Pollo beach is the vast extension that allows visitors to experience it in complete tranquility even in the busiest periods.

Rena Majore. Leaving Santa Teresa in the direction of Sassari, take the SS200. After having passed the industrial area of ​​Santa Teresa first and the "La Liccia" campsite afterwards, a panoramic road begins along which dirt paths give the opportunity to access beaches where a stop is required. These beaches are in the territory of Aglientu; among the best known: the beach "Rena Maiori", "Cala Pischina", the beach "La Piana", the beach "Lu Littaroni", "Naracu Nieddu", the beach of "Vignola". To access the "Rena Maiori" beach, you must first cross the pine forest that surrounds it and then cross the extraordinary dunes that dominate it. The spectacle in front of which you once find yourself in "Rena Maiori" is unforgettable, the beach is very white and the color of the sea is unique.

Lu Brandali archaeological site. The Lu Brandali complex dates back to the Nuragic period. It houses the ruins of a village which consisted of circular huts from tafoni (rock shelters), a giants' tomb and a nuraghe. From the top of the hill where there are the remains of the nuraghe, the view extends from the Baia Santa Reparata tourist village with its pristine beaches and the small country church to the Gulf of Asinara. From the town follow the signs for Capo Testa, 1.5 km afterwards turn left.

 

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