Holidays in Santa Teresa Gallura: what to do

Santa Teresa Gallura is located between two inlets: the harbour, Porto Longone and the beautiful beach of Rena Bianca. The town was founded in 1800 by Vittorio Emanuele I of Savoy, who chose this location for its strategic position, right in front of Corsica island and Bonifacio’s cliffs.

The beaches

– Rena Bianca: the beach is located near the centre of Santa Teresa Gallura; this wide cove, set among granite rocks, has perhaps the clearest, shallowest water on the island and soft white sand. It is possible to admire its turquoise sea also from the hill that overlooks the bay, a modern belvedere reachable on foot.

– Baia Santa Reparata: this small beach is named after the church that overlooks the cove. It is characterised by fine golden sand and it is surrounded by Mediterranean shrub and rocks. It is the perfect spot for snorkelers.

– Rena di Ponente and Rena di Levante: these two beaches are located on the isthmus that leads to Capo Testa. They are two long and narrow beaches with clear water, which have been awarded several times with the prestigious Blue Flag. You can enjoy the seaside also on a windy day, by choosing the Rena di Ponente or the Rena di Levante, depending on what direction the wind is blowing.

– Cala Spinosa: a steep path will lead you to this hidden and sheltered beach, set amidst Mediterranean shrub and granite rocks, featuring emerald green sea water.

– Cala Grande (known as Valle della Luna): this cove, surrounded by vegetation, is located at the end of a narrow 700-metre-long path that crosses the Valle della Luna. Reachable only on foot, Cala Grande is characterised by its deep seabed, an excellent snorkelling and dive site for diving enthusiasts.

– Rena Majori: located at 8 kms from Santa Teresa Gallura, its blue sea creates small pools among the rocks, where the children can play. Its shallow seabed is suitable for everyone.

– La Marmorata: located at 7 kms from the town, it is a long stretch of fine white sand. Here it is possible to moor dinghies and to hire beach umbrellas and deck chairs.

Activities

The area of Santa Teresa Gallura is rich in natural attractions and archeological sites. There are several hiking routes between Capo Testa, Baja Santa Reparata and the town.
Valle della Luna is located on the promontory of Capo Testa: here, following a winding path, you can admire a ‘lunar’ landscape shaped by atmospheric agents. This wild plain, overlooked by huge rocks sculpted by the wind, where a hippy community has been living there since the end of the 60s.
On the top of the Capo Testa promontory, you can reach a lighthouse that overlooks the Bonifacio’s cliffs. From here, you can admire a breathtaking view of the.
Do not miss the opportunity to visit the archaeological site of Lu Brandali with its nuraghe, a nuragic village and a Tomba dei Giganti.
Summer nights in Santa Teresa offer picturesque night markets in the town centre, where bars, ice creams parlours and restaurants are open till late, while several concerts and events take place in the main square. Enjoy an aperitif while watching a spectacular sunset on the sea or from the 16th century Torre di Longosardo.

Typical dishes:

The meat dishes derive from the rural and agropastoral heritage. The most delicious dishes are:
– li Pulicioni, sweet ravioli with lemon zest and seasoned with tomato sauce;
– Zuppa Gallurese, oven-baked soup made of stale bread soaked in meat broth and garnished with grated cheese;
– Li Chiusoni, handmande dumplings seasoned with pork or wild boar tomato sauce and sprinkled with Pecorino cheese;
– Sa Mazza Frissa, fresh cheese-cream with semolina, used as a sauce with first courses or with broad beans. It can be served as dessert by adding honey or sugar.
There are many restaurants in town that serve fresh local seafood dishes such as fish soups, sea robin, oven-baked dentex, swordfish, local tuna, tartare, lobsters, mussels and clams.
To pair these specialities, we definitely suggest a glass of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, an elegant and finely-textured white wine produced locally.

Bonifacio and Corsica

Visitors can easily take a ferry boat from Santa Teresa Gallura to reach Bonifacio, a small town on the Corsican sea. Bonifacio is a medieval village perched on a white clifftop with pictoresque streets full of handicraft shops.