Tempio Pausania
The city reached the height of its splendor after the Medieval period, when the Gallurese coasts were abandoned because of invasions by pirates. Tempio stands on a plateau not far from the northern slopes of the Limbara Massif, dominating the surrounding villages. Must-visits are via Roma and Piazza Gallura, and nearby the Cathedral, constructed entirely out of granite, the church of S. Croce and the Oratorio del Rosa, fine pieces of 16th century architecture. A panoramic avenue, via delle Fonti, leads to the Rinaggiu springs, famous for the quality and diuretic value of their waters. The summit of Monte Limbara is just a half-hour from Tempio; beyond the alpine scenery of Vallicciola you find yourself among spruce forests on Punta Balistreli, from which you will enjoy a open panorama of Corsica, Olbia and all of the coast of Gallura.
Arzachena
An important Roman town known as “Turubulus Major” (lit. “big mushroom”) for a large granite rock in the shape of a mushroom that dominates the surrounding landscape of the town. The surrounding territory offers various archaeological vestiges, such as the Albucciu Nuraghe, the temple of Malchittu and the Giants’ Grave, Capichera and Li Lolghi. Important tourist resort towns have developed during the last twenty years along the marvellous Arzachenese coast: Porto Cervo, Cala Battistoni (now known as Baja Sardinia) and Cannigione.
San Teodoro
Although technically part of the province of Nuoro, S. Teodoro is culturally, traditionally and colloquially known as an integral part of Gallura, of which it will be officially part as well once the new province is instituted. The town is located in the heart of the countryside and is considered one of the most important tourist destinations in Sardinia.
Don’t miss a visit to the beaches of La Cinta, flanked by an immense pond, Cala d’Ambra and Punta Isuledda. To the north, Lu Impostu beach and finally the splendid promontory of Capo Coda Cavallo with its unforgettable panorama of the islands of Molara and Tavolara. On the furthest extremity of the cape, known as Coda di lu Furru, there is a quaint beach.
Santa Teresa di Gallura
Once a flourishing Roman town, prospering during the Middle Ages as well, then known as Longonsardo, S. Teresa di Gallura was abbandoned after the destruction of the castle during invasions by pirates. At the end of the 16th century the Spanish constructed a large tower and gave it the old name of Longonsardo. At the beginning of the 19th century, the Piedmontese decided to repopulate the town and founded S. Teresa di Gallura (naming it after then queen Maria Theresa). The modern town was then planned and constructed with a regular blueprint and grid street system. Now fully developed for tourism, S. Teresa offers splendid beaches and various tourist facilities, such as La Marmorata, at Porto Pozzo, in Valle dell’Erica and at Porto Quadro. The city lies on Rena Bianca (lit. “white sand”) beach. We especialy recommend a visit to beautiful Capo Testa, where you can admire the wonderful granite formations of Valle della Luna, Cala Spinosa and Costa del Faro. A narrow isthmus connects the promontory with Sardinia: here you can find Capicciola and Rena beaches to the west.
Palau
Originally founded as a transit port to the nearby Maddalena Archipelago, it has now been transformed into a lively tourist resort town. Nearby you can visit the famous Roccia dell’Orso (lit. “Bear Rock”) and the beaches of Golfo delle Saline. Also worth a visit is Sciumara beach, just outside of town on the way to Olbia. The most celebrated coastal settlement of Palau is Porto Raphael, founded by the imaginative and far-sighted Count Raphael de Neville in the 1960’s, where you can find some beautiful villas immersed in a pristine natural environment. The famous town square constructed near the beach is another must.
From the nearby cliffs of Punta Sardegna, home to a magnificent lighthouse, one can enjoy a splendid panorama of the Maddalena Archipelago.
