Holidays in Santa Teresa Gallura
Santa Teresa Gallura is located between two inlets: Porto Longone, the harbour, and Rena Bianca, the beach of the town. It 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: it is the beach of Santa Teresa Gallura; this wide cove, set among granite rocks, has a shallow seabed 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 a 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 cove, set amidst Mediterranean shrub and granite rocks, a sheltered beach with emerald green water.
– Cala Grande (known as Valle della Luna): this cove, surrounded by vegetation, is located at the end of a narrow 700-metres-long path that crosses the Valle della Luna. Reachable only on foot, Cala Grande is characterised by a deep seabed, the ideal location 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, this beach is a long stretch of fine white sand. Here it is possible to moor dinghies and to hire beach umbrellas and beach chairs.
Activities
The area of Santa Teresa Gallura is rich in naturalistic attractions and archeological sites.
There are several trekking 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. This wild plain, overlooked by huge rocks sculpted by the wind, has been hosting a hippy community since the end of the 60s.
On the top of the Capo Testa promontory, you can reach the lighthouse that overlooks the Bonifacio’s cliffs. From here, you can admire breathtaking sunsets.
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 a picturesque night market in the town centre, where bars and restaurants welcome the tourists, while several concerts and events take place in the main square. Enjoy an aperitif while watching a sunset on the sea or from the Torre di Longosardo built in the 16th century.
Typical dishes:
The meat dishes derive from the rural cand 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;
– mazza frissa, fresh cheese-cream with semolina, used as a sauce with first courses or with broad beans. It can be also served as dessert adding honey or sugar.
The numerous restaurants of the town, 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 suggest a glass of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, an elegant and finely-textured white wine.
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.
