Santa Teresa di Gallura, Palau & La Maddalena , Sardinia; Maps & Beaches. 
To view the 360° tours, click on the small picture or marker.
Santa Teresa di Gallura
 |
 |
| Santa Teresa Coastline | Piazza Vittorio Emanuelle |
Santa Teresa di Gallura has been a working port since Roman times when it handled granite bound for Roman sites (reputedly including the Pantheon's columns). It has through the centuries had a succession of invaders and rulers; Saracens, Genoese and Spanish. There was also a castle in the area but this was abandoned and ruined when the area depopulated and it became a centre for pirates and bandits. At its most northerly point is the 16th century "Torre di Longosardo" , built on the orders of Philip II of Spain above the rocky coastline. From here you may see boats heading out to Corsica from the port area which is hidden around the headland in an adjoining bay. Santa Teresa di Gallura was founded in 1808 and it retains a pleasantly old world style in the streets around its main Piazza Vittorio Emanuelle with plenty of bars, restaurants and shops.
 |
 |
| Port Santa Teresa | Capo Testa |
The port itself is relatively small; its main role these days is as the main artery between Sardinia and Corsica. Regular ferries operate the 50 minute/12 mile crossing making a day trip to Bonifacio a realistic option: probably as a foot passenger since a hire car may not be insured outside Italy. In the opposite direction about 5knm north are the dramatic windswept former quarries atCapo Testa with distant views of Corsica. Stone from here was used in the columns of the Baptistery and Duomo (Cathedral) of Pisa.
Palau Port & Town
 |
 |
| Port Palau | Palau Town |
Just over 25km (30 minutes) by car east of Santa Teresa is Palau with its attractive marina and port area. Another refined and comfortable town with hotels, restaurants and bars near the port and in the town itself.
 |
 |
| Capo D'Orso | Ferry to Maddalena |
A short drive (c.5km) west of Palau is Capo D'Orso which is named after the bear like rock at its peak and from which there are simply superb views over the "Archipelago di La Maddalena" national park, wear sensible footwear and be prepared for a small climb for the best views.
Regular ferries making the 2km/25 minute crossing from Palau to La Maddalena. If you have a hire car you can take it across to this attractive island (and road linked Caprera island) and it is probably worth it yet again to be able to explore its beautiful coastline.
La Maddalena Town
 |
 |
| Port Maddalena | Chiesa di Santa Maria |
The ferry arrives at Maddalena's port from where you can take boats to the other 5 islands of the archipelago. The local economy relies on tourism and for over 30 years upon a US naval presence on the island of Sant Stefano which (symbolically for the left of centre Sardinian government) closed in 2008. In Roman times they were known as "Cuniculariae" (rabbit islands) and in the 12th century Pisa and Genoa contested control of the islands. They were thence colonized by first Corsican and then Sardinian settlers before being occupied by the Piedmontese in the mid 18th century. The town was used as a base by Nelson during the blockade of Toulon in 1804 and in the Church of Santa Maria built in 1814 are two candelabras and a cross given by him to the people of the island.
La Maddalena Coastline & Beaches
 |
 |
| Porto Massimo | Bassa Trinita |
Provided you are driving it is quite possible to see a number of the beaches on a day trip to the island; including Porto Massimo, Bassa Trinita & Cala Spalmatore. The main attraction on the adjoining Caprera Island is the museum in his former home to Italian revolutionary fighter and symbolic father of Italian unification Giuseppe Garibaldi. Just check on opening times.
 |
 |
| Cala Spalmatore | Caprera Island |