Santa Teresa GalluraSardinia · Italy

All About Santa Teresa Gallura

Santa Teresa Gallura is widely recognized as being one of the most traditional villages to be found on Sardinia. Occupying only a small portion of the area covered by Cagliari and Olbia, its delightful fjord-like natural harbor loved by yacht owners nonetheless receives regularly scheduled ferry services too.

Still often referred to as Lungoni – its ancient name – by many of its residents, modern Santa Teresa is dated to 1808. However, it has a history that stretches back much further, to the time of the ancient Romans and beyond. Italianate buildings still dot the hillsides that bubble up around the slender waterway, while around the port visitors can find no shortage of restaurants specializing in seafood and age-old island dishes.

Santa Teresa Gallura also lays claim to some of the most beautiful locations of any ferry destination on the island. Those with ferry tickets to Santa Teresa Gallura are able to admire its awe-inspiring coves, reefs, and historic culture even before having set foot on dry land. Located on Sardinia’s northern coast, Santa Teresa Gallura faces French-owned Corsica opposite the town of Bonifacio. The easiest way to compare prices and book ferry tickets to Santa Teresa Gallura is by using the Ferryscanner website.
 

Routes and Ferries to Santa Teresa Gallura

The breathtaking port of Santa Teresa Gallura offers travelers one of the island’s best links with Corsica. Moby Lines operates the route between Santa Teresa and Bonifacio, a journey that takes just one hour. As far as ferry companies go, Moby Lines is very well known in the area and trusted by those used to purchasing ferry tickets to Santa Teresa Gallura. Its ferries operate the link right throughout the year, with up to seven crossings per week, averaging out at one sailing in either direction per day.

The boats welcome foot passengers, as well as bicycles, motorbikes, and family-sized cars. Passengers are able to purchase snacks on board. Tickets for adult foot passengers start at €10 but can cost as much as €45, meaning it’s always best to book early using Ferryscanner to find you the best prices.

Santa Teresa Gallura is well connected with the rest of Sardinia by road, with routes to mainland Italy as well as other destinations in France available from towns including Arbatax and Porto Torres. The nearest airport to Santa Teresa Gallura is located in Olbia, approximately one hour away by road. It receives flights from destinations in Italy throughout the year, and from a wider range of European cities during the high season summer months of May to the beginning of October.
 

Santa Teresa Gallura

Long and thin, the sheltered waters of Santa Teresa Gallura’s port are managed on behalf of the commune by Silene Multiservizi. Ferries depart from the western side of the port, the closest side to the village. The ferry terminal is located close to the mouth of the harbor, where passengers will find some basic amenities including a café-restaurant, ATM, and tobacconists. The port is well sign-posted for those coming by road, with a number of small public car parks located in the village a short walk from the ferry terminal. Closer towards land, there are mooring points for the variety of smaller private vessels which make use of the port.
 

Best Beaches

While small in scope, there’s no doubting Santa Teresa Gallura has some fantastic beaches. Combine them with the stunning climate the island offers and you’re all set to enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation within earshot of the ever-mesmerizing Mediterranean Sea.

Spiaggia Rena Bianca

One of the largest beaches in the Santa Teresa Gallura area, Spiaggia Rena Bianca lies within a bay which protects it from both wind and waves. A family favorite, it can easily be reached on foot from the center of the village, and has a great range of facilities, from sun loungers to places to eat.

Spiaggia Santa Reparata

The white sands of Spiaggia Santa Reparata are edged by smooth rocks and wild grasses. Facing west, it offers some spectacular views of the surrounding region. Although under 160 meters in length, the beach has more than adequate facilities and is also a well-known snorkeling and scuba-diving spot.

Spiaggia Porto Quadro

Slightly further away from Santa Teresa Gallura, Spiaggia Porto Quadro is around ten minutes away by car. Looking out towards the shoreline of Corsica, it offers visitors golden sands and warm clear waters.

Cala Balcaccia

The beach at Cala Balcaccia lies a few kilometers east of Santa Teresa. It too has views stretching across the strait to Corsica, in addition to sands some 200 meters in length. If arriving by car, you’ll need to ask permission to make use of the private road and arrive early to find a space in the small onsite car park. Instead, it’s much better to park up elsewhere and walk the final stretch.
 

Places to Visit

Many of the places to visit in and around Santa Teresa Gallura center on the village’s long history. Here are our top picks.

Lu Brandali Nuragic Village

Sardinia’s Nuragic age lasted, incredibly, from 18,000 BC to the coming of the Romans in 200 BC. There’s no better place on the island to get an idea of life thousands of years ago than taking a tour around the Lu Brandali village and its ancient tombs.

Santa Teresa Castle

Not to be confused with the Tower of Longonsardo which guards the coast (and is also worth visiting), the castle was built during the island’s Judgedom medieval period. Now in partial ruins, you’ll find it on the opposite side of the port to the village.

Capo Testa

The Testa Cape is only connected to the rest of Sardinia by a thin finger of land. Largely left alone and unspoiled, the cape has an excellent range of natural and historic sites which are perhaps best explored with the aid of some walking boots. Not to be missed is the square lighthouse constructed in 1845, only the second ever built on the island.
 

Transportation Around Santa Teresa Gallura

For shorter journeys in and around the village, most visitors take advantage of exploring on foot. If you’re aiming to head to one of the beaches or places to visit that are situated slightly further away, a private vehicle or taxi can come in handy.

The village is also served by various bus routes, although services are limited to a few buses per day and don’t normally run on Sundays or public holidays. The journey to Olbia will take around twice as long by bus as by car, at around two hours in length, for instance. You should remember to purchase a ticket before boarding. They can be bought from tobacconists and newsagents throughout the village. These buses go via Palau, La Maddalena’s port. Another links Santa Teresa with Sassari via Castelsardo. They are operated by ARST. A timetable can be found at the bus shelter in Piazza Modesto.

During the summer months, there is also often a once-a-day service connecting Santa Teresa with Alghero Airport on the island’s west coast. This service is handled by Digitur, and tickets can be bought directly from the driver on board. It operates on a first-come-first-served basis.