Springtime in Gallura: what to do, what to see, all the events and most beautiful places in this ancient region full of magic and charm.
The region of Gallura is located in the north-eastern of Sardinia and its name comes from the ancient Sardinian word 'Gaddùra' which means 'stony'.
Many of you will know Gallura for its beaches, the most picturesque in the island, such as those of the famous Costa Smeralda and the Maddalena archipelago.
But Gallura has many other treasures to offer, perhaps a little less well known but of equal splendor.
This region has a strong territorial identity linked to rural society, values and traditions: you can immerse yourself in this ancient world by visiting the enchanting inland villages that will offer you an authentic experience of contact and knowledge of the local reality through festivals, traditional events, typical cuisine and the warm hospitality of the local people.
It is a strange, desolate, strangely exciting region, this Gallura, wild and almost depopulated, and but yet not without a singular charm.
Springtime in Gallura
Visiting Gallura in springtime is a good choice: the temperatures are around a pleasant 20°, the breeze blows lightly from the sea and the warm Mediterranean sun makes you and the island's flora blossom again.
Another reason to visiting Gallura in springtime is the absence of the mass tourism that hits this part of Sardinia during the summer months. Prices are much more affordable, restaurants are less crowded and the overall experience is more relaxing.
This is also the perfect season to enjoy the inland areas. You can visit archaeological sites, stroll along the rolling hills, through the lush oak forests, admire the characteristic granite boulders that stand imposingly like sculptures and observe the stazzi galluresi - simple rectangular farmhouses, usually surrounded by centuries-old olive trees, a symbol of rural life in the region.
During this season there are one of the most folkloristic events in Sardinia, the 'Primavera in Gallura', a series of events with a rural theme that will help you discover and live fully Sardinian life and traditions. Let's take a look at what is this.
The damsel from the field returns, The sun is sinking in the west; Her bundle on her head she sets, And in her hand she bears A bunch of roses and of violets. To-morrow is a holiday, And she, as usual, must them wear Upon her bodice, in her hair.
What to do: the event Primavera in Gallura- Springtime in Gallura
Primavera in Gallura is an event held every year in the region of the same name, involving almost all the municipalities in the area. Gallura is an ideal area for those who love green and eco-sustainable tourism, a perfect stop to discover the food and wine, traditional and folkloric heritage of the Sardinians.
Primavera in Gallura is an itinerant event whose symbol is the ox cart, the cornerstone of Sardinian farming society. The events organised in this season are unmissable opportunities for those who want to discover the true essence of this land by following the "paths of memory", or the farmers' routes, in search of ancient crafts, genuine flavours and mysterious, bucolic places such as the "stazzi".
These beautiful festivals are organised by local authorities and voluntary associations that know very well the culture of the place and that are often made up of people who have lived and worked on this land for generations: you won't find anything more be local than this! Artisans, farmers, restaurateurs, folk groups, local artists, ceramic, tapestry and cork craftsmen all contribute to making these events authentic and special: there is no better way to immerse yourself in the daily life of Sardinians!
The Primavera in Gallura festivals takes place in some of the most beautiful and characteristic towns and villages in Sardinia. The locations have been chosen with the aim of linking archaeological and cultural tourism with ethno-anthropological tourism in order to provide visitors with a complete and immersive experience.
Participate in Primavera in Gallura you will also have the opportunity to visit some of the most evocative places on the whole island: let's find out which towns usually host the events and which ones you can visit by making small detours.
The event is part of a busy programme promoted by Salude & Trigu, a project to re-evaluate Sardinia's cultural and gastronomic heritage.
As always happens on a long journey, at the first two or three stations the imagination remains firm in the place where you left, and then suddenly, with the first morning met on the way, it turns towards the destination of the journey and now he builds the castles of the future there.
What to see in Gallura: the coast
Gallura is a land of wonders, both natural and archaeological. Let's take a look at some of the most beautiful villages that we recommend you visit by following a circular route, starting from San Teodoro and then moving north along the coast to finally arrive inland in the heart of Gallura.
Today San Teodoro is one of Gallura's main seaside resorts, but millennia ago it was a Roman village called Coclearia: it is a very picturesque scattered municipality distributed around the church of San Teodoro di Amasea. Here you will find cheerful colourful houses and one of the most beautiful white beaches in Sardinia.
Olbia is the main city of the region, a lovely place to relax but also to enjoy various events and festivals throughout the year. For more information on this beautiful city, please see the link at the bottom of the page.
A large mushroom-shaped rock overlooks the ancient oppidum of Turibulum, now known as Arzachena and known in the Odyssey as the home of the Lestrigons. The centre of this charming town is a real gem with its beautiful houses with granite facades. In the area around the town, you can visit some important archaeological sites such as the Tombe dei Giganti, sanctuaries and country churches such as Santu Micali Sanna.
Continuing northwards you will come across Palau, a small village overlooking the sea, very pleasant to visit on foot; it offers beautiful views such as the Roccia Dell'Orso (a reference point for sailors), Caribbean beaches, evening markets and the Battery of Monte Altura, one of the most beautiful fortresses in Europe.
From Palau, you can take the ferry to the Maddalena islands, also known as the 'archipelago of wonders'. It is a world-famous natural park located in a militarily strategic area (at the entrance to the Bocche di Bonifacio) that made it a US base until 2008 when it was finally demilitarized and reopened to tourists.
Today you can see some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, museums of the sea, underwater wrecks and a picturesque fishing town: if you're a sea lover, this is the place for you! Continuing with the itinerary, we suggest you visit Santa Teresa di Gallura, one of the main island's tourist hubs. If you travel in spring, you will be able to enjoy the best of it, avoiding the crowds of summer holidaymakers. In addition to the beautiful historical centre and the fantastic coves, we recommend that you take some time to go on excursions in the surrounding area to admire the beautiful places such as the Capo Testa peninsula.
What to see in Gallura: the inland
At this point, you may decide to head south inland to the picturesque Piana dei Grandi Sassi in the famous Valle della Luna (Moon Valley), a plateau characterised by granite rocks still used as quarries and home to a famous hippy community.
Here you will reach a delightful village called Aggius, which due to its peculiar urban planning is part of the Authentic Villages of Italy and is identified as the City of Stone: very interesting is the local museum on Sardinian Banditry. Just ten minutes by car from Aggius you will reach Tempio Pausania, the second largest town in Gallura, a village with a beautiful historic centre characterised by palaces and squares decorated in granite and green urban parks.
From here you can continue to Calangianus, a municipality famous for its cork production, where you can admire the original and picturesque historic centre: narrow, irregular, hollow streets frame historic districts, period buildings and 16th-century churches. These are just some of the villages you can visit in Gallura and which every year host the fantastic events of Primavera in Gallura!