Springtime in Gallura: what to do and to see in Sardinia's gem in 2024

The region of Gallura is located in the North-Eastern Sardinia and its name comes from the ancient Sardinian 'Gaddùra' which means 'stony'. Many may know Gallura for beaing the area that hosts the most picturesque beaches in the island, such as those of the famous Costa Smeralda and the Maddalena archipelago.

By the way, Gallura has many other gems to offer, perhaps a little less known but of equal splendor. This region has a strong territorial identity linked to values and traditions of the rural society: you can immerse yourself in this ancient world by visiting the enchanting hinterland 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 local hospitality. And if you wonder what is the best time to visit Gallura, we'll tell you: Primavera ('Springtime'), with a capital P (or S)!

Visiting Gallura in springtime is a good choice: the temperatures keep around a pleasant 20° average, the breeze blows lightly from the sea and the warm Mediterranean sun makes you and the island's flora blossom again.

Another reason to visit Gallura in springtime is the absence of the mass tourism that hits this part of North 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 stroll along the rolling hills and through the lush oak forests, visit archaeological sites, 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's also and especially Primavera in Gallura, one of the most folkloric events in Sardinia: a series of rural themed activities that will help you discover and live fully Sardinian life and traditions in a truly unique experience. Let's check it out together!

The Primavera in Gallura festivals (Springtime festivals in Gallura) 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.

Taking part to Primavera in Gallura will also have the opportunity to visit some of the most evocative places on the whole island. The event is part of a complete programme promoted by Salude & Trigu, a project to re-evaluate Sardinia's cultural and gastronomic heritage making traveling an occasion to discover local culture.

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 wagon, 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'.

Another characteristic element featuring Primavera in Gallura is the ancient ceremony of the "pricunta", the request for the hand of the future bride, an evocative collective allegorical representation in which the families of the betrothed couple participate, followed by the bride dressing ceremony.

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 local than this!

All peoples of Gallura contribute to make these events authentic and special: artisans, farmers, restaurateurs, folk groups, local artists, ceramic, tapestry and cork craftsmen: there is no better way to immerse yourself in the daily life and folklore of Sardinians!

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 come to the hinterland 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 (or Bear Rock, a reference point for sailors), Caribbean beaches, evening markets and the Batteria di 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 army 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 enthusiast, 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 hiking in the surrounding area to admire the beautiful places such as the Capo Testa peninsula.

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 to visit in Gallura and which every year host the fantastic events of Primavera in Gallura! Have fun!