Villa del Golfo Lifestyle Resort Cannigione

Hospitality is as ancient as the region of Gallura in Sardinia and seems to emanate from the beauty of the landscape itself. The evocative panorama of the Costa Smeralda and the welcome of the Island will resonate at every moment you spend with us. Relax in our Villa Del Golfo’s intimate atmosphere, be seduced by the menu of the nearby La Colti farmhouse or caressed by the mistral breeze on board our Yacht Bon Aria.

The sinuous architecture of the Hotel follows the soft contours of the hill where it is located. Immersed in the greenery and the scents of myrtle and mastic, its porticos and terraces offer a wonderful view of the sea and gulf, of Caprera and other islands of La Maddalena Archipelago.

And inside amongst the refined furnishings are some extraordinary examples of authentic local craftsmanship to enjoy. Our long-held tradition for hospitality here in Gallura is offered and shared in a most natural way, having passed from one generation to the next. In this land our Hotel family has its roots.

HOSPITABLE BY TRADITION
The Gallura bond with authentic traditional island hospitality represents an essential and indispensable value for us ever since the inauguration of our first restaurant on Cannigione beach.

A value that was once again at the centre of La Colti Farmhouse established a few years later, and again at the luxurious Hotel Villa del Golfo which was conceived and designed to invite its guests to discover the flavours, nature and culture of Gallura.

Throughout the years we have always followed the teachings of our guiding ancestors when looking after and caring for the Lu Pireddu family estate whose agricultural products are at the basis of dishes served in all our restaurants.

With our latest venture, The Cascioni Eco Lifestyle Retreat, we would like to share with you the sense of belonging to our land by inviting your involvement in the harvest of its garden’s fruits surrounding your room or suite.

We would like to offer you a holiday spent in communion with nature, immersed in the light and warmth of a sunny beach, ambling along the paths of the granite rocks along the coast, or strolling in the shade of an olive grove.

ROOMS & SUITES
The rooms and suites of the Villa del Golfo are designed to make our guests feel completely at ease and welcomed by the comfort of its spaces so carefully conceived and designed down to the last detail.

The variety of different options provides each and every one of our guests that corner of peace of tranquillity that they have always dreamt of along with panoramic views over a magical and unsurpassably beautiful nature.

LUXURY SUITE
Hidden among the luxuriant vegetation and the granite rocks, the Luxury Suites of the Villa del Golfo are a luxurious romantic nest that offers our guests a wide range of exclusive services.

Our guest can enjoy an unparalleled view of the Costa Smeralda Sea from a veranda, from the gardens and from the edge of the private pool. The Luxury Suite are furnished with items of great value that exquisitely celebrate the refined Mediterranean taste and culture.

Our Luxury Suites guests enjoy their breakfast every morning in the privacy of their suite. The Concierge can be contacted at any time: the care, attention and availability of our staff grant our guests immediate access to any service they may need, require or desire.

SUITE
The Mediterranean style that characterises the design concept of our Resort is interpreted in as many different ways as the number of different Suites in the Villa del Golfo: our guests can therefore choose the one that best suits their taste and their needs.

A spacious and comfortable 45 square meters space overlooks a furnished veranda of approximately 15 square meters from which our guests can enjoy the spectacular view of the Gulf of Arzachena. Independent from the central part of the hotel, the Suites are the ideal residence for those who want discretion and privacy.

CHARMING
Overlooking the Gulf of Arzachena, the Charming offer a spacious and airy environment of pure Mediterranean comfort. The pleasantness of the natural materials, the soft colours of the furnishings and fabrics, the meticulous attention to every detail.

An ideal place for undisturbed nights and carefree afternoons on the small private veranda; where you can be dazzled by the reflections of the sea early in the morning; where you can enjoy the cool in the evening, lying on the chaise longue; where you can wait for the sunset and the spectacle of lights which illuminate the coast and the sea.

AN EXPERIENCE THAT TOUCHES ALL YOUR SENSES
Eating well is an experience that is inseparable from the place where we are in and the atmosphere that surrounds us. For this reason we offer a very varied choice of locations where you can taste the specialties of the local cuisine.

Our Chefs have a profound knowledge of the typical cuisine of both Gallura and of Sardinia, from which they select the most popular dishes, either faithfully recreating them or reinterpreting them according to their own creativity.

MIRALUNA
With the large veranda next to the pool, the MiraLuna Restaurant overlooks the evocative panorama of the Cannigione Bay. The careful choice of local products meets the finest knowledge of our culinary tradition in a menu inspired by the Mediterranean, its aromas and its flavours.

Breakfast at the Villa del Golfo is prepared every morning with the utmost care that is usually reserved for all the most important things. Carefully chosen locally sourced products, from fruits to preserves, from dairy products to cold cuts, are the undisputed main components alongside the most refined and delicious pastries.

The warm dishes on the menu, prepared by our chefs when required, provide the energy needed for the intense days of vacation that await our guests. At the MiraLuna Lounge Bar, soft music and refined cocktails are key ingredients of the cozy and welcoming atmosphere in which our guests can spend their evenings.

LA COLTI FARMHOUSE
The result of the careful restoration of an ancient Gallura farmhouse, La Colti is perhaps one of the Resort’s facilities that best represents our roots. It offers a typical Sardinian menu, prepared with seasonal produce that comes from our farm. An experience of rare intensity that allows you to discover the most authentic Sardinian gastronomic traditions.

ULIA
The Cascioni estate’s on-site restaurant. The setting is cosy and the tables few and well spaced, leaving plenty of room for the peaceful atmosphere of our Eco Retreat. The menu combines simplicity and refinement in traditional Sardinian fashion.

Many of the ingredients come from the estate’s own vegetable gardens. The olive oil we put on your table is produced right here on the estate. With its subtle flavour and delicate fragrance, it’s the perfect dressing for carasau flatbread and turns a simple green salad into an unforgettable experience.

CUTTER LOUNGE & RESTAURANT
Our newest restaurant on Cannigione beach is the perfect setting for any time of day. Relax in the welcoming shade of its terrace while you enjoy refreshing juices, delicious pizzas and delicate local dishes, all while taking in a spectacular view of the crystal-clear sea. The unique flavours of Gallura wines, our delicious homemade desserts and the soft lapping of the waves will accompany you into the small hours.

AT THE WATER’S EDGE
A secluded seaside deck, with the waves lapping below, the colours softening in the evening light: it’s the perfect setting for a romantic seaside dinner. Enjoy the sunset as you sip an aperitif, then take your seat at a candle-lit table with flowers.

The menu is created and cooked by the chef from our sister restaurant, MiraLuna. To accompany your meal, choose from a selection of the finest local wines packed with the character and enticing scents of this fascinating island.

CHIARO DI LUNA
BonAria, the Hotel sailing Yacht, welcomes our guests in a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for a romantic dinner for two. The refinement of Sardinian seafood cuisine and of Sardinian wines are combined with the pleasure of quiet sailing on the enchanted Gallura Sea with the aim of creating truly memorable moments that will resonate in your heart.

EVERY EXPERIENCE IS A JOURNEY
Each time we travel we face unexpected experiences. We travel to get to know ourselves better, even before we reach our journey’s destination. We hope that your stay with us will be an engaging life moment that will leave lasting impressions for you to cherish.

Our Concierge is at your disposal for advising you and organising with you any little or big adventures to discover the culture and the nature of a region that, we are sure, will remain forever in your heart.

TRIPS ON THE BONARIA YACHT
The unmissable opportunity of a sailing trip to discover the unspoiled nature of Gallura: dive into the crystal clear waters of the Costa Smeralda sea, head towards the deserted islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago, enjoy a candle light dinner and say goodbye to the day by spending the night on board. These are the little big adventures that cannot be renounced, that make a holiday into a special event.

EXCURSION TO THE LA MADDALENA ARCHIPELAGO
After embarking and departing from the Cannigione small harbour around nine o’clock in the morning, the BonAria navigates along the Sardinian coast in the direction of the north-west islands leaving behind the islands of Spargi and La Maddalena.

The destination is the island of Budelli, sailing by Spiaggia Rosa, a.k.a. the world famous Pink Beach, and the Manto della Madonna, a glass-like sea stretch of an amazing brightness located in between and protected by the islands of Budelli, Santa Maria and Razzoli.

In one of the sheltered coves of Budelli or Santa Maria, the BonAria will drop anchor to give to its guests the opportunity for a dip in the crystal clear waters before the exquisite lunch is served on board.

During the afternoon, sailing continues in the direction of the Island of La Maddalena, skimming the turquoise coves of Spargi and the singular rock formations of Cala Corsara. The docking and landing at the port of La Maddalena reserves the surprise of discovering an elegant small town full of history.

Starting from the seafront marina, a short walk offers the opportunity to purchase souvenirs and gifts in small shops and artisans’ ateliers and workshops overlooking the streets of the town centre. From La Maddalena, a short stretch of navigation brings the BonAria back to the port of Cannigione around six o’clock in the afternoon.

RELAX BY THE SEA
For your days by the sea, we offer two different options in two different exquisite natural scenarios: the private Hotel Deck, just a few minutes walk from the Hotel, and the beach of Barca Bruciata, reachable by our shuttle in less than five minutes.

THE PRIVATE HOTEL DECK
A step away from the Hotel, a small sunny paradise, lapped by the crystalline waters of the Gallura sea. A sun lounge, the shade of a sun umbrella, a soft towel: this is all you need to surrender to the sensation of a perfect fusion with the environment in which you are immersed.

Simply contact the Concierge, and the dream of a relaxing time by the sea becomes a reality, made of a few swim strokes out to sea, of the warm sun rays on the skin, of a fresh drink sipped on the shore: the enchanting experience of the perfect day by the sea will last forever.

THE GOLDEN SAND, THE EMERALD SEA
A shuttle takes our guests to the beach of Barca Bruciata in a few minutes: a true jewel of the Gallura coastline, where the transparency of the water and the golden sand meet the blue of an always clear sky.

The comforts and attention that the Villa del Golfo team reserves to its guests in each single occasion are just small details that ensure that a day by the sea immersed in the surrounding nature remains a perfect experience.

COOKING LESSONS
The gastronomic tradition of Sardinia is rich in interesting traditions and, of course, in equally interesting flavours. Intrigued after tasting local specialties, the Resort guests who wish to deepen their knowledge of the techniques, ingredients and recipes handed down for generations and generations, can take part in the cooking courses.

Taught by the Resort’s Chefs in the Fattoria La Colti perfectly equipped kitchens, the courses teach how to prepare the most typical regional dishes of the region, jams and other delicacies made of seasonal fruits from the estate, and to bake bread following ancient traditions whose secrets are preserved in a myriad of very different shapes and sizes in every corner of Sardinia.

IN BETWEEN ART AND WINE
We offer our guests four wonderful experiences focused on art and wine:

LUOGOSANTO AND THE SIDDÙRA WINERY
A visit to Luogosanto, an ancient village on the slopes of Mount Ghjuanni, brings back the mysterious sense of the sacredness of places and of a different pace of time. An important destination for endless pilgrimages, the small village owes its name not only to the devotion of the resident community but also to the 22 sanctuaries scattered throughout its territory.

The itinerary winds through settlements of the Nuragic period, rural churches and medieval architecture, to end with a pleasant walk in the vineyards of the Siddùra winery, where the noble and ancient culture of wine is carefully preserved.

Among the ordered rows of vines, our guests discover the techniques of growing and of winemaking Cannonau, Cagnulari and Vermentino, wines that, year after year, are becoming more and more appreciated by wine experts across the world. A tasting of the exquisite local products in the cozy ambience of the cellar concludes the visit.

SAN PANTALEO AND THE CANTINA SURRAU
A walk through the streets of San Pantaleo, the picturesque small village with characteristic stone houses, surrounded by majestic granite rocks and immersed in the green of the cork oak and olive trees and of the mastic bushes, is indeed a must.

On market days, it is a pleasure to admire a rich range of works and artefacts by the master craftsmen of the region, which for generations have been honing the techniques of wood carving, metalworking, painting and sculpting.

Meeting with the local community, which in San Pantaleo welcomes visitors in the small workshops and shops facing the street, gives a new meaning to a holiday spent in Gallura. To best know and appreciate a region, one cannot ignore the excellence of its winemaking and gastronomic traditions.

A visit to the Vigne Surrau winery, a jewel that combines modern architecture with tradition, offers the opportunity to get in touch with a thousand-year-old culture and to understand all the different stages of wine production: from grapes harvesting and pressing to wine bottling.

Sight, smell and taste play a leading role during the wine tasting at this excellent winery: local gastronomic products are skilfully combined with the best Vigne Surrau wines.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOUR AND THE CAPICHERA WINERY
The archaeological evidence from the Nuragic civilisation in the Arzachena territory dates back to more than 3000 years ago. A visit to the Nuragic village of la Prisgiona recalls the community life of the ancient inhabitants of Sardinia who, living in close contact with nature, created unique architectural works.

An ancient people very closely linked to the supernatural world by a profound sense of religiosity, of which remains a clear sign in the magnificence of the Coddu Ecchju Tomb of the Giants, a funerary monument where the dead were buried and sent to the after life with rituals still shrouded in mystery.

Behind the unique scenery of the Nuragic antiquities, we find the Capichera Winery, an excellent example of the production of Vermentino, the only white produced in Sardinia that can boast the very prestigious DOCG label.

The prince of all Sardinian wines finds in Gallura the environmental conditions that are essential to its production: the proximity to the sea, the granite soil and the temperate microclimate. The enlightening experience of a walk through the vines awaits and it is accompanied by the story of an ancient culture, interwoven by the voices of those who still work to preserve it and refine it.

The skilled producers of the wine estate will guide you when tasting the most precious wines, enhancing their taste with the most careful combination of Gallura local gastronomic produce.

WINE TASTING IN THE HOTEL
The Villa del Golfo offers its guests the opportunity to taste the best wines produced by local wineries. In the secluded corner of the Boutique, among the art objects produced by master craftsmen in Gallura, the expertise of our Sommelier will guide you in the discovery of the most famous wines, a must for all wine aficionados to be enjoyed during their stay in Sardinia.

The shared passion for the precious results of a thousand-year-old culture and tradition allows to sampling of rare wines, known only by very few, and to enjoy wonderful revelatory sensorial experiences for the palate and all the other senses.

ACQUA DI MARE: ROMANTIC DINNER BY THE SEA
Our private sea deck becomes the perfect setting for a romantic dinner for two. “Acqua di Mare” is an exquisite dining experience surrounded by nature and accompanied by the gentle sound of the sea. A sunset aperitif, candlelight dinner provided by our MiraLuna Restaurant and live background music are the perfect ingredients to make your special occasion unique.

DREAM WEDDING
The dreamlike atmosphere that reigns supreme by the crystalline Costa Smeralda sea; the thousand and one romantic occasions offered to our guests every day, in the panoramic terraces of the Resort, on board the BonAria Yacht and in our welcoming restaurants make the Villa del Golfo a splendidly ideal place to crown your love dreams.

Unique, unforgettable settings in which to celebrate your wedding day and where you can spend the most romantic honeymoon with your loved one.

ISLAND OF MOLARA
Our Resort offers its guests the opportunity to visit the island of Molara, one of the most evocative places in Gallura. To discover its extraordinary beauty, and to retrace its millennial history thanks to the guided tours, is an unforgettable experience.

A long itinerary, on foot or by mountain bike, starts in Cala Spagnola and follows an easy walking path, surrounded by a natural landscape of great interest, between the Mediterranean maquis and the calls of the Corsican gull and the lesser skimmer or shearwater.

The ancient village of Gurguray, the little church of San Ponziano, the castle of Molara, the Grotta del Bandito cave and the nineteenth-century farm come alive in the evocative tales of the Guide, custodian of the ancient history of the island and of its legends. The itinerary ends where it started, in Cala Spagnola, with a refreshing dip in the beautiful sea and the tasting of pleasant local products.

RIO PITRISCONI
Created by the gorges carved into the granite rocks and by crystalline waterfalls, the wildest natural settings create the background against which the short route along the Rio Pitrisconi takes place. Water is indeed the main feature of this walk and offers the possibility to admire extraordinary views. The trail crosses the stream at a point that leads to the views of different waterfalls, ponds and natural pools, up to the spectacular 18-meter waterfall.

The Rio Pitrisconi also offers the opportunity of a descent along its own course to canoying enthusiasts, even beginners, with rope descents, cable cars, dives and toboggans. An area rediscovered and equipped only recently, whose beauty and little corners off the beaten path have been preserved intact.

UNIQUE BARBAGIA
The Supramonte di Oliena preserves to this day the charm of the most rugged natural landscape, of the most ancient traditions and of the rare richness of an archaeological heritage of great value. The off-road excursion suggested by the Resort to its guests is the easiest way to get in touch with a world that is only a few hours away and that, however, is very different from everyday experiences.

The dazzling white limestone expanses of the Corrasi high grounds, the valleys closed by impervious elevations and the vestiges of past civilisations, the fascination of the deep darkness of the caves and the typical hospitality of the Barbagia territory, with its rituals and its extraordinary gastronomic tradition.

All this, and much more, will remain in your memory forever. The day begins by a bus transfer from the Resort to the Su Gologone water springs, an enchanted place that is at the origin of many local legends.

The excursion continue on board of four-wheel drive vehicles along a road that runs along the Rio Cedrino and reaches the Lanaitto Valley to visit to the Nuragic village of Sos Carros and the extraordinary sacred water spring with nine taurine decorative elements, a perfect testimony of a very refined architecture from the very origins of ancient Mediterranean civilisations. After a tasty breakfast with typical local products, the program continues with a visit to the cave of Sa Oche and to its spectacular underground lakes.

A quick drive through the small town of Oliena, famous for the precious shawls embroidered by local women, continuing along a panoramic route towards one of the most dense woods in the area, from the height of which one can enjoy a panoramic views of the entire territory of Barbagia.

Among the centuries-old holly oaks, guests are offered a typical lunch, accompanied by Cannonau, a wonderful local red wine. In the afternoon, before returning back to the Hotel, a few steep hairpin turns lead to the heights of Monte Corrasi and to its extraordinary views.

ANCIENT TRADITIONS IN A MYSTERIOUS VILLAGE
In the heart of Gallura, the small village of Luras proudly preserves, and at the same time displays, a truly captivating multimillennial history. Beyond the edges of Lake Liscia, a few steps from the village centre, one can admire a number of dolmens that are some of the most important granite monuments in Sardinia.

Dating back to the Neolithic period between 3500 and 2700 BC, these constructions served the purpose of collective burials for the prehistoric community that erected them. Their charming and simple beauty still seems to suggest the sacredness of the place where they are located.

Nature provided the village with some multimillennial olive trees, among which one that is more than 3000 years old and is perhaps the oldest tree in Italy. With a tree trunk girth that exceeds 12 meters, the ancient olive tree was designated a National Monument in 1991.

In the historic village centre, along the narrow streets and in between the stone buildings, one can enjoy a truly authentic Sardinian experience. An important landmark is the eighteenth-century imposing granite building that houses the Galluras ethnographic museum.

Visitors experience complete immersion in the family life of yesteryear, thanks to the faithful reconstruction of the rooms in old Gallura houses: the kitchen with its fireplace, the bedroom with typical Sardinian furnishings, from the bed to the chests of drawers and the baby cradles.

Among the more than 7000 exhibits on display, one deserves special attention: the wooden hammer of the female Agabbadora, an obscure figure of Sardinian folk culture whose role was, according to ancient traditions, to end the suffering of terminally ill patients.

The intriguing story of these mysterious women provides insight on how the practice of euthanasia, an issue often fiercely debated nowadays, was considered in the past as a strong gesture of humanitarian awareness and a way in which death is treated differently, as just the end of the life cycle.

A few steps away, one has the privilege of entering what was once the home of a singular artist, Tonino Forteleoni (Luras, 1915-1996). The extraordinary cork works created by the artist show a wealth of technique, creativity and unrivaled abilities.

Another jewel in the crown near Luras is the Muscazega Wine Estate: a small and prestigious winery of about forty hectares that features streams, numerous cork oaks and a striking ancient Roman small bridge.

In addition to Vermentino, the most important wine in Gallura, it is possible to taste the rarer Nebbiolo wine. This vine, imported from Piedmont about 200 years ago, has found here one of the very few favourable terrains that truly enhance its wonderful features. The reception given by the landlady, the passion for her work evident in her words, is a rare experience indeed, one that everyone should treat themselves to.

CRAFT ITINERARY
A deep sense of belonging to one’s cultural roots is at the origin of the constant commitment of Gallura’s artisans to their work, a commitment that is responsible for the preservation of the wisdom of the most ancient techniques and the use of the most diverse materials.

Wisdom and techniques, handed down from one generation to the another over centuries, become contemporary thanks to the genius and ingenuity of the very few who keep on following these amazing traditions. The itinerary leads first to the Andrea Sotgiu Goldsmith Laboratory to witness the birth of a typical Sardinian filigree jewel, an ancient artisanal technique for interweaving very thin threads of gold or silver.

The itinerary continues with the discovery of the “wooden” clothes by Anna Grindi by visiting her Atelier in Tempio Pausania, where cork, traditionally used to make everyday objects, finds a new life as it is mastered by the textile skills of the fashion designer.

She makes cork the key material for the realisation of her clothes which are available for purchase in a number of prestigious high fashion boutiques. In the small stone village of Aggius, you will meet the Gallura masters in the art of weaving carpets.

Made entirely by hand with ancient horizontal looms, the Aggius rugs are created by local weavers with natural colours and a weave of very fine threads that give body to the figures and ornamental motifs handed down for generations following century-old traditions.

YOGA CLASSES
Immersed in the green of our Oasi di Luna, with the Gulf of Arzachena in the background, our guests can practice yoga with an exceptional teacher. Experts or beginners, our guests will experience the deepest levels of serenity, in a state of total relaxation of mind and body.
The classes are held in Italian, English, French, German or Spanish.

TRAVEL GUIDE
Along with the pleasures of a beach holiday, Gallura offers the opportunity to its visitors to get to know a territory of great interest, both from its inherent nature and from an historical and archaeological point of view.

A vast territory, which alternates the roughness of the mountainous areas to the sweetness of the countryside by the sea, the spectacle of its most famous coastal stretches and to the silence of its inland areas. The constellation of ancient villages with stone houses preserves small jewels of traditional architecture next to megalithic monuments dating back to ancient times.

Without having to travel too far from the Resort, our guests can easily enjoy many pleasant itineraries in search of the most alluring beaches, islands and cliffs, or venture into the innermost and hidden parts of the region. On each occasion, our guests will find innumerable little gems that are waiting to be discovered or rediscovered and that will make their holiday an even richer and more unforgettable experience.

ALONG THE COAST
The coastal landscape of Gallura, dominated to the south by the view of the islands of Tavolara and Molara, also includes to the north, a step away from Corsica, the enchantment of the islands that form the La Maddalena Archipelago. The territory owes its charm and its fame to this amazing coastal strip, which stretches for dozens and dozens of kilometres in an uninterrupted succession of coves, cliffs and deep inlets.

The small white sand beaches, and the long stretches of golden sand, represent as many mandatory destinations for those who are in Gallura on holiday: Cala di Volpe, Cala Grano, Cannigione, Capriccioli, Grande Pevero, La Celvia, Liscia di Vacca, Liscia Ruja, Pitrizza, Romazzino, are only some the best known beaches among the many jewels in this fantastic crown.

Their wide-ranging variety will not fail to enchant those who visit during the summer, and will leave an indelible mark in the memories of those lucky enough to see them in autumn or spring. The village of Cannigione overlooks the innumerable accommodations on the Andrea Doria seafront, the marina and the beautiful beaches of Mannena, Barca Bruciata and L’Ulticeddu.

Protected from the strong mistral winds, Cannigione enjoys the typical summer temperatures of Gallura for most of the season. Lovers of the sea and of water sports will find an ideal place to devote time and energy to their passions.

Moving away from the village, along the road that leads to Baja Sardinia, there is the Paduli Saloni pond, a mirror of fresh water of great importance, located on the edge of a permanently protected oasis for wildlife, where the rush and the tamarisk hide and give protection to a very rich fauna.

Then Baja Sardinia, with its hotels, villas and shops gathered around the square, overlooking the Battistoni beach. On the northern side of the ridge that houses the village, there are several small beaches and the imposing construction of Forte Cappellini.

It is worth venturing along the paths that lead to the granite cliff, dotted with the evocative ruins of old military buildings. Continuing along the coastal road, the deep inlet of Poltu Quatu and, a little further on, an inscription on the granite that marks the northern edge of the Costa Smeralda. After Porto Cervo, it is very easy to reach Abbiadori.

Near the small village are the splendid beaches of the Grande Pevero and Piccolo Pevero. From Abbiadori, taking the road that leads to Capriccioli, the Provincial Road160 is easily found: a quick detour to Liscia Ruja, one of the most extensive beaches in Costa Smeralda, where gold sand meets the green of the Mediterranean maquis.

Continuing on the same road a sign for La Celvia gives access to the beach, consisting of small coves with a thin beach sheltered from the mistral: a hidden corner that is among one of the most evocative of this stretch of coast.

Further on, the two beaches of Capriccioli where it is definitely worth stopping for a swim. Going back, a few meters after the junction for La Celvia, turn right, towards the beach of Li Coggi, also called Spiaggia del Principe, reachable after a short scenic walk that starts from the parking lot and offers, from above, the spectacle of white sand against the turquoise sea.

Continuing on the same road, the Romazzino beach: another small natural masterpiece in Gallura. Upon arrival at the village of Abbiadori one can then reach in just a few minutes the picturesque village of San Pantaleo, surrounded by monumental granite rocks and immersed in the enchanted atmosphere created by the typical Gallura stone buildings.

The walks around the village reserve breathtaking views and an encounter with a nature still intact in its inherent ruggedness. Religious festivals and rural festivals periodically attract tourists who peruse among the characteristic market stalls.

All the places mentioned up to now are dominated by the imposing islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago: the bigger ones, La Maddalena, Caprera, Spargi and Santo Stefano and, further north, a step away from the Bocche di Bonifacio, the smaller ones, Budelli, Razzoli, Santa Maria, surrounded by countless islets and rocks.

It is a vast area, one of the most interesting and rich in the Mediterranean from a landscape and natural point of view, for whose protection the National Park of the same name was established in 1996.

Among the many possible walks on the island of La Maddalena we most certainly recommend the one that leads to the village of Spalmatore, along the panoramic route with views of the Giardinelli island and the Testa del Polpo beach.

Continuing towards the west coast the coves of Abbatoggia and Stagno Torto near Punta Marginetto and Punta Cannone come into view and further on Cala Maiore with the beautiful Baia Trìnita beach.

Inland, from the top of the Guardia Vecchia hill, you can admire the landscape of the entire archipelago and the coast to the west, with its beaches, Cala d’Inferno and Cala Francese, and the road that leads to the small town of La Maddalena from Cala Gavetta.

Together with La Maddalena via the bridge built at the Passo della Moneta, Caprera contains one of the most intact natural environments in the Mediterranean. The road that crosses Caprera reaches the granite peaks of Mount Teialone and Poggio Raso while another route leads to Cala Coticcio, one of the most evocative on the island. Further north is the wild area of Messa del Cervo.

Countless coves and beaches are scattered along the coastline, from Cala Portese to Porto Palma, from Cala Garibaldi to Cala Andreani and Cala Brigantina.

Northwest of Caprera is the smaller island group, the first of which, Spargi, offers berth at the beautiful beach of Cala Corsara for the boats that offer sightseeing trips in the archipelago. Inland, the landscape is exactly the same as in times gone by, with areas still dense with vegetation, dominated by the Guardia Preposti hill.

To the north of Spargi, Budelli, whose profile rises above the sea at Monte Budello. The Spiaggia Rosa, aka the Pink Beach, is among one of the most famous in Sardinia and perfectly represents the preciousness and delicate beauty of the area.

There are a few beaches on the island of Razzoli, located north of Budelli, characterised by steep cliffs, the domineering lighthouse and Monte Cappello. Finally, the island of Santa Maria, to the east of Razzoli, consists of a single flat expanse where the modest Punta del Turco rises.

It is the greenest of the islands in the archipelago and is partly occupied by vineyards. It is worth mentioning the coves overlooking the canal between Razzoli and Budelli, called Cecca di Morto, and the Santa Maria beach, crowned by a few villas not far from the pier.

INLAND
The splendour of the coast and the sea have given Gallura a well deserved reputation. Much less known, but not less interesting, are the inland natural beauties, where the landscape, mainly mountainous, preserves the only forests of the region in valleys and in the most sheltered slopes.

In these areas, cork oak dominates the landscape. The not too high mountains show the succession of granite ridges and plateaus, reserving very engaging mountain views.

In this sweet and wild, welcoming and mysterious scenario, the mountain rocks draw simple architectures on the territory. Aggius and Mount Pulchiana, Tempio and the Limbara, Luogosanto and its twenty-two sanctuaries as well as Calangianus, Aglientu and Berchidda, with its Wine Museum and summer concerts in the shadow of small rural churches.

All these are truly magical places, where the most genuine popular traditions have been kept alive and the richness of Gallura’s historical and archaeological heritage has been scrupulously preserved.

A perfect example of the richness of the landscape of the inland of Gallura is the Limbara massif. From Tempio Pausania, a winding road leads to the top of Balistreri, which gives the impact of a panorama of great beauty and a breathtaking view of the coastline and of the sea of Olbia and of the Tavolara Island.

Back to the cork oaks in the plain, the ancient small city of Tempio is reached after a few kilometres. The streets that depart from the scenic Piazza Gallura reach the heart of the small town, where the warm colours of the local stone dominate the ancient urban landscape.

If it is true that everything that tickles the palate has a slightly different taste when enjoyed in the place of its origin, it is advisable to visit the local winery in this cosy little town. The delicate Moscato, which is produced following ancient traditions, but also the Rosato del Limbara and the Gallura Rosso, are the wines to try.

A quick visit to the village of Luras, not far away, to taste the stronger Nebiolo, whose vines were planted in these lands around the 1930’s and that is now an essential part of Sardinian wine heritage.

Near these villages and small towns, the gigantic rock monoliths that rise abruptly on the plain are not a rare sight: the Pulchiana of Aggius is the most significant example of this type of rock formations and it is certainly the largest in Sardinia.

The pleasure of a walk in its surroundings offers a view of the different sides of the mountain, which at sunset are tinged with a myriad different shades of pink. It is worth visiting the small village of Aggius, just a few kilometres away, which is surrounded by lush greenery and gathers around the parish church of Santa Vittoria.

Before leaving, a coffee or a drink at the table of one of the many bars and cafes should be followed by a walk through the narrow streets of the old part of the village, which occasionally and unexpectedly opens up onto the landscape of the nearby countryside.

Continuing towards the sea, the vineyards are still welcoming us. Vermentino, undoubtedly the best known Sardinian white wine, reaches levels of pure excellence in Gallura: for example, at the Capichera wine estates near Arzachena, on the road to Sant’Antonio.

The combination of ancient wisdom and scientific expertise creates wines of the highest quality that can be tasted in a welcoming environment and with the careful guidance of those who devote all their passion to their job.

Moreover, the area of Arzachena is perhaps mostly interesting from an archaeological point of view. The extraordinary richness of the finds left by the most ancient civilisations is a fundamental part of the charm of the region and a visit to its most important sites, scattered not far from the coastline, provides a sense of times forgotten.

Not far from the Capichera Winery, the Lu Coddhu ‘Ecchju tomb of the giants, whose vast exedra is dominated by a granite-curved stele over four meters high, and the La Prisciona nuraghe, with a central tower over 6 meters high.

A few minutes away, the Li Muri necropolis, formed by five quadrangular rooms surrounded by stone circles embedded in the ground, and the Li Lolghi tomb of the giants in an excellent state of conservation.

The most important nuraghe of the area is the Albucciu in Malchittu, characterised by a mixed genre structure that combines the elements of the oldest nuraghe corridor with those of a more recent thòlos, an archaic circular building with a dome.

In the same area there is also the interesting little temple of Malchittu. Now, a few kilometres from Cannigione and almost ready for dinner, the red wines from the Surrau winery await you.

Offered to visitors in the beautiful and modern architectural structure, recently erected in the middle of this great wine estate, they are best savoured while admiring works by contemporary artists, permanently housed in large indoor and outdoor spaces or in temporary exhibition areas, where large-format paintings and photographs find their place among flasks and bottles illuminated by light of the setting sun coming through large windows.

Rooms: 59

Price: from 262 EUR per night

Source: www.hotelvilladelgolfo.com