Castelsardo, a stronghold in northern Sardinia

At the center of the north coast of Sardinia, between the Gulf of Asinara and the Costa Paradiso, there is the coast of Castelsardo, home town of Genoa origin ideal for a vacation by the sea and a starting point to discover the hinterland where you can admire the remains of the nuragic age and a fascinating wildlife.

Its natural position suggests a fortress city with a bustling past. In fact, the old medieval town stands on a small rocky promontory and is protected at the back by the hills of Gallura.

Castelsardo in 1102 became the stronghold of the Genoese dynasty of the Dorias with the name of Castelgenovese, while in 1448, under the Spanish control, it acquired the name of Castellaragonese, before finally moving in 1776 to the Savoys acquiring its current name, Castelsardo.

The tour to visit Castelsardo begins by climbing along the streets and steep stairways that form the historic heart of the city. Some streets opened to the sea giving unique views to the Gulf of Asinara.

The old area of Su Casteddu still retains its past buildings, such as the Doria's Castle, with its infinite charm, and the Church of Santa Maria, a symbol for the inhabitants of the town since it hosts the Criltu Nieddu, Black Christ, fourteenth-century crucifix carried in procession on Easter.

Within the walls of the castle it was opened a weaving museum. The museum displays artefacts such as baskets and pots made by Sardinian artisans in different shapes, sizes and materials. Each room has its own theme, ranging from baking to farming activities, from domestic life to fisheries, touching all the moments of life without neglecting the furnishings and objects with a magical or religious function.

On a rocky slope, easily accessible through a road with a slight slope, there is the Cathedral of Sant'Antonio Abate. The Baroque-style church has over its marble altar a Virgin with the Angels designed by a local anonymous painter known as Master of Castelsardo.

On the coast road to Santa Teresa di Gallura there is the majestic Roccia dell'Elefante, which owes its name to the shape that the wind and inclement weather conditions over time gave to it.
Formerly known as Sa Pedra pertunta, pierced stone, it is a curious domus de Janas. Within this prenuragic grave dug into a huge trachytic boulder you can still see two protomes stylized Taurin symbols of a God revered for his power, strength or courage.

Today this town thanks to the harbor dominated by a defensive tower has become a pleasant coastal town. In the village there is a small beach, and just 3 km from the town you can reach the village of Lu Bagni which offers spacious and sandy beaches.

Castelsardo deserves to be visited to know and appreciate the tranquility, away from the clamor of life still true in lifestyles and traditions. It is a charming place to spend a pleasant holiday in Sardinia. It is easy to reach and well-equipped with accommodation facilities and restaurants where you can enjoy the traditional cuisine such as lobster or an excellent soup "castellanese".

Cannigione

The jagged coastline in Gallura is rich in small coves called Rias. A Ria is a valley carved by a river and subsequently occupied by the sea. One of these Ria is the Gulf of Arzachena, where it developed a fishing village at the end of '800 and early'900. The bay allowed a safe shelter against adverse sea conditions and was perfect for trade between Sardinia and the islands of La Maddalena. Today this village, called Cannigione, is developing in both urban and demographic level thanks to the tourism promoted mainly from the nearby Costa Smeralda whereas the fishing has become a secondary sector.

Cannigione is situated on the north eastern coast of Sardinia at around 10 km from Arzachena, on the western side of the Gulf. The extraordinary beauty typical of the entire coast of Gallura made of granite rocks shaped by wind, beaches of fine white sand and crystal clear waters along with tourist facilities, a well-equipped marina, a walking path along the promenade filled with many local facilities make this area a major travel destination in Sardinia during the summer season.

Near the tourist port of Cannigione, surrounded by green vegetation, there is a beach with a clear bottom sand and crystal clear water. Going to Palau you arrive at the beach of La Conia, a beautiful bay with clear and transparent waters characterized by the presence of Mediterranean scrub bushes and pine trees all the way to the shore.

Further ahead you find the beach of Tanca Manna, with a bottom of large granite sand and turquoise waters followed by Barca Bruciata, an incomparable natural swimming pool, Isuledda, Ulticeddu and Iaciola, accessible via short trails on the right of the road, until you reach the Gulf of Saline, just below the hills of Capo d'Orso on the border with the town of Palau.

The southern part of the Gulf is occupied by the ponds of Saloni, ideal habitat for nesting of the marsh harrier, red heron and Sultan chicken, hosts sometimes black stork and ospreys which find refugee among the reeds, the tamarisks, the willows and the typical marsh plants. The fish fauna consists of several mullet, as well as tench, eels and turtles.