Strictly Sardinia – Episode Summary

Podcast: Strictly Sardinia
Host: Claudia Tavani
Episode: Your Guide To Gallura, Sardinia
Date: September 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode is a comprehensive, locally informed guide to Gallura, the northeastern region of Sardinia, Italy. Host Claudia Tavani, a Sardinian native and travel expert, details the region’s attractions, favorite beaches, historic towns, local cuisine, wine culture, and gives insider tips for exploring Gallura like a local. The episode is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of beaches, culture, tradition, and practical travel advice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What and Where is Gallura?

• Location: Northeastern Sardinia, bordered by the Coghinas River, Mount Limbara, Mount Nieddu, and extending to Budoni.

• Notable Towns: Olbia, San Teodoro, Santa Teresa Gallura, Palau, and lesser-known gems like Arzachena.

• Name Origin: “Gallura” (“Gaddura” in Sardinian) means “rocky” – the area is known for granite formations.

• Highlight: Home to the famed Emerald Coast (Costa Smeralda), making it the island’s most touristic area but with rich natural beauty.

  • Quote:
    “The name Gallura, which is Gaddura in the original version in Sardinian, means ‘rocky’ and upon visiting you will know exactly why this name was given to the region. Granite rocks are prevalent here.”
    (Claudia, 02:00)

2. Best Beaches in Gallura

Claudia gives in-depth recommendations, noting accessibility, family-friendliness, services, and “hidden gems.”

Maddalena Archipelago National Park

• Cala Granara (05:00): Only reachable by boat, protected with visitor restrictions—“stunning.”

Santa Teresa Gallura

• Rena Bianca (06:00): The main town beach, means “white sand.” Protected, visitor-capped, family-oriented, with clubs and kiosks.
• Cala Spinosa (07:00): Rocky cove, best for snorkelers, requires a short hike, small and often crowded.

Rena Majore (08:15)

• White sand dunes, clear blue waters, two coves, ample parking, only one beach club—ideal for families.

Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast)

• Capriccioli (10:00): Claudia’s favorite, “two tiny strips of white sand surrounded by Mediterranean brush”—great for families, but “you have to go super early, because the parking lots get packed.”
• Petra Ruja (12:00): Secluded and quiet even in August; one kilometer walk required with no services—a “hidden gem.”

San Teodoro Region

• La Cinta (13:00): 5 km long, public, large parking, well-equipped, ideal for families.

  • Quote:
    “Petra Ruja beach is one of the most secluded beaches off the Emerald Coast and Gallura. I was there on the third week of August... this wasn’t crowded. But why? Getting there requires a little bit of work – a kilometer from the parking lot.”
    (Claudia, 12:00)

3. Charming Towns & Historical Sites

Arzachena (15:30)

• Small inland city “packed with interesting spots,” surrounded by stazzi (traditional farmhouses now operating as agriturismi).
• Notable sites:
  • Monte Incappiddatu (“Mushroom Rock”): Neolithic rock formation.
  • Archaeological Sites: Li Muri necropolis, Nuraghe La Prisgiona (well-preserved), Tomba Moru (“giant’s tomb”), and Malchittu temple.
  • Combined tickets available for site visits.

San Pantaleo (18:00)

• Picturesque village, older than nearby Porto Cervo (historical roots to 800 BC).
• Best times to visit: Thursday morning (traditional market) or evenings for the “pink light” sunsets.
• Accommodation: Petra Segreta (adults-only luxury resort), Michelin-starred Fuoco Sacro, plus budget-friendly options.

Agius (30:00)

• Home to the Museum of Banditry (explores local outlaw history) and the Oliva Carta Cannas Ethnographic Museum—largest in Sardinia, highlighting traditional culture.

4. Natural Landmarks & Experiences

Capo Testa & Valle della Luna (“Moon Valley”) (23:30)

• Near Santa Teresa Gallura; Capo Testa offers dramatic coastal landscapes accessible by road; Valle della Luna requires a short hike but “is stunning.”

• Site of the Musica sulle Bocche jazz festival (August).

  • Quote:
    “Capo Testa and Moon Valley are close to Santa Teresa Gallura and offer incredible views of the Bonifacio Strait. They are among the best places in Sardinia to admire a fantastic sunset.”
    (Claudia, 23:45)

5. Boat Trips & Marine Activities (25:00)

• Boat Tours: Multiple options from Gallura towns (Maddalena, Palau, Santa Teresa Gallura) to Maddalena Archipelago and South Corsica, including:
  • Bonifacio Strait
  • Lavezzi Island
  • Isola Piana
• Diving: Particularly recommended at Cannigione.

6. Wine Tasting in Gallura (27:30)

• Birthplace of Vermentino Wine: “A dry, crispy white… very fragrant, very fresh, perfect to pair with seafood.”
• Recommended Wineries:
  • La Contralta (tasting spots in Palau and near Olbia)
  • Surrau (excellent vineyard views, top-quality wines)

7. Food, Culture & Events

Gastronomy (34:00)

• Zuppa Gallurese (“Zupa Cuata”): Claimed as a “misleading name”—a savory dish of bread soaked in broth, layered with pecorino, mint, parsley, and baked. “It’s not really a soup—more of a winter dish.”

Festivals

• Tempio Pausania Carnival (36:00): Among the most famous carnivals, running since 1956. Centered around the character King George, celebrated with parades, floats, music, and dancing in winter.

Nightlife & Romantic Settings

• Phi Beach, Baia Sardinia (32:00): Trendy, upscale club with sunset views, DJs, great drinks—“not cheap… at least €100 per person, but the experience is completely worth it.”

  • Quote:
    “This beach club, for lack of a better word, faces one of the most beautiful bays on the island… kind of trendy, they have different DJs every weekend… It’s not cheap, but the experience is completely, completely worth it.”
    (Claudia, 32:30)

Luxury & Shopping

• Porto Cervo & Porto Rotondo: “Magnets for the rich and famous… best places to go luxury shopping in Sardinia”—designer boutiques, high-end marinas.

8. Travel Logistics & Practical Advice (40:00)

• Getting There: Main airport—Olbia Costa Smeralda. Strongly recommend renting a car for exploring.
  • Tip: Use comparison sites (e.g., Discover Cars) for rental deals.
• Costs:

  • “Yes, it is expensive. This is one of the most luxury-focused parts of the island… and the most touristy.”

  • Advice: Don’t expect an off-the-beaten-track or budget holiday, especially in peak season (June–early September).

  • Recommendation: For authentic, less touristy experiences, head inland—e.g., Berchidda and its wineries.

  • Quote:
    “Is it worth visiting? Completely, totally yes! The beaches are stunning… If you get off the coast… there’s a lot to see, lots of interesting wineries, delicious food.”
    (Claudia, 42:00)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Gallura’s Landscapes:
  “Upon visiting you will know exactly why this name was given to the region. Granite rocks are prevalent here.” (02:00)

• On Petra Ruja Beach:
  “...one of the most secluded beaches off the Emerald Coast and Gallura… once you’re there it’s actually super quiet. There are no services, there are very few people compared to the surrounding beaches. So enjoy.” (12:00)

• On San Pantaleo Market:
  “Thursday morning for the market, otherwise in the late afternoons to enjoy a nice, a nice evening.” (20:00)

• On Zuppa Gallurese:
  “It’s a very earthy dish of bread soaked in sheep broth, layered with pecorino cheese, mint and parsley before being baked. It’s quite rich. Definitely tasty, though, and more of a winter dish.” (34:30)

• On the Region’s Cost:
  “Yes, it is expensive. This is one of the most luxury, luxury focused parts of the island.” (41:00)

• Final Recommendation:
  “I do recommend planning a trip to the Gallura region.” (42:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction/Context: 00:00–02:00
• Gallura Location & Overview: 02:00–05:00
• Best Beaches: 05:00–15:00
• Arzachena & Archaeology: 15:30–17:00
• San Pantaleo: 18:00–21:00
• Nature & Capo Testa: 23:30–25:00
• Boat Trips: 25:00–27:30
• Wine Tasting: 27:30–30:00
• Museums & Agius: 30:00–31:30
• Nightlife (Phi Beach): 32:00–33:00
• Local Food: 34:00–36:00
• Tempio Pausania Carnival: 36:00–37:00
• Luxury Shopping: 38:00–39:00
• Practical Tips / Costs / Getting There: 40:00–42:30

Conclusion

Claudia provides an enthusiastic, practical, and insightful guide to Gallura, mixing her personal favorite spots with true local advice. While Gallura is one of Sardinia's most touristy and expensive regions, Claudia’s tips allow both luxury and adventurous travelers to find authentic experiences and hidden corners. Her focus on local gastronomy, wine, and off-the-beaten-track sites ensures that listeners get more than just a beach holiday.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone planning a trip to Sardinia or dreaming of a sun-soaked Mediterranean escape with history, nature, and style.