Santa Teresa di Gallura is a renowned seaside resort in the province of Olbia-Tempio. The villagge faces a small rocky promontory on the Strait of Bonifacio, the strait of sea that separates the Sardinia from Corsica. Fishing, particularly coral, and seaside tourism are the foundation of the local economy. This area is renowned for its extraordinary sandy beaches and the beauty of the landscape. In front of the town emerges the imposing island of Corsica, just 11 km away, with its white limestone coast.
Due to its strategic geographical position this town has always had a certain importance in history. This area was already inhabited by Romans, which exploited for a long time the granite quarries that are in the hinterland. The current villagge has been created from scratch during the domination Savoy. In 1808 the same King Vittorio Emanuele I drew the map of the town, dedicated to his wife Maria Teresa. Nowaday Santa Teresa di Gallura retains the original structure, with straight roads that cross at right angles.
The villagge boasts a well-equipped marina from where pull out the ferries direct to Bonifacio. On the promontory overlooking the village there is the Longonsardo Tower, dating back to sixteenth century. From this position you can see a unique view on this magnificent stretch of sea. On the left the coast down to the beach of Rena Bianca, a short distance from an abandoned quarry. 5 km east of Santa Teresa di Gallura is the promontory of Capo Testa, where lie some exclusive hotels. At the end of the promontory is the beautiful bay of Cala Spinosa, with its green waters surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of white granite rocks.
