Discover Gallura through its landscapes, traditional flavours and unmissable experiences between land and sea during your holiday in Delphina hotels and resorts
Beneath the bear’s belly in Palau
In Gallura, nature sculpts stone into shapes that spark the imagination: elephants, turtles, octopuses. But there is one that the father of geography, Ptolemy, mentioned in his writings with precise coordinates: the Bear Rock of Palau. A landmark for ancient seafarers of the Mediterranean, also known as the ancient land of the Laestrygonians in Ulysses’ journey back to Ithaca, today this enormous stone bear welcomes you beneath its belly to enjoy the extraordinary view over the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.
The island of tall towers
There are places that preserve the strength and mystery of an ancient past. Like that of the Nuragic people, who built towers on this island that could reach over 20 metres in height. Massive stone blocks, stacked without mortar, which archaeologists call megalithic structures. But visiting a nuraghe goes beyond the engineering prowess of a civilisation. It is a journey into oneself and a bond with nature that spans centuries.
Porto Cervo, architecture to discover
The Costa Smeralda is synonymous with glamour and luxury, shopping and multi-million dollar yachts. Yet beneath that glossy surface, Porto Cervo offers corners of great beauty where architecture is inspired by the nature of this corner of Sardinia. Soft lines, vibrant colours, elegant simplicity: the Stella Maris Church overlooks the Marina of Porto Cervo from above. A place of spirituality, certainly, but one that reveals the most authentic soul of this destination.
Journey into the heart of Gallura
Leave the coast behind for a day among oak forests and giant granite boulders surrounding the small village of Aggius. Landscapes where nature remains untouched, a land of ancient legends and the natural set of national film productions. Follow the scenic road leading to the Valley of the Moon and stop at the viewpoint to capture a postcard of Gallura. It will be a gift to yourself that’s hard to forget.
Sea routes among uninhabited islands
Northern Sardinia is home to a paradise of sand and water, one of those places to see at least once in a lifetime. Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli, Caprera are just a few of the 60 islands, both small and large, that make up the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, near the Strait of Bonifacio. The best way to explore it is by renting a large inflatable boat or a pleasure craft with experienced captains who know all the secrets of these places, for a swim in a secluded corner.
At the table with traditional flavours
And then there are the typical dishes and traditions passed down through generations. Li ciusoni, Gallura-style gnocchi, are made with just three ingredients: flour, water and salt. Inside, all the flavour of this land and gestures made instinctive only through time. A simple dish, yet one that brings everyone together at the table with a good glass of cannonau wine, which is good for your health, but above all, for the soul.
The Costa Rossa, the charm of western Gallura
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, everyone knows that. Yet there are places where the warm colours of the sun perfectly match the surrounding nature. Welcome to Isola Rossa, on the western coast of Gallura, a place named after the shades of its rocks. Here the granite takes on hues of pink, lilac and at times a deep red. A palette of colours that reaches its peak at the end of the day. A local tip? Dive into one of its coves at this time of day – it will be one of those experiences you’ll want to repeat every day of your holiday.
