With its 37 kms of shoreline, elegant villas and flowery, well-maintained streets, San Teodoro is a town know for its breathtaking beaches. The town is inhabited by five thousand residents in winter, but crowded with thousands of tourists in summer. The centre was developed during the 17th century, on the eastern slopes of the Mount Nieddu.
The beaches
– La Cinta: located at 2 kms from the Residenze Gallura. This is considered the main beach of San Teodoro, and it is characterised by crystal-clear water and a shallow sandy seabed.
– Cala D’Ambra, made of white pebbles and sand, can be reached on foot from the town centre strolling along a 500 metre tree-lined promenade. It is an excellent spot for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.
– L’Isuledda: it is fine sandy beach with shallow sea bordered by rocks, perfect for snorkeling. This lovely beach is the southern part of the Tavolara marine protected area.
– Cala Brandinchi: also known as “Little Tahiti” for its bright and shallow seawater and its fine white sand, the beach is encircled by a verdant pine wood and a thick Mediterranean bush.
– Cala Girgolu: famous for its turtle shaped rock and its turquoise sea, it comprises a number of coves bordered by pink granite rocks sculpted into fascinating shapes by the wind.
– Puntaldia: set in front of the island of Tavolara, the entrance is situated in the village of Puntaldia, which also features a lovely marina and a 9-hole golf course. The scenary is enchanting: sparkling reflections, shallow and transparent seawater, and enchanting rocks smoothened by the wind.
– Lu Impostu: a one-kilometre-long beach featuring dunes of soft, fine white sand. Its shallow seabed and transparent sea are suitable for families with small children.
What to do
San Teodoro is the perfect destination for tourists seeking relaxing days at the beach and exciting nights at the disco. San Teodoro is also an excellent destination for families, as they can enjoy the shallow water of its child-friendly beaches and take evening strolls among the colourful stands of the night market.
The Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Protected Marine Area is located right in front of the coastline. Daily excursions depart from the beaches of San Teodoro, Porto San Paolo or Porto Ottiolu towards the Piscine di Molara or to the island of Tavolara, and to the famous grotta del Papa, once habitat of monk seal.
The natural beauties of the area can also be discovered on foot or on horseback by following the several hiking routes.
Just behind La Cinta beach, the San Teodoro Lagoon is the habitat of a resident avifauna, including pink flamingos. Slightly further north stands the natural trail of La Peschiera, famous for its botargo production, oyster farming and clam harvesting, where organised fishing trips are also possible during peak season.
Hiking and mountain-biking enthusiasts can follow a 15 kms track up the slopes of Monte Nieddu, located just behind the village.
Typical dishes
Among the most flavoursome traditional recipes are some rustic dishes belonging to the agro-pastoral cuisine that developed in the inland areas. The Zuppa Gallurese, (an oven-baked soup made of stale bread soaked in meat broth and garnished with grated pecorino cheese) and li Chiusoni (small fresh pasta dumplings seasoned with pork or wild boar sauce and sprinkled with Pecorino cheese).
Fresh cream mixed with semolina is used to prepare the Mazza frissa, a dressing used to season pasta dishes, which can be eaten warm with fresh broad beans. The Mazza frissa is also a typical dessert when served with honey or sugar.
The restaurants od San Teodoro also serve fish manus based on fresh local fish, botargo and oysters.
Among the most popular desserts are li Cucciuléddi milàti (small rolls of honey, almonds and walnuts) or li Ruióli (fried ricotta or fresh cheese balls dipped in warm honey).
These traditional dishes are perfect to be paired with the famous Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, a white wine that is the mainstay of the Gallurese cuisine and beyond.
