Gallura: granite coast of northern Sardinia
The Costa Smeralda, a bear carved by the wind, Capo Testa facing Corsica and a castle town above the sea, ending at La Pelosa.
- Distance
- 195 km (121 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 41 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- Italy
- Updated
- September 7, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 195 km (121 mi) with 9 stops, from Olbia to Spiaggia della Pelosa. About 2 h 41 min of driving in total.
Route description
From Olbia follow the coast roads north to the Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo, then on to Palau. Above the town, the granite of Capo d’Orso has been eroded into the shape of a bear.
From Palau, car ferries cross in about twenty minutes to the island of La Maddalena, with its panoramic road and the bridge to Caprera, a worthwhile day trip. Santa Teresa Gallura overlooks the Strait of Bonifacio, and on clear days the white cliffs of Corsica are in view.
Walk out among the boulders of Capo Testa, then take the SS200 west through the Anglona hills. Elephant Rock stands beside the road just before Castelsardo, a fortified village on a headland known for its basket weaving.
Finish at Stintino and La Pelosa beach, where visitor numbers are capped in summer and a booking and small fee are required. In July and August roads and car parks are very busy, so June and September are the best months for this trip.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Olbia
Italy - 230 km
Porto Cervo
Italy - 313 km
Capo d’Orso
OdditiesPalau, ItalyA granite rock eroded into the shape of a bear, high above the La Maddalena strait. A short climbing path leads up from the car park.
- 44 km
Palau
Italy - 522 km
Santa Teresa Gallura
Italy - 65 km
Capo Testa
NatureSanta Teresa Gallura, ItalyA granite headland of wind-carved boulders, hidden coves and a lighthouse facing Corsica. The Valle della Luna is a short scramble from the road.
- 763 km
Elephant Rock
OdditiesCastelsardo, ItalyA trachyte boulder shaped like an elephant beside the road, with prehistoric rock-cut tombs inside. A quick roadside stop just outside Castelsardo.
- 85 km
Castelsardo
Italy - 953 km
Spiaggia della Pelosa
NatureStintino, ItalyShallow turquoise water and a Spanish watchtower. Daily visitors are capped and must book in summer.
