Arzachena

Arzachena is one of Gallura's most varied destinations, combining nuragic archaeology, granite countryside, tourist villages and some of the best-known stretches of coast in north-east Sardinia.

The town of Arzachena has a very different character from the coastal resorts that made its municipality famous. Its centre retains squares, granite buildings and an everyday atmosphere rooted in inland Gallura. Walking through the streets reveals the area's close ties with traditional stazzi farmsteads, vineyards and the surrounding countryside, while its services and location make both the coast and the main archaeological sites easy to reach.

The territory of Arzachena is one of the most important archaeological areas in Gallura. La Prisgiona is its landmark nuragic complex, with a fortress and village in the Capichera valley. Nearby are the Giants' Tomb of Coddu Vecchju, the Li Muri necropolis, Li Lolghi, Albucciu nuraghe and the small temple of Malchittu. Within just a few kilometres, visitors can trace several phases of Sardinia's prehistory and Nuragic civilisation.

The large municipality includes several very different destinations. Cannigione retains a strong maritime and tourist identity, while Porto Cervo is the symbolic heart of the Costa Smeralda. Abbiadori, Baja Sardinia and Poltu Quatu complete a network of resorts that developed around coastal tourism. Visiting Arzachena therefore makes it easy to combine an inland Gallura town with some of the region's best-known marinas and coastal villages.

Arzachena's coastline is defined by granite, Mediterranean scrub and coves with clear water. Cala Capriccioli, Liscia Ruja, Romazzino and the beaches around Baja Sardinia are among its best-known destinations. Just inland, the landscape changes quickly: hills, Vermentino vineyards and granite valleys reveal a more rural side of Gallura.

Arzachena is a good base for a multi-day itinerary in north-east Sardinia. One day can focus on the town and archaeology, another on the coastal resorts and a third on the beaches. Palau, La Maddalena, Olbia and Golfo Aranci are also within easy reach, making it possible to combine sea, history and landscape in one itinerary.