🔦 Fari della Gallura — AffittaSardegna since 2011
Lighthouses in Gallura and north-eastern Sardinia:
Capo Testa, La Maddalena and Capo Ferro
“Capo Testa is where Sardinia really ends. The granite rocks plunge into the water without warning, the lighthouse anchors the headland like a nail, and Corsica is just 11 km away — so close that on a clear day you can see the houses.”
🔦 The Capo Testa Lighthouse: Sardinia and Corsica, 11 km away
Capo Testa is the northernmost headland of mainland Sardinia — a promontory of pink granite sculpted by the wind into fantastical shapes, with beaches hidden amongst the rocks and low scrubland vegetation scented with myrtle and mastic. At the most exposed point, the lighthouse overlooks the Strait of Bonifacio — the stormiest stretch of sea in the Mediterranean, with currents of 8–10 knots on days when the mistral is strong.
The Capo Testa lighthouse stands atop a granite promontory — not on a cliff, but on enormous, rounded boulders that look like statues created by some cosmic sculptor. The contrast between the white of the lighthouse, the pink of the granite and the turquoise of the sea is one of the most characteristic sights of northern Sardinia.
Some of the world’s largest ships pass through the Strait of Bonifacio. Stand on the promontory of Capo Testa, watch the shipping traffic, and you’ll understand why that lighthouse is there — it’s not just for decoration. It’s as essential as the air we breathe.
📍 Capo Testa: How to Visit
Capo Testa is located 5 km from Santa Teresa di Gallura — accessible by car or on foot/by bike from the town. The headland is a protected natural area with free access. The paths winding through the granite rocks allow you to explore hidden coves, natural pools and unique rock formations.
- Car park — 500 metres from the lighthouse. Free parking, but it fills up quickly in summer — arrive by 9 am
- Trails — a network of short trails (20–60 mins) over granite rock. Shoes with non-slip soles are recommended
- Beaches — Cala Grande and Cala Spinosa, accessible on foot via the paths on the headland
- Sunset — Capo Testa faces north-west: the sunset viewed from the sea cliffs is spectacular
- Corsica in view — on clear days with no sea mist, Bonifacio (Corsica) is visible to the naked eye 11 km away
🏝️ The Lighthouses of the Maddalena Archipelago
💡 Punta Tegge Lighthouse — La Maddalena
The main lighthouse on the island of La Maddalena, situated on the southern headland. It is visible from the port of La Maddalena and from boats passing through the strait between Sardinia and Corsica. The interior is not open to visitors.
🌊 Capo d’Orso Lighthouse — Palau
A small lighthouse on the headland near the famous Bear Rock in Palau. The bear-shaped granite rock, standing in a defensive posture, and the lighthouse below form one of the most recognisable landscapes along the Gallura coast.
⛵ Spargi Lighthouse
The island of Spargi in the Maddalena Archipelago — the lighthouse on this uninhabited island can only be reached by sea. Boat trips from the archipelago often include it in their itinerary.
🏔️ Razzoli Lighthouse
On the northernmost island of the Maddalena Archipelago, almost on the border with French waters. Accessible only by boat — charter trips from Palau or La Maddalena.
🔦 The Capo Ferro Lighthouse: Costa Smeralda, as seen in 1882
The Capo Ferro Lighthouse is situated on the headland between Porto Cervo and San Pantaleo, in the heart of the Costa Smeralda. Built in 1882, when this coastline was wild and inhabited only by shepherds, it has remained in operation even as the area has been transformed into one of the most exclusive destinations in the world.
The interior of the Capo Ferro lighthouse is not open to visitors, but the road leading to the headland offers views of the Costa Smeralda, the Maddalena Archipelago and Corsica that no private yacht can match. On windy days, the contrast between the golden scrub of the headland, the white of the lighthouse and the deep blue of the sea creates a natural scene that is hard to forget.
⚓ Other lighthouses in the North-East to explore
- Punta Filetto Lighthouse — Olbia — a small lighthouse at the entrance to the port of Olbia. The first light that passengers arriving by ferry from the mainland see
- Capo di Monte Santu Lighthouse — Siniscola — a rugged headland on the east coast. Accessible by footpath or boat. A landmark for fishermen in the Golfo di Orosei area
- Capo Comino Lighthouse — between Siniscola and San Teodoro. A small lighthouse on a granite headland covered in Mediterranean scrub. An area that is still relatively untouched by tourism
❓ FAQ — Lighthouses in Gallura and North-East Sardinia
How far is Corsica from Capo Testa?
The town of Bonifacio in Corsica is about 11 km from Capo Testa — the Strait of Bonifacio, which separates Sardinia and Corsica, is one of the narrowest in the Mediterranean. On clear, haze-free days, Bonifacio is clearly visible to the naked eye from Capo Testa. The ferry journey from Santa Teresa di Gallura to Bonifacio takes about 50–60 minutes — it is possible to take a day trip to Corsica and return the same evening.
How do you get to the Maddalena Archipelago?
The main island of La Maddalena is connected to Palau by frequent ferries, which take around 20 minutes. The service runs all year round, with departures every 30–60 minutes. The other islands of the archipelago (Caprera, Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli) can only be reached by boat — organised trips depart from La Maddalena and Palau daily during the season. The smaller islands form part of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park and have restricted access.
Is it possible to go on a day trip to Bonifacio in Corsica from Santa Teresa?
Yes — it’s one of the most popular day trips in northern Sardinia in the summer. The ferry from Santa Teresa di Gallura to Bonifacio (Corsica) takes about 50–60 minutes. Bonifacio is a spectacular medieval town built on white cliffs — visiting it takes at least 3–4 hours. You can take the first ferry in the morning, visit Bonifacio, have lunch in Corsica, and return in the late afternoon. Ferry frequencies vary by season — check the timetables for Sardinia Ferries and Moby Lines.
