Santa Teresa and Capo Testa
map of Santa Teresa und Capo Testa
Santa Teresa
The northernmost town in Sardinia has become increasingly popular with tourists in recent years. This is undoubtedly due to its proximity to Corsica and the ferry connection to the neighboring island.
During the high season, the town with its small charming shops, restaurants, and bars is completely overcrowded. Especially on warm summer evenings, there’s a lot going on here.
Santa Teresa was only laid out in the 19th century, like a chessboard. The picture is characterized by straight streets.
The swimming opportunities in the surrounding area are quite limited. Although there are picturesque sandy bays between the rocks in a magnificent natural setting, these small beaches cannot accommodate the constantly growing tourist crowds and are completely overcrowded in summer.
The fantastic rocky sections of the coast are excellent for diving and snorkeling.
Capo Testa
The peninsula is located a few kilometers west of Santa Teresa.
The beauty of the granite rocks, smoothed by water and wind, with the crystal-clear water glowing in all shades of blue is truly breathtaking and attracts numerous tourists.
Around a decommissioned lighthouse lies a former military restricted area – you can safely ignore the ancient prohibition signs.
The small bathing bay at the end of the access road is totally overcrowded in summer. It’s better to keep walking and quietly wander between the enchanting rock formations. There are some nice viewpoints, and the tourist hustle and bustle noticeably diminishes behind the old lighthouse.
Valle di Luna
The “Moon Valley” is located south of the small parking lot and is only accessible on foot.
So, either leave your vehicle at the end of the road (which might be problematic in summer) or park at the holiday homes on the hill.
The most convenient access to the valley is before the descent to the parking lot on the left side just before a right turn. (see map)
Persistent hikers can also take a round trip around the entire Capo Testa and thus also pass by the valley.
The beautiful valley owes its name to the (intoxicating) full moon festivals that were celebrated here from the 1960s to 1984 by hippies and backpackers – naturally with corresponding drug excesses and littering.
Young people from all countries were drawn here – until the Carabinieri put an end to the whole spectacle with several raids in 1984.
Today, camping here is strictly prohibited, but the valley still attracts numerous visitors for a nice bathing excursion.
Where the Valle di Luna meets the sea, there are charming bathing bays on the right and left, which are usually not as crowded as the bay by the road.
If you plan to spend the whole day here, take enough food and especially plenty of water. There are no catering facilities here.
On the way to the valley, you pass by the remains of an ancient quarry at the upper entrance.
The Romans already used the natural harbor at the lower exit of the valley to transport the quarried granite by ship.
The Valle di Luna, as well as the entire Capo Testa, is now under nature protection.