Local restaurants
S’Andira on Via Orsa Minore (+39 (0)789 754273) is only open in high season, and worth finding for seafood under the sky. If you fancy a relaxed, traditional Sardinian food for dinner, head to Saltara on Santa Teresa Gallura (+39 (0)789 755597). Gallura on Corso Umberto, Olbia (+39 (0)789 24629) is a traditional trattoria promising a morsel for every tastebud – particular foodies can choose between 30 different types of risotto. La Gritta on Località Porto Faro (+39 (0)789 708 045) is just west of Palau. We loved lunch here, with the sun-drenched garden and ocean vista, but it’s just as romantic for supper. Ask for a table on the terrace, or by the window if it’s not so warm.
Local bars
Café Conti in Santa Teresa is a great spot for an aperitivo, as are the portside bars in Palau.
Nightlife
For superstar posing with prices to match, head to the Billionaire Club in Porto Cervo, owned by Formula One playboy Flavio Briatore. You don't have to be a billionaire to get in, but it helps.
Worth getting out of bed for
Mountain bikes and scooters for exploring can be booked through the hotel. On the beach in front of the hotel, a motor-boat hire firm takes trippers around the Maddalena archipelago. Canoes and dinghies are also available for hire here. Sailing and windsurfing is popular owing to favourable year-round conditions; the area around Isola dei Gabbiani, near Palau, is a particularly popular destination for wind-surfers from all over Europe. There is a centre at Santa Teresa: Windsurf Sardinia. Diving and snorkelling are popular along this colourful coastline. There is a centre at Porto Pozzo, four kilometres from the hotel. Other water sports are catered for there too.
There is a well-equipped stable at Santa Teresa for those who want to explore the surrounding area on horseback. The area around the hotel boasts some excellent trekking routes, with beautiful sea views. Gallura is home to some of the best golf courses in Sardinia. The nearest one is Pevero at Porto Cervo (a 45-minute drive). It is open all year round. The best beach within a short drive is Rena Blanca, a white sandy beach, reputed to be one of Sardinia’s most beautiful, 12 kilometres from La Coluccia, in Santa Teresa. The hotel’s garden backs on to a small beach with the loveliest views out to the archipelago.
Diary
There are several small street events held locally in Santa Teresa every year. These tend to focus on the consumption of local products. Similarly, there are bigger festivals (the mussel festival; la Festa della Madonna del Mare – a procession of boats in the sea with statues of saints on board) in Olbia. The dates change from year to year: get updated information from: http://www.hellosardinia.com/eng/gallura/ga_sagre.htm. Also check www.yccs.it for numerous boating events taking place at Porto Cervo. (These change every year).
For a full list of bars and restaurants in Sardinia, click here
