The Longonsardo Tower: history and legends of Santa Teresa di Gallura
Useful information for visiting the Longonsardo Tower
In the heart of Santa Teresa di Gallura, overlooking the stretch of sea that separates Sardinia from Corsica, stands the Longonsardo Tower. Majestic and silent, this structure tells centuries of Mediterranean history filled with defense, dominion, and legends. Today, it is one of the most recognizable symbols of Sardinia’s northern coast and a must-see for visitors to the area.
The Longonsardo Tower was built in the 16th century by order of Philip II of Spain, during the period when the island of Sardinia was under Spanish rule. At that time, the Spanish kingdom extended over vast European and Mediterranean territories, and Sardinia represented a strategic position for controlling naval routes and defending the Kingdom of Naples and the Iberian Peninsula.
A strategic position on the Mediterranean
The tower overlooks the Strait of Bonifacio, the narrow passage separating Sardinia and Corsica, a mandatory route for many maritime paths since antiquity. It is built in an area of great scenic interest: on one side lies the Capo Testa promontory, famous for its granite formations shaped by wind and water; on the other, Punta Falcone, the northernmost point of Sardinia.
This privileged position allowed for a broad and immediate visual control over any suspicious naval movements.
In fact, the tower was part of the coastal defense system established by the Spanish to protect the island from raids by the Barbary pirates, very active at the time. Its function was surveillance and signaling: from here, sentinels could spot suspicious ships and transmit alarms to nearby towers and inland inhabitants.
In addition to North African corsairs, the area also faced attacks from other maritime powers such as the Genoese and the French, during a period of great rivalry between kingdoms and city-states.
Built from local granite, the Longonsardo Tower has a circular shape and an imposing structure that withstands time and wind. Although it is not among the largest towers in Sardinia, its grandeur is accentuated by its elevated position on the promontory.
The view from the tower is one of its strengths: on clear days, one can admire the entire northern coast of Sardinia and glimpse Bonifacio on the other side of the strait, with its white cliffs overlooking the sea.
Visiting the Longonsardo Tower
Wondering how to reach the Longonsardo Tower? It’s very simple: the tower is just a few minutes’ walk from the center of Santa Teresa di Gallura! It can be easily reached with a short walk along Via Capo Testa, ascending towards the promontory. For those arriving by car, parking is available nearby, although availability may be limited during the summer: it’s advisable to walk or use local public transport.
The tower is open to visitors during the season (generally from April to October) with paid access and variable hours depending on the period. Inside, in addition to a small exhibition area, one can climb to the upper terrace to enjoy the views. During the quieter months, from November to March, the tower can only be admired from the outside, but the site remains very evocative.
The tower area is accessible on foot, but some uneven terrain and steps may pose difficulties for those with reduced mobility. Currently, access to the upper terrace is not equipped with an elevator.
The Longonsardo Tower is fascinating at any time of day. During the day, the contrast between the tower’s light granite, the blue sea, and the surrounding vegetation creates an extraordinary landscape. At night, it is sometimes illuminated on special occasions. The silence of the promontory in the late hours of the day makes the atmosphere evocative and almost surreal.
We recommend planning your visit in the morning or late afternoon, when the light enhances the natural colors of the coast and temperatures are more pleasant, especially in the summer months. It’s advisable to check opening hours at tourist offices, as they may vary.
From Bonifacio to Santa Teresa: a day trip
Visiting the Longonsardo Tower means immersing yourself in the history of Santa Teresa di Gallura and discovering a viewpoint of rare beauty. The tower’s strategic position allows you to appreciate the surrounding landscape, with the sea separating Sardinia from Corsica. A perfect place for those seeking a relaxing and evocative break, away from the tourist hustle. If you’re in the area, it’s an opportunity not to be missed to add a touch of history and nature to your visit.
For those in Corsica, the Longonsardo Tower represents one of the ideal stops for a day trip to Santa Teresa. Ichnusa Lines ferries connect Bonifacio to Santa Teresa di Gallura in about 50 minutes, with multiple daily crossings during the tourist season. Passengers can disembark directly in the town center and, in a few steps, reach the tower for a visit that combines history, nature, and culture.
