What to do and see in San Pantaleo

An itinerary to discover one of the most beautiful villages in Sardinia

In north-eastern Gallura, dominated by white granite and low one-storey buildings, lies a small village that, mixing tradition and modernity, is a veritable den of artists and craftsmen: the village of San Pantaleo. Located 15 kilometres from Porto Cervo, in the district of Olbia, San Pantaleo almost seems to be carved out of the rock itself; thanks to the evocative views and the dozens of artists who take advantage of the air full of creativity to give birth to their works, the village is one of the most popular in Sardinia. The centre of life is the main square, surrounded by cafes and craft shops, where you can relax and have an aperitif. The rustic, typically Sardinian nature embraces the paradisiacal sea thanks to the Gulf of Cugnana. Despite having only 1116 inhabitants, San Pantaleo teems with life, especially from May to October: every Thursday, there is a market, famous throughout Sardinia, thanks to the beauty of the local handicrafts.

What to see in San Pantaleo

Church of San Pantaleo

Dedicated to the village's patron saint, it was built in the 19th century in the typical Sardinian rural style. The interior walls are decorated with frescoes and works of art, thanks to which it is possible to see the faith of the community.

Workshops and Ateliers

Craftsmen are the protagonists of this village and their workshops offer an immersive spectacle into the traditions of the area. Not to be missed:

Foresta G
Via Torres, 07026, San Pantelo SS
+39 379 188 3173
The shop is run by a mother and daughter, who hand-sew Indian-style clothes in silk and cotton. The shop is an explosion of colours and unique clothes; here you can also find quality clothes from Milan and Paris.
Yashu e Prem
Via Torres, 5, 07026, San Pantelo SS
+39 338 543 7108
La tradizione incontra la modernità nella boutique di Yashu e Prem. Qui troverete abiti ideati dai proprietari, il cui obiettivo è quello di offrire al pubblico femminile abiti di qualità, abiti che possano esprimere la forza femminile attraverso i colori.
Lu Frailli Wrought Iron Workshop
Via Molise 21, 07026, San Pantaleo SS
+39 333 962 3588
The workshop is run by the Solinas brothers, iron craftsmen, who create objects and small works of art.
Ceramics La Pietra Santa
Via La Petra Sarda 6, 07026, San Pantaleo SS
+39 347 108 0071
Clay working has been handed down in the Deiana family for generations. Initially, water flasks, earthenware plates and vases were made, today one can also admire ceramic creations, decorated with the traditional Sardinian gallinules.

Beaches

San Pantaleo enjoys a privileged position, as it stands not far from the Gulf of Cugnana. Among the most beautiful beaches are the Portisco beach, characterised by its fine sand and crystal clear water, and the Rena Bianca beach, which is smaller but offers a unique view of the gulf and the islands of Soffi and Montorio. The Razza di Juncu beach is excellent if you are travelling with your pet, not to mention the beauty of the surrounding nature. The Liscia Ruja, on the other hand, is special, with its reddish-coloured sand that makes the sea emerald even brighter. To discover the most beautiful beaches in this area click here.

Immersed in nature

For golf lovers, close to San Pantaleo is the Pevero Golf Club, one of the most popular in the world due to its breathtaking views. Not far from the village is also Monte Cugnana, which offers trekking trails amidst Mediterranean vegetation and rocky landscapes; those who manage to conquer the summit will be rewarded with an unparalleled view of the gulf and nearby islands. San Pantaleo, moreover, is surrounded by granite rock formations, which make the landscape evocative, excellent for those who love the thrill of climbing, as well as for those who prefer to stroll while breathing in the pure air of this wild nature.

Surroundings

The Gallura region offers breathtaking views, unspoilt nature and azure waters, as well as small villages where you can savour Sardinian tradition. Don't miss Luogosanto, which rises from the heights of Monti Ghjuanni, a place where Christian faith meets Sardinian tradition. A place of pilgrimage thanks to its twenty-two sanctuaries, it is the right place for those who want to discover the little secrets of Gallura, walking through breathtaking views. Not far away is Arzachena, with its picturesque alleyways, overlooking the slopes of Gallura. The town hosts some of the most important archaeological sites in Sardinia, where you can see the remains of the Nuragic civilisation. On the coast, on the other hand, is Castelsardo, immersed in an explosion of colours, thanks to the pink, yellow and blue buildings overlooking the sea. From the port, where you can breathe in a romantic atmosphere, you can set out to discover the characteristic coves of the Sardinian coast. Just over 30 minutes by car, you can visit the famous Porto Cervo, a mixture of history, tradition and modernity. Built around sixty years ago, Porto Cervo embodies the spirit of Prince Karim Aga Khan, who at the age of only twenty-four bought the portion of land on which Porto Cervo now resides. Enamoured of landscapes, Aga Khan worked to create a town (Porto Cervo) that was inaugurated in 1962.

Events

The main event in San Pantaleo is the handicraft market, held every Thursday (July to October), where you can buy, or just admire, the works of local craftsmen. During the second half of July, you can participate in the Magnendi in Carrera, the most important gastronomic event in the area. Here you can taste local products; not to be missed are the cheeses and cold cuts, but also wild boar sauce, gnocchi and traditional Sardinian sweets. Moreover, in early September, the Folklore Festival is held, in which Sardinian folk groups perform.

Where to eat in San Pantaleo

Caffè Nina
Via Torres, 8, 070026, San Pantaleo SS
+39 338 368 7288

The ideal place for an aperitif in the square; here you can relax at the sight of oleander flowers, accompanied by the singing of bells and buildings painted by the sunset. The Open Bar, Restaurant and Aperitif services are run by an attentive and knowledgeable staff, thus offering you impeccable service and an unforgettable culinary experience.

Giagoni Restaurant in the square
Piazza della Chiesa, 07026, San Pantaleo SS
+39 0789 65244

If you are looking for an elegant place to enjoy typical Gallurese cuisine, the Giagioni Restaurant in the piazza is for you. Here you will be intoxicated by the aromas of the territory and be welcomed in a traditional stone location. The restaurant is open from March to December and offers lunch, dinner and aperitifs, selecting the best local products. Here traditional cuisine meets the chef's imagination, offering savoury and sweet delicacies.

Il Fuoco Sacro
Strada di Budeo 070026, San Pantaleo SS
+39 0789 187 65244

The restaurant is located in the Petra Segreta resort, a magical place with its garden and views of the coast. The chefs offer modern cuisine, starting with the raw material provided by the resort itself, enriched by the herbs grown on the estate. The MICHELIN star testifies to the quality of the products, which are accompanied by fine and rare wines from all over the world. The elegant location requires an appropriate dress code, allowing you to immerse yourself in luxury and enjoy a unique culinary experience.

How to get to San Pantaleo by car from Porto Cervo

From Via Sa Conca, proceed in a north-westerly direction towards Piazzetta del Cervo. Take the SP59 and continue for 4.3 km. At the roundabout take the second exit and stay on SP59, continuing for 6.4 km. Turn left and take SP73, continue for 3.7 km, to your destination. You can park in Via di Li Licci 14, 070620, San Pantelo SS or in Via Lu Saraghinu 3, 070620, San Pantelo SS

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