Nature

Gallura is a place full of history and legends. It is also a place with unique landscapes, rich in characteristic flora and fauna, all of which is admirably protected by the many conservation areas that exist.

The first thing you will notice in Gallura are the many rocks. A spectacular view, thanks to the particular shapes the granite was given with the erosion from wind and sea. The cliffs as inland rocks create picturesque forms that remind the viewer of anthropomorphic or zoomorphic figures.

The flora, result of a long and detailed evolution process, governs the territory with extremely rare endemic species: you will easily find the Silene of Santa Teresa (Silene santae-therasiae), the Ginestra Efedroide (Genista ephedroides) and the Limonio (Limonium Tibulatium). There is also a lot of attention dedicated to underwater flora. The Posidonia Oceanica prairie represents the equivalent of an underwater forest, essential to the protection of the youngest larval stages of many inhabitants of the deep sea. This guarantees a high variability in the species of fish here.

Doing snorkelling in the area you can see many species of underwater creatures really close up: the agone (Alosa fallax), the red coral (Corralliumrubrum), the false coral (Gerardiasavaglia) and the patella ferrosa (Patella ferruginea).

Many birds fly over the sky of Gallura thanks to the frequent presence of a rocky landscape. Fans of birdwatching can easily admire many species of winged beings. Aside from the common seagull and the wild pigeon, it is not surprising to spot the following birds in the sky: Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris Diomedea), Mediterranean Shearwater (Puffinusyelkouan), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Audouin’s gull (Larusaudouinii), Sardinian partridge (Alectoris sarda) and a few passerines such as the Dartford Warbler (Sylvia undata) and the Marmora’s Warbler (Sylvia sarda).

Even reptiles and amphibians enjoy the richness of the territory. Other than the classic gecko, you will also be able to spot some undisturbed reptiles such as the margined tortoise (Testudo marginata), the tarantolino (Eulepteseuropaea), the marsh tortoise (Emysorbicularis) and the rat snake (Hierophisviridiflavus). Among the amphibians you can find the beautiful golden toad (Bufoviridis), the Sardinian tree frog (Hyla sarda) and the Tyrrhenian painted frog (Discoglossussardus).

The incredible variety of animal species and vegetation present in Capo Testa Punta Falcone is only a small part of the life and beauty that Gallura has to offer.

The presence of rocks and reliefs is the set for many other animals. For example, it isn’t surprising to meet wild boar (known by the local name “porcavru”), that local shepherds and farmers are quite afraid of due to the disruption and destruction of their work. Besides the boar, you will also find foxes, weasels and martens that have to pay attention to the many birds in the sky, from seashore to mountain. The Sardinian partridge, mentioned above, is very present in the territory- its mimetic plumage allows it to freely live in the area without need to migrate. Other falcons, crows, and mockingbirds also use the area to nest and reproduce.

When it comes to the flora in this environment, it is also very rich and lush, so much so that the vegetation can be used for the production of some local alcohols typical of Gallura. A great variety of cork oaks, mastics, holm oaks, myrtle and junipers blossom along the entire coast to add colour, vibrancy and richness as well as a variety of liquors and bitters made with them. You may also encounter some holly plants or some arboreal heather, both belonging to the shrub family.

The impressive presence of the flora and fauna everywhere in Gallura makes this region one that cares intensely about the entire ecosystem. There are constant efforts from authorities and citizens alike to regularly maintain it as a safe space for every living being.

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