Page 159 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sardinia

THE NOR TH AND THE C OST A SMER ALD A  157

as Caput Thirsi. The church The Island of Tavolara
of Santa Anastasia and the
paintings in the sacristy are This island is a mountain of limestone rising from the sea to a
worth a visit. A tour through height of 500 m (1,640 ft). The eastern side is an inacces sible
the Monti di Alà is another military zone, but the low sandy area called Spalmatore di Terra
worthwhile excursion. has beaches, a small harbour, a couple of restaur ants and a few
houses. Together with the neighbouring islands of Molara and
Environs Molarotto, home to over 150 moufflons, Tavolara is a marine
Nearby are Iselle Nuraghe (on reserve. The granite cliffs are pierced by caves and crevices. Sea
the road to Pattada) and Loelle lilies grow in the Spalmatore di Terra area and the rock is covered
with juniper, helichrysum, rosemary and lentiscus. According to
Nuraghe, towards Mamone.
tradition, Carlo Alberto, the king of Piedmont and Sardinia, landed
on the island to find the legendary “goats with golden teeth” (a
phenomenon caused by a grass they eat), and was so fascinated
by the island that he officially dubbed its only inhabitant, Paolo
Bertolini, “king of Tavolara”. In the summer there is a regular boat
service to the island from Olbia (see p146) and Porto San Paolo.

A cuile, or seasonal shepherd’s hut, still
a common sight in this region
y San Teodoro
Road map D2. * 2,900. n 0784 86
57 67. ∑ santeodoroturismo.it
To the south of the Capo
Coda Cavallo headland, just
opposite the rocky island of The unmistakable profile of the island of Tavolara
Tavolara, the village of San
Teodoro has grown rapidly in
recent years due to increasing is one of the few remaining and make a loud noise
numbers of tourists. coastal marshes that once to defend themselves.
The village also makes an lay south of the Bay of Olbia. Grey and red heron as
excellent starting point for Mallards and coots are easily well as Kentish plovers
excursions to the Cinta beach, sighted on the water. When can be seen
a long strip of sandy terrain the birds glimpse a bird in search of food.
that separates the Stagno di of prey or Another common
San Teodoro from the sea. other danger, sight is the hovering
Fairly close to the Orientale they gather in kestrel, one of Italy’s
Sarda road, this lake and marsh large groups smallest raptors.
Granite
outcrops are The clear,
used as a resting Kestrel still water is
place by ducks. rich in food
for birds.
Grey heron
The shores
are ideal for
mud-dwelling
creatures.

Lapwing
The Stagno di San Teodoro

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