Living Tertenia: Guide for Travelers
Do you want to completely unplug and experience Sardinia? Take a look at the village of Tertenia and its coast. We are in the south of Ogliastra, a region famous for its untouched natural beauty, mountainous villages, and crystal clear waters. Tertenia is a small town rich in history and culture, while Marina di Tertenia, also known as Sarrala, is the coastal area that is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the area.
Discover Tertenia and its surroundings
With this guide, you will have all the information you need to make the most of your stay in Sardinia while respecting and preserving the environment. Don’t forget that Tertenia and Sarrala are the perfect places for a relaxing holiday where you can take a break from your daily routine and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. And to make your experience even more special, take a look at our beautiful properties and book the perfect one for you.
The nearest airports are Cagliari Elmas (100 Km) and Olbia Costa Smeralda (170). From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to Tertenia village. If you arrive by ferry, the closest ports are Arbatax and Olbia.
Tertenia is a small village that can easily be visited on foot, but it is highly recommended to explore the area by car, bicycle, or motorcycle.
Dive into the crystal clear and shallow waters of the beaches of Sarrala, Foxi Manna, and Foxi Murdegu, perfect for families with children. Relax on the beach with fine sand and soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip in the sea.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find Tertenia an ideal destination, with a variety of hiking trails to explore. The most beautiful and safe route is the coastal trail that starts from Tesonis, leading to beautiful wild coves that are easily accessible, and ends at Sa Rutta Stampada, a rocky formation with a view of the entire coast. For the more experienced, the trail leads to Punta Cartucceddu, the mountain peak, offering an incredible panorama that will leave you speechless.
For art and culture lovers, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Museum dedicated to Albino Manca, a famous sculptor and native artist from Tertenia. The museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about Manca’s life and work and appreciate the artistic heritage of Tertenia. Open during the high season, it offers guided tours for groups and individuals.
Among the unmissable monuments on the coast, there is the Torre di San Giovanni, a beautiful example of Aragonese defensive architecture, and countless nuraghi, one of which is the Nuraghe Nastasj.
The traditional cuisine is a reflection of the simplicity and resourcefulness of the locals. Most families grow their own vegetables and cook with seasonal and local products. The cuisine is based on simple and natural ingredients, without waste. It’s an authentic expression of Sardinian culture and tradition.
Among the most iconic dishes of Tertenian cuisine are the culurgiones, a type of ravioli filled with potatoes and pecorino cheese, closed by hand, typically served with a simple tomato sauce. Another must-try is the malloreddus, a type of small traditional gnocchi typically served with tomato sauce and sausage. These and many other traditional pasta dishes are a true gem of Sardinia for any food lover.
Meat lovers will appreciate traditional Sardinian dishes based on roast pork, lamb, and sheep, or the traditional Porceddu (roast suckling pig).
For cheese lovers, we recommend fresh and locally aged sheep’s cheese, such as pecorino, produced by numerous local farms. Tertenia also offers a wide variety of cured meats, such as raw ham and dry sausage, perfect with Cannonau wine and fresh bread.
To make the most of your vacation in Tertenia, it’s important to choose the right season. If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway, where you can unplug and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, the months of April, May, June, September and October are the best. During this period, the beaches are less crowded and you will have more peace and quiet. However, even in these less crowded months, you will still find plenty of things to do such as walking through the charming villages of the area, discovering their rich cultural heritage, savoring the local cuisine and exploring the countryside.
If you prefer a more lively vacation, July and August are the best months. The beaches will be lively with open restaurants and bars, but don’t worry, Tertenia and Sarrala are far from mass tourism so you will never feel overwhelmed by the crowd. In any case, remember that Tertenia is a place where you can slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Regarding opening hours, be aware of local customs and summer working hours: commercial activities are usually closed between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm and restaurants may close their kitchen around 10:30 pm or 11:00 pm.
Be careful if you decide to go hiking, always follow the trail and go only if you are an expert or in the company of a local guide.
When you visit the beaches, you may come across a seagrass called Poseidonia. Do not confuse it with algae, it is an important part of the coastal ecosystem that helps protect the beaches and sea.
You will notice the complete absence of trash cans throughout the territory. It is important to remember that Tertenia is a small village and the local community takes care of its environment. It is therefore mandatory to separate waste and bring it to the Eco-center (recycling center) during opening times.
We kindly ask you to respect the local culture and nature and to do your part in keeping Tertenia and its surroundings clean and beautiful.
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