Spalmatore di Terra-Punta del Cannone Beach
Climb along the military road, leaving from the restaurants; on the big bend, on the left, you can see a red sign at the right side of the road.
A path winds from here, and it leads you up along the northern side of the island, towards “Punta del Cannone”, the highest point.
The road passes through the first vegetation area, then, with an easy passage, it crosses the first cliff.
From here a route through the maquis leads to the rocky coasts of the last part.
The last 80 meters of the wall are 3rd grade, and it would be better to use ropes and slings, because it’s quite exposed.
During the climb you can enjoy many interesting views, but the real surprise is on the top.
It’s like being on the Dolomites, but there is a big difference: beneath you there is beautiful blue sea!
You can see the depths around the island and the colours are wonderful.
On clear days you can see all Gallura, with Corsica to the north and most of eastern Sardinia to the south. (photo on the right, “Punta Ceraso“)
Other excursions
You can leave for a really easy and fascinating excursion from “Spalmatore di Terra” Beach, especially in spring, during flowering time.
You can reach “Punta la Mandria”, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the southern side of Tavolara, Molara, the others islands and the coast.
The eastern side along the coast of the island of Tavolara is a military zone: access from sea and from land is forbidden, as well as navigation within 500 metres from the shore.
The prohibition is indicated with big yellow warning notices on the cliff.
Molara island is private property.
Admission to the coasts is possible, but if you would like to visit the inland, you better follow the unpaved road from “Cala Spagnola” (Spanish Cove) up to the country house and the guardian’s home and ask for permission to venture inside the island.
Along the coast there is an interesting excursion towards “Cala Chiesa” (Church Cove), a little east of Cala Spagnola. Close to the shore, among wild olives, there are the ruins of the church of Saint Ponziano, a Pope who was allegedly banished from Rome and died in Tavolara (IIIrd century).
Surrounded by remains of “cumbessias“, buildings