Tempio Pausania
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Latest page update: 14 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Tempio Pausania
Tempio Pausania, in the Gallura region of northern Sardinia, has a number of established hotels that reflect the town’s historic character and its position in the hills. Many of the best options are set within traditional buildings, offering a base for exploring both the town itself and the surrounding countryside.
Pausania Inn is located just outside the centre, featuring a swimming pool, panoramic views and strong feedback for its helpful staff (€€). In the historic centre, New Petit Hotel provides comfortable rooms in a restored building, regularly praised for its welcoming atmosphere and convenient location (€€). Another well-rated choice is Hotel San Paolo, which offers simple but comfortable accommodation with positive reviews for value and service (€€).
Pausania Inn is located just outside the centre, featuring a swimming pool, panoramic views and strong feedback for its helpful staff (€€). In the historic centre, New Petit Hotel provides comfortable rooms in a restored building, regularly praised for its welcoming atmosphere and convenient location (€€). Another well-rated choice is Hotel San Paolo, which offers simple but comfortable accommodation with positive reviews for value and service (€€).
Where is
Where is Tempio Pausania?
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The town of Tempio Pausania is located within the Province of Sassari and has a population of 13,902 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 566 metres above sea level, it lies 240 kilometres north of Cagliari, the regional capital of Sardinia. Formerly the joint capital of the now defunct Olbia-Tempio Province, this inland town is known for its medieval churches. |
Comune di Tempio Pausania
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Province: Sassari
Region: Sardinia Population: 13,426 (in 2025 - source) Size: 214 km² Elevation: 566 metres Highlights: Cathedral, Oratorio del Rosario, Oratorio Santa Croce Close by: Nuraghe Maiori, Aggius, Isola Rossa, Vignola Mare Fly to: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport - 49 minutes by car (49 km) |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Listed since: 2019
1 of 2 in Sardinia listed by Touring Club Italiano
Listed since: 2019
1 of 2 in Sardinia listed by Touring Club Italiano
What People Ask About Tempio Pausania
Is Tempio Pausania worth visiting?
Yes, Tempio Pausania is worth visiting for its elegant granite old town, cool hill setting, and authentic Gallura atmosphere. It’s known for cork production, mineral springs, and access to Monte Limbara’s forests and viewpoints.
Where is Tempio Pausania and how do I get there?
Tempio Pausania lies in northern Sardinia, inland in the Gallura region. By car it’s about 45–60 minutes from Olbia via SS127/SS392 and around 1 hour 30 minutes from Sassari. Regional buses link it with Olbia, Arzachena, and nearby towns.
What are the main things to see in Tempio Pausania?
Highlights include the Cathedral of San Pietro, granite-paved streets and palazzi, the Rinaggiu mineral springs park, and the nearby Nuraghe Majori archaeological site. Monte Limbara offers trails, viewpoints, and picnic areas a short drive away.
Is Tempio Pausania a good base for exploring Gallura and the coast?
Yes—staying here gives a tranquil inland base with cooler evenings. You can day-trip to Costa Smeralda beaches, Capo Testa and Santa Teresa Gallura, while enjoying quieter nights and traditional restaurants back in town.
When is the best time to visit Tempio Pausania?
Spring and autumn (April–June, September–October) are ideal for sightseeing and hiking on Monte Limbara. Summer is warm but cooler than the coast in the evenings; winter is quiet with occasional crisp, clear days.
Related links
Discover
Discover Tempio Pausania
Tempio Pausania is a mountain town in the Province of Sassari, set on the granite uplands of Gallura in northern Sardinia. Surrounded by cork oak woods, vineyards, and rugged hills, it has a refined historic centre built largely from local granite, giving its streets and piazzas a distinctive pale-grey character. The town’s elevated setting offers clean air and cooler temperatures, with long views over the surrounding plateaus and the forested highlands that define this corner of the island.
Its heritage is reflected in landmarks such as the Cathedral of San Pietro, historic palazzi, and fountains linked to nearby springs. Tempio Pausania is also closely associated with Sardinia’s cork industry, a long-standing tradition in the surrounding countryside. Positioned between Aggius and the inland routes leading towards Arzachena and the northern coast, the town serves as a cultural and administrative centre of Gallura, connecting the granite interior with the coastal regions beyond.
Its heritage is reflected in landmarks such as the Cathedral of San Pietro, historic palazzi, and fountains linked to nearby springs. Tempio Pausania is also closely associated with Sardinia’s cork industry, a long-standing tradition in the surrounding countryside. Positioned between Aggius and the inland routes leading towards Arzachena and the northern coast, the town serves as a cultural and administrative centre of Gallura, connecting the granite interior with the coastal regions beyond.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Tempio Pausania
- Historic centre of Tempio Pausania is a charming town in northern Sardinia, known for its granite architecture, narrow streets, and lively piazzas. The town’s layout features medieval and baroque buildings, churches, and public squares, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. Elevated views offer glimpses of the surrounding Gallura hills.
- Cattedrale di San Pietro is Tempio Pausania’s main cathedral, featuring a baroque façade and a richly decorated interior with frescoes and religious artworks. The cathedral remains central to local religious life and hosts festivals throughout the year. It is a key landmark in the town.
- Piazza Gallura serves as the social heart of Tempio Pausania, lined with cafés, shops, and historic buildings. The square hosts markets, concerts, and community events, providing a lively space to experience local traditions and daily life.
- Surrounding natural walks lead through the rugged landscapes of the Gallura region, including granite hills, forests, and vineyards. These trails offer opportunities to explore the countryside and enjoy panoramic views of the Sardinian interior.
- Guided cultural and nature tours explore Tempio Pausania’s historic centre and surrounding environment. Local guides share stories about the town’s history, architecture, and natural heritage. These tours often include tastings of regional food and wine, providing visitors with a comprehensive cultural experience.
Tours and Activities
Tempio Pausania Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Temmpio Pausania Photo Gallery
Sardinia Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sardinia
1. Bosa
2. La Maddalena Archipelago
3. Alghero
4. Su Nuraxi di Barumini
5. Santa Teresa Gallura
6. Asinara
7. Gulf of Orosei
8. La Pelosa Beach
9. Gennargentu National Park
10. Tavolara
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sardinia
1. Bosa
2. La Maddalena Archipelago
3. Alghero
4. Su Nuraxi di Barumini
5. Santa Teresa Gallura
6. Asinara
7. Gulf of Orosei
8. La Pelosa Beach
9. Gennargentu National Park
10. Tavolara
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sardinia
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Tempio Pausania
By Rail: Tempio Pausania has its own train station on the narrow-gauge Sassari–Palau line, operated by ARST. Regular services run between Tempio Pausania and Sassari, taking about 2 hours, with connections to Palau in around 1 hour and 20 minutes. The station is located near the town centre, providing easy access to accommodation, shops, and local transport.
By Road: Tempio Pausania is located in northern Sardinia, around 45 kilometres west of Olbia. The drive takes approximately 1 hour via the SS127 road. From Sassari, the distance is about 80 kilometres, with a journey time of roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. The town is well connected by regional roads, and parking is widely available near the centre and around key landmarks.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Tempio Pausania is located in northern Sardinia, around 45 kilometres west of Olbia. The drive takes approximately 1 hour via the SS127 road. From Sassari, the distance is about 80 kilometres, with a journey time of roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. The town is well connected by regional roads, and parking is widely available near the centre and around key landmarks.
Nearest International Airports:
- Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport: Situated approximately 50 kilometres east of Tempio Pausania, with a drive of around 1 hour via the SS127. This is the nearest and most convenient airport, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights.
- Alghero–Fertilia Airport: Located about 115 kilometres west, taking roughly 2 hours by car via the SS729 and SS597. It provides several national and European connections.
- Cagliari Elmas Airport: Around 235 kilometres south of Tempio Pausania, with a journey time of about 3 hours via the SS131 and SS597. It offers extensive year-round flight options within Italy and to major European destinations.
Private Transfers
Tempio Pausania Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and reliable way to travel to or from Tempio Pausania, with a professional local driver offering direct, door-to-door service. It’s a convenient option for visitors heading to this inland town in northern Sardinia, where public transport can be limited and routes often involve mountain roads.
Transfers can be arranged from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport and Alghero Fertilia Airport, both operating regular domestic and international flights. Private transfers also connect Tempio Pausania with nearby destinations such as Aggius, Badesi, and Castelsardo, allowing you to travel easily and in comfort through the scenic Gallura region.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Transfers can be arranged from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport and Alghero Fertilia Airport, both operating regular domestic and international flights. Private transfers also connect Tempio Pausania with nearby destinations such as Aggius, Badesi, and Castelsardo, allowing you to travel easily and in comfort through the scenic Gallura region.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

