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On the coast  of the Gulf of Asinara stands Porto Torres, at one time “Turris Libissonis”, an important harbour of the Roman Age. Raids and invasions caused the beginning of a long decadence. Later, the town regained its importance by interlacing trade relations with Pisa and Genoa. During this period, the splendid church of San Gavino was built, an important example of Romanesque architecture on the island. The Barbarian raids forced its inhabitants to move to Sassari and stay there for a few decades. The harbour was protected by a tower overlooking the Gulf of Asinara. In 1855 Porto Torres was born again and regained its independence from Sassari, even if the two cities are closely linked even today. The church of S. Gavino houses the sarcofagi of the local martyrs Gavino, Proto and Gianuario. In the surroundings of Porto Torres, there are two medieval little churches, S. Maria di Balai (where the three saints are believed to have been killed) and S. Gavino a Mare, on the top of a cliff, on the coast, whereto every year (on 3rd May) the simulacra of the martyrs are carried, on a pilgrimage.
 In the built-up areas, the Antiquarium and the Archaeological site are to be found: the enclosed area comprises the interesting remains of Central Thermae (known as “Barbarian King’s Palace”) and the Terme Pallotino. In the direction of Sassari, one finds the megalithic altar of Monte d’Accodi with two menhirs, a round stone and a sacrificial altar: the only example, in the Mediterranean, of a megalithic altar similar to the Mesopotamian one. Leaving the town, one can see Stintino, a renowned seaside resort; Capo Falcone, beautifully sited, with the XVI century tower of the same name, from which one has the opportunity to admire, among inlets and pointed rocks, the Strait of Fornelli. From Porto Torres you can start the “Three National Marine Parks Itinerary“, but also sail towards Emerald Coast, Maddalena Archipelago, Corsica Tour and why not French Riviera for a real luxury motor yacht or sailing yacht charter between the French and the Italian coast.
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