Ogliastra, a small region in Eastern Sardinia, with its immaculate beaches and its wild nature is considered by everyone a real paradise.
Located between the sea and the mountain, it is one of the best places to enjoy a holiday in total relaxation between beaches and excursions.
In the so-called land of centenarians you will be greeted by breathtaking landscapes where nature gave its contribution drawing monuments of unique nature that are so spectacular to leave people stunned.
Let’s start our tour. We will soon discover some of the monumental beauties of this wonderful land.
Pedra Longa – Baunei
Pedra Longa, or Agugliastra, is a limestone pinnacle that stands up from the sea for 128 meters. At first glance it would look like a great size rock but in reality it is part of a mountain that collapsed from the surrounding cliff in ancient times.
This great rock was declared a natural monument in 1993. It marks the beginning of the spectacular and wild Coast of Baunei and is the right destination for trekking and climbing.
From Pedra Longa starts the “Selvaggio Blue”, a one week itinerary that will take you from Santa Maria Navarrese to Cala Gonone. One of the best and daunting trekking path in Italy.
Arch of Goloritzè – Baunei
Along the coast of Baunei too you will be able to admire another natural monument of Ogliastra. This is the Arco di Goloritzè (Arch of Goloritzè), a rocky arch that extends towards the sea that since 1995 was classified as World Heritage of Unesco together with its wonderful “Cala Goloritzé” (Goloritzé Cove).
The erosing action of the sea has excavated in the rocky side south of the cove this wonderful rocky arch that delves into the sea. Such enchanting scenery is overseen by the magnificent limestone pinnacle that is 143 meters tall which is also loved by climbers from all over the world.
Red Rocks – Arbatax
The “Rocce Rosse” (Red Rocks), also called “Cattedrale del Mare” (Sea Cathedral), are instead located at Arbatax, a small sea village located in the municipality of Tortolì.
Their name stems from the color of these rocks: red color.
This is granite porphyry that was shaped by weathering agents through the centuries. These rocks emerge from emerald green waters offering a spectacular color contrast. This particular type of rock gets mixed once in a while with black diorite, which emphasizes with its dark hues the artistic and aesthetic value.
Red Rocks of Cea – Tortolì
In the middle of the wonderful beach of Cea, 300 meters from shore, you will be able to admire another great wonder of nature: the ““Is Scoglius Arrubius”. Two sea stacks made of red porphyry that are about 20 meters tall.
Perda ‘e liana – Gairo
Perda ‘e liana is a natural monument consisting of a vertical tower, so called heel, running towards the sky. This is the tallest (1293 meters) among the many Ogliastra heels!
It is slender and elegant in its shape and is two kilometers away from the Tonneri plateau border. The tallest part of the heel is about fifty meters wide but there are vertical walls raising for 100 meters. The clear sides of its walls contrast with the grey color of the surrounding rocks. Its base is shaped as a truncated cone.
Perda ‘e Liana is located in a fascinating landscape and besides being a symbol of the mountain it is a very significant natural monument: it has the special feature that is visible across great distances.
Perda ‘e Liana is one of the most important and picturesque morphological conformations in Sardinia. Being 1293 m. tall, it is one of the most known natural monuments of the island due to its weird look.
Gorge of San Giorgio – Osini
In the event that legend fascinates you we would like to suggest you to visit another extraordinary natural monument of this wonderful eastern Sardinia: Scala San Giorgio, a gorge that opens up in the rocks of Taccu di Osini, in the deep part of Ogliastra.
The legend says that Saint George, during a trip he made for his pastoral visit at Osini, when arrived at the foot of an unsurpassable mountain being tired from his travels, preached for a gap to open in order for his walk to be shorter and easier. His prayer resulted in the “sorgente de s’abba e sa santidade (holiness waters)” spring- that is today a place of pilgrimage – to reduce the wayfarers’ fatigue.
According to the legend this is how was born la Scala di San Giorgio (Saint George’s Ladder), which had been acknowledged as a natural monument in 1994. The gorge opens up 900 meters in altitude along the walls that define the eastern part of the wide limestone-dolomitic plateau of taccu di Osini overlooking the hamlet.
Gorge of Gorroppu – Urzulei
In the middle of Sardinia, between Barbagia and Ogliastra, you could visit the Gola Di Gorroppu (Gorge of Gorroppu): this is a deep gorge, about one kilometer and a half long, that has been shaped over time by the power of rio Flumineddu (brook) that flows at its bottom. The brook has eroded the limestone rock and created the canyon. You have reached the wildest area in Sardinia. For trekking you shall ask the help of experienced guides and use proper equipment.
Dillosauro – Tertenia
Last but not least we would like to let you know a monument that reminds us of the Jurassic. This area in fact has been called Sardinia’s Jurassic Park and the monument you will be able to admire is called Dillosauro: it is a granite cliff where it is possible to climb feeling many emotions and from which you will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view. It is located in the territory of Tertenia.
Ogliastra, a land rich in monuments!
Ogliastra is small but as you have been able to realize has great natural wonders. The monuments we have described here are just some of those that exist all over this territory. Spending holidays at Ogliastra does not just mean crystal clear sea but also nature, a nature that will leave you speechless. Our reception is ready to provide whichever piece of information and advice on the places to visit during your holidays at La Pineta Camping. Don’t waste this chance!