Hike along Planargia beach in Eastern Sardinia

A strong easterly breeze sends the waves rolling rhythmically towards the shore, where they break with a deep roar in a rush of white foam before surging far up the beach. Salty sea spray drifts across the sun-baked sands of Planargia Beach, while above Monte Ferru, the cumulus clouds that had just treated me to a warm summer shower are now drifting away in the humid heat.
Today is definitely a day for a walk along the beach rather than a swim. And it could turn into quite a long walk, as Planargia Beach stretches from the foothills of Monte Ferru all the way to the picturesque coastal watchtower of Torre di Bari, perched on a small rocky headland some 10 kilometers away on Sardinia’s eastern coast.

Sunrise is a particularly magical time to visit Torre di Bari, when the ancient walls of the coastal watchtower begin to glow in the soft morning light and you can have the entire beach to yourself.
Behind the fine sandy beach stretches a belt of pine trees, followed by a fertile plain dotted with farmland. Apart from Torre di Bari, the small settlement of Museddu, and a handful of campsites, the coastline remains largely undeveloped. Even during the peak summer season, long stretches of beach offer plenty of space and tranquility for those seeking relaxation.

Planargia Beach also makes an excellent base for families wishing to explore the remarkably diverse Ogliastra region.
To the north, a series of smaller bays offers equally inviting sandy beaches before the coastline around Arbatax gives way to the dramatic cliffs of the Gulf of Orosei, a spectacular landscape of rugged mountains and plateaus, deep gorges, secluded coves, towering rock faces, and mysterious caves.
To the south, where Monte Ferru meets the sea, the beaches of Su Sirboni and Marina di Gairo offer yet more stunning coastal scenery, nestled among jagged cliffs of brilliant red porphyry.

In the sparsely populated hinterland, the rugged Supramonte and Gennargentu mountains beckon, offering breathtaking landscapes, charming mountain villages, warm hospitality, and a wealth of cultural and culinary discoveries for curious travelers eager to explore beyond the beaten path.

More pictures in the ‘Sardinia’ gallery.