Punta Giradili (792 m) on Sardinia’s Rugged East Coast

In the southern section of the Gulf of Orosei, the striking rock pinnacle of Pedra Longa, visible from miles away, rises from a small headland and marks the southern end of Sardinia’s wild eastern coastline, dominated by towering cliffs and rugged limestone mountains.
This remarkable landmark can be reached by road from Baunei, although its true beauty and impressive scale are best appreciated from a distance – perhaps from a boat or while hiking along the coast.
While the 80-meter-high rock pinnacle itself is the preserve of experienced climbers, some of the region’s spectacular cliffs, secluded coves, and dreamlike beaches can also be explored along less demanding hiking trails.
Even Punta Giradili (792 m), whose sheer rock faces plunge several hundred meters almost vertically into the sea and appear accessible only to skilled mountaineers, can be reached on foot. A section of the multi-day coastal trekking route Sentiero Selvaggio Blu leads across the more gently sloping terrain on the mountain’s inland side, approaching from the Golgo Plateau.

The Su Golgo Plateau is also the starting point for several wonderful day hikes, including the trail to the stunning Cala Goloritzé.
Further south, the rugged coastline gradually gives way to the flatter landscape of the Tortolì Plain, with its long stretches of sandy beaches, some extending for several kilometers, such as Planargia Beach near Bari Sardo.
Near Marina di Gairo, the Monte Ferru massif reaches all the way to the sea, creating yet another dramatic coastal landscape.

More Photos in the Sardinia Gallery.