Sunrise at the Porphyry Rocks of Coccorocci Beach

What a dramatic sky at sunrise in Coccorocci Bay. The porphyry rocks glow a mystical pink in the twilight of dawn. Only the gurgling and crashing of the surf against the rocks can be heard; otherwise, there is peaceful silence. On a first day visit many years ago, I was very impressed by the rugged rocks, the grey pebble beach, the gnarled juniper trees and the wooded slopes below Monte Cartucceddu.

After travelling south along the west coast of Sardinia, I wanted to return here on the way back along the east coast to explore and enjoy this magical place for several days. We made a longer journey from Cala Domestica via Iglesias from the west coast to the east coast, to the end of the road from Marina di Gairo. Just behind the beach is Camping Coccorocci. This is a lovely campsite without pitches, with free spots under olive trees, a pool and a restaurant. An alternative, relaxed and quiet atmosphere, I am inclined to write “like in the old days” at the beginning of my first trips (that was camping in Liguria and Tuscany in 1988).

Numerous, well-signposted hiking or cycling trails lead into the hinterland of the Monte Ferru mountain range. An easy hike leads to the waterfalls and natural pools “Piscine Naturali Di Monte Ferru (Is Piscinas)” in a nearby gorge, where you can also swim. More strenuous are the tours up Monte Cartucceddu or 875 metres in altitude to the fire station on Monte Ferru. From there, you get a wider view of the Ogliastra coast with more beautiful and wild cliffs, steep coasts and beaches, e.g., the long Planargia beach near Bari Sardo, the cliffs of Arbatax or the many bays along the steep coast from Pedra Longa, Cala Goloritzé, Cala Luna to Cala Gonone.

More pictures in the ‘Sardinia’ gallery.