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.
The scenic diversity and beauty of Sardinia’s west coast are best experienced on foot, hiking along the coast or in the mountains of the hinterland. The coastal section at Torre Argentina, north of Bosa, is ideal for this: impressive nature, a rugged rocky landscape, refreshing swimming opportunities in the crystal-clear sea, and an inviting place to stop for delicious food with a unique coastal panorama. Read more
The stunning bay with the old coastal watchtower Torre del Porticciolo is located on the west coast of North Sardinia in the Nurra region. This dreamlike stretch of coastline is a destination in its own right. Furthermore, it is an ideal base for experiencing the nature park at nearby Capo Caccia, taking trips to the Stintino peninsula and exploring the town of Alghero. Read more
Sv. Ilija is the dominant peak of the long mountain ranges on the Pelješac peninsula and the surrounding South Dalmatian islands of Korčula, Mljet, Brač and Hvar. The karsic rock massif forms a high-contrast backdrop for the medieval old town of Korčula on the opposite island of the same name. Even if the mountain massif with its flanks rising steeply from the sea appears wild and inaccessible from a distance, the lower slopes are covered with orchards, olive groves or vines, which are replaced by macchia, scree and rocks at higher altitudes. In shadier valleys, hollows and high plateaus, even denser pine and fir groves can be found. The mountain ranges form a massive barrier for the cool northern winds and ensure a warm climate all year round on the southern coast of Pelješac. Read more
I stand curiously on the upper deck of the ferry from Split and take in the first impressions as we enter the bay of Vela Luka. While a typical Croatian rocky coastline with beautiful swimming coves passes by, the harbour draws closer. The town surrounds the entire rear area of the bay. Above the long harbour promenade, the houses stretch up the slopes of the surrounding hills. In the days of ancient Greece, the island was still lushly covered with dark forests, which is why it was called Korkyra Melaina, Black Island. The name Korčula was later derived from this. The name remained, and fortunately (dark) forests are present once again. Long, green hill ranges with macchia and pine forests, fertile valleys with olive groves, vines and fruit orchards define the island’s landscape. Read more
After a star-studded and therefore short night, I wait for the sunrise at Becherhaus in the frosty dawn. Above the cold glacier surfaces of the Übeltalferner, a dynamic play of clouds formed, carried up the mountain slopes by the wind as wisps of fog, where they dissolved again in the warmer air layer. While in the west the soft light of dawn replaced the night sky full of stars, the moon still shone brightly in the east over the silent high mountain world of the Stubai Alps.
Above Nerezine’s new bypass road, I leave the car, put on my backpack and headlamp. I set off into the cool air of the still dark night, following the trail marker (red and white circle) along stone walls that initially lead through macchia and pine forests up to the Osoršćica ridge. Read more
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