Sardinia: Nature beyond the beaches
Far from the crowded beaches, Sardinia hides protected natural gems waiting to be explored. Regional parks, nature reserves and marine protected areas offer an authentic view of the island's nature. From cape to cape, mountain to sea, every corner reveals a unique and surprising landscape. Whether you are an avid trekker or just a nature lover, Sardinia's protected areas offer you an unforgettable experience in an unspoiled and evocative environment.
Imagine approaching Sardinia as an intense and compelling experience, where nature is revealed in all its majesty and variety. Here, to fully grasp the soul of this land, you must allow yourself to be enveloped by its authentic and often rare natural beauty. From the inland landscapes to the beautiful coastlines, Sardinia's protected natural areas are like an invitation to explore an enchanted world: two national parks, four regional natural parks, six marine protected areas, a myriad of natural monuments, more than 130 Natura 2000 sites and eight precious areas of the Geomining, Historical and Environmental Park of Sardinia.
Let's go and discover some of the most beautiful ones!
Sardinia: Marine areas
In the heart of Alghero lies the Capo Caccia - Isola Piana Marine Protected Area, a precious reserve that stretches along more than 36 km of coastline, from the imposing Capo Caccia promontory to the enchanting Piana and Foradada islands. This marine sanctuary, also known as the Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance (ASPIM), not only harbors a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, but also provides shelter and care for turtles and small cetaceans in distress. Its history and name, “Capo Caccia,” evoke the ancient hunting traditions that once animated these lands.
Moving toward Santa Teresa Gallura, we encounter the enchanting landscape of the Capo Testa - Punta Falcone Marine Protected Area. This coastal stretch, characterized by promontories, bays and islets, is a true geological gem. The surrounding marine environment, rich in biodiversity, blends harmoniously with the spectacular granite morphology of the coast.
Descending along the northeastern coast, we immerse ourselves in the unique atmosphere of the Tavolara - Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area. Stretching over 76 km of coastline, this nature reserve embraces the islands of Tavolara, Molara, Molarotto and Piana Island, offering a spectacle of natural beauty and biodiversity. Here, the special landscape and geological significance is combined with the presence of plant and animal species of conservation interest, making this place a true paradise for nature lovers.
Sardinia: The regional parks
Sardinia is not only sea and spectacular coastlines. In the island's interior, Tepilora Park stretches between the municipalities of Bitti, Lodè, Posada and Torpè, occupying the northernmost part of Barbagia and Baronia. Crossed by the Posada River, this regional park connects inland and coastal areas, offering a variety of landscapes and natural habitats, from state forests to mountains and streams.
Also within the territory of the Metropolitan City of Cagliari and the province of South Sardinia is the Gutturu Mannu Regional Nature Park. Covering an area of 22 thousand hectares, this park takes its name from the Gutturu Mannu stream, whose valley is a veritable treasure trove of biodiversity. Belonging to the Sulcis forest complex, this territory is home to the WWF Oasis of Monte Arcosu, the largest in Italy, created to safeguard the Sardinian deer. The forests of holm oak, cork and Mediterranean maquis offer natural scenery of incomparable beauty, traversed by marked trails accessible to all nature lovers.
Continuing towards Alghero, we encounter the striking landscape of the Porto Conte Regional Natural Park, spread over more than 5 thousand hectares. This park, named Portus Nympharum by the ancient Romans, retains its intact beauty thanks to the protection offered by the long limestone promontory of Capo Caccia. In past centuries, these lands were subject to land reclamation for the creation of a penal colony, but today they are rich in varied vegetation, ranging from beaches to headlands, hosting a wide range of animal species.
Sardinia: The natural monuments
And as we venture inland, we discover Sardinia's hidden treasures. The waterfall of Su Stampu de su Tùrrunu, or de su Tùrnu, in the territories of Seulo and Sadali, enchants with its unique natural beauty. This karst phenomenon, created by the combination of limestone rock and streams, offers a breathtaking spectacle, while the natural monument of Sa Preta Istampata, with its vertical rock wall and large circular hole, reminds us of the power of differential erosion of limestone.
And finally, in the picturesque region of Orgosolo, we are confronted with the natural monument of Su Suercone, a large doline surrounded by a landscape of rare beauty. This karst phenomenon, an integral part of the National Park of the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu, offers us a privileged look at a wild and unspoiled nature.
Sardinia offers an unparalleled natural experience, as we have observed in this article. Don't wait any longer and treat yourself to an unforgettable Sardinian summer!
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