Holiday apartment in Gairo Sant'Elena: Nature, History and Coast

Gairo Sant'Elena combines experiences in nature with a history that remains visible in the landscape. Around the town, destinations range from Gairo Vecchio and Grotta Taquisara to the natural pools of Monte Ferru, historic sites and Su Sirboni.

History between the new town and the ruins

Gairo Sant'Elena was built after the landslides caused by the 1951 flooding, which forced the evacuation of Gairo Vecchio. Gairo Vecchio preserves the ruins of buildings on the rock of Monte Trunconi above the valley of the Rio Pardu. Unpaved and paved lanes, steps and sloping paths connect the ruins with one another. Routes through Gairo Vecchio therefore include both unpaved and paved sections, steps and sloping passages.

Forest, cave and Monte Ferru

Grotta Taquisara can be reached via an approximately 15-minute walk along a well-marked path that runs mostly through the forest. On Sundays and public holidays, 45-minute guided or self-guided visits to Grotta Taquisara are available. This means that both the approximately 15-minute walk and the 45-minute visit can be used as separate time estimates when planning the day.

The natural pools of Monte Ferru can be reached via a signposted path along a stream. The path leads to several successive pools and offers picnic areas. The area of the natural pools of Monte Ferru is classified as a Site of Community Importance. Golden eagles, peregrine falcons and Eleonora's falcons can be spotted above the forests surrounding the pools. The successive pools and picnic areas divide the path along the stream into individual sections.

Mountains, caves and historic sites

In the immediate vicinity of Gairo Sant'Elena are Nuraghe Coccu and Nuraghe Perdu Isu, both historic sites. Also nearby are Punta su Truncone, Punta Bimbois and Punta Sèmida, which are mountains, as well as Grutta Orròli, a cave.

Culture throughout the year

The surroundings of Gairo Sant'Elena also include Stazione di Arzana, a historic site; Nurasolu is an ancient site. Among the festivals celebrated particularly enthusiastically in Gairo is the festival in honour of Madonna della Neve, held at the beginning of August. The Pentecost celebrations in Gairo are accompanied by Piricchittus and Amaretti. The annual calendar thus combines the August date with the Pentecost celebrations.

Gairo Taquisara and the coast

The hamlet of Gairo Taquisara is eight kilometres from Gairo Sant'Elena and has a Trenino Verde station on the Mandas–Arbatax route. Su Sirboni is located in the Marina di Gairo locality and in the municipality of Gairo; the beaches are accessible only on foot. At Su Sirboni, the walk is therefore part of the beach visit and should be included in the day's planning alongside time by the sea.

Discover more places

If you would like to expand your selection: Jerzu, Villagrande Strisaili, Torre di Bari, Triei, Urzulei, Osini, Girasole and Arbatax.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ogliastra.