Perdasdefogu

Encircled by an ancient oak forest, the village of Perdasdefogu is located between the historically rich regions of Ogliastra and Salto di Quirra in the Sardinian mountains. The outstanding lure to this area in the eastern part of the island, Ogliastra, is the astounding amalgamation of sand, sea and mountains. Perdasdefogu lies 600 metres above the ocean, which you can reach within half an hour. The area’s spectacular beaches remain unpopulated and secluded, which offers you the chance to escape from the clamour of more crowded tourist spots and instead enjoy the island’s serene tranquillity.

One of Sardinia''s most treasured natural attractions is the nearby Foresta di Montarbu park, where you will discover a terrain rich in diversification, ranging from coarse, bare rock walls to lush corpulent forests. Deer and pine martens roam freely and you can fish for trout in the river that runs through the park.

The area’s cultural pull is embodied in several archaeological vestiges – two Nuraghi, several holy springs and a pre-Romanic church, built in the year 850 and dedicated to the Holy Sebastian. Today, classical concerts are staged in this magical venue. The nearby Grotto Su Marmuri in Ulassai, often described as Sardinia’s most beautiful cave, is well worth a peak. This region is also a great place to get hold of one of the island’s typical rugs or to visit the Cantina Sociale to sample the local Jerzu wine. The silver smiths of Perdasdefogu, who still practice traditional working methods, are also sometimes willing to demonstrate their craft in public.

There are grocery shops as well as two restaurants in which you can sample the village’s classic fare: a potato-based cuisine combined with traditional goat and lamb dishes. A group of enthusiastic young people in the area organise guided tours through the forest, but if walking doesn’t challenge your limbs enough, also on offer is Tennis or Calcetto (similar to football, but with less players on a smaller field).