Discover Gairo: Nature, Culture and Holiday Apartments
Accommodation in Gairo
Gairo combines impressive natural experiences with archaeological sites, traditional festivals and diverse landscapes. A notable starting point for exploration is Gairo Taquisara, a district of the municipality of Gairo Sant'Elena. This is where you will find Grotta Taquisara, with a tourist circuit approximately 250 metres long. A secured walkway leads through the underground area, where stalactites, stalagmites and aragonite deposits can be seen. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Gairo, you can use it as a base to divide your days between the cave, hiking trails, natural pools and the coast.
File:Via Marconi, Gairo vecchio, Ogliastra, Sardinia, Italy - panoramio.jpg
Photo: trolvag via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Hiking between the Cave and the Tacchi
The Gairo Taquisara–Perdu Isu–Flumini de Tula route (T-102A) is 5.4 kilometres long; the walking time is 1 hour and 45 minutes, and it is designated as a hiking trail. It offers a short detour to the Perdu Isu nuraghe. It also passes through the area known as Valle dei Tassi, referred to as the Valley of the Yews.
Another highlight is the Perda 'e Liana circular trail in the Gairo Sant'Elena area. It leads to a limestone tower at a junction where the paths of Ogliastra meet. At 1,293 metres, Perda 'e Liana is the highest of the many Tacchi in Ogliastra. The distinctive shape of the limestone tower and its integration into the network of trails give this destination a special scenic character, without requiring you to limit your trip to just one type of experience.
Natural Pools and Water on Monte Ferru
On Monte Ferru, a marked trail follows a stream to natural pools. The area also includes picnic areas; at the same time, it is classified as a Site of Community Importance. The water in the natural pools is pure, clear and very cool, making it suitable for a refreshing swim. This allows you to complement an active day with a peaceful break by the water.
Coast with Pebble Beach and Footpath
The Gairo landscape also includes Marina di Gairo with Coccorrocci. The beach is approximately four kilometres long and consists of smoothly rounded porphyry pebbles. Su Sirboni can be reached via the panoramic SS 125 state road to Gairo and then only on foot from the road.
Archaeology, History and Festivals
Is Tostoinus is an archaeological site in Gairo. It is completely surrounded by a typical holm-oak stone wall and shaded by a lush holm-oak forest. Gairo Vecchio provides a historical contrast: The village was gradually abandoned for safety reasons, and the last residents left the houses in the following decade. The festival calendar is also part of the townscape. In Gairo, three-day celebrations in honour of the Holy Spirit are held at Pentecost. On the first Sunday in August, celebrations are held in honour of Madonna della Neve.
More Places for Planning Your Trip
If you would like to expand your travel ideas beyond Gairo, you can also include Osini, Urzulei, Lotzorai, Ilbono, Bari Sardo, Ulassai, Villanova Strisaili and Arzana in your selection.
For the overarching travel overview: Ogliastra.
