Top 20 Natural Monuments around Garteddi/Galtellì

I walked the circular route from Cala Gonone in April 2026, the paths were well marked and maintained. I was initially unsettled by some comments ('very demanding', 'only with poles/hiking boots') – in retrospect, I find this assessment too generalized. The tour up Monte Bardia is varied and really fun if you are sure-footed. There are stony sections, but for me, they were more technically interesting than difficult. I went alone and in trail running shoes – completely without problems. Perhaps helpful for others (especially women) who are put off by such comments: You don't need "special equipment", but a good sense of your body and attention. Conclusion: Demanding, but absolutely doable and very rewarding.

Each of the summit crosses that hikers often encounter in the mountains, whether or not it depicts the body of the crucified Christ, invites passersby to a brief spiritual pause. Perhaps one or another will be able to encounter God here in a short prayer. As a prerequisite for a completely different mystical experience of encountering God, beyond such a small sacred monument, Hape Kerkeling, who made the pilgrimage on the Camino Francés in 2001, writes: “I am becoming freer here day by day (…) Through all the frequencies of emotion, I have slowly tuned myself into one frequency and had a wonderful reception. Total serene emptiness is the state that creates a vacuum which God can then calmly and completely fill.” (Hape Kerkeling in “I’m Off Then”)

A beautifully designed and monumental cross with the larger-than-life body of the crucified Christ crowns Monte Tuttavista. However, Italy's most famous crucifix is not found on the mountaintops, but in literature: The author Giovanni Guareschi, spiritual father of the protagonists 'Don Camillo' and 'Peppone,' incorporated another main character into his stories – known and loved far beyond the country's borders: the crucified Christ, who speaks to Don Camillo from the high altar. The author himself makes the following comment: "So one must explain: If the priests feel offended by Don Camillo, they can smash a candlestick on my skull for all I care; if the communists feel offended by Peppone, they can break a club on my back; but if someone feels offended by Christ's speeches, there's nothing one can do. Whoever speaks in my stories... is my Christ, that is, the voice of my conscience. My personal business, my cause. And therefore: each for himself, and God for all." (G. Guareschi)

Wonderful view after the steep climb

Top of the mountain, 360° view

One of the most important and complete testimonies that the Nuragic culture has left us. Su Tempiesu is a fountain temple dedicated to the worship of water deities and was built using the Opus Isodomum technique with perfectly crafted trachyte and basalt blocks. The origin dates back to the Late Bronze Age (13th century BC) and was frequented until the beginning of the Iron Age (4th century BC). Discovered in 1953, the site is located on a rock face where spring water flows and supplies the holy well with water. Su Tempiesu is the only remaining original evidence of a covered, hilltop sacred well structure. The temple is about seven meters high and consists of a vestibule, a staircase and a chamber that protects the source of the spring water. The vestibule is square with a slightly sloping floor and projecting walls and is made of panels that form a narrow pointed arch. There are two counter seats at the base of the side walls, while the small offering cabinets are positioned in the brickwork. The back wall leads to an outward-facing, curved staircase. Four steps lead to a small room with a tholos (false dome) and paved floor and a decantation pit in the middle. The roof is exceptional: it is a double-pitched roof with double-shaped eaves. It culminates in a triangular tympanum. On top of it rested an acroterion (ashlar stone in the shape of a truncated pyramid), which carried twenty bronze swords decorated with votive motifs and with holes carved into them. In addition, numerous ex-voto bronzes were found: daggers, hatpins, pendants, bracelets, rings, necklace beads, pins and, above all, small statues of offerings, warriors, characters with capes and commander's staff. Other offerings were stored in chambers created from depressions in the rock. During flood periods, the overflowing water flows through a small canal dug into the floor of the vestibule and is channeled into a second small fountain, a smaller replica of the first. The small fountain is built at the foot of an outer curved enclosure and has a small channel with a finely crafted stalactite. There is a small arch above it, while at the bottom there is a small pit for decanting. Source: https://www.sardegnaturismo.it/en/explore/su-tempiesu

Already on the journey along the coastal road from Cala Gonone, a fascinating panorama reveals itself to you: Cala Fuili, located at the southernmost end, shines as a small, almost white pebble beach and forms the gateway to the rocky coast of the bay of Bay, which stretches for kilometers and is protected Orosei. From the street above, which primarily serves as a parking space, stairs lead down into this idyllic bay. The first sight of the crystal clear, turquoise water will take your breath away. And when you feel the soft pebbles under your feet, you will understand why this place is considered a real insider tip. The sea not only invites you to cool off, but also offers a paradise for snorkelers with its underwater world. Despite the high season, you will be surprised at how pleasant the "towel population density" is here. Nevertheless, the earlier you arrive, the more undisturbed you can enjoy this gem. However, before you plunge into the adventure, think about the Mediterranean sun: a sun hat, enough sunscreen and, above all, plenty of water should definitely be in your luggage. So, follow the stairs down into a world of white and turquoise and discover the hidden treasures of Cala Fuili.

In Baronìa, in the province of Nuoro, there is a limestone peak over 800 meters high on which stands a bronze Christ. It is Monte Tuttavista, to get here with your bike you will have to sweat!