Bari Sardo
Bari Sardo is located on the Central Eastern coast of Sardinia, part of the wild territory of Ogliastra.
An old hamlet that boasts a much varied landscape: long beaches, the planes of Planargia and Gleri, the massive Su Pranu hills that dominate the town, and the basalt high plains of Teccu and Su Crastu that represent a great resource from a natural and archeological point of view, given the many sites it hosts.
Bari Sardo is a small town, characterized by old rustic houses, Spanish towers and villas where old agricultural and artisanal traditions are passed on from generation to generation. As a matter of fact, Bari Sardo is very famous for the high quality handicraft textile of carpets, tapestry, linens and blankets. All year round this land offers many opportunities to make every day different and exciting.
Things to do in Bari Sardo
Between traditions and nature, Bari Sardo caters to the needs of all tourists.
In Bari Sardo and its surrounding area you can practice many activities linked to sports and nature. Trekking, diving, hikes in the mountains or by the shore, Bari Sardo and the Ogliastra region leave you spoiled for choice!
Kayaking, for example, is a great solution to combine entertainment with discovering the coast, venturing among pristine landscapes only accessible via the sea. Or plunge into its sea, awarded the Bandiera Blu several times, with its seabed rich in flora, fauna and relics.
Above all, many traditions: there are a number of religious festivities that liven up Bari Sardo such as the Festa di S. Antonio Abate that is celebrated on January 16th and 17th, with its captivating bonfire in the center of town.
The rites of the Holy Week are also very interesting, with the procession Via Crucis that arrives all the way to the ruins of the church of S. Leonardo.
Among the most important food festivals we point out “Su Nenniri”in July, the festivity of San Giovanni, when vases of wheat sprouts (called “nenniri”) are prepared and thrown into the sea for good luck, at the end of a religious procession accompanied by “launeddas” (triple pipes) and by groups wearing traditional costumes.
In August many visitors come to Bari Sardo for the enogastronomic festival of “Culurgiones”: a chance to try local products. At the beginning of September, the whole town gathers to celebrate the Patron Saint of Bari Sardo, the “Beata Vergine del Monserrato”.
Things to see in Bari Sardo
Bari Sardo boasts a number of monuments and archeological sites of great interest.
This area must have seen settlements already during the Pre-Nuragic era, as evidenced by the numerous Domus de Janas near Pirarba and the tall Menhirs (standing stones) up to 9 meters high, discovered in the Lurcuri archeological complex.
Downtown you should visit the Church of the Beata Vergine di Monserrato, one of the most beautiful and majestic churches in the Ogliastra region. Located in the town center, it was built in the 17th century and features a tall bell tower and precious marbles inside.
The church of Santa Cecilia is also worth a visit, located inside a charming little garden on a hill not too far from the parish church and from the Church of San Leonardo, small church of the 16th century, recently restored.
Make you sure you visit the symbol of the town the Tower of Bari erected on the rocky promontory that separates the beaches of the bay of the same name and those of Planargia. The fortress seems to have been built between 1572 and 1639: it was a watchtower, as this site was often raided by corsairs.
Bari Sardo’s top beaches
The coastline of Bari Sardo boasts a great variety of landscapes, long sandy beaches, small inlets and coves.
Cea Beach
Cea is one of Bari Sardo’s most beautiful beaches, a stretch of sand 1 km long and flat rocks that arise from the sea. A scenery made even more captivating by the red stacks (in italian, “Faraglioni”) called Scoglius Arrubius. Cea beach has shallow waters ideal for children, and it also has many facilities, kiosks and restaurants. You can reach it following road SS 125 between Tortolì and Bari Sardo.
The Beach of the Tower of Bari
This beach stretches at the sides of the famous Spanish tower. It is divided into two parts: the northern part, called “Mare degli uomini” (in Sardinian “Mari de is ominis”) and the southern part, called “Mare delle Femmine” (in Sardinian “Mari de is femunas”). The names date back to the years after World War Two, when the beach was segregated between men and women. The sea is blue and transparent, rich in marine fauna, and therefore much appreciated by those who love snorkeling.
Punta Su Mastixi
This is a very unique location thanks to the basalt rocks which create lots of inlets, juxtaposed to the strong shade of blue of the sea. Behind the cliff there is the basalt highland covered in Mediterranean maquis.
You can reach this locality following the road S.S. 125 "Orientale sarda" in the tract that connects Bari Sardo to Tortolì, then turn right at the crossroad to Cea.
Marina di Cardedu
South of Bari Sardo you will find Marina di Cardedu, in the locality of the same name. A stretch of white sand with transparent waters, and many contrasts due to the deep seabed. It is equipped with several facilities and restaurants, and is very lively at night thanks to the numerous clubs that are here.