Gairo Sant'Elena: Nature, Ruins and Local Festivals

Gairo Sant'Elena and its local history

Gairo Sant'Elena was built after the landslides caused by the 1951 flooding forced the evacuation of Gairo Vecchio. The town's origins provide a clear historical context and an important starting point for further exploring the surrounding area.

Grotta Taquisara: Forest Trail and Visit

Grotta Taquisara can be reached via an approximately 15-minute walk along a well-marked trail that runs mostly through the forest. On Sundays and public holidays, the cave offers 45-minute guided or self-guided visits. If you are planning this excursion, you should therefore allow time for both the walk and the scheduled duration of the visit.

Gairo Vecchio and the Pools of Monte Ferru

Gairo Vecchio preserves the ruins of buildings clinging to the rock of Monte Trunconi above the valley of the Rio Pardu. Unpaved and paved lanes, stairs and sloping paths connect the ruins. At Monte Ferru, a signposted trail follows a stream to several successive natural pools; picnic areas are available there. The area of the natural pools of Monte Ferru is classified as a Site of Community Importance. Golden eagles as well as peregrine falcons and Eleonora's falcons can be spotted above the forests surrounding the pools.

Mountains, Cave and Historic Sites in the Surrounding Area

Nuraghe Coccu and Nuraghe Perdu Isu, both historic sites, are located in the immediate vicinity of Gairo Sant'Elena. Punta su Truncone, Punta Bimbois and Punta Sèmida are also nearby; all three are mountains. Grutta Orròli is located there as a cave. The range thus extends from historic sites and prominent mountains to a cave, appealing to different interests in landscape and history.

Festivals and Local Traditions

One of the particularly celebrated festivals in Gairo is the festival in honor of Madonna della Neve, held in early August. The Pentecost celebrations are accompanied by Piricchittus and Amaretti. The surrounding area of Gairo Sant'Elena also includes Stazione di Arzana, a historic site, and Nurasolu, an ancient site. For those interested in culture, this broadens the focus from local history to festivals and their traditional accompaniments.

Gairo Taquisara and the Coast

The hamlet of Gairo Taquisara is located eight kilometers from Gairo Sant'Elena and has a station of the Trenino Verde on the Mandas–Arbatax route. Su Sirboni is located in the locality of Marina di Gairo and within the municipality of Gairo; the beaches are accessible only on foot. If you choose accommodation in Gairo Sant'Elena, you can include these local, natural and coastal destinations in your travel planning according to your planned priorities.

Other Places for Orientation

For further orientation, you can also visit Lanusei, Gairo, Ulassai, Jerzu, Ussassai, Tertenia, Arbatax and Ardali.

For the broader travel overview: Ogliastra.