Su Sirboni Beach: The Hidden Gem of Cardedu

Su Sirboni Beach: The Hidden Gem of Cardedu

Su Sirboni Beach is one of the wildest and most fascinating spots on the Cardedu coastline. Nestled in a sheltered cove, this gem of Ogliastra combines fine white sand with red porphyry cliffs of tormented shapes. The chromatic contrast between the bright red of the volcanic rock, the green of the Mediterranean scrub, and the transparent turquoise of the water is truly breathtaking.

The Name and History of the Abandoned Holiday Resort

In the Sardinian language, "Su Sirboni" literally means the wild boar, testifying to how this area was historically an untamed territory frequented by wildlife.

In the 1980s, the cove was chosen to host an exclusive holiday resort. However, the project was halted, and the structure was abandoned before completion. Today, the cottages made of schist and local stone, partially reclaimed by wild vegetation, lie silent behind the dunes. This "ghost resort" gives the cove a decadent and mysterious charm, making it a favorite destination for photography enthusiasts and urban explorers.

Outdoor: Trekking Among Red Porphyry Rocks

Accessing Su Sirboni requires a short walk on foot, which discourages mass tourism:

The trail starts at the northern end of the coastal road of Marina di Cardedu (Viale di Porto Santoru). Follow the dirt track that runs along the fence of the former holiday resort, walking under the shade of junipers and mastic trees. The final stretch requires crossing a few flat red porphyry platforms, smoothed by the wind, which present no major difficulties but require some caution.

Local Flavors: Villagrande Cured Ham Sandwich

For a perfect picnic at Su Sirboni, we recommend preparing a typical snack from the mountain tradition of Ogliastra. Buy some local pistoccu or carasau flatbread and stuff it with slices of prosciutto crudo di Villagrande Strisaili. This cured ham is famous throughout Sardinia for its light salting, favored by the cool and windy mountain climate of the Gennargentu peaks, ideal to enjoy by the sea with a glass of chilled Cannonau wine.

Services and Logistics

The beach is completely wild and has no services (no kiosks, sunbeds, or toilets).