Rising above 1,250 m in elevation, the Perda Liana limestone heel, located in the Ogliastra sub-region, ranks among Sardinia's most impressive natural monuments.

Visitors passing through Sardinia have certainly noticed these distinctive rock formations shaped like heels that characterize the island's mountains. Locals call them tacco, or tonneri in the native dialect. Standing tall against the skyline, Mount Perda Liana holds the record as the highest tacco in Ogliastra. A majestic tower of dolomite and limestone, sculpted by water, wind, erosion, and time. A natural masterpiece that casual hikers will admire from afar, across high plateaus dotted with olive and strawberry trees, yet one that professional climbers won't hesitate to tackle! Don't waste another moment… Mount Perda Liana beckons with a thrilling expedition, rich in adrenaline and breathtaking views.

Geological History of Perda Liana

Geology specialists describe the tacco as a rocky peak born from the gradual decomposition of limestone massifs under atmospheric forces. At its base, the peak resembles a severed column supporting an impressive dolomite tower. The limestone walls of the heel appear laminated, framed on all sides by deep vertical crevasses.

We'll leave it to scientists and geologists to pinpoint the successive geological periods this heel has witnessed: Jurassic, arenaceous, or Mesozoic. And to ethnologists, the interpretation of the mountain's name: "Perda" likely means a rocky point, while "Liana" may derive from Iliensi, the name of a Nuragic settlement that clustered at the heel's base—though opinions differ. For travelers, Perda Liana is a pure natural wonder, one of Sardinia's most spectacular mountain formations.

Perda Liana by the Numbers

Perda Liana is:

• The highest tacco in the entire Ogliastra region;
• It rises to 1,293 meters above sea level;
• The heel formed during limestone erosion of the Jurassic era (150–160 million years ago);
• Its truncated-cone-shaped base is a schist formation from the Paleozoic era (350–600 million years ago);
• The heel's summit section stands 50 meters tall with rock walls spanning roughly one hundred meters in diameter.

Climbing Perda Liana's Limestone Tower

Administratively, the monument falls within Gairo's territory. From a distance, it appears as an Olympian vertical tower.

Rising against the rocky promontory of Monte Tonneri, Perda Liana's silhouette is distinctly visible from the nuragic complexes in the area. No matter where you stand—at the Serbissi nuraghe in Osini, the Ardasai nuraghe in Seui, or the Janas domus in Ulassai—you'll enjoy a striking view of its ruined-like walls cutting sharply against the gray of surrounding cliffs. Since ancient times, the tacco has served not only as a powerful symbol of the island but also as a landmark to help travelers navigate the highlands.

Approaching this mountain demands courage. The heel's base is accessible via well-marked trails, but reaching the summit is altogether different. Proper climbing gear is essential. Moreover, the rock on the tower's walls is fragile, making the use of fixed crampons risky.

Reaching Mount Perda Liana is straightforward thanks to road connections linking Gairo to other Ogliastra towns.

Departing from Lanusei, follow Highway 389 heading directly toward Nuoro. Once you pass the Arzana station and Villagrande, turn left and head toward Lago Alto del Flumendosa. You'll cross a bridge and continue straight on the paved road. At a junction, turn left. As you continue, you'll reach a second junction. Here, a sign pointing left indicates the path to Perda Li'Ana. Follow this sign, cross the bridge, and stop at Pinningassu. Visibility from this observation point is excellent.

Nearby Attractions…

Leaving Perda Liana, discover other natural monuments:

• San Giorgio Staircase;
• The deep Goroppu Gorges;
• Punta La Marmora, Sardinia's highest peak.