With its sandy, jagged and wild coastline, the seaside resort of Cardedu is a real delight for sailors in Sardaigne. Here's a guide to the destination's main attractions.

Cardedu… The town's name speaks volumes about its commitment to responsible tourism. Long ago, cardo plants grew on the mountainous heights of the region, and nostalgia for this Eden-like place inspired the name Cardedu. The postcard-like coastline is much celebrated, but that doesn't mean the village will sell its soul to the tourism industry. Perhaps you dream of beach, seafood or lounging in a spa hotel… You'll find your fill in the luxury properties gracing Marina di Cardeddu and Museddu beaches. But some beaches are quite deserted and wild; turquoise waters, red porphyry cliffs and the deep green of Mediterranean scrubland combine to create breathtaking landscapes. If the purpose of your vacation is to party, move along. But if you want to enjoy seaside holidays steeped in calm and romance, Cardedu is certainly the destination for you!

Historical Background

Cardedu was born in the early 1950s, following a violent flood that struck Gairo, a humble hilltop village in Nuoro, on Sardaigne's eastern coast. Many buildings were swept away by landslides. Residents had to be evacuated, and a new village was built at the foot of the cliffs as part of a homeless resettlement program. It would be named Cardedu. The area had hosted human settlement since the Bronze Age. The nuraghe towers overlooking the sea testify to a nuragic civilization, as do the sepulchral caves commonly called "domus de janas."

Originally built as a simple makeshift hamlet, Cardedu soon experienced sustained urban development. Typical houses clustered near the coast, but from 1966 onwards, real estate nibbled away at the hills. The town has a public school, a barracks and two Christian places of worship. The mother church contains an artwork by the celebrated Maria Lai.

In 1984, Cardedu officially became an independent municipality, presided over by a mayor and town council. The village of Gairo, meanwhile, was abandoned.

Today: A Dynamic Seaside Resort

With just over 1,962 inhabitants, Cardedu is the youngest village in Ogliastra, a historic region in the center-east of Sardaigne. It shares its borders with the towns of Ulassai, Osini, Bari Sardo and Lanusei. Agriculture and livestock form the pillar of its economy: during their stay, food lovers will be spoiled for choice with a wide range of local products, including wines, cheeses, honey, hams and seasonal fruits. Population density stands at around 58 inhab./km2, a sign of a peaceful seaside resort, little urbanized, away from major tourist flows.

Spanning stretches of white sand, dotted with beaches, rocks and small coves, before giving way to smooth pebbles polished by the sea, the coastline is truly enchanting. Beautiful and wild Cardedu gives the feeling that elsewhere can be close. For backpackers, picnickers and forest hiking enthusiasts, Cardedu's hinterland will hold delightful surprises. And of course, the destination will be perfect for a honeymoon or a family vacation off the beaten path in Sardaigne.

Places of Interest to Visit

A stay in Cardedu is inseparable from water sports. To enrich your experience, tourists are encouraged to meet the islanders and share their love of the land, their knowledge of viticulture and their craft traditions. As far as monuments go, the town's youth explains the absence of medieval castles; instead, several nuragic ruins are waiting to be discovered.

The Beaches

Dream of a luxurious seaside vacation, enjoying sand and Mediterranean sunshine? Cardedu's coastline will delight you. You'll be spoiled for choice:

Marina di Cardedu Beach, the Most Popular

Easily accessible from the town center, Marina di Cardedu is, for its golden sand, beachside bars and clear waters that shift from blue to emerald green, a sought-after spot to enjoy the pleasures of the sea. Surfers especially love venturing here, riding waves propelled by the powerful breath of the sirocco. The best way to get there is to take the scenic SS25 road. After passing the Buoncammino church, you continue straight to the roundabout, then turn left to reach the expansive Marina beach;

Perd'e Pera Beach

South of Barisardo, Perd'e Pera beach forms, with Marina di Cardedu beach, an 8 km coastal facade—the longest in all of Sardaigne. Same vibe, same scenery. Sandy shore kissed by crystalline waters.

Sa Spiagetta Beach

Sa Spiagetta is far less touristy compared to the previous beach. Sand gives way to smooth pebbles. Jagged sandstone and porphyry cliffs add a romantic setting. A true haven of peace for those seeking to escape the crowds and civilization.

Museddu Beach

Bathers will have a grand time at Museddu beach, a lovely fine-sand beach lined with bars, restaurants and holiday villages! It's very close to Perd'e Pera beach.

Cultural and Craft Heritage

After swimming, venture into the heights and meet the hinterland. Visit a wine estate, learn the secrets of preparing "culurgiones," the best-known typical dish of Sardaigne, take a tour of artisanal dairies, or admire the fruits of craftspeople's labor. If you come with children, picking peaches and citrus fruits is a must-do activity. They won't be able to resist homemade candies and biscuits: almond amaretti, golden gratin potatoes, paniscedda bianchini (a traditional candy)… The people of Cardedu are rather friendly and welcome outsiders with open arms.

Archaeological Heritage

Mountain hiking allows you to spot nuragic sites scattered throughout Cardedu and the surrounding area: the nuraghes of Perd'e Pera, Tronconi, and Masoni. It's hard to imagine that these medieval-style fortresses were built by a prehistoric civilization. The most interesting ruin is undoubtedly the sacred well of Su Presoneddu: thick brush conceals it from view; the building, composed of an atrium and an underground cistern, is dedicated to the cult of water. Continuing south of town, you'll reach the nuraghe of Serbissi, a top-tier archaeological site in Sardaigne.

Religious Heritage

Two religious monuments are worth seeing: the parish church dedicated to the apostle Saint Paul and the Our Lady of Buoncammino chapel. Both churches lack historical significance, but the first is worth a visit for its Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) executed by Maria Lai, an artist from Sardaigne.

When to Visit Cardedu?

People come to Cardedu to appreciate the sweetness of Mediterranean living. Sand, sunbathing, bright light… If that's the picture you have of your Cardedu vacation, plan your dates between June and August. Otherwise, coming in spring or autumn is a good idea to admire flowering vineyards and taste local terroir products.

The nearest airport is Tortoli International Airport. Eight flights per week serve Tortoli from Paris. Three airlines operate this route: Air France, TransAvia and Ryanair. The average flight time from Tortoli to Paris is estimated at 2 hours for direct flights and 4 hours for flights with connections.

Leaving the airport, you simply need to take a taxi to reach the town center in less than 25 minutes.

You'll Love…

• Enjoying the magnificent panorama of Marina di Cardedu beach;

• Surfing at Perd'e Pera beach;

• Discovering the nuraghes;

• Taking a horseback ride through forests of pines, oaks and strawberry trees;

• Walking through vineyard trails;

• Tasting Sardinian candies and pastries.