The east coast is calling!
- johannawalla95
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
(Sardinia Diary Part 2)
3 2 1 The east coast is calling! After a week on the west coast, it's time for a change of scene. Goodbye wild nature, challenging weather and goodbye surfing.
Our journey continues to the east coast. There, a journey of discovery awaits us between familiar climbing spots, new crags, warmer temperatures, new friends and great accommodations that we will visit for our upcoming retreat.
First stop: the south-easternmost tip of the island. The area around Villisimius. A popular vacation spot in summer. The infrastructure is fully geared towards tourism. Lots of restaurants, beach bars, stores and attractions that are sure to appeal to beach holidaymakers... and while everything is still in 'spring slumber' and we only come across the occasional tourist, we get to explore the area in its pure form, far away from the tourist madness!
In addition to dream beaches, great walks/hikes, we also find a spectacular crag with interesting routes on perfect granite, in the middle of a national park with a dream beach for relaxing and swimming later. There are also said to be wild turtles in this part of Sardinia.
A paradise for granite lovers, right by the sea. From beginners to advanced climbers, there is something for everyone.
After a few days, it's time to continue our journey north. The route takes us along the coast and past ever-changing landscapes and spectacular views. We don't know this part of the island that well yet and are impressed by its diversity. Time is running out, so unfortunately we can't stay too long this time, but next time we want to get to know this part of the island better.
...on we go and our next stop, and one of our favorite places: Ulassai. This time, however, not only for private climbing, but we also want to hold part of our retreat here next year. Of course, that means research research research. And the best way to do that is on site! We want to find rocks, yoga spots, things-to-do and accommodation.
Good to be back. We spend a few days at our favorite campsite and discover beautiful climbing spots on foot. The rock here is particularly stable and offers an endless number of spectacular routes. From our campsite, we can also reach the small town in a short time. It looks a bit like a city in South America (or at least that's how we imagine it there). Colorful, bright and full of life and with an insanely great view of the sea and various crags.
We also found what we were looking for in terms of accommodation here... and to be honest, the whole thing went pretty quickly. Nannai Climbing House is the place that appealed to us. Right in the heart of Ulassai. A huge and super sunny, spacious roof terrace (perfect for yoga). More than fair prices and just a few minutes' walk from the canyon, where thousands of routes are waiting to be climbed. Top!
...and we also experience some great climbing days here. We also meet climbers from all over the world and get to test our limits on a crag that is rather difficult for us. The weather also plays along (at least halfway). While the temperatures are perfect for climbing, we have had to use the auxiliary heating a few times during the night.
...and after a few exciting days, we continued on to our next & last stop of the trip and to the place we have probably visited the most. A classic when it comes to climbing, an absolute favorite place and one of our stops on our upcoming retreat. Cala Gonone.
On the way there, we also made a short stopover in the 'Sopramonte' region. We will also stop by here during our retreat.
When we arrived in Cala Gonone, we were greeted with warm weather and sunshine. What a great place. Small hidden bays, endless routes for climbing, breathtaking walks and hikes, delicious restaurants and crystal-clear water.
The days went by faster than we would have liked. We climbed, explored new crags for beginners and advanced climbers and enjoyed the atmosphere and the place to the full. And because pictures say more than a thousand words, here's a little insight into a few days in Cala Gonone. Oh yes, and we also found what we were looking for for our upcoming retreat. A charming house close to the rocks and the sea.
...and if you've got the urge now, we still have space in our retreat in March! Sardinia is calling!
We can hardly wait!
Cheer & see you next time, or maybe we'll see you in Sardinia in March?
Johanna & Pablo