To the Castello di Quirra

Quirra is the name of a landscape on the east coast of Sardinia. The Quirra is one of the historical regions into which the island has been divided for centuries. Eight municipalities are part of the Quirra area. The trademark of the region is the Castello di Quirra, a ruined castle, the remains of which can be visited.

This Castello is the visual highlight of an off-road trip halfway up the coast. The start is on the SS 125 at the level of the Riu San Giorgio river. At first, the route goes quickly along a kind of dirt road. The Flumini Durci stream is forded, then a gravel road with a medium to rough surface curves steeply up the mountain. The low macchia and the lack of trees allow for fantastic views down to the sea. The lane narrows again and again and requires a good eye. Branches and twigs can scrape along the vehicle. The track curves through the hills with lots of ups and downs, climbs a first peak (196 m), drops a little, climbs a second peak (209 m), and finally reaches the point where a fifteen-minute walk leads up to the castle.
The walk is worth it just for the magnificent view of the coast and the sea. But the ruins themselves and their location on a rocky outcrop are also a feast for the eyes. Built in the 12th century by the judges from Cagliari to monitor the border, the castle was conquered by the Aragonese in 1324.

Back on the track, there is a short gravel section before the asphalt takes over at Flumini Durci. Turn right onto the old SS 125 and continue onto the new route (Quirra exit).