Things to do in Tertenia

Tertenia is the southernmost town in Ogliastra, on Sardinia's east coast: around 3,800 people in a valley enclosed by the Monte Ferru massif, with the limestone towers of the Tacchi behind. It combines about 12 km of coastline, with long pale beaches and clear water, and a hinterland packed with nuraghi and trails. It is ideal for families and couples looking for quiet sea, nature and archaeology away from the crowds.

What to see in Tertenia

Torre di San Giovanni di Sarrala

Built in the Spanish era to guard the coast against raids, this watchtower overlooks Foxi de Murdegu beach and is the symbol of the marina, known as Sarrala.

Nuraghi and archaeological sites

The area counts about 80 nuraghi (Bronze Age stone towers), some thirty giants' tombs, around twenty Nuragic villages and a sacred well. The most interesting is Nuraghe Aleri. There are also rock-cut tomb necropolises, or domus de janas, at Magalàu and Santa Lugia, and caves near Monte Giulea inhabited in the Neolithic.

Museo Albino Manca

In the old centre, this museum displays the work of Albino Manca, a painter and sculptor born and died in Tertenia (1898–1976). The parish church of the Beata Vergine Assunta and the 17th-century church of Santa Teresa d'Avila are also worth a look.

Things to do in Tertenia

In summer the day revolves around the sea: swimming and snorkelling among rocks and clear seabeds, kayaking and SUP along the coast. Inland, Monte Ferru, about 875 metres high, offers woods and challenging hiking trails, while the holm oak forests and the Rio Quirra valley are great for mountain biking and horse riding. Archaeology fans can plan a route among nuraghi and giants' tombs. Discover the experiences offered by Tertenia's operators below and book yours.

Beaches of Tertenia

• Foxi Manna: a long beach of pale sand and pebbles with clear water; good for families and anyone wanting space.
• Foxi de Murdegu: below the San Giovanni di Sarrala tower, mixing sand and rocks, lovely for snorkelling.
• S'Abba de is Marronis: a wide, quiet stretch of the marina, perfect for long shoreline walks.

Along the coast, sand alternates with rocky outcrops such as those of Sarrala and Su Brecconi.

History

The first human traces date to the late Neolithic Ozieri culture, followed by a dense Nuragic presence. In the Middle Ages the village belonged to the Judicate of Cagliari; from 1324 it passed to the Aragonese and was later part of the Marquisate of Quirra until feudalism ended in 1839. In the 19th and early 20th centuries the area saw mining, with the small port of Santoru used to load ore.

What to eat and buy

The economy is tied to goat and sheep farming: try roast or boiled mutton and local cheeses, with wines from the area. Ogliastra's Cannonau is the typical red in neighbouring villages.

Festivals and traditions

• Santa Sofia, in early September: the village's most heartfelt festival.
• San Pietro, in late June, with a parade in traditional costume.
• Summer food festival of local products in August.

Nearby

• Jerzu and its Cannonau vineyards.
• Ulassai, with the Su Marmuri cave and works by Maria Lai.
• Osini and the Scala di San Giorgio gorge.
• Perdasdefogu, the village of longevity.
• Marina di Gairo and Cardedu, further north along the coast.

Getting there and when to go

Tertenia lies on the SS125 Orientale Sarda road, about 100 km from both Cagliari and Nuoro. The handiest airport is Cagliari, about an hour and a half by car; the nearest port is Arbatax, about 45 minutes away. June and September are perfect for the sea without crowds; spring and autumn for hiking and archaeology.

FAQ

Is Tertenia good for families?

Yes: the beaches are wide and uncrowded, with clear water.

How many days do I need?

Two or three days to mix sea, Monte Ferru and nuraghi; a week if you use it as a base for Ogliastra.

How far is the village from the sea?

The marina is about 10–15 minutes by car from the centre.