There are some incredible rock formations in glorious Sardinia, and this one beside the road near Castelsardo is no exception.
The Sardinian countryside is spectacular, even on a dull day.
Elephant rock is near the lovely coastal town of Castelsardo. It is an ancient Sardinian town. Excavations have shown human presence in the area since pre-Nuragic times as well as Roman settlement. It is no doubt named for the castle built in the 12th century by the Doria family from Genoa, marking the beginning of the present town. There are currently about 5,000 people living in the town.
Come for a walk through the narrow streets of Castelsardo.
There are some fabulous old doorways.
…some intriguing old wiring.
There is a wonderful museum with interesting artifacts.
This old passage way lined with Juniper wood is centuries old…and is still standing strong and proud.
The ancient church has a beautiful tower overlooking the sea.
There are interesting restaurants and shops. We met this lovely lady who was happy to let us watch her making baskets in the tradition of the area.
Castelsardo is a great place to spend a few hours. Don’t miss it if you visit Sardinia…and you should.
Look in the Sardinia category for lots more on this gorgeous part of Italy.
Wild! Just love it. I’m just back from Corsica nearby and I think I’d like to stay a year there to experience the seasons. So raw and untamed and the towns so beautiful, incredible views and great swimming. It’s the closest thing I’ve seen to Australia in Europe! Gorgeous.
By: Catherine on September 2, 2013
at 10:42 am
We loved Sardinia and the little bit of Corsica that we saw. I would go back any day.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 2, 2013
at 10:48 am
I was in Sardinia many years ago and it bucketed down rain the whole time. We moved on to Bonifacio in Corsica and befriended a young New Zealand couple who were running a flotilla of boats. They gave us one to stay on. And it rained for 5 days straight. My girlfriend and I were so sick of the sight of each other we hit the mainland in Nice and went our separate ways, reconnecting a month later! Funny. Glad the weather was kinder to you.
By: Margaret Hogan | Destination Here&Now on September 2, 2013
at 10:56 am
We had mixed weather in Sardinia when we were there, but obviously it was better than your experience. I hope you have better luck on any future trips.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 2, 2013
at 11:13 am
It’s bookmarked 🙂
By: Margaret Hogan | Destination Here&Now on September 2, 2013
at 11:36 am
I hope you have a great visit to Sardinia.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 2, 2013
at 12:59 pm
What an interesting article and such unusual photos! Thanks for the post.
By: terrietez on September 2, 2013
at 10:58 am
Sardinia is a wonderfully interesting place to visit.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 2, 2013
at 11:14 am
Interesting place – that looks like a battering ram in the museum, how fascinating; beautiful baskets and the interior of the church looks lovely.
By: Jan on September 2, 2013
at 11:19 am
It was a very good looking battering ram. The museum was excellent.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 2, 2013
at 12:59 pm
Well worth a visit by the looks of this. We will definitely have to come back.
By: Jim & Kerry on September 2, 2013
at 12:53 pm
I think you will have to come back every year.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 2, 2013
at 1:01 pm
Charming town. It’s amazing how much that rock formation does look like an elephant! No mistaking it.
By: Jackie Cangro on September 2, 2013
at 1:02 pm
Sardinia is full of gorgeous towns, the food is great and there are some fabulous beaches…and so much more.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 2, 2013
at 9:37 pm
Love Sardinia! Such great photos, Debra. I’m partial to the little village of Carloforte on San Pietro island on the southern coast.
By: jann on September 2, 2013
at 2:08 pm
We didn’t get to the south…next time.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 2, 2013
at 9:40 pm
STUPENDOUS! Sardegna is high on my list of places to visit, but after your post even moreso! Fabulous photos!!!
By: mbrovelli on September 2, 2013
at 6:03 pm
We loved Sardinia. The coastline is magnificent and there are some amazing ancient sites to discover.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 2, 2013
at 9:47 pm
Beautiful! Your photos have a perfect tonal range that make me feel like I’m there – they’re not too bright or blue or shiny, they all feel so real, as if I could reach out and touch the textured walls and pieces. Thanks Deb, you do this better than anyone I know. And the rock really does look like an elephant! 🙂
By: Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial on September 2, 2013
at 8:59 pm
You are too kind. It was overcast for much of our visit…good light for photos.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 2, 2013
at 9:48 pm
Stunning … absolutely stunning. I recall your past posts about your trip, and wow … I simply want to go!
By: aFrankAngle on September 3, 2013
at 1:03 am
I would love to go to Sardenia one day too!
By: janinevasta on September 3, 2013
at 1:39 am
I think I’d need months to travel through and appreciate all the areas that I want to of Italy! 😀
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on September 3, 2013
at 3:01 am
ahh one day, one day.
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on September 3, 2013
at 3:23 am
Yes Sardinia is great – we were there in 2009 and had a wonderful time in a place which knows no poisonous snakes or earthquakes
By: Francis on September 3, 2013
at 6:19 am
Beautiful and amazing photographs dear Debra, especially the elephant 🙂 Thank you, have a nice day, love, nia
By: niasunset on September 3, 2013
at 6:48 am
Such lovely photos from my favourite Sardinian town, Castlesardo! Did you happen to grab lunch there? Two friends of ours have restaurants at the top (you even managed to grab a photo of one – Le Cisterne)!
By: Jennifer Avventura on September 3, 2013
at 7:31 am
I think we went there after we had been to visit you, so we didn’t have lunch there, but there were certainly some good looking restaurants in town.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 3, 2013
at 7:41 am
Reblogged this on My Sardinian Life and commented:
A lovely post from an Australian living in Bagni di Lucca and made a visit to Sardinia a few years ago.
By: Jennifer Avventura on September 3, 2013
at 7:33 am
The formation in those first two photos is amazing! You’ve got to wonder how it got to be there.
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
By: Kathryn McCullough on September 3, 2013
at 8:37 pm
Unbelievable rock formations Debra! And beautiful photos of a lovely town!
By: Madhu on September 4, 2013
at 6:24 pm
Just added this to the bucket list.
By: Ron Scubadiver on September 5, 2013
at 9:21 pm
Sardegna is gorgeous, I hope you go there soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 6, 2013
at 5:09 am
The Elephant Rock is amazing, Debra. Basket weaving is such an art. I remember doing it at school. My efforts were always a bit wonky. 🙂 Loved all your pics.
By: adinparadise on September 7, 2013
at 8:19 pm
I’ve never seen Sardinian baskets before. They are BEAUTIFUL. I’m a basket fiend…
By: the daily cure on September 8, 2013
at 3:21 pm
I love baskets too, and we bought one from this lovely lady.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 9, 2013
at 7:40 am