Sa Preta Istampata and Top 2 Viewpoints on Monte Tuttavista?

Last time, we explored Sa Conca Ruja and the Vedetta Anticendio viewpoint, but that was just the beginning. Now, we’re heading towards Sa Preta Istampata.

If you want to experience this mountain to the fullest and complete it in a single day, I recommend following this exact route. Your first stop should be Vedetta Anticendio, where you’ll find a small house at the summit offering breathtaking views. You can read more about how to get there and what to expect in the previous article HERE.

Now, let’s continue – two more incredible spots await, and they should definitely be on your itinerary!

The Way Back to the Crossroad and the Way to the Statue of Christ – Statua del Cristo di Monte Tuttavista

Follow the same path from the house until you reach the crossroad again. Remember where you previously turned right? This time, go straight. After a few minutes of walking, you’ll come across a paved road—this is the alternative route that allows people to drive up the mountain from the other side.

If you were feeling lazy, you could drive up here, but I know you‘re not! So let’s keep going on foot, taking the right way up the mountain. You’ll eventually return via this paved road, but for now, something even more exciting awaits.

At this spot, you’ll find a parking area and a small kiosk, where you can grab a drink, a sandwich, or a snack. I ran out of water here last time, so I refilled immediately. That‘s why I strongly recommend bringing at least three liters. I only had a 1.5-liter bottle, which was definitely not enough.

From here, you‘re not far from the top, but a steeper section is coming up. I believe you’ve got this!

If you diligently follow this trail, you’ll reach the Statua del Cristo di Monte Tuttavista, standing at approximately 800 meters above sea level. The journey there is both enjoyable and challenging—a real hike—with buzzing insects and the sounds of nature accompanying you from all sides..

Sardinia: An Island of Mountains, Not Just Beaches

The view from up here is absolutely worth the effort. On a clear day, you can see for dozens of kilometers—before you stretches not just a vast panorama of Sardinia, but also countless beautiful hills and valleys that give this place its unique atmosphere.

This is the moment when you realize exactly why the climb was worth it.

From here, you get a breathtaking 360-degree view, allowing you to see Sardinia in all its diversity. If you thought that being an island meant Sardinia was just flat land with a few beaches, you might be disappointed—or rather, pleasantly surprised.

Sardinia is one of the most mountainous islands in the Mediterranean. Around 85% of its territory is covered by hills and mountains, while the rest consists of lowlands and coastline. Some beaches are even completely inaccessible from land, as they are surrounded by steep mountain cliffs.

But more on that later in this Sardinian series!

From every direction, a different mountain peak peeks out at you, each with its own unique shape and character. This is the moment to simply sit down, take a deep breath, and enjoy a well-earned rest after a solid hike.

If you came here seeking adventure, now is the time for a moment of peace—just you, the silence of the mountains… or rather, the constant buzzing of the surrounding insects and a panoramic view that you’ll remember for a long time.

Descent to Sa Preta Istampata – A Natural Monument

From here, the path only leads downhill, but before we finish, there’s one last stop. Do you know which one?

Next stop – Sa Preta Istampata, a true hidden gem along the way. If you continue down the asphalt road and start noticing a steep descent, you’re on the right track.

Soon, you’ll reach a section with winding switchbacks, some shaded by trees providing a refreshing break from the sun. Occasionally, you might pass a car, but nothing that would disturb your hike. After eleven turns, you’ll see a signposted forest trail branching off the main road—this is your path to Sa Preta Istampata.

As you continue, you’ll walk down a few sets of stairs and pass sections where steep cliffs open up beside you, offering dramatic views. Step by step, you’ll get closer to something that looks like an eye into another world—or perhaps a natural portal shaped by time and erosion.

After about 100 meters of walking, a peculiar rock formation appears before you—not shaped by human hands, but by Mother Nature herself. It stands as if placed here solely for us to stop in awe and admire its unique beauty.

A Geological gem of Sardinia

This place is not only stunning but also incredibly photogenic. From here, you have a perfect view of the monument, which was officially recognized as a geological wonder in 2008.

What does that mean? Sites like this have scientific and research significance, support educational programs, and showcase the fascinating forms that nature itself can create over time.

One of the most famous geological formations in the world is the Grand Canyon in the USA, a perfect example of millions of years of erosion. Similarly, Sa Preta Istampata is proof of how nature sculpts landscapes over centuries, creating places that leave us in awe.

Take a look for yourself—an eye, a portal, an egg, or something entirely different? No one has quite defined it yet. If you have an idea, let me know—maybe we can come up with a name for it together. Until then, you can call it whatever you want!

You can get right up close to this formation and look at the world through its opening—almost like a giant telescope. Well, not quite—if it were a lens, it would be far too large. Still, the view from here is absolutely stunning and truly one of a kind.

A small path leads right up to the formation, but for safety reasons, a gate has been installed to prevent access beyond this point. And the reason? Just past this spot lies a quarry—several meters of nothingness.

I strongly advise against testing your luck by crossing the barrier. If someone still chooses to go beyond it, it’s entirely at their own risk.

Now, let’s take a few more photos to capture the atmosphere before we continue descending the mountain. From a lower perspective, you’ll get a completely different view of this incredible natural wonder.

Completing the Loop: Passing Through the Quarry and Enjoying the Sea View

This brings us close to completing the Monte Tuttavista loop, a hike that offers a perfect mix of adventure, history, and breathtaking views. To wrap things up, I’ve included a photo that shows the entire trail, giving you a clear idea of what to expect if you decide to take on this journey.

On the way back, you’ll pass through the quarry, and soon, the sea comes into view. A light breeze starts to blow, offering some relief, but by now, you’re probably sweating like a horse—trust me, it’s no joke! At this point, all you can think about is a refreshing shower, and you’ve definitely earned it. Whole hike is about 18km.

If you’re more into cycling than hiking, stay tuned! In the next parts, I’ll show you some incredible beaches you can reach by bike around Orosei and beyond. You don’t even need a professional bike—though in some cases, it might come in handy. Of course you can rent it in local rental shop for a day or 24hours.

Stick around, and you’ll see that even on a regular bike, you can discover plenty of amazing places—including some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia.

And of course, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!

Flying Easterner

Cross your boundaries – that’s where the treasure you’re seeking is hidden.