The coastline of southern Ogliastra, with Monte Ferru standing over it, is a continual discovery of coves and wide beaches, where the colours of nature, between sea, sand and rocks, look like they were painted by an artist. One of the many ‘pearls’ extends south of the promontory on which the Tower of San Giovanni Sarrala stands: it is a strip of fine, light sand, called Foxi Murdegu, also known as Melisenda. It’s easy to get to: take the panoramic state road SS 125 as far as the crossroads – which is well-signposted – towards the Marina of Tertenia and, from here, proceed in the direction of the locality of Barisoni for about ten kilometres. A detour to the left will take you to the beach after another three kilometres. An inebriating landscape awaits you. The sea is surprisingly transparent, with a shimmering blue colour, thanks to the play of light created by the sun reflecting on the seabed, while the surrounding vegetation frames the landscape ‘painting’ with greenery.

The beach has a few pebbles, while the waters are shallow and the seabed is sandy, gently sloping out towards the open sea, making it suitable for children. The northern stretch of the beach is called dog beach and it is equipped for you to take your four-legged friends there. The entire coastline is constantly windblown, making it a great destination for lovers of sailing sports. The most sheltered side is the one closest to the promontory, which features a predominantly rocky seabed, so it is less frequented and therefore even more suitable for enjoying the sun in peace.

However, as well as relaxing, you can also visit the tower on the promontory, which can easily be reached by car. According to tradition, the ancient village of Tertenia emerged here, but was abandoned because of pirate incursions. The fortified building was presumably constructed at the beginning of the 18th century to watch over the stretch of coast between Capo San Lorenzo and the Tower of Barì. It was the fort that showed heroic resistance against the attack of Barbary pirate ships in 1812, and it then became a bunker during the Second World War. Towards the end of the 20th century, restoration work recovered its original appearance. You can see the ‘casemate’, a vaulted room on the first floor, the place-of-arms and a terrace on the upper level, with crenellated embrasures on the sea side.

Five kilometres north of Foxi Murdegu, you will find the other splendid beach of the Marina di Tertenia, namely Foxi Manna, bordered by rocks and also surrounded by vegetation. Its seabed is entirely sandy, with a sea reflecting shades of turquoise and green. Behind it, stands the imposing nuraghe Aleri, the best preserved nuraghe in the Tertenia area. Less than three kilometres from the Tower of San Giovanni Sarrala, you will find the nuraghe Nastasi, with its central tower surrounded by a bastion with four other towers.