The Red Rocks of Arbatax
Red Rocks
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The Red Rocks are one of the most iconic natural landmarks along the coast of Ogliastra, and in all of Sardinia. Often described as the “natural cathedral” of Ogliastra, this striking cliff rises about 15 meters above the sea. It’s made of deep red porphyry stone—specifically a vivid vermilion hue—and is part of a larger porphyry vein, which is partly submerged under the sea.
Heading north, the vein dips below the water and reemerges as the small Ogliastra islet. Then it disappears again, only to resurface inland, just behind the village of Santa Maria Navarrese. To the south, it continues along the ridges of nearby hills and stretches all the way to the Red Rocks of Cea.
What makes the Arbatax cliff truly special is the intense red color of the rocks, which ranges from vermilion to deep crimson. This creates a breathtaking contrast with the deep blue of the sea—a scene that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. In the past, the area covered by the Red Rocks was much larger, but during the 1950s, many of the stones were used for port construction works.
In recent years, the Red Rocks have become the setting for major cultural events, including open-air concerts and spectacular light shows using videomapping technology. In 2017, the Italian postal service issued a commemorative stamp in honor of this remarkable natural site, along with a collector’s card, an illustrated leaflet, and a themed postcard. Even the famous company Ferrero celebrated the Red Rocks with a special edition of its Nutella jar.
Fun Facts
Nutella Limited Edition – “Ti Amo Italia”
In 2021, Arbatax was featured in Nutella’s limited edition series called “Ti Amo Italia.” Through an online vote, Arbatax was chosen to represent Sardinia, winning against Porto Flavia with 65% of the votes. The 725g and 900g jars in this collection included a QR code that gave access to a digital gallery of Italy’s most beautiful places. The campaign engaged millions of people and helped promote Italy’s cultural and natural heritage through an innovative and interactive experience.
Tribute by the Italian Postal Service
In 2017, Poste Italiane honored the Red Rocks of Arbatax with a stamp series dedicated to Italy’s most important natural landmarks. The initiative included a commemorative stamp, a collector’s card, an illustrated booklet, and a themed postcard. This project helped raise awareness and appreciation for Arbatax’s unique natural heritage on a national scale.
Phone Card
This collectible phone card, created by the Sardinian Regional Tourism Office and produced by Technicalard/Polaroid S.p.A., celebrates the natural beauty of the Arbatax cliffs. The image shows an artist painting the iconic red rocks, a true symbol of the local landscape.
There are two versions of the card: one with a value of 5,000 Lire and another worth 10,000 Lire.
Estimated production date: late 1980s.
Film Location
Arbatax also served as a filming location for scenes in the 1974 movie “Swept Away by an Unusual Destiny in the Blue Sea of August,” directed by Lina Wertmüller and starring Mariangela Melato and Giancarlo Giannini.
Light Projections
In recent years, the Red Rocks have become the stage for light shows and videomapping events that have amazed audiences, made even more magical by the dramatic setting.
Arabax Music Festival
This music event is held in the square in front of the Red Rocks and features internationally renowned artists. The spectacular natural backdrop makes every performance even more thrilling and immersive.