Nuraghe Desfollas (Remains)

Nuraghe Desfollas is the remains of a Nuragic tower complex in the municipality of Cardedu, in the Ogliastra region of Sardinia. Built from granite and porphyry, it sits on a hillside near the Perdepera coast, offering wide views over the surrounding countryside.

What will you see there?

The site consists of two poorly preserved towers, typical of the Nuragic architecture that spread across Sardinia thousands of years ago. The western tower has mostly collapsed, with only its northwestern section still standing to a height of around 2 metres. The eastern tower tells a different story: its base rests directly on natural rock outcrops, which were used as a foundation during construction. This way of blending the structure with the terrain is a recurring feature of Nuragic building across the island, and it offers a good example of how prehistoric builders adapted their architecture to the local landscape rather than reshaping it.

The stone itself — granite and porphyry — points to the use of locally available material, avoiding the need to transport it over long distances. Despite the partial collapse, the layout of the two towers still gives a sense of the structure's original scale and form.

How do you get to Nuraghe Desfollas?

The nuraghe lies within the territory of Cardedu, close to the Perdepera beach area, where other Nuragic remains such as Sa Perd'e Pera and Su Fraili can also be found. The site sits along hiking routes connecting Monte Arista with the Cardedu and Perdepera area — one popular trail runs from Cardedu, over Monte Arista, and on to Nuraghe Desfollas. Reaching it on foot calls for sturdy hiking shoes, particularly on the rockier stretches where the path crosses uneven ground.

The village of Cardedu itself is the best starting point, with marked trails leading up into the hills. It's worth setting aside a few hours for the trip, combining a visit to the nuraghe with a walk over Monte Arista.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the rocky, largely exposed terrain, spring and early autumn are the best seasons to visit, when temperatures are milder and the hiking trails are more comfortable to walk. Summer heat in Sardinia can be intense, especially on the open hillsides where shade is scarce. Morning hours are a good choice at any time of year, offering softer light and the best views over the Ogliastra coastline.

Why is this site worth a visit?

Nuraghe Desfollas is a good stop for anyone combining hiking with an interest in Sardinia's archaeology. Unlike the larger, reconstructed Nuragic complexes on the island, this site keeps a raw, authentic character as a ruin set directly into a rocky landscape. The eastern tower resting straight on natural rock is a clear illustration of how prehistoric builders worked with the terrain instead of levelling it.

The Perdepera area adds further reasons to visit, with other nearby nuraghi and easy access to the coast, making it simple to pair the archaeological stop with time at the beach.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nuraghe Desfollas open to the public? Yes, the site sits in open countryside and can be visited independently using the surrounding hiking trails.

How long does a visit take? Walking around the ruins themselves takes only a few minutes, but factor in time for the approach on foot — a full outing from Monte Arista can take a few hours.

Are there other Nuragic sites nearby? Yes, the Perdepera area includes other remains such as Sa Perd'e Pera and Su Fraili, worth combining with a visit here.

Is the route suitable for children? Given the rocky, uneven terrain, caution is advised — the route suits older children used to hiking, wearing proper footwear.