La Sardinia It is an island that is capable of offering views that are often of captivating beauty. A corner of our country where sea and mountains merge, and where small towns give rise to imposing waterfalls with thunderous sounds. An exceptional territory that also hides ancient treasures and magnificent places shrouded in myths, among them the splendid The devil's chair.
How to get to the Devil's Chair
Despite the name that may seem terrifying, the Sella del Diavolo is a beautiful and peculiar promontory that rises in the southern area of Cagliari and separates Poetto beach from Calamosca beach. Symbol of the city, it dominates the Gulf of Angels which, in addition to being a true corner of paradise, is also sacred for the Cagliarians.
It is, therefore, a wonder of nature, a kind of caress in the sea located just 5 kilometers from the city center. Getting there is very simple: from the center of Cagliari it is possible to take a public bus that takes you to the Calamosca terminal in just 10 minutes. From here you continue on foot until you reach the beginning of the path that goes up to the viewpoint.
Why is it called that?
One cannot help but be enchanted by the Devil's Chair: it is located in the exact center of the Gulf of Angels and is the arm of the Hill of Sant'Elia that reaches the sea. From up there the landscape that can be admired is so exciting that its name derives from a biblical legend.
To be honest, there are two versions of this ancient tale, but according to the most widespread legend it was the demons who were impressed by the sheer beauty of this place, to the point of trying to take it over.
For the other variant, it was the angels who asked God for this extraordinary corner of Sardinia as a gift because there was a total absence of evil here. A request that, however, provoked Lucifer's jealousy.
Thus a clash occurred in the infinite skies that illuminate the coast of Cagliari, a battle that saw the army of angels, led by the archangel Michael, victorious. The Devil, however, did not emerge unscathed, but during the battle he lost his chair, which fell and solidified, creating the mythical promontory that we can enjoy today.
This is how the curious name of this plant was born. fascinating mountain ledge and the Gulf of Angels, since the inhabitants of the great cove wanted to dedicate it to their saviors.
How to climb and what to do on the promontory.
As we told you previously, the Sella del Diavolo is an iconic place in Cagliari and has always aroused the interest of hikers (and not only). You will not be surprised to know, therefore, that it is a favorite destination for those who love to venture into nature while practically being in the city. In addition, it is also an ideal destination for night trekking.
Some take place from the square next to Calamosca beach or from the small port of Marina Piccola. trails that allow you to learn more about the promontory. All of this surrounded by exceptional landscapes that, on particularly clear days, allow you to extend your gaze to Capo Carbonara and the several kilometers of Poetto and its seafront. Behind them the profile of the Molentargius-Saline park also stands out.
Taking these routes is equivalent to being able to observe palmettos, juniper trees, olive trees, mastic trees and euphorbias. The Devil's Chair is, among other things, the temporary home of rare and valuable birds, such as the peregrine falcon, the kestrel and the Sardinian partridge, as well as curious foxes and wild rabbits.
What to see along the way
In this fascinating corner of Sardinia there is a naturalistic and archaeological trail that runs along the entire promontory. The ascent is only possible from the Calamosca side, after which you have the opportunity to follow one of the many routes drawn by hikers without fear of getting lost.
After approximately half an hour of climbing, you pass next to a fence in the military zone and then arrive near a precipice that opens over the boat depot of the Marina Piccola port, from where you can enjoy a panorama that covers Viale Poetto hasta Capo Carbonara and the open sea
At the highest point, among other things, the ruins of a Punic temple dedicated to Astarte, or at least that is stated because a slab was found here that is today preserved in the archaeological museum of Cagliari.
There are also two cisterns, one of Punic origin and the other of Roman times. But it doesn't end here because, in addition to the magical panorama and the tranquility of nature, there are some remains of the monastery of the Victorines, Monks from the 11th century who were in charge of managing the salt mines in the area.
Then also a watchtower of Spanish origin that was part of the coastal defense system against Saracen raids and some military structures, including a fort, dating from the Second World War.
The beaches protected by the promontory
La Silla del Diablo is a magical place where you can take surprising excursions. At the same time, while its incredible profile contemplates you, it is also a promontory that at its feet protects two beautiful beaches: Poetto and Calamosca.
Poetto Beach is immense and fascinating, to the point that it extends along 8 kilometers of coastline between Cagliari and Quartu Sant'Elena. Characterized by its soft sand and blue sea, it is one of the largest urban beaches in Europe, as well as one of the most beautiful and popular on the entire island.
La Calamosca beach, for its part, is located in a splendid bay crowned by two imposing promontories: to the east the Capo Sant'Elia, while to the west is the fascinating Sella del Diavolo.
The sea here is also clear and even has shades ranging from emerald green to blue, waters that bathe a sandy beach with soft pebbles. Families with children also appreciate it thanks to its gently sloping seabed, depths that are also highly appreciated by those who practice underwater fishing and diving.
In short, at least once in your life you should visit the Devil's Chair, a place As legendary as it is beautiful.
