Capo d'Orso, natural arch in Sardinia
Capo d'Orso is a large granite rock formation along the coast of Palau, Sardinia, standing more than 120 meters above the shoreline with a natural bear-like shape that rises distinctly from the rocky promontory. The stone shows a yellow-rosy color and has been smoothed by wind and waves over thousands of years while maintaining its distinctive silhouette.
The granite formation served as a known navigation landmark in ancient times, with Greek geographer Ptolemy referring to it as "Promontorium Arcti" in his writings. Sailors relied on its distinctive shape to navigate through the Bocche di Bonifacio and along Sardinia's northern coast for centuries.
The name "Capo d'Orso" comes from the bear-like shape of the rock, which has inspired people for centuries and remains the defining feature of this headland. Visitors today experience a place where nature itself becomes a landmark, shaping how people relate to the sea and the coastline around Palau.
The site is easily accessible from the town of Palau and reached by a well-maintained walking path that takes roughly 15 minutes and offers panoramic sea views along the way. A small museum and fortress grounds are located nearby, and visitors are encouraged to respect the natural surroundings by leaving no trace behind.
The location is linked by ancient legends to Ulysses and the mythological Lestrigones, giant beings from Greek literature said to have inhabited this area in mythic times. This literary connection adds a layer of storytelling for visitors interested in experiencing mythology and natural landscape together.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
