PADRU
Padru is in the historical region of Monteacuto, in North East Sardinia, about 20 km from Olbia, surrounded by the untouched nature of the Natural Park of Tepilora.
The History of Padru
Its origins are not known. There are those who think the town was founded under Roman rule, and those who think it was created in the 17th century. The oldest centre of Padru is Pedrabianca, once called Sa Pedra Bianca. But the oldest mention of this small town is from 1777 in the baptism records of Buddusò’s church dedicated to Saint Anastasia. After that Padru is often cited alongside Orghieri, so much so that it is theorised they used to be the same city. Whatever was the case, after being part of the Buddusò region, Padru became independent in 1996.
Sights To See In Padru
The city centre revolves around the church of San Michele Arcangelo. The building is from 1800 and it appears like a rural home in a typical Sardinian style. From the region of Sa Serra you can reach the small church of Sant’Elia: a rural place of worship built in the 15th century, and destination for pilgrimages during the local May festivities. This is the ideal time to try local delicacies such as boiled mutton.
A short distance from Padru stands the archaeological complex of Santu Miali, set in a lush green environment. Here you can admire the remains of two mediaeval churches, a Roman domus and a necropolis with around 15 tombs. This is where archaeologists found Roman jewels, coins and pottery that are currently being restored.
From the centre of Padru you can reach a viewpoint that offers beautiful landscapes like views of S’Ifferru di Sa Contra. From here the view expands to show the forests of S’Ozzastreddu and of Sa Pianedda, a great area for mushroom foragers in the autumn.
From the region of Pedrabianca, which is surrounded by rocky structures with strange shapes like Sa Conchedda de Fizza Ona, one can easily reach the Natural Park of Tepilora. It is crossed by the Rio Posado, and at the base of Monte Tepilora you will find small natural jewels like the forest of Usinavà, the artificial lake of Maccheronis and the humid areas filled with flamingos, black-winged stilts and herons.
The Beaches Near Padru
About 20 km away you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Sardinia, especially Cala Girgolu, part of Loiri-Porto San Paolo. It is between Capo Coda Cavallo and Porto Taverna, and it is a combination of small beaches, sandy and rocky, touched by clear waters and with the island of Tavolara in the distance. Especially beautiful is Spiaggia della Tartaruga, known as such for the granite rock shaped like a tortoise.
A short distance from Padru you will find some of the most beautiful beaches of San Teodoro, from Spiaggia di Punta Molara to La Cinta, that idyllic sandy stretch of over 5 km, set between the sea and the lagoon behind it.
There are other beaches too: L’Impostu, surrounded by mimosa plants and oleanders, Dell’Isuledda, covered in Mediterranean scrub that smells of strawberry trees, myrtle and broom, and finally Cala Brandinchi. This one is known as “little Tahiti” due to its gorgeous views of the turquoise sea, sandy dunes covered in sea lilies and juniper trees, and the pinewoods behind it.
Sights To See Near Padru
Mount Nieddu is a granitic mountain less than 1000 metres in height that separates Pedru from San Teodoro. The paths here allow excursionists to lose themselves in an untouched natural world full of Mediterranean scrub, holm oaks, oaks and cork oaks. It is accessible by foot, by mountain bike or on a horse, and you can hope to meet eagles and falcons on your way. Some of the most charming areas you can find here are the natural pools of Pitriolu, a great destination for fans of canoeing, and the emerald waters of Rio Pitrisconi.
Among other sights to see near Padru there is the Tomb of Giants on Su Mont’e S’Abe, in Olbia. It’s a Nuragic site, over 4000 years old, and it developed in two different time periods. The dolmen is pre-Nuragic (from the Bonnannaro culture), while the pillar and the exedra are from 1600 b.C.: the overall shape of the Tomb looks like a bull, a known Nuragic God.