Arbatax: the red rocks of eastern Sardinia

On the eastern coast of Sardinia, Arbatax takes its name from the famous red porphyry rocks that plunge directly into the sea.

A car is useful to explore the Ogliastra coast.

The Red Rocks of Arbatax, porphyry formations colored by iron oxides, remain the most photographed geological symbol of Sardinia's eastern coast.

A few minutes away, the Port of Arbatax, a tourist and commercial harbor, connects Sardinia to mainland Italy and Corsica.

Following the coast, you reach Cea Beach, among the area's most beloved for its fine sand and crystal-clear waters.

Inland, the Ogliastra region holds one of the world's highest concentrations of centenarians, the subject of international scientific studies.

The Red Rocks of Arbatax owe their color to iron oxides found in porphyry, a volcanic rock that when exposed to air and salt water takes on hues ranging from brick red to deep burgundy.

Ogliastra, the region surrounding Arbatax, is one of five world 'blue zones' identified by scientists for the exceptional longevity of the local population, along with Okinawa and Ikaria.