A small
coastal town in central-eastern Sardinia.
In
Sardinian Girasole is called Gelisui,
the only village in Ogliastra that
has stood on the same site for three thousand years.
It is
separated from Lotzorai by the Girasole stream and is one kilometre from the
sea.
The beach
of Isula Manna is immersed in the
green of a pine forest and overlooks azure-blue waters. Next to it is the pond,
in the ancient harbour, which is the habitat of numerous species of birds, an
attraction for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Of the six
ancient churches of Girasole, the parish church of Nostra Signora di Monserrato remains today.
Celebrations
in honour of the patron saint, with a parade of traditional costumes and
knights, take place in early September. As for food, in July, there is the sagra de is culurgionis, a typical
Ogliastra dish: fresh pasta closed “a spiga”, stuffed with potatoes, mint and
pecorino cheese.