The promontory's name translates to 'Devil's Saddle,' named for its concave, saddle-like shape visible from the coast.
The plateau hosts the ruins of the Temple of Astarte, a Punic religious site dating back to the 4th century BC.
The Spanish watchtower (Torre del Diavolo) was constructed in the 17th century as part of a coastal defense system to spot pirate ships.
The area is an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to the presence of nesting peregrine falcons and other raptors.
The limestone rock formation is approximately 144 meters high at its tallest point.
The ridge provides a clear view of the salt pans where wild flamingos frequently congregate.
Sella del Diavolo is a limestone promontory extending into the Gulf of Cagliari, forming the distinctive eastern boundary of Poetto beach. The name refers to a local legend involving a battle between angels and demons over the Gulf's beauty. The promontory features a marked hiking trail leading to an elevated plateau that provides panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Cagliari. Its ecological profile includes Mediterranean scrub, dwarf fan palms, and rare endemic plant species. The site contains archaeological remnants, including a Punic-Roman sanctuary and a 17th-century Spanish watchtower. The area serves as a natural balcony for observing coastal birdlife and the adjacent Molentargius-Saline Regional Park. The terrain consists of uneven karst limestone, requiring hikers to navigate rocky paths.
The ruins of the Spanish tower at the peak, providing a 360-degree view of the Gulf and the city.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes as the path is rocky, loose, and uneven.
Bring significant water supplies as there are no facilities or shade once you leave the trailhead.
Start your ascent early in the morning to avoid the heat, as the trail is fully exposed to the sun.
Do not attempt the hike during the middle of the day in summer due to extreme heat and lack of shade.
Carry out all trash; stay strictly on marked paths to protect the sensitive flora and prevent erosion.
