On the southern edge of the Ulassai heel, in Ogliastra, one of the most incredible natural scenarios in Sardinia opens up, the Lequarci waterfalls – also known as Santa Barbara waterfalls, from the name of the nearby town where a complex from the Byzantine era is preserved – which represent a point of reference for those who want to observe the force of the water sculpting the limestone rock.
As happens with many waterfalls that originate on the Ogliastra heels, the flow varies significantly and depends on the rainfall that affects the plateau. In ordinary periods, the visitor finds himself in front of a succession of waterfalls that detach themselves from the edge of the limestone plateau. The air currents, when they blow decisively, break up the flow and transform the water into a thin cloud that disperses into the void.
In case of heavy rains, the landscape changes radically. The streams widen, join together and create a single, imposing water front about 70 meters wide: this is the largest waterfall on the island in terms of horizontal extension. A show that conveys the image of a true liquid curtain suspended between sky and rock.
A 50 meter drop and a natural amphitheatre
From a morphological point of view, Lequarci stands out for a first vertical drop of 50 metres, which falls from the edge of the limestone heel into a natural amphitheater shaped over the centuries by erosion. The visual impact is striking for the harmony between rock walls and water flow.
After passing the main jump, the course continues along a steep slide of travertines, the typical limestone deposit formations, for a further 125 meters of altitude difference. Overall, the waterfall covers approximately 175 meters of elevation difference, with a maximum altitude of 700 meters above sea level and a minimum of 525 meters. The power comes from the Riu Baulassa, which after the first leap takes the name of Riu de Lequarci.
Limestone heels and holm oak forests
The environmental context contributes to making the area even more suggestive. The Ogliastra heels rise above compact expanses of holm oaks, Mediterranean scrub and olive groves, in an alternation of dark green and light stone that defines the identity of the territory.
A short distance away is the Su Marmuri Cave, among the most famous in Sardinia, a destination for speleologists and visitors.
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Along the road that leads to the cavity you also come across the Lecorci waterfall, active only following the most generous rainfall, capable of providing a further glimpse into an area already rich in naturalistic emergencies.
How to reach Lequarci
To get to the waterfalls you need to reach Ulassai, a center in Ogliastra known for its naturalistic and cultural heritage. From the town you take Via Santa Barbara, which leads towards the surrounding countryside. After about six kilometers you reach the cliff from which you can observe the entire front of the waterfall.
For further information, we refer you to the official website of the Lequarci waterfalls.
