Capo d'Orso (Cape Bear) is an enormous granite boulder which the wind has sculpted into the form of a great bear crouching on his hind legs, thus giving this natural wonder its name. It juts out from a granite hill which, like all rocks in this area, dates back to the late Paleozoic period - 340 to 250 million years ago.

This natural sculpture has been known since ancient times: located as it is on a 122 meter promontory jutting out towards the sea, it is visible from a great distance and was used as a point of reference by early navigators.

It was mentioned by the Alexandrian geographer and astronomer Tolomeo who, in the second century A.D. speaks of a natural granitic monument eroded in a way which, from the distance, appeared to have the rough shape of a great bear with his head turned towards the sea. It is also said that Homer intended to use this location for the episode in which he narrates the landing of Ulysses in the land of the Lestrigoni. Well known and appreciated by tourists, the stone giant dominates the surrounding landscape.

Bear Rock can be reached taking the scenic path which begins with the old houses of Forte di Capo d’Orso and, following a path immersed in vegetation, you reach the top of the rock where the marvelous view includes even the archipelago of La Maddalena.

For information and guided tours contact ITINERE.