DISCOVERING THE GULF OF OROSEI
The Gulf of Orosei is located on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia. It extends for 30 km and represents one of the most beautiful natural areas of the whole island. The coast is morphologically divided into two parts and made of long expanses of fine sand, granite cliffs and crystal-clear water as well as huge limestone mounts covered in Mediterranean scrub and centuries-old trees, that create breath-taking views with intense and contrasting colours.
In this beautiful landscape, that stretches from Dorgali, up to Baunei and Orosei, small and unblemished beaches can be reached only by boat or through steep trails surrounded by vegetation. For this reason, the Gulf of Orosei is a beloved tourist destination by hikers, climbers, and snorkelers, who have here the opportunity to immerse themselves in the nature and to admire the native flora and fauna of the area.
Besides the hiking itineraries, the territory of this area of Sardinia gives the possibility to learn more about the history, the traditions, and the folklore that since centuries distinguish the area called “Baronia”. Some examples of the history of the region and its traditions, that did not change over the time, are the nuraghi, the medieval complexes and the numerous Romanesque churches. Moreover, many celebrations are organized every year, such as the Holy Week and its rites, the big fire in honour of Saint Antony, and the feast of Saint Isidore and its procession with people dressed in traditional clothes, horses, and decorated carts.
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CHURCHES IN OROSEI
Shrines of the Roman age dedicated to several Saints and to Virgin Mary
Orosei is famous for being adorned with several churches. They have all been built in a poor simple architectural style and with false fronts. Simple colours, less noble materials, such as volcanic rocks and low-quality timber are what distinguishes these religious buildings. Among the most important, there are the Church of Saint James the Apostle, the patron saint of Orosei, the Church dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, that houses two sculptures of the Christ child and the Holy Virgin, and the Romanesque church of Saint Antony, that was entirely built with blocks of basalt. During the Holy Week, all the churches of the town are decorated with flowers and left open for the visitors and worshippers to visit them.
2,7km | 6 minutes by car
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NURAGHE OSALLA
The ancient nuraghe, the lookout that overlooks the Gulf of Orosei
Known with the name of Gulunie, this ancient nuraghe is located only few steps from the beach of Osalla, one of the most beautiful areas of the Gulf, set between the town of Orosei and Dorgali. It is likely that the nuraghe was used as overlook for ships and pirates, thanks to its position on a hill and the small tower made of huge blocks of stone. Even though the inside of the nuraghe has collapsed and cannot be visited, it is still one of the best maintained complexes of the area and offers to its visitors a breath-taking view.
5,4km | 10 minutes by car
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TUTTAVISTA MOUNT
A limestone mount that protects from above the towns on its slopes
The Tuttavista Mount is among the panoramic viewpoints of Baronia the one that overlooks most of the area of the territory and from which it is possible to enjoy the view of the surrounded area, that stretches from Dorgali to Galtellì with the Cedrino river, the Mount Albo chain, and the Gulf of Orosei. On its top, at about 800 m of height, stands a statue of Jesus Christ on the Cross, an artwork of Pedro Angel Manrique. Sa Petra Istampata, a 40 m natural window shaped by the wind and the rain over the centuries, together with the Tuttavista Mount give the possibility to enjoy a view of rare beauty.
12km | 24 minutes by car
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BIDDEROSA OASIS
A protected oasis surrounded by junipers, cork oaks and a wonderful sea
The oasis of Bidderosa, that stretches from Orosei for about 800 hectares, consists of five wonderful little bays and is one of the most important attractions of the territory, with its white beach, crystal-clear water and a vegetation, whose smell is very pleasant. This oasis is an ideal place for hiking and birdwatching, and it is rich in native flora and fauna, that have found here their perfect habitat thanks to the presence of natural ponds, such as the one of Sa Curcurica.
15km | 18 minutes by car
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CALA LUNA
One of the wonders of the Gulf of Orosei, the symbol of eastern Sardinia
Nestled between steep rocky walls overlooking the sea and sea-carved caves, Cala Luna is one of the most well-known coves and visited by tourists in the Gulf of Orosei. An emblem of the east coast of the island and scene of numerous internationally renowned films, this enchanting beach in heavenly colors, is ideal for families with children, snorkelers, and scuba divers. Close to the beach rise the mountains of the Gennargentu National Park, rich in Mediterranean vegetation and steep paths, perfect for lovers of hiking adventures and for taking pictures.
34km | 40 minutes by boat from Marina di Orosei
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CALA MARIOLU
The beach with thousand shades of blue, that looks like a painting
Cala Mariolu is a small and intimate beach on the central east coast, reachable by boat or by an impervious path between the dense vegetation and large rocky arches, recommended only for the bravest. The beach, close to the imposing granite cliffs, is characterized by waters with a thousand shades of blue and tiny white pebbles like snowflakes that mix with the sand. Its name comes from a legend which tells that the monk seal, which once inhabited the seabed, used to go to Cala Mariolu to look for fish, stealing it from the fishermen from Ponza, who therefore nicknamed it “mariolu” (thief).
78km | 60 minutes by boat from Marina di Orosei
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