Eastern Sardinia
Tortoli - the gateway to nature on Sardinia's east coast. The town Tortoli unites holiday flair with fascinating nature. A lively harbour, the red rocks of Arbatax and the beautiful beaches of Ogliastra: the heart of Sardinia’s east coast exudes Mediterranean diversity.
Crystal clear water and granite blocks on the beach of Orrì
Crystal clear water and granite blocks on the beach of Orrì
The Red Rocks of Arbatax are the area's landmark
The Red Rocks of Arbatax are the area's landmark
Towncentre of Tortolì with cafès and bars with tables outside
Towncentre of Tortolì with cafès and bars with tables outside
Typical house in Tortoli with a huge oleander tree
Typical house in Tortoli with a huge oleander tree
Murales "Funambulist on time" in Tortolì
Murales "Funambulist on time" in Tortolì
Cathedral Sant'Andrea in Tortolì
Cathedral Sant'Andrea in Tortolì
Cathedral Sant'Andrea in Tortolì
Cathedral Sant'Andrea in Tortolì
Beach of Orri with big granite rock and watergames for rent
Beach of Orri with big granite rock and watergames for rent
Main season on the beach Lido di Orrì
Main season on the beach Lido di Orrì
Paradisiac beach of Orrì
Paradisiac beach of Orrì
In low season you will find few people on the natural beach of Orrì
In low season you will find few people on the natural beach of Orrì
Sunrise on the beach of Orri, right in front of Villa Orrì
Sunrise on the beach of Orri, right in front of Villa Orrì
Smooth granite rocks invite you to relax and contemplate nature
Smooth granite rocks invite you to relax and contemplate nature
The beach Cea is a perfect spot for windsurfing when the wind blows
The beach Cea is a perfect spot for windsurfing when the wind blows
The beach of Orrì also boost small, almost private bays
The beach of Orrì also boost small, almost private bays
Bed- and ombrella rental on the beach Orrì
Bed- and ombrella rental on the beach Orrì
Lido with beach bar
Lido with beach bar
Restaurant right on the beach
Restaurant right on the beach
Beachrestaurant with a typical Vespa parked in front of it
Beachrestaurant with a typical Vespa parked in front of it
Villa Orrì - your holiday home right on the beach
Villa Orrì - your holiday home right on the beach
Sunrise seen from the top terrace of Villa Orrì
Sunrise seen from the top terrace of Villa Orrì
The Red Rocks, landmark of Arbatax and famous for its yearly jazz festival
The Red Rocks, landmark of Arbatax and famous for its yearly jazz festival
Spanish watch tower in Arbatax
Spanish watch tower in Arbatax
Harbour of Arbatax, also starting point for boat excursions to the beautiful gulf of Orosei
Harbour of Arbatax, also starting point for boat excursions to the beautiful gulf of Orosei
Bar on the harbour of Arbatax
Bar on the harbour of Arbatax
Train station directly on the harbour of Arbatax
Train station directly on the harbour of Arbatax
From the trainstation of Arbatx you can take the old green train for a tour through Ogliastra all the way to Mandas
From the trainstation of Arbatx you can take the old green train for a tour through Ogliastra all the way to Mandas
The lookout point La Batteria is right by the sea of Tortolì
The lookout point La Batteria is right by the sea of Tortolì
The turqoise blue sea and the red rocks of the park La Batteria make a beautiful scenery
The turqoise blue sea and the red rocks of the park La Batteria make a beautiful scenery
The ghost town of Gairo Vecchio is about 34 km from Tortolì and is worth a visit
The ghost town of Gairo Vecchio is about 34 km from Tortolì and is worth a visit
Gairo Vecchio was abandoned in 1951 after a big flood and has never been rebuilt
Gairo Vecchio was abandoned in 1951 after a big flood and has never been rebuilt
Abandoned houses in the ghost town of Gairo Vecchio, about 34 km from Tortolì
Abandoned houses in the ghost town of Gairo Vecchio, about 34 km from Tortolì
Archeological site of S'Ortali e Su Monti, 2 km from Tortolì
Archeological site of S'Ortali e Su Monti, 2 km from Tortolì
Giant's tomb in the Archeological site of S'Ortali e Su Monti, 2 km from Tortolì
Giant's tomb in the Archeological site of S'Ortali e Su Monti, 2 km from Tortolì
Nuraghe of S'Ortali e Su Monti, 2 km from Tortolì
Nuraghe of S'Ortali e Su Monti, 2 km from Tortolì
Beach Torre di Bari Sardo, about 15 km south of Tortolì
Beach Torre di Bari Sardo, about 15 km south of Tortolì
The gulf of Orosei is a popular destination for excursions by boat
The gulf of Orosei is a popular destination for excursions by boat
Young girl snorkelling in the transparent water of Cala Goloritze
Young girl snorkelling in the transparent water of Cala Goloritze
Arch of Cala Goloritze formed by nature
Arch of Cala Goloritze formed by nature
View from the sea on the rock stack of Cala Goloritze
View from the sea on the rock stack of Cala Goloritze
Grotta del Bue Marino, this grotta can be reached only by boat
Grotta del Bue Marino, this grotta can be reached only by boat
Region description
Tortoli – the gateway to nature on Sardinia's east coast
The town Tortoli unites holiday flair with fascinating nature. A lively harbour, the red rocks of Arbatax and the beautiful beaches of Ogliastra: the heart of Sardinia’s east coast exudes Mediterranean diversity. The green parks of La Sughereta and Batteria sit regally atop a hill, providing a fascinating vantage point out over the sea. Together with the ancient archaeological site S'Ortali 'e su Monti from the 7th century BC and the former cathedral Sant Andrea from the 18th century, they make the town much more than an attractive holiday destination. Those who have enjoyed a glass of cannonau with some traditional culurgiones dumplings whilst gazing at the red rocks of Arbatax will be spellbound by the full charm of Tortoli. And its beaches are pretty special too – no other coast in Sardinia has been awarded more blue flags for excellent water quality and cleanliness. Cala Moresca, for instance, boasts golden, glittering sand and a distinctive rock formation.
Around Tortoli: red rocks surrounded by beautiful landscapes
Nearby beaches
- Cala Luna
- Cala Goloritzé
- Spiaggia di Basaura
- Lido di Orrì
- Spiaggia di Cea
- Spiaggia di Coccorocci
Arbatax – a small place with iconic landmarks
This district of Tortoli is a place of powerful contrasts. It is best known for its rocce rosse, the famous red rocks made of porphyry and their unique ambience. They serve as an awe-inspiring backdrop, especially in the evening and during the Rocce Rosse Blues festival. In summer, visitors can reach Arbatax with the narrow gauge railway Trenino Verde, which tackles countless hairpin bends to weave through Sardinia’s picturesque mountain landscape to the capital of Cagliari.
The village ruins of Osini and Gairo Vecchio
Some 40 kilometres from Tortoli at the foot at the Gennargentu Mountains lies an unusual postcard motif – the village ruins of Osini and Gairo Vecchio were created during a landslide and today offer a fascinating outing to explore their unique, morbid beauty.
Location and surroundings
Map
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