DISCOVERING THE GULF OF OROSEI AND CALA LIBEROTTO
The Gulf of Orosei is one of the most famous and iconic areas of the whole Island. The beautiful sceneries, the several trails surrounded by wild nature and the cliffs overhanging heavenly white beaches are a real delight for the eyes of the several tourists who visit this area of Sardinia every year. From Bidderosa nature reserve to the more famous inlets such as Cala Goloritzè, Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu and the beach in Cala Liberotto, every stretch of this coast with its peculiarities allows anyone who loves being surrounded by nature to enjoy a one-in-a-lifetime experience and discover the seabed while snorkeling or diving, go bird-watching or for a hike through the uplands.
Besides the beautiful landscape, this area is rich in monuments of inestimable value from an historic and cultural point of view. In the town of Orosei it is possible to admire more than 15 religious buildings such as churches and shrines, that were built in the most significant spots of the town in honor of the Virgin Mary and of innumerable Saints. Many celebrations are organized every year, among which we must mention the feast of Saint James, the one celebrated in the Shrine called Su Rimediu or the fascinating feast of Santa Maria ‘e Mare, during which traditional costumes and some boats are decorated with flowers and local food is cooked to celebrate Virgin Mary as protector of the sailors. Moreover, during spring and summer time several events take place with the main aim of celebrating Sardinian traditions with food and wine festivals or folklore displays.
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CALA GINEPRO
A little corner of heaven with glimmering water and pink cliffs
Cala Ginepro beach is located on the northeastern coast of Sardinia and belongs to the district of Orosei. Its name comes from the flourishing forest with centuries old juniper trees (ginepri in Italian). The forest and an untamed pond are located right behind the beach. This stretch of coast houses Sardinian hares that find shelter among the roots of the trees. Depending on the tide level it is possible to admire little islets of sand that emerge from the waves and create a beautiful unique scenery. The cove, a perfect destination for a relaxing day, is flanked by small pink cliffs, that are a typical feature of the area of Orosei. The town is also known for its quays of marble, that is exported to the whole world.
5,5km | 8 minutes by car
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OROSEI
Ancient past and local traditions that are still very popular in the community
In the flourishing town of Orosei in the wonderful Cedrino valley it is possible to admire several examples of its ancient past while strolling around the old city center with small alleys and buildings of basalt, decorated with arches and charming little yards, called “corti”. Besides the churches ( 17 of which are consacreted), that during the Holy Week are decorated and let open for the visitors, it is possible to find and visit in the centre of the town the Old Prison. The prison is a rectangular building, which is surrounded by a high wall and overlooked by a 15 metre high tower. The Old Prison was used as headquarter of the Curia of the Giudicato di Gallura and turned into a prison in the middle of the XIV century. The building is today a museum.
10km | 10 minutes by car
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CEDRINO RIVER
From the novels by Grazia Deledda to the feast of Santa Maria ‘e Mare
The Cedrino River is the fifth longest river of the Island. Rising from the northern side of Gennargentu mountain, at 1316 m above sea level, it flows for about 80 km into the Gulf of Orosei after crossing the territories of Oliena, Dorgali and the valley of Baronie, always surrounded by fascinating ponds rich in local flora and fauna. The river, that became popular thanks to Grazia Deledda’s novels, is the protagonist of Santa Maria ‘e Mare procession, a religious feast celebrated in Orosei in honor of Virgin Mary, considered the protector of sailors. In this occasion some boats are decorated with flowers in order to carry the statue of Virgin Mary along the river during the procession.
12km | 12 minutes by car
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SU GORROPU
The most fascinating canyon of Europe, between Barbagia and Ogliastra
A deep chasm, longer than 1,5 km, is located in the centre of Sardinia, between the regions of Barbagia and Ogliastra. It was shaped over the years by the Flumineddu river, that flows underneath the gorge. The Gorrupu canyon is a popular destination for hikers and tourists, they can appreciate here the unique biodiversity and admire fossils created more than 190 million years ago. While crossing trails surrounded by junipers and millennial yews it is possible to catch a glimpse of unique plants, rare species of amphibians such as the European cave and the Sardinian brook salamanders, mouflons and golden eagles that nest inside the canyon and settlements from the Nuragic Age. Recommended for athletic people!
52km | 50 minutes by car
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SEA CAVES OF THE GULF OF OROSEI
The most famous sea caves of Italy: allure and ancient past
Sailing from one of the many harbors along the coast, it is possible to discover the Gulf of Orosei and visit beautiful beaches, the most popular in Italy for their beauty and clearness of the water, and caves that extend for several kilometers through underwater galleries. The Grotta del Bue Marino, once shelter to the now extinct monk seals, is one of the most visited of the Island. The tour starts in the southern side of the cave, full of stalagmites und stalactites that create together with the light peculiar color effects. Grotta del Fico, located between the beaches of Cala Golortze and Cala Biriola, Grotta d’Argento, Grotta della Madonnina and Grotta dei cristalli are also worth a visit. A grave, dated back to the Roman Age, was found in the Grotta dei cristalli.
40 km | 40/60 minutes by boat from Marina di Orosei
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CALA GOLORITZÉ
An inlet of scenic beauty, a dream come true
The untamed and wild Cala Goloritzé, a national monument since 1995, is located in the Gulf of Orosei, in that stretch of coast, where the sea and the mountain meet, creating a beautiful scenery, one of the most popular subjects of the pictures taken in Italy. The amazing beach is the result of a landslide in 1962 that involved the side of the mountain made of sandstone. The beach with its countless little white pebbles is overlooked by a spur of limestone, that became a popular destination for climbers of all over the world for its several climbing routes. The beach can be reached only by boat or through a 3km steep trail surrounded by nature.
90 km | 110 minutes by car (+60 minutes on foot)
50km | 70 minutes by boat from Marina di Orosei
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