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Experiences in Tortolì

Live Ogliastralike a local

From the coves of the Gulf of Orosei to the flavours of the centenarians. Four ways to get to know this land, with advice from the people who live here.

Boat rental
01

Boat rental

Set off from Arbatax to reach Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu and the most beautiful coves in the Mediterranean.

The Gulf of Orosei is best discovered from the water. From the harbour of Arbatax you can reach Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu, Cala Biriala and Cala Luna within a couple of hours: coves accessible only by sea or after long trails. Renting without a licence is possible for engines up to 40 horsepower. We suggest leaving early, taking water and shade, and heading back before the afternoon wind.

  • Book the boat a few days ahead in high season
  • Cala Goloritzé has capped daily access: check the day's rules
  • Leave in the morning, the sea is calmer
Excursions
02

Excursions

Trekking in the Supramonte, the Gorropu gorge, the Trenino Verde railway and the nuraghi of the interior.

The inland of Ogliastra is every bit as surprising as its coast. The Gorropu gorge is among the deepest canyons in Europe; the Supramonte offers trails for every level; the Trenino Verde crosses landscapes no road reaches. Inland you will find nuraghi, giants' tombs and shepherds' villages that are still alive.

  • Hiking shoes and at least two litres of water each
  • A local guide is worth it for Gorropu
  • The Trenino Verde runs only in certain periods: check the timetable
Centenarian food
03

Centenarian food

Culurgiones, pane carasau, Cannonau and the Blue Zone diet that makes Ogliastra the land of longevity.

Ogliastra is one of the world's five Blue Zones, the areas with the highest concentration of centenarians. At its base is a simple cuisine: culurgiones filled with potato and mint, pane carasau, sheep's cheeses, vegetables from the garden, little meat and a glass of Cannonau. In the restaurants of Tortolì and the inland villages, this is still how people eat.

  • Culurgiones are sealed by hand in a wheat-ear pattern: watch how it is done
  • The Cannonau of Jerzu is among the best known on the island
  • Ask for seadas as dessert, with bitter honey
Events
04

Events

Village festivals, patron saint feasts, the Sardinian Carnival and the summer concert season between Tortolì and Arbatax.

The Ogliastra calendar is busy all year. In winter, the Sardinian Carnival brings the ancient masks of Mamoiada and Ottana into the streets; spring brings patron saint feasts and village festivals; in summer the concerts move to the Arbatax seafront and the squares of Tortolì. We are glad to tell you what is happening during your stay.

  • The Sardinian Carnival is best experienced in the inland villages
  • In summer many evenings start late, after 10 pm
  • Ask us for the current calendar when you book

Crystal-clear beaches, breathtaking landscapes and Sardinia's food and wine tradition.