Sea

The coast bordering the province of Nuoro flanks the State Road 125. Known as the Orientale Sarda, it is worthy of its title as one of the most scenic roads in Italy. It stretches for kilometres from the coast of the Marina di Tertenia in Ogliastra in the south until skimming the low-lying golden coasts of Gallura to the north, with the award-winning beaches of Posada having been bestowed with Legambiente’s Bandiera Blu (Blue Flag).  At its heart is the Gulf of Orosei, the wildest stretch of coast in Europe and home to one of the most challenging yet picturesque trekking routes in Italy, known as Selvaggio Blu.  Here, the white mountain and inaccessible cliffs plunge straight into the sea, forming incredible shades of turquoise.

From Tertenia to Cardedu, the coast of Ogliastra – the Blue Zone of longevity – is covered in light sand that is very fine and soft to the touch, extending to the Barisardo beach, guarded by the ancient Aragonese tower. Be enchanted by the shimmering of the crystal blue waters of the Lido di Orrì in the municipality of Tortoli, where there is also the splendid Cea Bay pierced by sea stacks. In Arbatax lies Ogliastra’s commercial port, famous for its monumental Red Rocks. Relax on the Santa Maria Navarrese seafront before venturing into the Gulf of Orosei.

This stretch of coast is peppered with idyllic little beaches that can only be reached via some intense trekking or by sea. This is the territory of Baunei, an inland municipality of Ogliastra backdropped by natural monuments beyond the Voragine del Golgo, such as the Cala Goloritzè peak that frames the splendid beach of the same name, the Grotta del Fico and the incredible quaint beaches of Cala Sisine, Cala Biriola and Cala Mariolu, where fine white sand and pebbles confer a scintillating transparency to the sea, right up to the legendary Cala Luna. From here, setting out along the coastal stretch of the municipality of Dorgali leads to a succession of wild coves such as Fuili and Ziu Martine through to the seaside village of Cala Gonone with its marina and the fascinating Aquarium that is a must-see for children. Also not to be missed is the majestic Grotte del Bue Marino which, legend has it, was once home to the monk seal. The splendour continues up to the littoral zone of Orosei, with its pretty historic centre and dreamy beaches such as the Cala Liberotto, Cala Ginepro and the protected oasis of Biderosa, an enclosed paradise. From oasis to oasis until reaching Berchida, a sensational beach framed by centuries-old junipers, where it is quite common to encounter cows and donkeys lapping up the sun! This southern border of the Siniscola coast is replete with ample beaches of fine sand surrounded by cool pine forests. Legendary locations include the evocative Capo Comino dunes and its romantic panoramic lighthouse, the picturesque fishing village of Santa Lucia founded by people from Ponza, and La Caletta beach, being perfect for kitesurfing. Heading from the cliffs of San Giovanni, you eventually reach Posada, the northern border of this marvellous stretch of coast, with its beaches and child-friendly services. Posada is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, as well as being the point of arrival of the Posada stream protected by the foundation of the Regional Natural Park of Tepilora, Sant’Anna and Rio Posada, a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Reserve to be explored by kayak. 

Sardinia’s eastern coast offers a multitude of opportunities for lovers of nature and the sea, for sportier visitors, and even those seeking relaxation and family fun. Legendary events – such as the Rocce Rosse&Blues and Cala Gonone Jazz – animate the summers whilst there are ample DJ sets playing through to dawn for the more spirited. Savour an aperitif at sunset on the beach or a delicious seafood dinner in one of the many restaurants that enliven the seaside villages along this stretch of Sardinia whilst planning the next beach to visit or the excursion to go on the following day.