THE COAST

From Arbatax
to the Coves of the Orosei Gulf

Departure from the marina in Arbatax.
As we sat sail from the marina you will immediately see the Isolotto D’Ogliastra, a red porphyry archipelago typical of this area.
We recommend you to stop here on your way back to Arbatax and visit the island and the statue built in the honour of The Virgin Mary of Stella Maris, to whom the sailors would pray for protection.

We will then continue our journey northwards; we will first see on the left Santa Maria Navarrese and its beautiful marina.

After a few minutes we will be amazed by the majestic pinnacle of Pedra Longa (128 m). This terrific natural monument is a favourite spot for climbers and it is also the starting point of the famous trek “Selvaggio Blu”.

Once we pass the Pinnacle we will see Cascata di Baus, a small stream flowing down to the sea from the mountain slopes of Punta Giradili to the small and secluded beach of Baus. Next to it the extraordinary cove of Cala Fenile made of multi-coloured pebbles.

Capo Monte Santo is the promontory that marks the southern end of the Gulf of Orosei. Here you will see Grotta dei Colombi (the Cave of the pigeons), a cave formed by rainwater and favourite nesting place for a colony of pigeons.

This stretch of the coast is peppered with inlets known as “Portu”. The first one that we will find during our cruise is Portu Pedrosu- translated from Sardinian into “the rocky port”- a little bay made of pebbles, then we will admire the inlet of Portu Cuau, the scene of the shipwreck of the Levante Merchant Vessel. You can still see its remains while snorkelling.

Heading north we will meet the stunning Cala Goloritzè internationally known for its natural arch and its crystal-clear aquamarine waters. In 1995 it was elected a UNESCO world heritage site. Its beauty and the majestic limestone pinnacle Punta Caroddi overlooking the white pebbly beach will leave you breathless.

Next to Cala Goloritzè is the more private and secluded Spiaggia delle sorgenti ( beach of the Springs)! Prepare to be amazed by the immense beauty of the small vaults formed by the relentless pounding of the seawater. You can reach these caves in hot summer days for a guaranteed cooling swim. In fact undersea fresh waters coming from the mountain flow beneath the small pebbly beach and inside the cave.

Our journey continues toward Cala dei Gabbiani. This cove is cherished by tourists because of the fantastic colour of it waters and because it is less populated since bigger boats don’t stop here.

Prepare to be amazed by Cala Mariolu, called in Sardinian Language "Ispuligidenie"- translated as flees the colour of snow”. The metaphor was used by local shepherds to describe its tiny, smooth, white pebbles.
This stunning spot of the coast stretches for 300 metres and it is split in two by a bright limestone rock on which you can land.

You can’t miss a visit to Grotta del Fico, a marvellous limestone cave known for its beauty and because monk seals used it for shelter until the 80’s. Unfortunately now they disappeared from Sardinian waters.

We will then stop for a swim in the romantic Piscine di Venere and in Cala Biriala. The latter was once used as landing place to load the charcoal made by wood cutters in the forest above; Charcoal hearths are still visible today.

Our last stops are in the spectacular Cala Sisine and Cala Luna. In both coves there are two small restaurants where you can enjoy a traditional delicious Sardinian meal delighted by the old tales told by Alberto. Alberto is the grandson of Silviero Vitiello, a fisherman who arrived in Ogliastra from Ponza, the archipelago 20 miles from the Coast of Lazio, and who founded the charming fishing village of Arbatax together with the families Aversano, Morlé, Mattera, Musella, Francavilla e Cristo.