Eastern Sardinia

The whole area of Ogliastra includes fine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, cliffs which fall sheer to the sea, age-old woods and dry desert plains. Sailing along the wonderful coast it possible to admire some of the most beautiful bays of the Mediterranean: Cala Gonone, Cala Luna, Cala Goloritzè are nowadays very well-know destinations for tourism.
As a matter of fact the whole Orosei gulf has been appointed by the EU as SIC (Site of Communitarian Importance), awards given to sites characterised by the presence of important species of flora and fauna.
One of the most famous and popular site is the Grotta del Bue Marino (Sea cow's cave), once shelter for the seals, today in danger of extinction.

The species of animals are numerous and include vultures, predatory birds, moufflons and wild boars, mostly in the internal area.
Arbatax is a small village quite close to the sea, with a nice port. Its name reminds to the Sarancens raids, quite frequent in the past. Today Arbatax is an important tourist destination thanks to its beaches and its typical seafood.
Tortolì and Santa Maria Navarrese are two other important tourist sites. In particular, Santa Maria Navarrese shows an interesting church, dated back to the XI century. The legend tells that the Navarra Princess, victim of a shipwrecked coming back from the Holy Land, made contact with this land saving herself from death and ordered to build the church as sign of thanks.
From the archaeological point of view, to be noted is the “holy area of Sa Perdalonga", near Barisardo. The area includes one of the most important menhir of Sardinia, surrounded by rocks from where it was used to attend the ceremonies.
Another important monument is the church of San Antonio in Orosei. The first structure is dated back around the XIII century and the tower near the church itself seems to confirm that date. The interior of church kept ancient frescoes, recently rehandled.