Tommmo

hi. We arrive Olbia Sept 25 and plan to head towards Cagliari after 3 weeks exploring by rented car. On arrival we stay a night at Santa Teresa Gallura then drive to Castelsardo for 2 nights and go to Alghero to stay in an apartment in the Old town for 4 nights. Then we thought we'd drive down via Bosa (2 nights) to Orestano (2 nights) then cross to the East Coast maybe stay Cala Gonone ( Orosei is recommended too ) as a base for 4 nights, then a couple of days to make our way down to Cagliari and return the car. We fly from there to Sicily Oct 12.
Can someone give us ideas about visiting and staying in the Golfo di Orosei area. We like beaches and scenery and staying where we can self cater. Hiking and climbing are a bit beyond us at our age but we hear a boat trip is rewarding in this area.
All advice appreciated.....we are finding that Sardinia is quite hard to plan for and itinerary advice and out of the way places hard to get info on for some reason......
Thanks

MyriamC

We stayed in Cala Gonone last year in June. There isn't a lot to see in Cala Gonone itself (and the beach isn't so great). The attractions of Cala Gonone are the Grotte del Bue Marino and the various deserted beaches such as Cala di Luna, Cala Mariolu, etc. that you can only get to by boat (or a very long hike). At the harbor you can rent a boat, or you book an excursion on a bigger boat. The coastline seen from the sea is much more spectacular than seen from the land. First we visited the caves, then some of the small beaches.
The eastern part of Sardinia is so beautiful. Dramatic rocks on one side of the road, the blue ocean (50 shades of blue!) on the other side. Behind every hairpin another, even better view.

From Cala Gonone we visited the town of Orgosolo, known for its murales (wall paintings), which are actually a silent protest against all forms of injustice in the world. Impressive!

Sardinia is the land of <i>nuraghi</i>, ancient megalithic structures. We visited Nuraghe Mannu and had an excellent and enthusiastic guide who told us all about this cultural heritage of Sardinia.

There are a lot of scenic drives to make in the Sopramonte mountains, starting in Orosei or Cala Gonone.

This as far as the eastern part of Sardinia is concerned. We stayed in all four 'corners' of the island.

Tommmo

Thank you. Where is a good place to stay to explore the whole Golfo di Orosei area and on down to Arbatax etc.?
Orosei has been mentioned as a good base, also Santa Maria Navaresse..

BritishCaicos

It's a relief to see that you are spending a decent amount of time on the island. In the past, posters have suggested your route but in just a weew. The island is just too big and the motorway system doesn't assist with the full Coastal route.

Olbia is fairly I dust rial and there is little there to justify a stop. I am really surprised that you are only spending a night in Santa Teresa. I would spend four nights here (at least). In the area are some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe which offer very safe swimming. There are also easy days trips to Corsica and The Maddelana islands.

Bonifacio on Corisca is the ferry stop and it is quite simply stunning, located on a series of cliffs with vibrant town centre which is often missing on Sardinia.

There also very good quality large local craft markets in the towns near Santa Teresa. The fabric and food stalls are well worth a visit with linen and lace being of particualry high quality.

I'd spend three night in Alghero which was once part of the Bourbon empire and has a very Catalan influence. The caves of Capa Caccia are worth a visit as is the coastal town of Stintino which has a stunning coastal landscape.

A favourite part of the island for us is the SW corner which has the huge sweeping beaches of Chia, the very local feel of Oristano, wild cliff roads of Spartivento and the eerie abandoned silver mining towns. If you drive through Ingatursu your see a ghost like town , at the end of the road is a coastal dune system with some of the highest dunes in Europe.

MyriamC

I agree with BritishCaicos re Santa Teresa. We didn't stay in Santa Teresa proper, but near Arzachena in the countryside. Close enough to visit the Maddallena Archipelago, Capo Testa with its impressive granite rocks, Capo d'Orso etc.

A good place to stay in the Golfo di Orosei might be Santa Maria Navarrese. Easier to reach from the main road than Cala Gonone and closer to the Rocce Rosse in Arbatax and Pedro Lungo in Baunei.

Tommmo

I can see a stop in Santa Maria Navaresse and then exploring Ogliastra which many say is not to be missed on the way down to Cagliari. Can't find much info for specific sights there though as yet....