Sardinia suggested itineraries

This journey exploring both inland and coastal Barbagia commences in Orosei, a charming medieval town from which the bay on the eastern coast of Sardinia takes its name. Whilst strolling along the narrow little roads of the historic center, between the elegant patrician town houses, visitors might easily come across one of the workshops in which Orosei's famous potters and goldsmiths realize their exquisite creations.

The town of Irgoli, just a few kilometers from Orosei, famous for its ham and sausages, is the perfect place where to stop for something to eat. Just a little further South, on the spectacularly panoramic Orientale Sarda coastal road, we find indications for Dorgali and the beaches of Cala Gonone. The first is famous for the production of Cannonau, a powerful Sardinian red wine, the second is home to the port from where to reach the principal beaches of the gulf and the Grotta del Bue Marino, cave once populated by the Mediterranean Monk seal, as its name would indicate. In the southern part of this immense cavity, wall graffiti dating back to the neolithic age can be seen.

A 45 minute boat ride takes us to Cala Luna and Cala Sisine, famous for their dazzlingly white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, lying at the foot of the Su Masongiù massif, this latter a favorite with free climbers.

Traveling inland, we soon reach the city of Nuoro, capital of the Barbagia and birth place of Grazia Deledda, the famous Sardinian writer, whose house in the city's Santu Pedru district has been transformed in Museum in which to admire, among many personal artifacts, the 1926 Nobel Prize winner's impressive book collection. Deledda's tomb rests in the small chapel (chiesetta della Solitudine) situated on the nearby mountain of Ortobene.

Orgosolo, lying twenty kilometers South of Nuoro and sadly associated with centuries-old tales of brigandage, is a stunning city of murals, the walls of its houses covered in artworks, usually with a political theme. From here, we head in to the heart of the Barbagia, and the gorge of Su Gorropu, a natural canyon in which to find the remains of the Nuraghic village of Tiscali.

Traveling back towards the coast, we reach Baunei and, shortly after, the popular bathing resort of Santa Maria Navarrese. Arbatax, home to one of the region's most important ports, provides the unique location for the annual Red Rock and Blues Festival, event which draws thousands of tourists and music lovers to the town each year.