ABOUT AREA
Santa Maria Navarrese is on the southern end of the Gulf of Orosei and is the perfect base to explore one of the most beautiful areas of Sardinia. The coast has some of the most beautiful beaches only accessible by boat and inland is famous for hiking and the Genneargentu National Park. Boat trips take you along the 45 kilometres of coast line to some of the most unspoilt coves including Cala Goloritze, Cala Biriola and Cala Sisine. Inland, there are many things to discover including the Gorruppu Gorge, one of the longest canyons in Europe or the Fico Caves which at 7m above sea level are an important breeding ground for the Monk Seal.
BEACHES
Cala Gonone
Accessible by boat or on foot, the secluded beaches around Cala Gonone are backed by limestone cliffs and lapped by crystal clear water.
Cala Luna
South of Cala Gonone lies the exquisite beach of Cala Luna, backed by majestic limestone and macchia covered mountains.
Piscinas dunes
A stunning stretch of coastline and 9km of sandy beach.
FESTIVALS
Easter - Various locations
Costumes, processions and intense drama are the main ingredients of Sardinia's various festas commemorating Easter.
Festa dell' Annunziata - Bitti - May
A pastoral celebration of the Annuciation.
S’Ardia horse race - Sedilo - July
One of the most exciting annual events on the island, in which bareback riders race recklessly around the church of Sant'Antine among a lively audience participation. It's a thrilling spectacle, full of hot tempers, commotion and displays of virility.
THINGS TO SEE & DO
Tiscali
In the village of Tiscali, deep in the mountains, you will find the remains of a Nuraghic village dramatically sited within a vast hollow space inside the mountain itself.
Nuoro’s museum
The museo della Vita e delle Tradizioni Sarde is the island’s most comprehensive collection of costumes, masks and handicrafts – a fascinating overview of the rural culture of the interior.
Gorropu Gorge
One of the deepest and most spectacular in Southern Europe. It is also the highlight of one of Sardinia's beast walks.
Agriturismo
Sample traditional Sardinian cuisine in a farm restaurant.