Orosei in brief – tourist information and more

Orosei, which belongs to the province of Nuoro in northeastern Sardinia, has about 6,400 inhabitants and is located sea-side in the Gulf of Orosei area. The island capital, Cagliari, in the south is around 90 miles away, whereas Olbia in the north, with airport and ferry port, is only 50 miles away.

The Gulf of Orosei area is not only a popular holiday destination in Sardinia in summer, but also in off-season, especially for activity holidays, round trips with friends and romantic getaways for couples in Sardinia. The offer of vacation rentals, comfortable hotels and family-friendly residences, traditional agritourism and charming B&Bs is high. Other important economic factors besides tourism are agriculture and the marble and granite quarries in the surrounding area.

What are the main attractions to see in Orosei

Orosei is located on the slope of the 2.644 ft high Monte Tuttavista and near the river Cedrino. The holiday destination has a characteristic and well-preserved city center with churches and historic buildings, and is a lively place all year round with a wide variety of shops and supermarkets, pharmacy and ATM. In the center, bars and restaurants invites to strolling and taking a rest.

The former monastery church of Sant’Antonio Abate (15th century) and the parish church of San Giacomo on the Piazza del Popolo are certainly among the sights in Orosei.

The beaches in the Gulf of Orosei area

Orosei is 2 miles from the sea. The nearest beach, which can also be easily reached by bike from the city center, is the more than 5 miles long sand beach Marina di Orosei, which partly runs parallel to the lagoon Stagno di Petrosu. Shaddy pine trees create a nice area for relaxing and having picnic.

North of Orosei there is the Foghe Pizzinna bay, and near the holiday resort Sos Alinos are the beaches and bays of Fuile’e Mare, Cala Liberotto, Cala Ginepro and Sa Cucurica.

The beach of the natural oasis Bidderosa, which is a good 10 miles north of Orosei, is certainly worth seeing: crystal-clear sea water and very fine, almost white sand are the best ingredients for relaxing beach holidays with the family. In this natural reserve the number of cars and motorbikes during the day is limited to 140 and 30, respectively. Access is subject to a fee: 12 euros per car, 6 euros per motorcycle and 1 euro per person (updated spring 2020). Reservation by phone is possible. The Bidderosa oasis, where you can rent bikes and conoes, is of course also in off-season a perfect holiday destination in Sardinia for outdoor activities, like cycling and hiking.

In the north of Bidderosa is a long and wide seashore with white beautiful sand dunes: in general this beach is less crowded.

Best things to do in Orosei and surroundings

The Grotta di Ispinigoli is located south of Orosei and near Dorgali. In this cave there is a 38 m high column that rises up to the vault. Having a constant temperature of 15 centigrade inside the cave, we recommend appropriate clothing (for example a jumper and perhaps long trousers) and hiking shoes or at least sneakers.

To admire the imposing coast stretch of the Gulf of Orosei with its steer walls and cliffs, you can opt for an excursion with boats. There are, especialls in summer, daily trips from Orosei and Cala Gonone to visit the beautiful bays of Cala Luna, Cala Sisine, Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzé. Some of these fascinating bays are ony accessible by boat from the sea or on arduous trekking paths, winding down to the sea through a lush Mediterranen vegetation (recommended in off-season for exercised people).

Another amazing sight not to miss is the Grotte del Bue Marino (sea ox cave), named after the Mediterranean monk seal, which lived in the past in the Gulf of Orosei area. The excursion including the visit of the cave lasts about 2 hours, and there are also English speaking tours available.