Santa Maria Navarrese in brief – tourist information and more

Santa Maria Navarrese with its approximately 1,450 inhabitants is located on the east coast, 6 km in the north of Arbatax (in bee line). The sea-side location is a very popular tourist destination for those seeking peace and quiet and a location with many possibilities of outdoor activities in Sardinia. Olbia to the north and Cagliari to the south are about 100 miles away.

Best things to see in Santa Maria Navarrese

Especially in the summer months, Santa Maria Navarrese attracts many tourists thanks to its promenade, its sandy beach and its position between the sea and the mountains, surrounded by a nature that is still partly unspoiled. There are different kinds of shops, supermarkets, bars and restaurants. Santa Marina Navarrese has also a small marina for boat rental. In addition, it is the starting point for several daily excursions along the fascinating coast line of the Orosei Gulf,  with beautiful sand bays and hidden sea caves.

The main sights of Santa Maria Navarrese are the Church of Santa Maria di Navarra from the 11th century and the Spanish watch tower, one of the approximately 100 towers throughout Sardinia and along the coast, to protect the island against the Saracen invaders and pirates.

The best beaches of Santa Maria Navvarese

The nearest sand beach is located between the marina in the north and the Spanish Tower in the south.
Further south there is the miles long beach which reaches Arbatax. The stretches near to Santa Maria Navarrese are called Tancau and Pollu.

The enchanting bays of Cala Mariolu, Cala Follò, Cala Goloritzè and Cala Luna with their white sand and crystal clear sea water, are mentioned among the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. They are further north and in part only accessible by boat. Boat trips are organized from the marina of Santa Maria Navarrese to explore the nearly 25 miles long, amazing coastal stretch with its steer cliffs and walls
Surely worth a visit with boat and a guided tour (also English speaking) is the Grotta del Bue Marino.

Activity holidays: what to do in Santa Maria Navarrese and surroundings

Some of the earlier mentioned bays are reachable also on foot, on arduous trekking paths, that leads through an unspoilt nature, from the mountains to the sea. We recommend these trips in spring and autumn, only with adequate shoes and for well-conditioned hikers.

In off-season the area around Santa Maria Navarrese became a hotspot for motocycle tourism in Sardinia. Among the most appreciated roads is surely the scenic highway S.S. 125 which leads from Santa Maria Navvarrese via Baunei to Dorgali in the north, and not far away from Orosei. The winding road offers some amazing panoramic views passing through the Gennargentu massif.

Not far from Dorgali is the beautiful Grotta di Ispinigoli, where it is possible to admire, among other things, a 38 m high column. Since the temperature inside the cave is constantly 15 centigrades, we recommend hiking shoes or sneakers and a sweater and possibly also long trousers.

In Cala Gonone, which is located directly on the sea and a few kilometers from Dorgali, there is the Aquarium of Cala Gonone, which shows marine animals such as sharks, snappers, barracudas, piranhas and turtles in various tanks and aquariums.

Only with experienced mountain guides, we recommend the trek Selvaggio Blu, which starts north of Santa Maria Navvarrese in Perda Longa. This 50 km long adventure is a very challenging hiking trip in Sardinia: you have to climb some steep rocks and use old shepherds tracks, walking very close to steep rock faces.

Certainly very interesting for all hikers, but not easy to walk is the imposing canyon Gola Gorropu, with steep walls of about 1,640 ft one of the deepest gorges in Europe and a amazing landmark in Sardinia.

Another one of the best-known treks in Sardinia is the one who leads to the remains of the Tiscali village. We recommend to do it with a group of experienced hikers.

Another thing to do in summer is a journey with the Little Green Train (it. Trenino Verde), which runs from Arbatx via Mandas to Gairo (about 37 miles). This route of about 37 miles was completed in 1894 and connects the coast with the remote hinterland of the island. The Trenino Verde needs about 3 ½ h for one track, so you can plan it as a nice day trip during your holidays in Sardinia.