Introduction

Tortolì (Population 10,227)

Tortolì is one of the two capital cities of Ogliastra and it is situated on the eastern coast of Sardinia. Its port (Arbatax) and an airport connect it to Italy and the European continent. To the north of it is Girasole and Lotzorai, to the west Villagrande Strisaili and Ilbono, and to the south Barisardo. To the east of the town is the Mediterranean Sea.

Lanusei (Population 5,789)

This bustling little town, recently awarded the status of Provincial Capital, is located on the side of a mountain at around 600m affording sweeping views over the Arbatax Bay and hinterland below. It is a town of steep narrow streets and steeper narrower staircases which is worth a wander. There are a few handicraft shops along the main street, and others with traditional Sardinian sweets (cakes/biscuits) displayed in the window - a good opportunity to try a few if you haven't yet had the opportunity in other parts of the Island. Several of the Bars have back rooms or balconies where you can sit and enjoy in comfort the wonderful panorama afforded by the towns location.

Bari Sardo (Population 3,880)

Barisardo is a small village of about 4000 inhabitants that rises on the inner part of the coast. Its position was due to the continuous piratical incursions that in the centuries characterised the sea vicissitudes of Ogliastra.

Baunei (Population 3,825)

Baunei is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Ogliastra; it is located about 100 km northeast of Cagliari and about 11 km north of Tortolì. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 3,844 and an area of 215.9 km². The municipality of Baunei contains the frazione (subdivision) Santa Maria Navarrese. Baunei borders the following municipalities: Dorgali, Lotzorai, Talana, Triei, Urzulei.

Tertenia (Population 3,706)

Tertenia is one of those areas which tourism has rediscovered in recent years. Its charm lies in the diversity of its countryside, its proximity to the sea, mountains, the Quirra riviera and its high plateaus. Its territory comprises 11 km of coastline and steep rocks. The sandy beach of which Foximanna is characteristic is 800 m long and edged by coral reefs of pink granite.

Villagrande Strisaili (Population 3,569)

It's a village in Sardinia's central-eastern mountains and just a 20 minute drive from Arbatax's harbour (and airport). Located 700 m above sea level, it has an immense archaeological, environmental and cultural patrimony. It has been acknowledged that its territory is of extreme environmental value so much so that it has been included in the Gennargentu's NATIONAL park perimeters and in the Gennargentu Mountains as a SIC (site of interest designated by the EEC).

It's possible to visit nuraghic and pre-nuraghic archaeological sites (2000-3000 B.C.), for example the s'Arcu and is Forros village, the numerous Nuraghe, Tombe dei Giganti and Menhir, Lake Alta Flumendosa and other environmentally interesting sites. These are distinguished for the presence of endemic, rare species, unique to the world. You can admire the secular yew tree in Seardhu and Tedderie, the gentian and the scientifically interesting fauna whose presence includes the mouflon, the bald eagle etc. The municipality of Villagrande Strisaili contains the frazione (subdivision) Villanova Strisaili.

Arzana (Population 2,660)

The Gennargentu, a rugged crest of mountains, covers parts of the townships of Fonni, Desulo, Aritzo, Arzana and Villagrande and culminates in large semicircle of peaks, all approximately 1800 meters high. The highest summit is Punta La Marmora (1834 m.) named in honor of general Alberto La Marmora, author of many treatises on Sardinian nature. The Gennargentu is formed principally of schists which lend an undulating aspect to the landscape where numerous strata of porphyries stand out.

Some, similar to rivers of stone, cascade from the peaks into valleys where they lie in total confusion. The most important ancient human settlement is the nuragic village of Ruinas, in the mountains of Arzana. It was formed of no less than 200 circular huts set around a large central nuraghe. The main activities carried out in the Gennargentu are sheep-rearing and exploitation of the forest. "Su Sciusciu" in the Gennargentu is characterized by an immense trail of porphyries.

Ulassai (Population 1,601)

Ulassai is a hidden gem of authentic Sardinian culture. Its unique setting, perched on the hillside 750 metres above sea level, surrounded by a series of vertical rock faces, is just the prelude to the wonders this area has to offer. The caves “Grotte Su Marmuri” are situated a short distance from the town.

Gairo (Population 1,643)

From Lanusei you go back up to the Gairo fork. The road goes down steep and the view spreads over the Ogliastra mountains, to the splendid and idolated tower of Perda Liana. Two towns are located along the steep slopes of the Rio Pardu valley, Gairo Sant' Elena and Gairo. The first one was rebuilt around the fifties to accommodate the inhabitants of the most downstream country, destroyed in part by a landslide caused by torrential rains and by the destruction of the woodland cloak. Gairo appears like a phantom town with the empty houses without any windows or doors.

Osini (Population 925)

The village of Osini is situated in the vicinity of Mount Taccu, with Cuccu to the north and Bruncu S’Armidda to the south. To the north-east, there is a spectacular view of the sea, while it is shielded from the north-west winds by the mountains. Founded as a result of the great flood of 1951, which brought about the destruction of the original village, it was constructed close to the old railway station.

Cardedu (Population 1,542)

Cardedu is a little centre located on the central-eastern coast of Sardinia, just a few minutes from a crystal-clear sea and sandy and rocky shores. It is the newest commune in the Province of Ogliastra.

Loceri (Population 1,290)

Loceri is a pretty village in the middle east of Ogliastra, around 200m above sea level. The porphyry cliffs mark its western and southern borders with Lanusei, to the north-east the Gungiada river and Mount Tarè with Ilbono, and to the east Mount Ambrosu with Barisardo.

Talana (Population 1,290)

To define Talana as a paradise is in no way an exaggeration. Situated in the heart of Sardinia and surrounded by luxuriant vegetation, it is rich in fascinating archaeological sites, parks with centuries old trees, fountains from which gush the purest and freshest of water, a lake, breathtaking views and animals which wander freely. Age-old cultural, gastronomic and handicraft traditions are still perpetuated in Talana. The most important exposition is a festival dedicated to the local production of ham, which is still traditionally hand-processed. The festival is held on the first Sunday of August and attracts thousands of visitors. The festival of Saint Efisio, a religious and folkloric exposition, is held on the first Sunday of May in the characteristic, rural church.

Girasole (Population 1,020)

The village of Girasole lies in the Province of Ogliastra, bordering to the north-east with the commune of Lotzorai, from which it is separated by the Rio Girasole. It stands at about a kilometre from the sea and is immersed in the green of a pine forest which overlooks the main beach of the village.

Lotzorai (Population 2,153)

Lotzorai, a small village with a long sandy beach, facing the Gulf of Arbatax. Situated between Tortolì-Arbatax and Santa Maria Navarrese, along the mid-eastern coast, it enjoys a spectacular view of the Isle of Ogliastra, visible from the various beaches. The more well-known are Il Lido delle Rose, Tancau and Polu. Also worth visiting are the coves of Cala Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna and Cala Sisine, reachable on foot or by boat. Other interesting sights are the various archaeological centres in the area.

Triei (Population 1,000)

Triei is found in the eastern part of Ogliastra bordering with Baunei and Talana. Its territory alternates between hills and plains and is encircled by a rich vegetation of oak forests, carob trees, olive groves, cork trees, and accommodates a wide variety of wildlife: goats, wild boars, hawks, Royal eagles, martens and buzzards.

Ussassai (Population 706)

Situated on the slopes of the Arcueri mountains, on the mountainside “Pèrd’e cràru”, Ussassai, 783 inhabitants, is the smallest village in the Barbagia di Seulo: the village, as testified by the “Carte del Dipartimento de Cerdena”, has been part of this region since 1358. There are numerous archaeological findings in this territory, among which let us mention the domus de janas (= fairy houses) of Orgìa, Perdòbia, Aurràci and Fòrrus, and the nuraghi of “Joòni”, “Is cocorrònis”, “Nuraghi”, “Mèla”, “Taccu Addài” (the latter three comprise outlying tombs of giants as well). Ussassai’s most important monument is the XII century country church of SS. Salvatore, which houses the simulacrum of S. Gerolamo.

Perdasdefogu (Population 2291)

Encircled by an ancient oak forest, the village of Perdasdefogu is located between the historically rich regions of Ogliastra and Salto di Quirra in the Sardinian mountains. The outstanding lure to this area in the eastern part of the island is the astounding amalgamation of sand, sea and mountains. Perdasdefogu lies 600 metres above the ocean, which you can reach within half an hour. The area’s spectacular beaches remain unpopulated and secluded, which offers you the chance to escape from the clamour of more crowded tourist spots and instead enjoy the island’s serene tranquillity.

Ilbono (Population 2,254)

Ilbono is located in the hills between Lanusei and Tortolì. It shares borders with Elini and Arzana to the north, Barisardo and Tortolì to the east, Lanusei to the west and Loceri to the south.

Urzulei (Population 1412)

Like almost all the more isolated villages of Sardinia, Urzulei has kept alive its ancient traditions. The entire circle of life, from birth to death, was, up to a few decades ago, recounted in ancient rituals steeped in Christian culture. Even the variation on the Sardinian dialect is still spoken among the inhabitants of Urzulei, and is further confirmation of the traditional character of the village; in fact the local dialect is very similar to Latin aside from certain small changes in pronunciation.

Elini (Population 554)

Elini is found halfway between the azure-blue sea of Ogliastra and the rugged Gennargentu mountains. It is the smallest village in the Ogliastra area and situated in a hollow covered by age-old olive trees. The little centre lies at the foot of high mountains which shelter it from the Mistral wind, which reigns supreme in these lands.

Seui (Population 1,525)

Seui is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Ogliastra in the Italian region Sardinia, located about 70 km north of Cagliari and about 30 km southwest of Tortolì. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 1,525 and an area of 148.3 km². Seui borders the following municipalities: Arzana, Escalaplano, Esterzili, Gairo, Perdasdefogu, Sadali, Seulo, Ulassai, Ussassai.