Arbatax in brief – information and more

The popular holiday destination Arbatax is located on a peninsula on the east coast of Sardinia and belongs to the province of Ogliastra. Arbatax itself is part of the municipality of Tortolì, which is about 4 km away. The airport of Cagliari in the south is about 130 km away, the one of Olbia in the north about 160 km.

Arbatax was originally founded by fishermen from Genoa, and the name probably derived from the Arabic expression Arba at Ashar (the fourteenth tower). The 14th tower, called also San Michele, is part of a former Spanish fortification system along the coast to protect the island from attacks of the Saracens.

What are the top attractions to see in Arbatax

Arbatax is not only known for its long, white sandy beaches, but also for its red rock stack Rocce Rosse, which is made of porphyry and rises from the sea near the harbour of Arbatax. In summer, the rock often serves as a characteristic backround for numerous rock concerts with national and international musicians.

There is another Spanish tower by the sea in San Gemiliano: from the top you have a beautiful view over the coast and the Lido di Orrì beach.

The most beautiful beaches in Arbatax

In the south of Arbatax you can admire beautiful sandy beaches like Cea, Foxi Leoni and the white kilometer-long Lido di Orrì. This is followed by the Porto Frailis bay, and in the north of the marina, by the Ponente beach better known as La Capannina. This long sand beach extends to Santa Maria Navarrese in the north.

Some of the beautiful coves can be reached only by sea: there are numerous boat trips from Arbatax and Santa Maria Navarrese to explore this fascinating coastal stretch.

Best things to do around Arbatax

The coastline of the Ogliastra with Baunei, Santa Maria Navarrese, Tortoli, Arbatax, Bari Sardo and Cardedu is characterized in the hinterland by the high mountains of the Gennargentu massif. Motorcyclists like the winding road via Baunei to Dorgali with its breath taking panoramic views.

The region is also popular for activity holidays, especially for ciclo tourism, climbing, trekking and hiking.
We recommend only for experienced hikers the multi-day trek Selvaggio Blu which starts in the north of Santa Maria Navvarrese at Perda Longa and leads along cliff tops, through creeks and across rivers via Cala Goloritze and Cala Sinise to Cala Luna.

Another beautiful trek is the one through Sardinia’s most spectacular gorge Gola Gorropu in the Supramonte. There are a lot of proposals to explore this impressive canyon with guided tours.

In summer the Little Green Train (it. Trenino Verde) runs from Arbatx via Mandas to Gairo (about 37 miles). This route 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.