Orosei is one of the most popular places for tourists in Sardinia. It is known to most for its crystal-clear sea and countless beaches, but a more attentive visitor will not miss the many and various attractions to be found in its territory. Starting with its historical centre, one of the best preserved on the island, other iconic places deserve a mention: the many coastal wetlands, Monte Tuttavista, the basaltic plateaus known as ‘golleis’ and the granite hills in the area of Cala Liberotto, in the northern part of the municipal territory.

Here you can find our recommendations on the best outdoor activities to do in Orosei.

1. Hiking in Monte Tuttavista

The limestone bastion that dominates the Cedrino valley from a height of 806 metres is certainly one of the most snubbed destinations by excursionists staying in the seaside resort of Orosei. People tend to prefer the more famous destinations, such as Monte Corrasi in Oliena, Monte Novo San Giovanni in Orgosolo, or the whole Supramonte area, leaving out what is, to all intents and purposes, a Supramonte in miniature.

However, starting from the old little church of Loddhusio, now practically a ruin, some very interesting trails lead to the summit of the massif, passing through areas of archaeological interest, such as the domus de Janas of Sa Petra Ruja, the lime kilns used until recent times, and old shepherds’ ladders. All of this, passing through woods of holm oaks and Mediterranean maquis of great value, until you reach the lookout point. If you continue further, you will arrive at the bronze Christ and the summit, where in all its spectacle you will admire a breathtaking panorama, and you will finally understand the real meaning of the mountain’s name “Tuttavista”.

2. Cycling in the the area of Su Barone

The entire coastline from the cove of Osala, near the border with the municipality of Dorgali, to the upper part of the Gulf of Orosei ending at Punta Nera, forms together with the last part of the Cedrino River a wetland area of considerable importance. In the past, these areas were unhealthy and dangerous. Either because this whole area was a huge swamp, where the Anopheles mosquitoes, vectors of malaria, reigned undisturbed, or because of the risk of encountering pirates from North Africa, unaccustomed to cultural exchanges.

In our times, however, pirates are no longer to be seen, and the reforestation of pine forests, the re-watering of rivers and ponds and golden sandbars have made the place a true paradise. Given the vastness of the area, we recommend a visit by bicycle, preferably a mountain bike. In fact, numerous (unmarked) paths cross the oasis of Su Barone, leaving those who ride along them astounded by the amazing views. In summer, a swim in the clear waters or a stop at one of the many small kiosks near the beach are a further incentive not to miss this visit.

3. Kayaking in the pond of Sa Curcurica

Before the 1960s, the pond of Sa Curcurica, on the southern border of the Biderosa Oasis, must have looked decidedly different. Like most Sardinian ponds, in fact, it rarely managed to flow into the sea, creating a silting up area near the road that today leads to the pinewood parking area. In fact, in those years (1959), plans were made to build a canal linking the pond and the sea, to serve the future fishpond. The works were never completed, and this created considerable difficulties in connection, and an almost total abandonment of the fishpond.

The poor contribution of the small rivers changed the salinity of the pond water, due to the incoming sea water, especially through the tides. However, this has ensured, especially in the summer, a constant supply of water, causing what can now be considered a small lake to maintain a satisfactory level. Through a slow and relaxing means such as kayaking, it is possible to explore a large part of this splendid basin. The scenery that presents itself to the eyes is spectacular. The scenic backdrop of the granite mountains of Istiozza and Biderosa, which overlook the still waters of the pond, and the frame of the woods of the Biderosa Oasis make this place fascinating. To fully enjoy the tranquillity of the Oasis, we recommend you try the experience at sunset!

4. Dive to discover the KT12 wreck

Diving enthusiasts certainly cannot miss out on one of the most exciting dives on the Orosei coast, that at KT12 wreck – where KT stands for Krieg Transporte – one of the German navy’s military transport ships. Today lying on a sandy seabed at a depth of 34 metres, with its characteristic cannon pointing upwards, the cargo ship has become a shelter for various marine species and a unique attraction for divers.

In May 1943, a strange twist of fate saw the Safari, a fearsome British submarine, return home to England, showing off the Jolly Roger, the traditional pirate flag, passing right in front of the Orosei marina, on that coast where the Barbary pirates had landed not a long time before. In the middle of the Second World War, the purpose of the Safari was to guard and sink several enemy vessels. The German KT12, which had left the port of Livorno and was heading for North Africa, was hit by a torpedo from the Safari and split in two, developing a raging fire due to the many barrels of fuel it was carrying. Of the 30-man crew, only a few were saved, helped later by the locals. The Orosians called that ship ‘the tanker’, as they salvaged some of the drums that escaped the fire.

The many divers who come to see one of the most beautiful shipwrecks in the Mediterranean Sea are left in awe to observe it, just as did the crew of the Safari back in 1943, who stood by and watched the scene as the German rescue lance rescued the few survivors before the ship finally sank.

5. Quad biking in the Istiozza mountains

The area in front of the better-known Biderosa Oasis, close to the S.S. 125, is an area of rare natural beauty. In the granite mounds of Istiozza, located on the borders of Siniscola and Onifai, you can find a still wild and partly unspoilt nature. Driving along the numerous dirt roads, you will suddenly find yourself catapulted into a world light years away from the hustle and bustle of the coast. You can choose different options to visit this part of the Orosei territory, but in our opinion the quad bike is the most suitable.

These landscapes can be considered a playground for the more adventurous. Mediterranean scrub forests, lunar landscapes and agro-pastoral architecture, such as the church of Santu Juanne Istranzu, seem to have come straight out of a western scenario, and indeed it is said that in the 1970s, clips from Far West films were set here. There is no shortage of natural monuments, such as Su Poju ‘e Su Cantaru, small waterfalls interspersed with granite basins where one can bathe, granite ridges, small shallows called “paules”, temporary marshes where rainwater stagnates, nor archaeological ones, such as the Tombs of the Giants or Domus de Janas, prehistoric vestiges of burial cults. A real paradise for who desires to live unforgettable adventures!