Orosei
The Gulf of Orosei: a natural treasure
The Gulf of Orosei is one of the most beautiful bays in Sardinia, a true wonder for nature and clear sea lovers. Located on the central-eastern coast of the island, it owes its name to the city of Orosei, which is located a few kilometers away.
Its morphological particularity derives from the presence of two distinct parts: the northern part, characterized by fine sand beaches and coastal dunes, and the southern part, composed of the end of the Supramonte marine plateau. This last stretch of coast is made up of imposing limestone bastions that extend for over 40 kilometers, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation.
The history of the Gulf of Orosei
The history of the Gulf of Orosei intertwines with that of Sardinia and the populations that have settled in the region over the centuries. The beaches of the Gulf represented an important landing point for Phoenician and Roman navigators who, thanks to the strategic position of the region, traded with the local peoples.
Throughout history, Orosei has been dominated by numerous powers, including the Byzantines, the Sardinian judges, and the Pisans. In the 15th century, the city fell under the control of the Aragonese who, thanks to the construction of numerous castles and fortresses, sought to defend the territory from the continuous raids of Saracen pirates.
The National Park of the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu
To protect this natural treasure, the National Park of the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu was established in 1998. The park extends over much of the province of Nuoro and the province of South Sardinia and is composed of a series of hiking trails that allow you to discover the beauty of the untouched and uncontaminated nature of the region.
The park houses a wide range of flora and fauna, including numerous species of birds such as the queen falcon and the golden eagle, and mammals such as the marten and the mouflon. Among the marine animals that frequent the Gulf of Orosei, the otter and the monk seal stand out, a protected species that has found an ideal habitat in the Bue Marino caves.
Cala Gonone: the gateway to the Gulf of Orosei
Cala Gonone is the town that overlooks the Gulf of Orosei and represents the main gateway to the discovery of the natural wonders of the region. The town is characterized by the presence of a single port, from which numerous boats depart to visit the beauties of the Gulf.
Among the most famous excursions, there are those to the Bue Marino caves, so called because until the 1980s they housed a colony of monk seals. Other must-see destinations are the beaches of Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, Cala Sisine, and Cala Goloritzè, all reachable only by sea or through long hiking trails.
Conclusions
The Gulf of Orosei represents an authentic natural treasure of Sardinia, a place where the beauty of the coast, beaches, and caves blends with the lush Mediterranean vegetation and the biodiversity of animal and plant species. The national park and the numerous excursions offered by the town of Cala Gonone allow visitors to discover all the wonders of the region and to appreciate its richness and uncontaminated beauty. A true paradise for those who love the sea and nature.
