 |
|
A symmetrical ‘bite’ out of the east coast of Sardinia, the Golfo di Orosei extends from Capo Nero in the north to Capo Monte Santo in the south, noted for its craggy white cliffs and powder white coves and backed by wild and uninhabited mountainous regions. Less than one hour drive south of Olbia the small medieval town of Orosei, from which the Gulf gets its name, is set on flat and fertile land on the south bank of the River Cedrino, which meanders its way down from its source in the imposing mountains that provide a stunning back drop to the town. Amongst the town’s maze of narrow cobbled streets are a number of lovely old churches as well as little piazzas where small groups of old friends sit at cafes drinking diminutive cups of powerful espresso. From hotel dining rooms offering elegant 4 course menus to pizzerias conjuring magically thin and crispy pizzas from wood fired ovens, Orosei has restaurants catering for all tastes. There are also many treats in store for self caterers - fishmongers selling an intriguing variety of the freshest fish and shellfish, butcher shops and bakers warmed by the appetising smell of crusty ciabatta and pastries, as well as a wonderful small shop that sells slices of delicious pizza and fresh pasta - spaghetti, macaroni and ravioli by the kilo. Wednesday is market day and amongst the stalls selling fruit and vegetables, brought in from the level fertile fields surrounding the town, strangely shaped cheeses with waxy rinds hang above the counters displaying pecorino, made locally from sheep’s milk and varying in maturity from the creamy fresh cheese to the well matured - salty and hard. 2 kms out of Orosei and on the far side of a small tributary of the River Cedrino is the Marina di Orosei - the beginning of a stretch of white sand that extends unbroken into the distance, where it comes to an abrupt end at the foot of misty mountains rising steeply out of the sea. Edged by the clearest turquoise sea, this outstanding beach remains uncrowded even in the height of summer, but for small pockets of people putting their their beach umbrellas up within close proximity of one of the little trattorias or beach cantinas dotted here and there along its length – suppliers of cooling drinks and snacks. Trekking, Caving, Canyoning, Kayaking & Scuba Diving in Sardinia Accommodation Guestbook Orosei
Thank you for a fantastic holiday. Adrian Williams, Sep 2008 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
