The territory around Tortoli is typical Sardinian, variegated with beautiful beaches, the hinterland and the wild mountain scenery in the Gennargentu.

Tortoli has always been defined as a country between the sea and the pond, and perhaps this feature of the proved favorable.

The country is crossed by a small river, the Rio Foddeddu, which flows directly into the sea near the port.

The area near the port from which named Arbatax, is famous for its red rocks, which takes its name from a blues music festival that takes place every summer in the country.

These rocks are composed of diorite porphyry and red and black emerging from the sea as they were a species of large rocks.

Dolomite scenery seems lifted right from the sea.

To talk about the beaches in depth later, but suffice it to say that are sought after destination for many tourists to the white sand and clear and the clarity of the sea.

As for the lakes, they are not present in the country, and the nearest is Flumendosa.

Outside the village is the park Tortolì San Salvatore.

It's not really a natural park, but a resort where you can admire ancient buildings dating back to prehistoric Nuragic. The Nuraghi are tower-shaped buildings that date back to 2000 years BC and were intended to be defensive quarters. Their name derives from the original language of the place that showed the piles of stones with Nur-shaped hollow.

Besides these wonderful architectures, strictly unique if not on the Sardinian territory, there are also tombs and standing stones standing stones, dating back thousands of years ago.

Not really in Tortoli, but close enough is instead the Gennargentu National Park.

This is a vast territory and protected marine areas, but is not limited to the hinterland, which is often overlooked in Sardinia.

Here you will find many species of animals and plants, typical of the Mediterranean forests and mountain ridges of the only mountain range on the island.

In the historical center of the city is the Cathedral of Tortoli, the Church of St. Andrew, patron of the city, which in 1832 was hit by the flooding of the river Foddeddu, a small river in the area.

This church dates from the eighteenth century and the Baroque style is predominant.

Inside, divided into 3 aisles, there are numerous works of art, as well as slightly raised marble altar.

In the area of the port of Arbatax arise two other monuments, two towers: the tower of San Miguel Spanish and the tower of St. Gemiliano, located on opposite sides of the promontory and built to military-defensive back in the seventeenth century.

Another place to visit if you love history and archeology is the village of low stone monoliths and founded almost 2000 years before Christ, which is located outside of the country towards the park of San Salvatore.

The Domus Janas of the ancient buildings are carved into the rocks of Mount Terli and consist of several rooms decorated with circular openings with frames.

Finally, on the Rio Foddeddu, a small river in the area, you can see an iron bridge of recent construction dates back to 1906.

The beaches

 

The fame of Sardinia for tourism is surely due to the beauty of its sea and its beaches, unique not only in the Italian territory but in general throughout the Mediterranean.

Tortoli, with its long beaches typical of granite origin, could not be outdone.

Here you will find sandy beaches and cliffs of red porphyry like the "Red Rocks", on the beach located between CEA and Barisardo Tortolì.

Entering the village one of the most beautiful beaches in the Bay Port is definitely Frailis, located near Cape Bellavista.   Here the sand of the beach is the most candid of the island.

Made famous by the clarity of its waters and white sand beach is known as the "Lido Orrì", not far from the airport, which is astonishing that anyone scrutinizing landing. Every year we celebrate the feast of St. Anne on July 26 with many delicacies of local cuisine.

Finally to the south lies the San Gemiliano beach with a beautiful tower, identified   follow the signs to the tourist village of the same name.

Flora and fauna

 

In terms of flora, ie the total of all forms of vegetation, there are around two main areas in Tortolì: the forest and the Mediterranean, the last of which overrides the first.

Heather and rosemary, lavender juniper, mastic from the gorse, are all vegetable forms that abound in spots around the country.

Going with the altitude and a little bit away from the sea comes into the forest with pines and oaks dominate the area.

From plants to go through the flowers, with several species of rare orchids and quite sought after and the wild rose from the typical pink color.

Moving on to the set of animals in the area and ogliastra Tortolì in particular, that the fauna, it must be said that as in other parts of Italy and the world, it is greatly depleted in recent years.

They are however still many species of mammals, reptiles, fish and birds. Among the first remember the Sardinian deer, wild boar, hare Sardinian, all wild animals.

Among the reptiles, it is impossible not to mention the sea turtle in the right time of year that lays its eggs on the beaches of Tortoli and neighboring countries.

At the pond Tortolì finally collect various species of water birds such as herons and gulls.

 

Ports, Airports and Transportation

 

We have already said that Tortoli is a geographically important position for trade from Sardinia to the rest of the Italian peninsula and in general to the entire European Community.

Both airport and port are named from the hamlet Arbatax the country and both were born in the 60s of last century, mainly at the behest of Arbatax mill, now closed.

The airport complex is then passed into the hands of the Region of Sardinia.

Both peaks are crowded in the summer even if they are working throughout the year. The runway is 1500 meters and ensures security and functionality for small to medium sized aircraft. The main routes are those with Rome and Milan in Italy, while many charter flights arriving abroad, especially from Germany.

Upon landing, the view is great because you are just a few meters from the sea and a beautiful beach of Tortoli.

There is also a control tower and is conveniently connected with the rest of the city.

As for the port are the major sea routes with nearby Genoa and Civitavecchia Rome.

 

Useful Information

 

A useful information about the indication of Tortoli is surely to get there: if you come by sea or by air, the port and the airport will welcome you, while in the car coming from Nuoro (which is exactly 78 km) just follow the Nuoro Lanisei-road for about 70 km and turn left for Villagrande Strisaili. However Tortolì is reported because of the many services it offers.

The patron saint of the city is religious Sant 'Andrea Apostle, and the feast in his honor is celebrated every year on November 30, in honor of his dead in Patras in the year 60 AD.

Capo Bellavista is located in a second church dedicated to St. Lussorio this time.

During the celebrations of the festival here, held the ritual "Simbidu" that would be a kind of auction where the highest bidder can drive a bullock cart carrying a statue of the saint.

Other historical sights are linked to particular laws and contests emanating years ago in this small country: for example, set up in 1851 is a premium to those who kill sparrows, even in 1869 the population is required and paid to kill grasshoppers.