The territory around the typical Sardinian Tortolì is very varied, with beautiful beaches, the hinterland and the wild mountain scenery of Gennargentu.

Tortoli has always been defined as a country between the sea and the pond and perhaps this is the feature has been beneficial.

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

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

These rocks are composed of diorite porphyry and reddish black and emerge from the sea as they were a species of large stacks.

It seems a Dolomite emerged from the sea.

A talk about the beaches in detail below but suffice it to say that they are sought-after destination for many tourists for its white sand and clear and the clarity of the sea.

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

Outside the village is the park Tortolì San Salvatore.

It is not just a natural, but a holiday resort where you can see ancient buildings dating back to prehistoric nuragiche. The nuraghi are tower-shaped buildings that date back to 2000 years BC and were intended to be defensive quarters. Their name is derived from the primitive language of the place indicated by the Nur-shaped piles of stones quarry.

In addition to these wonderful architecture, strictly unique if not on the Sardinian territory, there are also tombs and monoliths standing stones, dating back thousands of years ago.

Not really in Tortoli, but close enough you can find the Gennargentu National Park.

This is a vast protected area and is not limited to marine areas but also the hinterland of Sardinia is often overlooked that.

Here you will find several species of animals and plants typical of Mediterranean scrub and forest on the mountain ridges of the only mountain range on the island.

In the historic center of town stands the cathedral, the Church of St. Andrew, patron of the city, which in 1832 was hit by the flood 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 three 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 Spanish tower of San Miguel and San Gemiliano tower, located on opposite sides of the promontory and built for military-defensive back in the seventeenth century.

Another place to visit if you like history and archeology is the village of nuraghi and monoliths founded almost 2000 years before Christ, which is located outside the village in the direction of the park of San Salvatore.

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

Finally, on the Rio Foddeddu, a small river in the area, you can see an iron bridge recently built dating back to 1906.

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 all over the Mediterranean.

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

Here you will find sandy beaches and cliffs of red porphyry as the "Red Rock", located between the beach Cea Tortoli and Barisardo.

Entering the village and the beach is definitely the most beautiful Frailis Bay Port, located near Cape Bellavista.   The sand of the beach is the most candid of the island.

Made famous by its beautiful clear waters and white sand beach is known as the "Lido di Orri, not far from the airport, which leaves open mouth all who gaze upon landing. Every year we celebrate the feast of St. Anne on July 26 with many local delicacies.

Finally to the south lies the San Gemiliano beach with a beautiful tower, which is 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 around Tortolì there are two main areas: the forest and the maquis, the last of which overrides the first.

From the heroic to rosemary, lavender juniper, the mastic to brooms, are all forms plants that abound in spots around the country.

Going with the altitude and a little bit away from the sea comes into the forest, with pine and oak trees dominate the area.

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

Instead, go to the collection 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, the Sardinian hare, all game animals.

Among the reptiles, one can not but mention the porpoise in the right time of year that lays its eggs on the beaches of Tortoli and neighboring countries.

Soldering Tortolì finally collect different species of water birds such as herons and seagulls.

 

Ports, Airports and Transportation

 

It has been said that Tortolì is geographically in a position of importance to the exchanges from Sardinia to the rest of the Italian peninsula and in general to the whole European Community.

Both airport and port are named for the village of Arbatax 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 Sardinia region.

Both have peak flow during 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 to Rome and Milan in Italy, while many charter flights arrive abroad, especially from Germany.

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

There is also a control tower and is easily connected to the rest of the city.

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

 

Useful Information

 

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

The religious patron of the town is Sant 'Andrea Apostolo, and the party in his honor is celebrated annually on November 30 in honor of his death in Patras in AD 60.

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

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

Other historical sights are related to the specific laws and contests emanating years ago in this small country: for example, established in 1851 is a premium to those who kill sparrows, even in 1869 the population is required and paid to kill locusts.