A picture-postcard location, an enchanting triumph of contrasting colours and fragrances. The Lido di Orrì is considered one of the most beautiful and characteristic beaches of the island's east coast and is certainly the largest and longest - nine kilometres of small coves embraced by granite cliffs that each lead to sumptuous beaches that are almost never crowded. This is the splendid calling card of Tortolì, the main town of Ogliastra, whose residential area lies around four kilometres away. Its coastline is the most awarded in Sardinia, having been granted 'bandiere blu' (blue flags) by Legambiente. The beach of Orrì is formed of white and golden sand that is very fine and soft, such as to almost be impalpable. The water is shallow for the first 300 meters or so from the shore, before the foundation gently slopes to allow less experienced swimmers to immerse themselves without worries, also being ideal for children to play. The transparent and crystalline waters take on iridescent hues, from emerald green to turquoise, with a play of light created by the sun reflected on the seabed.

For those who love to go for long swims or explore the seabed, Orrì invites you into its blue water, rich with marine wildlife, perfect for recreational fishing and diving enthusiasts. Emerging close to the shore are smooth, rounded grey rocks that render the landscape truly striking. This wind-swept area is very popular with surfers whilst the beach is backdropped by a shaded area perfect for relaxation in a pine forest.

The main beach of Orrì, known as the ‘Spiaggia Grande’ ('Big Beach'), is an expanse of around 3.5 kilometres of fine white sand, with ample parking nearly that is also suitable for campers. Numerous services are offered including rental of beach equipment, pedal boats, canoes and jet skis, along with various dining options and kiosks, plus games for children. This is the beach of the campsite. There are also hotels nearby. During summer evenings, the flanking street is enlivened by stalls, clubs, music and entertainment. Further south, you will find two other stretches of beach, Foxilioni and 'Golfetto', where the sand is interspersed with granite outcrops. It is surrounded by a frame of fragrant Mediterranean scrub. One of the jewels within Lido di Orrì is Cala Ginepro, whose name hails from a grove of junipers that extends to the beach. The green of the vegetation creates a beautiful chromatic contrast with the blue waters, the fine white sand mixed with smooth pebbles, and the rose of the granite rocks in the surrounds.

Next to the Orrì coast lies another wonder of Ogliastra, being Cea, a kilometre of fine white sand, with a shallow seabed and blue sea, before which arise two red sea stacks, is Scoglius Arrubius, which can be reached by swimming or skating, forming a palette of colours that has to be seen. Taking a stroll is a sensory experience in itself - the feel of the silky sand, the scents of the Mediterranean, the sounds and colours of the sea. Then there is the red porphyry alongside the Tortolì port of Arbatax, with the Rocce Rosse ('Red Rocks') being a must-see, as a spectacular natural monument that 'shields' the beach town of Cala Moresca. A little further south are the blue hues of Porto Frailis. Much darker are the basalt rocks of Punta su Mastixi that forge coves dotted with little grottos. From here, the view extends from Capo Sferracavallo to the south right up until Capo Monte Santo to the north. The seabed unfurls with a succession of stone steps leading to the sand.

Tortolì is the gateway to Ogliastra, the land of longevity, offering access to a multifaceted territory. In addition to the tropical beaches, you will find forests, fertile plains, ponds and cultivated hills. After diving into the sea, you can savour an immersion into the culture, traditions and archaeology, especially within the site of s’Ortali ‘e su Monti, a representation of Sardinia's prehistory. To conclude, stop in the restaurants to savour local delicacies, from culurgiones to roast meats, accompanied by cannonau wine.