As soon as you leave our property and turn away from the sea, you’ll come across the small river Sos Alinos, with marsh plants along the banks and thickets of reeds rustling in the wind under a changeable sky. On the horizon a mountain range. The river can also be explored by canoe, for rent at the nearby campsite. Where you can also arrange a guided excursion into Sardinia’s hinterland by jeep.

The Sos Alinos river flows into the sea at the beach right next to us, Cala Liberotto, after which the locality was named – or else it shrinks into the sand when the hot weather arrives. If you walk across the beach you will find all sorts of bars, ice cream kiosks and a few restaurants. Just a little further, bike and moped rental will be at your disposal.

In this part of the Gulf of Orosei wide sandy beaches alternate with hidden coves separated from each other by gentle granite rocks on which it is easy to venture on foot. Only the crystal-clear waters of the Curcurica river, flowing in the north along the Bidderosa Nature Reserve, will prevent you from continuing your hike (from Cala Marzellinu to the Bidderosa Nature Reserve: about 1 hour on foot).

Proceeding southward from Cala Liberotto for 8 kilometers, you’ll come to Orosei. The historic center of the village is worth a visit, lit beautifully in the night by warm yellowish streetlights. From Orosei, or from Cala Gonone’s harbour area, 30 kilometers apart, boat tours start to the popular beaches of Cala Fuili, Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzè, which have rightly earned an unchallenged reputation. As an alternative, we would suggest a hike along the wild coastline from Cala Gonone up to Cala Luna (about 2,5 hours). This rocky trail requires sturdy walking shoes, a steady foot and a reasonable level of fitness. You can take a boat ride back to Cala Gonone if you wish.

However, the very heart of Sardinia is to be found in the mountains. Dorgali, a mountain village right by Cala Gonone and well known for its artisan traditions provides interesting hiking destinations such as the Gorropu gorge and the nuragic village of Tiscali. The rugged mountain ranges that unfold all their charm especially in springtime, provide the backdrop for the traditions, the harshness, and the ancestral daily rhythm of the shepherds.

On the way back from Dorgali to Orosei, the extraordinary stalagmitic cave of Ispinigoli with its stalagmite – the tallest in Europe! – will certainly be another highlight of the whole excursion.

After exciting hours packed with impressions and activities, it will be particularly pleasurable – and easy! – to taste the succulent Sardinian cuisine at one of the several “Agriturismi” in the region, providing a well-earned winding down.