Red rocks that emerge from the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, white sands and granite rocks: discovering a wonderful corner of the world.
Tortolì is a capital which, together with Lanusei, falls within the province of Ogliastra.
If you are looking for a new destination in the laughing Sardinia, this town that has recently been standing out among online searches, could be for you.
Let's go into more detail.
Origins of the name
Let's start from the origins of the name that are still discussed by toponymy and history experts. In fact, there are several theories behind the name, still not completely refuted. History research shows that the area gave refuge to the Trojans fleeing Troy after the capture of the Greeks and that the name is nothing more than the union of two words: Troy plus Ilium.
Another theory holds that the name derives from Elia, the patron saint preceding today's Saint Andrew, also here taken from the union of two words, Portu plus Elia, Portuelie, or Port of Sant'Elia.
The theories that are based on toponymy, see the origins of the name from that of an ancient port, from which Tortohelie.
The last theory leads the name Tortolì back to land of turtle doves, which perhaps not everyone knows nest throughout the territory of Sardinia, before migrating south to Africa.
In fact, the territory hosts several species, such as turtledove from the collar, identifiable by a gray, red or milk coffee color on the back, protected species, which also nests in Sicily. Or the wild dove, recognizable by the pink chest, black and white streaks on the neck, red back with brown streaks.
Coming to your stay in Tortolì, that's it three visiting tips:
1. The beaches of Tortolì
Tortolì is a small paradise on earth hidden in Sardinia. Red rocks stand out from its waters, overlooked by dream beaches, such as Cala Moorish, characterized by rocks and golden sand.
Not to be missed either Porto Frailis beach, with its white sand and blue waters.
For those who are looking for something more particular, here Lido di Orrì, let me say, it looks like a Hawaiian beach, with white sand, transparent waters, where the rocks, smoothed by the sea, peep out, offering points of support for those who want to even immerse their legs in the waters of this little paradise.
Then again Cala Ginepro, which owes its name to the juniper grove behind the beach of the cove with very fine sand.
To these are added the bay of San Gemiliano and Lido di Cea.
2. The Sughereta Park
In the municipal area of ​​Tortolì and the nearby hamlet of Arbatax, stands the Park of the Sughereta, which takes its name from the cork trees present inside, some even centuries old.
In 2010, the park became Regional Urban Park, to safeguard the trees inside which have all been filed.
There is also an amphitheater and a pond, home to sea turtles, fish and ducks. Surrounded by a splendid view of the bay.
3. Cultural visits
For a cultural interlude, and to learn more about the origins of the place, visit the San Miguel Tower, located near the port, home to photographic exhibitions.
Along the road that leads to Lido di Orrì, you will find the archaeological site of S'Ortali 'E Su Monte, near the Church of San Salvatore. Still well preserved you will find finds belonging to the passage of the neolithic man, who settled here. Inside you will find the domus de janas and the menhirs, A large nuraghe, the tomb of the giants, whose construction dates back to the first bronze works.
Finally, the Cathedral of the patron saint, Sant'Andrea.
Finally, as far as the local cuisine is concerned, they are a must try culurgiones, ravioli closed with ears.
