Arbatax is a marine hamlet of the municipality of Tortolì and is situated on the granite peninsula of Capo Bellavista, in the central-eastern coast of Sardinia. The name Arbatax, according to a widespread etymology, derives from Arabic arba at ashar dialect (Arba the á¹ash), which means "14", and that could indicate the fourteenth tower sighting, like all those present in the Sardinian coasts (the area is in fact characterized by a "Spanish Tower" is still well preserved).
Thanks to its strategic position, Arbatax is the port of Ogliastra. An excellent tourist destination to spend holidays with family or friends, Arbatax has a commercial port, used by various naval carriers for the ferry docking which connect weekly the center of Sardinia with Genoa and Civitavecchia.
What to do in Arbatax?
Arbatax is a good starting point for discovering the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Orosei by following guided hikes along paths and mule tracks that reach enchanting beaches. The breathtaking views of Cala Mariolu, Cala Biriola, Cala Sisine and Cala Luna can be reached on foot and back on a boat.
The Rocce Rosse beach, which has always been a symbol of Arbatax, consists mainly of pebbles and rocks and can be easily reached from the town by following the signs for the Port.
Not far from the center, next to the port, there is the small but convenient Arbatax railway station, known to be the final stop on one of the most evocative sections of the Trenino Verde. This locomotive starts from Mandas, in the province of Cagliari, crosses mountains, woods, rivers, countryside and various small towns in Ogliastra and, having reached Arzana at 854 m s.l.m, slowly reaches the sea after traveling 159 km.