Orosei and Biderosa Nature Park
map of Orosei and Biderosa Nature Park with the marked sights
Orosei
Despite rising tourist numbers over the years, the small town remains relatively quiet in its center.
The central square, Piazza del Popolo, offers a place to rest with its shady trees and bars.
At the northern end of the square stands the parish church of San Giacomo from the 18th century, and next to it, the Santa Croce chapel from the 17th century.
Along the coast, there is a kilometer-long sandy beach, and the area around Orosei benefits from intensive agriculture due to the Cedrino River’s water.
However, before the construction of the Lago del Cedrino reservoir and its water regulation, the floodplain was a notorious malaria breeding ground.
At Piazza del Popolo, an interesting and signposted historical trail (“Itinerario Storico”) begins.
It leads past various important historical buildings, some of which have been restored and can be visited.
Following this path, you will also reach Orosei’s second main square, Piazza Sant’Antonio.
Here stand the buildings of a former monastery from the 15th century.
Inside the monastery church, some fresco paintings from the 15th century are still preserved.
In front of the altar, there are also fragments of a mosaic floor.
The entrance to the church is behind the arcade on the north side.
In addition to the monastery church, the well and an impressive residential tower in the middle of the courtyard are still preserved.
The former pilgrim cells on the edge of the courtyard are now used as apartments.
At Piazza Sas Animas stands the “Sa Preione Vezza” (“The Old Prison”), which was used as a prison until the end of the 19th century.
It may have originally been a castle from the time when Sardinia was divided into judicatures or served as a public building.
The 12-meter-high tower was fortified with battlements and had arched windows, some of which are still preserved.
Only the northwest corner of the surrounding wall remains today.
It was built in the center of the town, in the old district of “Sos Palattos Vezzos.” Numerous old palazzi, many of which have been extensively restored, still stand here.
Orosei offers excellent swimming opportunities.
Only the beaches close to the parking lots are really crowded. Even in peak season, you can always find a quiet spot a bit further away.
The sea is about 3 km from the town center.
The Cedrino River flows into the sea here, creating a long lagoon behind the beach.
The beaches consist of varying coarseness of sand and some parts slope steeply into the water.
Biderosa Nature Park
The park offers pure peace and relaxation.
Although the natural beaches are well-visited during the season, they are by no means crowded.
They are among the most beautiful coastal stretches Sardinia has to offer. Crystal-clear water and fine, almost white sand stretch along the sea in several bays for about 2 km.
Numerous fish frolic in the shallow waters around the small rocks, making it an excellent spot for children to snorkel.
The only gastronomic facility is a bar at “Oasi 2” beach.
If you plan to spend the whole day here, it’s best to bring enough food and plenty of water.
If you get bored at the beach, you can take beautiful walks in the park.
Monte Urcatu, at 125 meters high, can be easily climbed. At the top, there is a covered viewpoint offering a wide view of the coast.
On a clear day, you can see the entire Gulf of Orosei to the south and as far as Capo Comino to the north.
The bright beach on the left edge of the photo belongs to Spiaggia di Berchida, and in the middle of the picture is Stagno Sa Biderosa, which almost dries up in summer.
To limit visitor numbers, only tickets for 140 cars and 30 motorcycles are sold per day. There are no restrictions for cyclists and pedestrians. During peak season, tickets sell out quickly, but you can also reserve for a future date.
On the way from the ticket booth to the beaches, you pass Stagno Sa Curcurica, which remains connected to the sea and does not dry up in summer.
There is a bird-watching hut on the shore.
How to get there: The entrance to the park is on the SS 125 north of Orosei, around km 236. The natural, bumpy tracks in the park can only be driven at a slow pace and are very dusty.
It is also possible to park at Spiaggia di Berchida and walk into the park from there. During inspections, the regular entrance fee must be paid.
You can also buy your day ticket online: