It overlooks the Gulf of Arbatax, not far from the Rocce Rosse (Red Rocks), in front of an extraordinarily clear sea with glimmering reflections, surrounded by captivating landscapes. The beach of Ponente (East), on the Tortolì coast, stretches from the port of Arbatax for about a kilometre and a half, up to the canal connecting the Pond of Tortolì and the sea. A pine forest runs alongside the entire length of the beach and separates it from the Baccàsara canal behind it and parallel to it.

The beach is divided into two parts by an outlet of ​​the canal to the sea: the part adjacent to the port is smaller, crescent-shaped, with very light sand and is also known as the ‘Riva di Ponente’ (Eastern Shore); the sand takes on a distinctive ochre colour and is mixed with pebbles and shells in the wider part, the stretch known as La Capannina. The glimmering colours of the sea range from green to turquoise, with a sandy seabed. For several consecutive years, the Bandiera Blu (Blue Flag) has flown here and is prestigious recognition awarded by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) to beaches that stand out for the clearness of their waters, environmental protection and sustainability and the quality of the services offered.

From the tourist port, to the right of the beach, you can set off on an excursion to explore the wonders of the Gulf of Orosei, from Cala Goloritzè to Cala Luna, while to the left you will spot the Islet of Ogliastra, which is really a small archipelago made up of granite rocks and red porphyry.

The Pond of Tortolì is a must for birdwatching enthusiasts. Its surface area of 290 hectares is a permanent home to ducks, cormorants, western marsh harriers, seagulls and egrets. In winter it is not uncommon to admire the peregrine falcon too, while s’Isuledda, an artificial island contained within it, is the habitat of a colony of grey herons. Thanks to the numerous tributaries, the pond, lush with reeds, is considered one of the richest fish basins in Sardinia.

The opposite side of the port features one of the most captivating natural monuments of Ogliastra, the Rocce Rosse (Red Rocks), porphyry cliffs emerging from the emerald green sea, next to white granite rocks. Beyond the northern canal that connects the sea and the pond, you can enter the territory of Lotzorai. The beach is called s’Isula Manna, with characteristics similar to the beach of Ponente: a canal and pine forest behind it, a glimmering sea, whitish sand with hints of gold.