Santa Maria Navarrese

Santa Maria Navarrese is a coastal hamlet within the municipality of Baunei, on Sardinia's east coast, in the province of Ogliastra, facing the Gulf of Orosei. The village grew up around an old 16th-century Aragonese watchtower, still standing near the seafront, and a centuries-old olive tree said to have been planted long ago according to local tradition. The main beach, fine sand fringed with pine trees, forms the heart of the resort and serves as a starting point for boat trips to the gulf's famous coves, such as Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu and Cala Sisine, which can also be reached on foot via well-known hiking routes, including the Selvaggio Blu trail. The small harbour shelters fishing boats and offers sea excursions to these inlets set beneath limestone cliffs. The mountainous hinterland, on the edge of the Gennargentu massif, provides good opportunities for walking and spotting local wildlife. Traditional Sardinian cuisine, built around fish, sheep's cheese and handmade pasta, features in the village's restaurants. The hamlet remains a popular gateway for exploring Ogliastra, where sea and mountains meet.