Arbatax

Arbatax is a small port bordering Tortoli, Sardinia. The name is derived from the Arabic for13th Tower and refers to the nearby watchtower.

The port is used by ferries from Civitavecchia and is also monopolised by the marine constuction company Intermare, who build gas rigs and vessels. The marina is one of the cheapest in Sardinia and provides an excellent base for exploring the splendid Eastern coastline.

The famous Trenino verde tourist train chugs up into the mountainous hinterland.

Mussels are farmed in the nearby lagoon and fresh fish are on sale from the fishing cooperative. The red rocks are the most photographed but least impressive feature in Arbatax. The least photographed but most impressive feature must be the wonderful view from the lighthouse which sits above the village.

The mountains behind are the highest in the Island.

Beside the harbour rises a tower from the seventeenth-century while to the right is a prophyry quarry. On the sea, the silhouette of the famous porphyritic reef known as “red rocks from Arbatax.

In addition, there is a passageway dug into the rock through which access to a small beach at the feet of the rocky walls can be had. Off in the distance, on a point in the southern part of the headland and 3 km away, is the S. Gemiliano Tower.

All of this together with the ample choice of excursions in the inland areas make Arbatax a particularly pleasant seaside area and place to stay.