BORTIGIADAS
Bortigiadas is a charming town in Gallura, in Northeast Sardinia. It’s the smallest residential area of the region, with less than 800 people living among its district and stazzi, the local rural dwellings.
The History Of Bortigiadas
Bortigiadas’s story begins in the 14th century, when documents of the time first confirmed its existence. Initially known as Orticlada, it was part of the ancient diocese of Civita – modern-day Olbia. Its modern name first appeared in a Spanish document from 1779, and it probably came from the Sardinian words “ortìgu” and “bultìgu” that meant cork.
The town was created on the ancient Roman road that connected Olbia and Tibula, and it specialised in working cork, the vineyards, farming and rural accommodations. The Bortigiadas crest is made up of a cork tree, twelve fruit pendants and two doves. The tree is a reference to the name of the burg itself and the processing of the famous natural material, the twelve fruits represent the regions that make up the town and the two doves represent peace and beauty.
The Beaches Near Bortigiadas
About an hour’s drive away from Bortigiadas there are beautiful beaches of the Emerald Coast, of Olbia and of Golfo Aranci. From the latter, it is hard to forget the beach of Sos Aronzos, the beach of Cala Sassari and the beach of Cala Sabina.
Cala Granu is instead closer to Porto Cervo, in the region of Arzachena. It has very fine white sand, a sandy seabed and a turquoise sea.
San Pietro a Mare, in Valledoria, is also a highly recommended beach, with its long coastline and sea with green and blue tones. It’s the ideal place to practise water sports but also to relax. The Baia delle Mimose, near Badesi, with its blue flag they’ve had since 2017, is also long and ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing. And finally, Cala Faa beach in Trinità d’Agultu is a little further than the usual tourist spots, it offers peace and quiet with its dark pink sand and clear waters.
Sights To See In Bortigiadas
The Museo Mineralogico was opened in 1984 following the generous donations of collector Giuseppe Tanca. The building houses over 700 pieces from around 250 mineral families and it offers a clear panoramic view of Gallurian minerals as well as some international specimens.
Aside from the renowned museum, there are many churches in the area worth a visit. The most important one is the church of San Nicola di Bari built in 1607, which has in it the painting “S. Nicola e San Lucifero difensori della divina Maternità” from the late 1600s and recently restored. Aside from this one, we have the Chiesa di Santa Croce, the Chiesa del Carmelo and the Chiesa di San Pancrazio.
Sights To See Near Bortigiadas
The area surrounding Bortigiadas is full of highlights. Tempio Pausania is a gem absolutely worth visiting. Also known as the City of Rock, it is famous for its characteristic historical centre with buildings and flooring in granite.
Lovers of the outdoors should visit Monte Limbara and the two famous lakes of the area, Lake Santa Degna and Lake Cochinas, both artificial basins. Mount Limbara is the main peak of the mountainous complex of the same name, where you can visit the springs of Rinaggiu of Roman times and the park of Rimembranze.
A short distance away you will find the village of Mount Lu Finocchiu, the famous tombs of the Giants and many nuraghe, including Majori and Izzana.
Lake Santa Degna is near Aggius, about 15 km from Bortigiadas. It’s a real oasis of peace and quiet, where you can find many animal species in the park of the same name. Lake Coghinas is the biggest in the north of Sardinia, and it’s an ideal location for fishing and birdwatching, but also hiking and mountain biking along the paths. And of course, relaxing is a top priority, thanks to the many hotels in the area.