Santa Maria Navarrese is a picturesque village on the east coast of Sardinia, renowned for its beautiful landscape, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Situated in the province of Ogliastra, it's a popular destination for visitors seeking an authentic Sardinian experience. Santa Maria is one of the few seaside villages where locals live, blending tourists and Navarrese.
Santa Maria is a part of Baunei. Approximately 1,500 residents live in Santa Maria, which has merged with Tancau, a part of Lotzorai.
One of Santa Maria Navarrese's landmarks is the 11th-century Romanesque church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church is famous for its beautiful facade adorned with marble details and houses valuable artworks and religious artifacts.
The area is also an excellent starting point for hikes in the Supramonte. The renowned coastal hiking trail (with climbing passages) Selvaggio Blu starts here, one of Europe's most challenging and beautiful trekking routes.
Another highlight of Santa Maria Navarrese is the boat tours to famous beaches such as Cala Goloritze, Cala Gabbiani, Cala Biriala, Cala Luna, or Cala Mariolu. These famous coves are located north of the village and are easily accessible by boat. The beautiful pebble/sand beach of Navarrese with crystal-clear water is located in the center of the village. South of the village lies the long sandy beach of Tancau, extending to Tortolì.
The village itself is a picturesque blend of older and modern buildings, with a large park featuring the church and 1000-year-old olive trees in the center. There are shops offering local products and crafts. Visitors have a variety of options with many cafes, bars, and restaurants where they can enjoy authentic Sardinian cuisine, ranging from fresh fish and seafood to handmade pasta and cheese.
Santa Maria Navarrese is a place where one can easily spend 2-3 weeks and get to know all of Sardinia, as the surrounding area offers everything that makes Sardinia unique!
The park in the center with the church.
The defensive tower on the coast.
The beach in the center where there's always a spot and a beach bar.
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