The blessedly simple 14th-century Chiesa di San Lussorio is one of Oliena's wonderful old churches.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Cala Goloritzè
18.8 MILES
The last beachette of the gulf, Cala Goloritzè rivals the best. At the southern end, bizarre limestone formations soar away from the cliffside. Among them…
Gola Su Gorropu
7.75 MILES
Sardinia's most spectacular gorge is flanked by limestone walls towering up to 500m in height. The endemic (and endangered) Aquilegia nuragica plant grows…
Grotta del Bue Marino
11.65 MILES
It’s a scenic 40-minute hike from Cala Fuili, or a speedy boat ride from Cala Gonone, to this enchanting grotto. It was the last island refuge of the rare…
Parco Nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu
7.66 MILES
The Parco Nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu is Sardinia’s largest national park, taking in the rugged Supramonte plateau and the spectacular…
Spiaggia Bidderosa
24.77 MILES
North of the Marina di Orosei, this beach forms part of a nature reserve and never gets too busy because visitor numbers are restricted. A 4km trail leads…
Nearby attractions
1. Monte Ortobene
3.99 MILES
About 7km east of Nuoro is the granite peak of Monte Ortobene (955m), covered in thick woods of ilex, pine, fir and poplar, and capped by a 7m-high bronze…
2. Grotta di Sa Ohe
4.38 MILES
Hidden deep in the Valle di Lanaittu are the Grotta Sa Ohe and Su Ventu, two caves linked by a natural siphon. The former, open to the public, is a wild…
3. Sa Sedda ‘e Sos Carros
4.39 MILES
The 5-hectare site of Sa Sedda ‘e Sos Carros is sprinkled with the remains of some 150 nuraghe huts, but the standout attraction – unique among Sardinia's…
4. Grotta Corbeddu
4.39 MILES
Named for Giovanni Corbeddu, the notorious 19th-century bandit who used to hide out here, this 150m-deep cave has also been the site of ongoing…
5. Parco Colle Sant’Onofrio
4.84 MILES
A short wander uphill from the centre of town brings you to the quiet Parco Colle Sant’Onofrio, which commands broad mountain views. From the highest…
6. Museo Etnografico Sardo
4.86 MILES
Beautifully renovated in 2016, this museum zooms in on Sardinian folklore, harbouring a peerless collection of filigree jewellery, carpets, tapestries,…
7. Cattedrale di Santa Maria della Neve
4.95 MILES
A big, dusky peach-coloured wedding cake of a church, the 19th-century Cattedrale di Santa Maria della Neve is one of 300 or so Italian churches dedicated…
8. Museo Ciusa
4.96 MILES
This museum houses the permanent collection of Nuoro's excellent art museum and has an entire wing devoted to the works of renowned Nuoro-born sculptor…