Arbatax gets a little bit of a raw deal in the 'Rough Guide to Italy', being described as 'little more than a paper factory, a few bars and restaurants and a port'. If Arbatax isn't the most bustling town on Sardinia, it's none the worse for that. A little town at the northern reaches of the Capo Bellavista promontory, Arbatax is striking first for its striking red cliffs, composed of red porphory with granite veins. These contrast dramatically with the lush green of the newly planted coastal pinewoods and the brilliant white of the sandy beaches, themselves lapped by blue Mediterranean waters. In the background we have the mountains, with little villages peppering the hinterland.
Arbatax itself has a harbour with 17th century tower, and caves dug through the red cliffs (the 'rocce rosse') leading through to the beach. You can walk south of here to the tower at San Gemiliano and on to the lighthouse, which offers a beautiful vista onto the Mediterranean. Arbatax is well served for transport, with Tortoli-Arbatax airport, and ferries from Civitavecchia. There is also a good marina, with boats for hire. The 'trenino verde' (green train) tourist line puffs picturesquely up into the mountains. And for lovers of bivalvular seafood, Arbatax is famed for its mussels (and very good for all types of fish and seafood).
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Arbatax hotels.
