Lotzorai is located in the historic region of Ogliastra, in the center of Sardinia’s east coast, making it easily accessible from all sea and air routes to this wonderful Mediterranean island.
Cagliari-Elmas, Olbia-Costa Smeralda, and Alghero-Fertilia airports are connected daily to major Italian and European hubs. Thanks to low-cost flights, you can land in Sardinia for just a few dozen euros. For those wishing to reach Sardinia by car or camper, there are numerous offers available from major shipping companies.
Some of the roads leading to Ogliastra and Lotzorai are winding, but the journey is well worth the effort with its stunning scenery.
Travel time: approximately 2 hours
Follow the signs for the SS 131 DCN, following the Cagliari-Nuoro signs. After about 90 km, near the town of Nuoro, take the Nuoro Ospedale exit and follow the signs for the SS 389 towards Lanusei-Arbatax. Continue on the SS 389 state road for about 60 km. The expressway ends near the Villagrande-Tortolì-Lanusei intersection. If you continue straight on the SS 389, you’ll reach Lanusei in about 15-20 minutes. If you turn left at the intersection, you’ll reach Villagrande Strisaili, and if you continue for about 25 km, you’ll reach Tortolì. From Tortolì, take the SS 125 expressway to Lotzorai.
Alternative route: A scenic route is also possible, taking about three and a half hours. Starting from Olbia, follow the SS 125 from San Teodoro. You’ll pass through the towns of Budoni, Posada, Siniscola, Orosei, and Dorgali, with a winding stretch overlooking a breathtaking landscape on the right: the Gorropu Gorge, one of the highest canyons in Europe. After crossing the Genna Silana Pass, you’ll reach the towns of Urzulei and Baunei. Drive through the town of Baunei and continue towards the sea on the SS 125. A few kilometers from Baunei, you’ll reach the turnoff for Lotzorai.
Travel time: approximately 1 hours and 50 minutes
From the Port of Cagliari, exit towards Poetto – Villasimius. At the end of Poetto, take the SS 554 (second exit at the roundabout). From the airport, follow the signs for the SS 554, which runs north of Cagliari. On the 554, at Quartu Sant’Elena, take the right turn for Villasimius – SS 125. Continue following the signs for Villasimius. Following the signs for Muravera-Lanusei-Tortolì, take the new SS 125 (a fast road). The new SS125, almost completely completed, runs along some sections of the old SS 125 Orientale Sarda. After about 150 km from Cagliari, you arrive directly in Lotzorai.
Travel time: approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes
Take the SS 131 towards Cagliari. After about 90 km, past the town of Macomer (which is bordered by the SS 131), turn right onto the SS 129 following signs for Nuoro-Macomer. Continue for about 48 km, near the outskirts of Nuoro, take the Nuoro Ospedale exit and follow signs for the SS 389 towards Lanusei-Arbatax. Continue on the SS 389 state road for about 60 km. The expressway ends near the Villagrande-Tortolì-Lanusei intersection. If you continue straight on the SS 389, you’ll reach Lanusei in about 15-20 minutes. If you turn left at the intersection, you’ll reach Villagrande Strisaili and, continuing for about 25 km, you’ll reach Tortolì. From Tortolì, take the SS 125 expressway to Lotzorai.
Travel time: approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes
Follow the SP 42 road towards Sassari for about 10 km. At the roundabout, follow signs for SS 291 towards Sassari-Olmedo. After about 25 km, near Sassari, follow signs for SS 131 towards Cagliari.
After approximately 70 km, past the town of Macomer (which is bordered by the SS 131), turn right onto the SS 129 following signs for Nuoro-Macomer. Continue for approximately 48 km, near the outskirts of Nuoro, take the Nuoro Ospedale exit and follow signs for the SS 389 towards Lanusei-Arbatax. Continue on the SS 389 state road for approximately 60 km. The expressway ends near the Villagrande-Tortolì-Lanusei intersection. If you continue straight on the SS 389, you’ll reach Lanusei in about 15-20 minutes. If you turn left at the intersection, you’ll reach Villagrande Strisaili and, continuing for approximately 25 km, you’ll reach Tortolì. From Tortolì, take the SS 125 expressway to Lotzorai.
Ogliastra and Lotzorai are frequently connected by the comfortable and punctual ARST regional buses.
To find out timetables and lines, or to calculate your route, you can use the official website www.arst.sardegna.it or request information by email at informazioni@arst.sardegna.it or by calling the toll-free number 800.865042
The most convenient and versatile way to explore the Lotzorai area and the entire Ogliastra region is definitely by car. If you don’t have one upon arrival in Sardinia, you can rent one at any port or airport, or directly in Lotzorai and nearby towns.
ARST buses are also very convenient for reaching the area’s many attractions. To find schedules and routes, or to plan your route, you can use the official website. www.arst.sardegna.it or request information by email at informazioni@arst.sardegna.it or by calling the toll-free number 800.865042
Along the coastal areas, thanks to the presence of the sea, winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. Summers are hot and dry. High summer temperatures typically exceed 30°C and reach 35°C. The climate is generally quite mild, but winter lows can occasionally drop close to freezing for a few days, while summer highs can exceed 40°C.
Precipitation, which is variable and unevenly distributed, is modest along the coasts. Due to the dominance of westerly winds in the region, on average, the highest frequency of rainy days occurs in the western areas of the island, as they are directly exposed to the humid Atlantic currents that accompany these weather patterns. The eastern areas, where the municipality of Lotzorai is located, however, being leeward of this type of circulation due to the orography, experience fewer rainy days.
