Villa Orsola

Villa Orsola is situated on the northern tip of Sardinia on a white sandy beach overlooking a large bay with the islands of the national Park La Maddalena in the background. It lies whithin the famous headland of Capo d’Orso, an unspoiled and protected stretch of coast known for its crystal clear water and perfectly smooth granite rocks in the most extraordinary shapes. The surrounding countryside has no equal in Sardinia or even in the Mediterranean area as a whole. To be seen from the house is the huge rock sculpted by the wind into a shape which resembles the silhouette of a bear (orso). The scenery is so dramatic that Homer had Odysseus lay his ship at anchor in the bay in front of Villa Orsola.

The villa was designed in the ‘70ies by the architect Alberto Ponis, a man who has left his mark on the island of Sardinia by building low-lying, earthern-coloured houses which hug the hills. His understated and informal style has strongly influenced modern Sardinian architecture.

Villa Orsola is made up of the main house which faces the sea. The house is surrounded by rocks and a variety of meditteranen shrubs, such as myrtle, juniper, ilex and strawberry trees. A spacious covered terrace in front of the living room as well as a second terrace built into the rocks invite to outdoor living.

The sea is only a few steps from the house. A path leads to the (practically) private beaches in light beige sand. From rocks, sculpted by the sea and the wind, you can dive into the sea, which is instantly deep and is clean and limpid, thanks to the current and the maestro wind blowing dry and fresh from the west. Long swims and walks can be enjoyed all along the coast. From the front of the house, you can gaze at the islands of Maddalena, Caprera, Spargi, and Santo Stefano, and, in the distance, the mountain peaks of Corsica. The access to Villa Orsola is an unsurfaced gravel road so careful driving is recommended (not suitable for sport cars).

In July and August you may hear some music and, coming from the other side of the bay (depending of the wind direction). The music usually stops before midnight.  

Villa Orsola is situated on the northern tip of Sardinia, whithin the famous promontory of Capo d’Orso, an unspoiled and protected stretch of coast known for its crystal clear sea water and perfectly smooth granite rocks in the most extraordinary shapes. The surrounding countryside that has no equal in Sardinia or even in the Mediterranean area as a whole.

Only a few km away lies the fishing harbour Palau, just in front of the National Park of the Arcipelago della Maddalena. Here you will find a good choice of shops and restaurants as well as a post office, bank and newsagent. At Palau, it is simple to hire small boats; the smooth waters of the sea at Palau are considered to be a yachtsman’s paradise.

A short sea journey aboard the town’s ferry deposits visitors on the stunning island of La Maddalena, where Italian freedom fighter Garibaldi lived. The group of islands (Caprera, Spargi, Budelli, La Vezzi and Cavallo) around la Maddalena is renowned for its beauty and was turned into a National Park not long ago.

Only 5 kilometres from Palau are Punta Sardegna and Porto Rafael, elegant resorts for understated people in the know.

The millionaires' playground Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo are thirty to forty kilometres away, here you can while away hours gazing at hundreds of yachts or browsing exclusive boutiques.

Just a quarter of an hour’s drive from the house are magnificent beaches, such as the Isola dei Gabbiani, a much sought-after destination for windsurfers and kitesurfers.

Ferries link Palau to La Maddalena, Genoa and Naples.

In the charming harbour of Porto Rafael you will find the Yacht Club Punta Sardegna. Once a year in August together with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda they organise the famous Formenton regatta.The Yacht Club de Porto Rafael rents out dinghys (rubber boats) of different sizes. Sailing boats can be chartered at the harbour of Palau. The clear waters of the bay are considered a paradise for amateur sailors.

A 15 minute drive from the house you will find Porto Pollo–Isola dei Gabbiani, the Sardinian "surf and kite paradise", 7 km of beaches in two large bays. There is allways enough wind and windsurfers and kitesurfers meet to challenge eachother at impressive speed. There are sailing schools, schools for windsurfing and kitesurfing, equipment can be hired on the spot.

Furthermore, this part of the Sardinian coast offers possibilities for scuba diving, snorkeling, open-ocean-kayak, tennis, mountain biking and beach volley. Scuba diving schools will give lessons at all levels and organise fascinating excursions.

Mountain bikers will find several routes along the coast and inland. Bikes can be rented in Palau.

The opportunities for walks or proper hikes are rich and varied in this part of Sardinia.