Oasi Bidderosa (sometimes written as “Oasi Biderosa”) is one of the most beautiful protected nature reserves in Sardinia. Located 13 km (8 miles) north of Orosei, on the island’s east coast, it features crystal-clear water, five beautiful coves, and extensive pine forests.
Covering roughly 860 hectares of protected landscape, the reserve includes beaches, dunes, Mediterranean scrubland, ponds, and woodland. The Biderosa forest itself, which forms part of the larger protected oasis, covers 532 hectares.
I have visited Oasi Bidderosa many times over the years, including very recently. It remains one of my favorite places to spend a summer day in Sardinia, and one of the places I recommend most often to visitors looking for a combination of beautiful beaches and unspoiled nature.
The park is most famous for its beaches, which are often considered among the most beautiful in Sardinia. However, there is much more to Oasi Bidderosa than its coastline. You can go hiking, enjoy birdwatching, join guided tours, explore the pine forest, or simply spend the day surrounded by nature.
Because Oasi Bidderosa is a highly protected area, visitor numbers are limited and access must be booked in advance.
In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know to plan your visit, including how to get there, how to book access, what to do once inside, and my tips for making the most of your time in the reserve.
Oasi Bidderosa At A Glance
If you are short on time, here are the most important things to know before visiting Oasi Bidderosa:
- Location: Around 13 km (8 miles) north of Orosei, on Sardinia’s east coast.
- Also known as: Oasi Biderosa (both spellings are commonly used).
- Size: Approximately 860 hectares of protected coastline, pine forest, ponds, dunes, and Mediterranean vegetation.
- Best known for: Five beautiful coves with white sand, shallow turquoise water, and a pristine natural setting.
- Access: Visitor numbers are limited. If you wish to go there by car or motorbike, you must reserve access in advance.
- Best for: Families, nature lovers, birdwatchers, hikers, kayakers, and anyone looking for a quieter alternative to Sardinia’s more famous beaches.
- Facilities: Toilets, a seasonal bar, picnic areas, shuttle services, kayak rentals, umbrella and lounger rentals, bike rentals, and guided excursions.
- Best time to visit: Late May to early September. June, July and August offer warm weather and long days. It is never crowded.
- How long to spend there: A full day is ideal, especially if you want to enjoy the beach and explore the forest trails.
- Good to know: The reserve includes five separate coves connected by walking trails and forest roads.
- Is it worth visiting? Definitely. In my experience, Oasi Bidderosa is one of the most beautiful protected coastal areas in Sardinia and one of the best day trips from Orosei.
Bidderosa or Biderosa: Which Spelling Is Correct?
You will see both “Bidderosa” and “Biderosa” used online, on maps, and even in official tourism materials.
The correct Sardinian name is generally written as Biderosa, and this is the spelling used by the official management authority of the oasis. However, Bidderosa has become extremely common in travel guides, maps, and online searches.
In practice, both names refer to exactly the same place: the protected nature reserve and beach area located north of Orosei.
Is Oasi Bidderosa Worth Visiting?
In my experience, Oasi Bidderosa is definitely worth visiting.
I have visited Oasi Bidderosa many times over the years, including in the peak summer months, and every visit has felt slightly different. Sometimes I have gone simply to spend a relaxing day at the beach. Other times, I have spent hours walking through the pine forest, exploring the trails, watching birds around the ponds, or enjoying a picnic in the shade.
What makes Oasi Bidderosa special is that it offers much more than a beach day. The reserve combines beautiful coves, forest, dunes, ponds, and wildlife in a way that few places in Sardinia do. You can be swimming in crystal-clear water one moment and walking through a quiet pine forest a few minutes later.
I have visited in different conditions, and that variety is one of the reasons I keep returning.
On one occasion, a strong wind made spending long periods on the beach less enjoyable, but instead of leaving, I spent several hours exploring the forest trails and relaxing in the shade of the pine trees. It ended up being a completely different experience from my previous visits, but just as enjoyable. Few beaches in Sardinia offer that kind of flexibility.
Another reason I like it so much is that, thanks to the daily visitor limits, it never feels as crowded as many other beaches in the area. Even in July and August, when nearby beaches such as Cala Liberotto, Berchida, and Capo Comino can become very busy, Oasi Bidderosa remains noticeably quieter and more enjoyable.
I would particularly recommend it to families, nature lovers, and anyone who prefers spending a full day outdoors rather than simply driving to a beach, finding a spot on the sand, and staying there for hours.
If you are staying in Orosei, Cala Liberotto, Cala Ginepro, Budoni or even Cala Gonone, I think Oasi Bidderosa is one of the best day trips you can include in your itinerary.
How To Visit Oasi Bidderosa
Because Oasi Bidderosa is a protected nature reserve, visitor numbers are strictly controlled to help preserve its beaches, forest, dunes, and wildlife. Continue reading as I will explain how to book your visit.
How to book access
If you plan to visit Oasi Bidderosa by car or motorbike, you must reserve access in advance. This is especially important in July and August, when daily visitor quotas are often reached.
Good to know: If you are arriving on foot or by bike, you do not need a reservation.
The easiest way to book is via the official Oasi Bidderosa website, which is available in English and easy to navigate. Alternatively, you can make a reservation by calling +39 342 355 9975 or +39 333 179 8335.
If you are staying in a hotel nearby and are having trouble booking, you could ask your receptionist to make the bookings for you.
Ticket prices and visitor limits
At the time of writing, access fees are as follows:
- Cars: €15 per vehicle (daily limit of 100 cars)
- Motorbikes: €10 per vehicle (daily limit of 30 motorbikes)
- Visitors: additional environmental contribution of €1 per person
- Online bookings: additional booking fee of €2 per reservation
These limits are one of the reasons Oasi Bidderosa remains considerably quieter than many other beaches on Sardinia’s east coast, even during the busiest weeks of summer.
Camper vans are not permitted inside the reserve, but can be parked in the designated area outside the entrance.
Because regulations and fees occasionally change, I recommend checking the official website before your visit.
Opening hours
Oasi Bidderosa is open daily from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm.
The last admission is at 5:00 pm, and all visitors must leave the reserve before closing time.
How to get to Oasi Bidderosa
The easiest way to reach Oasi Bidderosa is by car. From Orosei, the drive takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes via State Road SS125. The entrance gate is located at kilometer 236.5.
If you are staying in Cala Liberotto, Cala Ginepro, or Sos Alinos, the drive is considerably shorter.
If you are not renting a car for your Sardinia trip, there is an official shuttle service to Cove 2. The shuttle departs from hotels in Cala Liberotto and Orosei and must be booked at least one day in advance by calling +39 333 179 8335. At the time of writing, the shuttle costs €20 from Cala Liberotto.
You can also get to Oasi Biderosa by bike, and several accommodation providers in the area offer bike rentals.
The Beaches of Oasi Biderosa
One of the things that makes Oasi Bidderosa so special is that it is not just a single beach. The reserve includes five separate coves, known locally as “oases,” spread along roughly one kilometer (0.6 miles) of coastline and connected by walking paths and forest roads (you can also walk from one to the other from the shore).
All the coves in Bidderosa are easy to reach once you’re inside the reserve. None require hiking, scrambling over rocks, or anything particularly challenging.
The first cove is located around 4 km (2.5 miles) from the main entrance gate. From there, the other coves follow one after the other, making it easy to explore several of them during the same visit. In fact, one of my favorite things to do at Bidderosa is walk along the shoreline and see how the character of each cove changes from one beach to the next.
All five coves share the same crystal-clear water and beautiful natural setting, but each has a slightly different atmosphere. Thanks to the daily visitor limits, none of them ever feel as crowded as many other beaches in Sardinia, even during the busiest weeks of summer.
Which Bidderosa cove should you choose?
The truth is that there is no wrong choice. The coves are close enough that you can easily move between them during the day. However, after several visits, I have found that some are better suited to certain types of visitors.
Cove 2 and Cove 5 are usually the best options for families with children. During my visits, I have often seen more families with young children here than elsewhere in the reserve. The reason is probably simple: the water stays shallow for a long distance from the shore, and the sandy seabed creates ideal conditions for children to play and swim close to the beach.
Cove 3 is the most practical choice if you want easy access to services, as it is the only cove with a kiosk selling food and drinks. If you prefer not to carry a full cooler or picnic, this is often the best place to settle for the day.
Coves 3 and 4 are my favorite choices for an even quieter experience. They tend to attract fewer people than the family-oriented sections of the beach and are ideal if your goal is simply to relax, read a book, swim, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
If you are visiting with a dog, I generally recommend Cove 1 or Cove 4 (though the entire park is dog-friendly). They are often among the quieter areas of the reserve and provide more space for everyone to enjoy the beach comfortably.
Good to know: Regardless of which cove you choose, be sure to notify staff at the entrance when you arrive with your dog. They are usually very helpful and can suggest the best area based on visitor numbers and conditions on the day.
Are you traveling to Sardinia with your dog? My post, The Best Dog Friendly Beaches In Sardinia, will guide you to a number of beaches where dogs are welcome.
Local tip: You don’t have to commit to a single cove. One of the advantages of visiting Oasi Bidderosa is that you can easily spend part of the day exploring the coastline before choosing your favorite spot.
Things To Do In Oasi Bidderosa Sardinia
While most people visit Oasi Bidderosa for its beaches, there is much more to do than simply spend the day on the sand.
One of the things I appreciate most about Bidderosa is that it feels more like a nature reserve with beaches than a beach destination with a few walking trails. The reserve includes pine forests, ponds, viewpoints, and several kilometers of tracks that make it easy to spend an entire day exploring.
Over the years, I have visited Oasi Bidderosa in different seasons and weather conditions, and no two visits have felt exactly the same. On some occasions, I have spent most of the day moving between the coves and swimming. On others, I have focused on exploring the forest and walking trails, especially when conditions at the beach were less inviting.
If you enjoy combining time at the beach with outdoor activities, Oasi Bidderosa is one of the best places to do so on Sardinia’s east coast.
Here are some of the things you can do at Oasi Biderosa.
Join a guided walking tour
A guided walking tour is one of the best ways to discover parts of the reserve that many visitors never see.
The route covers approximately 7 km (4.3 miles) and takes visitors through beaches, pine forests, Mediterranean scrubland, viewpoints, and wetlands. Along the way, guides explain the history of the reserve, local wildlife, and the traditional uses of the area, including visits to former shepherd settlements.
The tour also reaches Mount Urcatu and Mount Bidderosa, two elevated points that offer excellent views of the coastline and surrounding landscape.
One of the highlights is Sa Curcurica pond, where you can often spot herons, cormorants, coots, and other bird species.
Tours generally depart from the main gate at 9:00 am. You will need to wear hiking shoes and a hat, apply sun protection, and carry water and a packed lunch.
To book your guided walking tour, call +39 333 179 8335 and +39 347 760 7284. You can also email [email protected].
Go birdwatching at Sa Curcurica pond
If you have even a passing interest in nature, I recommend spending some time around Sa Curcurica pond.
Located behind the beaches, this large lagoon is one of the most important habitats within the reserve and attracts both resident and migratory bird species throughout the year. Depending on the season, you may spot herons, egrets, cormorants, coots, and several other water birds.
Even if you are not particularly interested in birdwatching, the area offers a completely different landscape from the beaches and is worth visiting for that reason alone.
Explore Sa Curcurica pond by kayak
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Oasi Biderosa is exploring Curcurica Pond by kayak.
Guided kayak excursions explore the calmer waters of Sa Curcurica pond, providing a unique perspective on the reserve and its wildlife. Because the lagoon is sheltered and generally much quieter than the beaches, the experience feels very different from a typical day by the sea.
The pond is connected to the sea by a narrow canal, and the contrast between the lagoon environment and the coastline is one of the things that makes this activity particularly interesting.
You can book the tour via phone by calling +39 333 179 8335; or send an email to [email protected].
If you prefer exploring independently, kayak rentals are available near Parcheggio Sa Curcurica, close to Cala Ginepro. From there, you can paddle around the lagoon at your own pace.
Discover the reserve on a jeep tour
If you would like to see more of the area without committing to a long walk, you could join a jeep excursion.
These tours generally combine Oasi Bidderosa with nearby attractions such as Capo Comino, so you get to explore beaches, dunes, viewpoints, and forested areas in a single day.
Most tours depart from Orosei and include transportation as well as admission to the reserve.
I recommend this Oasi Biderosa and Capo Comino tour that lasts 8 hours and includes admission to the oasis.
Explore Oasi Bidderosa by bike
Biking is one of my favorite ways to explore large protected areas in Sardinia, and Oasi Bidderosa is a great place for that.
The reserve is crossed by a network of roads and tracks that connect the various coves, forest areas, and lagoon. Exploring by bike allows you to cover far more ground than you could on foot while still enjoying the scenery at a relaxed pace.
You can rent bikes directly inside the reserve, though numbers are limited. You should book in advance if you are visiting in the summer months.
Alternatively, you can join this guided mountain bike tour that takes you around the nature reserve and includes admission.
Facilities And Services At Oasi Biderosa
Despite being a protected nature reserve, Oasi Bidderosa has enough facilities so your day there can be as comfortable as you want it to be.
Visitors will find:
- Toilets at all five coves (these are not flush toilets, but basic portable toilets).
- A kiosk at Cove 3, where you can buy drinks, snacks, sandwiches, and light meals. If you prefer, you can also bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in the shade of the pine forest.
- Beach equipment rental at Coves 2 and a. At the time of writing, umbrellas cost €11 and sun loungers cost €12 each. Rentals are available from 9:00 am and must be returned by 5:30 pm.
- Lifeguard service at Coves 2, 4, and 5 during the summer season.
- An internal shuttle bus between the main gate and Cove 2. At the time of writing, the shuttle costs €10 per person (adults).
- Kayak rental. Prices vary depending on the kind of kayak (one or two seater) and how long you want to rent it for.
- Bike rental inside the reserve.
Expert tip: Since numbers are limited, I recommend booking a kayak or bike in advance during the summer months.
As prices and services occasionally change, I recommend checking the official Oasi Bidderosa website before your visit for the most up-to-date information.
Rules To Know Before You Go
One of the reasons Oasi Bidderosa remains such a beautiful place is that visitors are expected to respect a few simple rules designed to protect the reserve, its wildlife, and the experience of everyone who visits.
Most of these rules are common sense, but they are taken seriously and should be followed at all times.
- Do not light fires. Fires are strictly prohibited throughout the reserve. This is not just a formality. Sardinia experiences devastating wildfires every summer, and even a small spark can have serious consequences.
- Do not smoke. Smoking is prohibited throughout the oasis. Given the high fire risk during the summer months, this is one of the most important rules to respect.
- Take your trash with you. Do not leave litter anywhere in the reserve. Recycling bins are available near the entrance and at Cove 3. If you cannot find a suitable bin, simply take your rubbish away and dispose of it properly. Remember we do separate here in Sardinia.
- Respect the natural environment. Do not damage vegetation, disturb wildlife, or leave marked paths where applicable.
- Do not take sand, shells, or pebbles. Removing natural materials from Sardinia’s beaches is illegal and can result in substantial fines.
- Respect other visitors. Avoid loud music, excessive noise, and ball games that may disturb others who have come to enjoy the peace and quiet of the reserve.
- Keep dogs under control. Dogs are welcome at Oasi Bidderosa, but they should be kept on a leash when walking through the reserve and around other visitors.
I want to stress the importance of the no-smoking and no-fire rules in particular.
During my stay near Orosei last summer, a large wildfire broke out along the coast not far from where I was staying. The situation became serious enough that Oasi Bidderosa was temporarily closed for safety reasons. Throughout the day, I watched helicopters and firefighting aircraft repeatedly flying overhead as crews worked to contain the blaze.
Seeing how quickly fires can spread in this landscape made a lasting impression on me. During the summer, vegetation is often extremely dry and winds can be strong. Please do not underestimate the risk. Following these rules helps protect not only Oasi Bidderosa, but also the people, wildlife, and communities that surround it.
What To Bring To Oasi Biderosa
After several visits to Oasi Bidderosa, I have learned that it pays to come prepared.
Although there is a kiosk at Cove 3 and some facilities throughout the reserve, Oasi Bidderosa is still a protected nature area rather than a fully developed beach destination. Once you are inside, you may end up spending an entire day there, so it is worth packing a few essentials.
I recommend bringing:
- Plenty of water, especially if you plan to walk, bike, or explore the reserve beyond the beaches.
- Food and snacks, particularly if you intend to spend the whole day in the reserve.
- High-factor sunscreen, even if you think you will spend most of your time swimming.
- A hat and sunglasses, as shade is limited on the beaches.
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals, especially if you plan to explore the forest trails or join a guided walk.
- A beach umbrella, unless you plan to rent one inside the reserve.
- Binoculars, if you enjoy birdwatching or wildlife photography around Sa Curcurica pond.
- A camera or smartphone, to capture the beautiful scenery throughout the reserve and the beaches.
Best Time To Visit Oasi Bidderosa
You can visit Oasi Bidderosa throughout much of the year, but the best time to go depends on what kind of experience you are looking for.
For most visitors, I think the best time to visit is in the summer.
June offers warm weather, long days, and generally fewer visitors than the peak summer season. The reserve is fully open, services are running, and the beaches are often quieter than in August.
July is my favorite month to visit. The sea is properly warm, the days are at their longest, and while the reserve is busier than in June, the daily visitor limits help keep it from feeling overcrowded.
August is the busiest month, both in Oasi Bidderosa and across Sardinia. That said, thanks to the reservation system and daily visitor limits, Bidderosa remains noticeably quieter than many nearby beaches. If August is the only time you can visit, I would not hesitate to go.
September and early fall is another excellent choice. The sea is still warm from the summer, temperatures are usually pleasant, and visitor numbers begin to decrease after the school holidays.
Spring can also be rewarding, especially if you are more interested in hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and exploring the reserve than spending long hours swimming. The landscape is greener, temperatures are generally comfortable, and wildlife activity around Sa Curcurica pond can be particularly interesting.
I would be less enthusiastic about visiting solely for a beach day in May. While sunny weather is common, the sea is often still quite cool, especially if you are hoping to spend a lot of time in the water.
My final piece of advice is to arrive early, regardless of the season. Oasi Bidderosa is at its most peaceful in the morning, before most people have settled on the beaches. Early arrival also gives you the opportunity to explore the reserve, walk through the pine forest, or visit Sa Curcurica pond before the hottest part of the day.
Where To Stay Near Oasi Bidderosa
If visiting Oasi Bidderosa is one of the main reasons for your trip, I recommend staying in Cala Liberotto, Sos Alinos, Cala Ginepro, Orosei, or Budoni. All of these locations provide easy access to the reserve, though they offer very different experiences.
Cala Liberotto, Sos Alinos, and Cala Ginepro
These are the closest areas to Oasi Bidderosa and the best choice if your main goal is spending time in the reserve and exploring the beaches of this stretch of coast.
Last summer, I stayed at Residence Cala Liberotto, a convenient apartment complex located about 1 km (0.6 miles) from the beach. The apartments are simple but well equipped, with everything needed for a short stay, and breakfast is included in the room rate.
I found it to be a practical base for visiting Oasi Bidderosa and exploring nearby beaches such as Cala Ginepro and Cala Liberotto.
Orosei
Orosei is the largest town in the area, one of the prettiest coastal towns in Sardinia, and the best choice if you want more restaurants, shops, and services.
Located about 20 to 30 minutes from Oasi Bidderosa, it is an excellent base for exploring the reserve, the beaches around Cala Liberotto, and the wider Gulf of Orosei area.
My top recommendation here is Albergo Diffuso Mannois, a charming hotel spread across several restored stone buildings in Orosei’s historic center. It combines traditional Sardinian character with modern comforts and is one of the most distinctive places to stay in town.
Budoni
Budoni is another good option, particularly if you are arriving via Olbia Airport or planning to explore both the Orosei area and the northern part of Sardinia’s east coast such as the beaches of San Teodoro and the famous Cala Brandinchi.
I recommend Sa Prata Hotel & Resort, a small, well-maintained property with comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a peaceful atmosphere. It is a good choice if you want somewhere quieter than the larger resorts that dominate parts of the coast.
Dorgali and Cala Gonone
If you are planning to spend a significant amount of time hiking, exploring the Supramonte, or taking boat trips in the Gulf of Orosei, Dorgali and Cala Gonone are excellent alternatives.
In Dorgali, I always stay at Agriturismo Canales, a beautiful countryside property surrounded by nature and my favorite agriturismo in Sardinia. The rooms are comfortable, the setting is peaceful, and the restaurant serves excellent traditional Sardinian food.
In Cala Gonone, take a look at Hotel Caramare. Located directly on the seafront, it offers modern rooms and immediate access to the harbor, making it particularly convenient if you plan to join boat trips to beaches such as Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Goloritzé.
Expert tip: If Oasi Bidderosa is your main priority, stay in Cala Liberotto, Sos Alinos, or Cala Ginepro. If you want more restaurants and services, choose Orosei. If you are combining your visit with hiking and boat trips in the Gulf of Orosei, Dorgali or Cala Gonone are better options.
Nearby Beaches
One of the reasons I enjoy visiting Oasi Bidderosa so much is that it is surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches on Sardinia’s east coast. If you are staying in Orosei, Cala Liberotto, or Cala Ginepro, you will have plenty of options within easy reach. Each beach offers a different experience.
Here are some beaches you should consider visiting in the area.
Cala Ginepro
Located immediately south of Oasi Bidderosa, Cala Ginepro is one of my favorite beaches in this part of Sardinia.
Like Bidderosa, it is backed by a gorgeous pine forest that provides welcome shade during the hottest hours of the day. The contrast between the green forest, the white sand, and the clear water is beautiful, and the setting feels much more natural than many Sardinian beaches.
The beach itself is easy to access and popular with families. It can become busy during the summer months, but the forest behind the beach gives the area a much more relaxed feel than many other beaches on the island.
Cala Liberotto
This is not a single beach but rather a collection of small coves and sandy stretches spread along the coastline.
This variety is exactly what makes Cala Liberotto so appealing. Some sections are perfect for families, while others have rocky areas that are excellent for snorkeling. The water is generally shallow and clear, and there are restaurants, bars, and accommodation nearby.
Berchida
If I had to choose one word to describe Berchida, it would be wild.
Located north of Oasi Bidderosa, Berchida is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia and one of the most unspoiled. There are very few buildings nearby, very little development, and a strong sense of isolation that is increasingly rare along the Mediterranean coast.
The beach is long and wide, with fine light-colored sand and crystal-clear water. On a calm day, it is spectacular.
Compared to Oasi Bidderosa, however, Berchida offers even fewer services and less variety. You come here for the beach itself. There are no forest trails to explore, no ponds to visit, and very little shade away from the shore.
Capo Comino
Capo Comino is famous for its large dunes, which are among the most impressive in Sardinia.
The landscape here is completely different from Oasi Bidderosa. Instead of coves and forest, you will find wide open spaces, rolling dunes, and long stretches of sand. It feels wilder and more exposed, particularly when the wind is blowing.
It is an excellent beach for long walks and photography, especially outside the busiest weeks of summer.
So, is Oasi Bidderosa the best choice?
If all you want is a beautiful beach, you really cannot go wrong with any of these places.
What sets Oasi Bidderosa apart is the combination of beaches, forest, wildlife, walking trails, and controlled visitor numbers. It is one of the few places on Sardinia’s east coast where you can spend the morning exploring a nature reserve, the afternoon swimming in crystal-clear water, and still find a quiet spot even during the busiest weeks of summer.
For that reason, if I had to choose just one place to spend an entire day in the area, Oasi Bidderosa would still be my first choice.
FAQs on Oasi Biderosa
Yes, if you are arriving by car or motorbike. Visitor numbers are capped, and you need to reserve in advance. There’s no need to book if you are arriving on foot or by bike.
At the time of writing, access costs €15 per car and €10 per motorbike, plus an environmental contribution of €1 per visitor. Online reservations are subject to an additional booking fee. Since prices occasionally change, always check the official website before your visit.
Both spellings refer to the same place. The official management authority generally uses “Biderosa,” while “Bidderosa” is the spelling most commonly found in travel guides, maps, and online searches.
Yes. You can arrive on foot, by bike, or by using the official shuttle service from Cala Liberotto. In fact, visitors arriving on foot or by bike do not need to reserve access in advance.
There is no single best cove, as each offers a slightly different experience. I generally recommend Coves 2 and 5 for families, Coves 3 and 4 for a quieter atmosphere, and Cove 3 if you want easy access to the kiosk.
Absolutely. The shallow water, sandy seabed, and controlled visitor numbers make it one of the most family-friendly beach destinations on Sardinia’s east coast.
Yes, dogs are welcome. You should inform staff when you arrive, and they can recommend the most suitable cove based on conditions and visitor numbers. Dogs should be kept under control and on a leash when moving around the reserve.
No. Camper vans are not allowed inside the reserve. However, they can be parked in the designated parking area outside the entrance.
The reserve is located approximately 13 km (8 miles) north of Orosei. The drive typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and where you are staying.
Yes. Swimming is one of the main reasons people visit the reserve. The water is generally clear, calm, and shallow near the shore, making it suitable for both adults and children.
Yes. Toilets are available throughout the reserve, and there is a seasonal kiosk at Cove 3 selling drinks, snacks, sandwiches, and light meals.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Oasi Bidderosa
After visiting Oasi Bidderosa several times over the years, I can confidently say it remains one of my favorite places on Sardinia’s east coast.
What makes it special is not just the beauty of its beaches, but the fact that it offers so much more than a typical beach day. Between the five coves, the pine forests, the walking trails, the wildlife, and the peaceful atmosphere, every visit can feel slightly different depending on the weather, the season, and what you feel like doing.
Some days, I have spent hours swimming and relaxing by the sea. On others, I have explored the forest, watched birds around Sa Curcurica Pond, or simply enjoyed a picnic in the shade of the pine trees. Few places in Sardinia offer that kind of variety while still feeling so unspoiled.
One more reason I love Oasi Bidderosa is that, thanks to the fact that visitor numbers are capped, it’s never crowded, not even in the peak summer months.
Whether you are traveling as a family, visiting with your dog, looking for a quiet place to relax, or hoping to combine beach time with outdoor activities, Oasi Bidderosa has something to offer.
If you are staying anywhere between Budoni and Cala Gonone, I think it deserves a place on your itinerary. Just remember to book ahead, respect the rules of the reserve, and take the time to explore beyond the beach. That’s where some of the best experiences are waiting.
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There should be, but you are better off asking the park directly when you book your visit.
Is there a bike rental in the park?
They should but with Covid it may have changed so you may want to ask beforehand, they have a website where you can contact them.
Hi Claudia,
Do the bike rentals, include bike helmets? Or should people bring their own?