Why this road
There is no coast road here: the cliffs of the Golfo di Orosei are too steep, so every road goes through the mountains. The SS125 does it in style, with long, open curves high above deep valleys, grey limestone walls and almost no villages. Free-roaming goats and cows are more common than cars. The fastest line skips Baunei; this route stays on the old road through the village and down its slope to the sea.
The route
- ADorgali
Leave the town to the south on the SS125. The road soon climbs into the hills, with the Cedrino valley below you.
- 1Genna Silana
The pass at around 1,000 m, with a bar, parking and the start of the trail down to the Gola di Gorropu canyon. Big views over the Supramonte.
- 2Urzulei
A mountain village just off the road. The SS125 keeps winding along the slopes, high above the valleys.
- 3Baunei
A village on a steep slope above the coast. A side road climbs from here to the Golgo plateau. After Baunei the road drops in curves towards the sea.
- BSanta Maria Navarrese
A small seaside village with a harbour, a pine-shaded beach and the rock needle of Pedra Longa a short drive north.
Stops worth it
Twenty minutes at the pass for the view over the limestone peaks. If you have a day, this is where the hike to Gorropu starts.
Light and the best time
The road runs mostly south, with the high Supramonte on your right and the valleys towards the coast on your left. Leave Dorgali around 9: the morning sun comes from the east and lights the limestone walls on the west side of the road, and the air is usually clear before clouds build over the mountains. In the afternoon the sun is in front and to the right, and the western slopes fall into shade. At Santa Maria Navarrese the sea faces east, so the beach is at its best in the morning, or at sunrise if you stay the night.
April to June and September to October are ideal: green hills in spring, warm sea in autumn and not much traffic. July and August are hot, and the coast below is busy, but the mountain road itself is rarely crowded. The road is open all year, but in winter fog, rain and occasional snow are possible at the pass.
By vehicle
One of the best rides in Sardinia: smooth curves, long views, few cars. Animals on the road and gravel in the corners are the real dangers.
Lovely with the roof down. It is noticeably cooler at the pass than on the coast, bring a jacket in spring and autumn.
Easy driving on a good two-lane road with many curves. Take it slowly, there are animals on the road and few places to stop.
Fine on the SS125. The road is wide enough, but long and winding, so take breaks and let faster traffic pass.
Good to know
No toll. Fuel up in Dorgali, there are very few stations until Baunei and the coast. Expect goats, cows and pigs on the road, especially around bends. Mobile signal can be weak in the mountains. Parking at Genna Silana is free at the roadside; in Santa Maria Navarrese it is often paid in summer.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
How long does it take from Dorgali to Santa Maria Navarrese?
About 1 to 1.5 hours of pure driving for roughly 65 km. With a stop at Genna Silana and in Baunei, plan around 2 hours.
Is the Orientale Sarda dangerous?
No, it is a good, wide road. It is curvy and high, and there are animals on it, so drive at a speed where you can stop.
Is there a coast road between Dorgali and Baunei?
No. The Golfo di Orosei is lined with cliffs, so the SS125 runs inland through the mountains. The famous coves are reached by boat or on foot.
How do I get to the Gola di Gorropu from the SS125?
The best-known trail starts at the Genna Silana pass on this road. It is a long, steep hike down and back up, plan most of a day and check current access and conditions before you go.