Population: 8,820
Altitude: 13 m. above sea level

This town is situated in the district of Ogliastra, on the plain which lies between the mountains of Lanusei, the River Corongiu and the southern bank of the lagoon of Tortolì. It has been inhabited by man since pre-historic times and its ancient history is revealed in the numerous remains to be seen there, such as the 'giants' tombs', the 'domus de janas' (fairy houses) and the Nuraghi. For a period is was part of the 'Giudicato' of Cagliari, it then passed under the dominion of the Pisans, then the Aragonese, before being surrendered to the County of Quirra.

The nearby port of Arbatax falls into the same jurisdiction. The town is situated at the northern-most point of the rocky promontory which stretches towards the sea, known as Capo Bellavista. Besides the port and airport, it boats a well-equipped tourist harbour. It was one of the island's important religious seats until 1927, and the Bishop's Palace still contains some of the splendours of the past. Visitors should not miss the former Baroque Cathedral of S. Andrea, from the late eighteenth century, a building of exceptional beauty.

The port is dominated by a characteristic, conic-trunk shaped tower from the XVI century. On the southern-most tip of the promontory visitors can admire the tower of San Gemiliano, while the lighthouse of Capo Bellavista offers a spectacular panorama of the area.

The "rocce rosse di Arbatax" (red rocks of Arbatax) are also very striking and get their deep red colour from their porphyry veins.
In the last few years Tortolì has become famous in the art world because it is attracting an ever increasing number of international artists, who animate the town's squares and streets with unique works of art. These creations are part of the 'open air' museum of contemporary art "Su logu de S'Isultura".