Cala Sisine is one of the coves overlooking the Golfo di Orosei, in the district of Baunei.
The sandy shore consists of shingle and small, white, round pebbles and extends for about 200 m, immersing into the crystal-clear sea water.
The composition of the beach’s sediments is the same as that of the high limestone cliffs surrounding this cove, like for example Serra Ovra (500 m a.s.l.).
The deep inlet where the beach sits is the natural outlet for the Codula Sisine, a gorge of fluvial origin, hollowed by the Rio Codula Sisine of the same name. There is a small wetland in the backshore which originated from the waters of the rio during periods of low rainfall. The origins of the rio stem from the Golgo plateau, again in Supramonte di Baunei, an important nature reserve as well as being the starting point for a number of treks.
The Codula has a mixed morphology, hollowed out by the torrential river, in the limestone mass of the mountains in the area.
Along its pathway you can observe the typical essences of Mediterranean shrub, especially holm oaks, juniper, carob, mastic tree, phillyrea and in the areas with greater water resources, oleander.
The cove is easy to reach via sea while it is slightly more difficult over land, on foot, across different trekking routes which are signposted. Different, important natural elements known as Baccu can be observed along these routes. The Baccu, or “Bacos”, are deep gorges typically found in Supramonte di Baunei, which generally end in descents, stairways and coves in the sea which are often almost impassable. Along the route, it is not unusual to come across woods with plants which are centuries old and encounter karstic cavities, landslides and stone quarries.
In this area, we can find Baccu Addas, Baccu Urutzò, Baccu Sa Ena and Baccu S’Orruargiu.
In particular, Baccu Sa Ena, has a spring and a ravine, probably inhabited from as early as the nuragic times.
It is also possible to visit the Arco di Baccu S’Orruargiu in the area, a majestic natural arch open on a limestone rock wall which is difficult to reach.
The cove’s original name was “Portu ‘e Sisine” and was used as a landing area for shipments of coal or as shelter during longer navigations. To the north, a building built by coal merchants is proof of this. In addition, tools were discovered which confirm the presence of humans dating back to around 4,000 years ago.
Cala Sisine and the entire area of the Codula are part of the Sites of Community Importance (SCI) “Golfo di Orosei” (ITB020014) regulated by the Rete Natura 2000.
