| Arbatax Arbatassa |
|
|---|---|
| — Frazione of Tortolì — | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sardinia |
| County | Municipality of Tortolì |
| City | Tortolì |
| Population | |
| • Total | 5,000 |
Arbatax (Italian pronunciation: [ˈarbataks]) is the greatest hamlet (frazione) of Tortolì, Sardinia, in Italy. With almost 5,000 inhabitants, it is also the third town in its province (Ogliastra) by population, after Lanusei municipality (5,700) and Tortolì proper [1] (5,300).
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The origin of the name Arbatax is uncertain, according to the tradition it would derive from the Arabic for "14th Tower" and refers, probably, to the nearby watchtower built by the spaniards to protect the territory from the incursion of arab pirates. [2]
The town is situated by Tyrrhenian Sea, 5 km west of Tortolì.
The port is used by ferries from Civitavecchia and is also monopolized by the marine construction company Intermare, who build gas rigs and vessels. The marina is one of the cheapest in Sardinia and provides an excellent base for exploring the Eastern coastline.
The "Trenino verde" tourist train chugs up into the mountainous hinterland.
Mussels are farmed in the nearby lagoon and fresh fish are on sale from the fishing cooperative. The red rocks are the most photographed but least impressive feature in Arbatax. The least photographed but most impressive feature must be the wonderful view from the lighthouse which sits above the village.