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The Ultimate Guide to Beaches
Gulf of Orosei
This is a stretch of coastline unlike any other in the Mediterranean. Famed for its untouched beauty, soaring limestone cliffs, and impossibly blue waters. Most of the beaches here are only accessible by boat or hiking trail, making the journey part of the adventure.
What Makes the Gulf of Orosei Unique -- this area an untouched protected wilderness. With no coastal roads to spoil the view or crowd the beaches
Over 90% of this coast remains accessible only by boat or hiking trail. Underwater springs fed by the region’s karst formations give the sea its trademark clarity—often up to 30 meters of visibility—and a blue colour that has to be seen to be believed.
Beach-by-Beach Breakdown
Discover the distinctive character of each spectacular beach along the Gulf of Orosei.
Protected reserve with five pristine coves in pinewoods. No development, just nature. Limited to 140 cars daily; advance permits required.
Cala Luna
The Gulf's most iconic beach with golden sand, cliff-carved caves, and emerald waters.
​​Cala Ginepro
Soft white sand, shallow turquoise waters, and gentle slope—ideal for families.
Berchida
Pristine five-kilometer stretch of soft white sand in a protected national park - world class.
Cala Cartoe
Car-accessible beach with a wide, crescent white sand strip and shallow waters perfect for families.
Cala Fuili
Starting point for Gulf hikes, including route to Cala Luna. Features limestone climbing routes.
Piscine di Venere
Magical swimming spot with shallow natural pools in coastal limestone. Boat access only.
Cala Biriola
Dramatic cove between towering cliffs with white pebbles and translucent water. Features limestone arch.
Cala Mariolu
Fine white pebbles, aquamarine waters, and underwater drop-offs. Visitor numbers capped with landing fee.
Cala dei Gabbiani
Crescent beach of mixed sand and pebbles beneath sheer cliffs. Often overlooked by tour groups.
Cala Sisine
Wider beach accessible by boat or via dirt road and forest trail. Surrounded by oak hills and tall cliffs.
Cala Goloritzé
Protected monument famous for its 143m Aguglia spire. Accessible by foot or from anchored boats.
Getting There and Getting Around
Base Yourself
Most travelers base themselves in Cala Gonone, the region's main harbor town. It has a range of boat rentals—from large tour boats to self-drive RIBs—as well as diving schools and gear shops. Santa Maria Navarrese, further south, offers a quieter alternative with quicker access to the southern beaches. Inland, the town of Orosei provides budget accommodations and car access to the northern beaches.
Boat Options
Boat options vary. Large excursion boats are affordable and shaded, but they tend to dump tourists en masse. Smaller RIB cruises offer more flexibility and snorkel gear but less comfort. Adventurers can rent a 40 hp RIB and drive themselves with no license required, but fuel is extra and early booking is essential.
Hiking Access
For those on foot, the main trailheads are Golgo Plateau (for Cala Goloritzé) and the parking lot at Cala Fuili (for the trek to Cala Luna). Trails are rocky and exposed, so proper shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water are crucial.
When to Go
Spring (April–May)
Fragrant trails, cooler air, and near-empty beaches. Boat services begin around May 1.
Early Summer (June)
Ideal for mixing hikes with swims.
Peak Summer (July-August)
Warmer seas and larger crowds—daily quotas often fill up by 8 am.
Fall (September-October)
September still offers warm water and softer light, while October is a photographer's dream with cooler air and quiet shores.
What to Bring
Reef-Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Neoprene Socks are invaluable on hot pebble beaches like Mariolu and Goloritzé.
Beach umbrella, deck chair, cooler for all the beach necessities to enjoy the day.
Final Tip
If you're visiting in July or August, book everything early—permits, boat seats, and trail slots open 72 hours in advance and fill quickly. Bring cash, as many parking machines and kiosks don’t accept foreign cards. Respect all environmental rules: beach rangers do check bags, especially at Cala Mariolu.
And most importantly, embrace the wildness. With no roads, no cars, and no resorts cluttering the shore, the Gulf of Orosei remains one of the last truly untamed coasts in the Mediterranean.