Places in Santa Maria Navarrese, Sardinia

Santa Maria Navarrese is one of best serviced marina in Sardinia and it is located right in the area of Baunei, on the east coast. The whole area alternates bone-white beaches and pristine sea water with high cliffs hiding wonderful beaches and coves like the secluded and evocative Cala Luna, set amidst a woodland of oleanders and boasting six huge grottos opening up into the white beach.

Within a short distance is Cala Goloritzè, emerald green sea and a rocky arch with a 140 metres high pinnacle, Cala Sisine and the two inlets of Cala Biriola and Cala Mariolu. Almost undiscovered and distant, those beaches are accessible only by boat.

During summer time there is a daily service from Cala Gonone. A tough alternative to reach them is through a quite difficult walking itinerary down to steep slopes. However, some good trekking equipment, two or three hours walking and a substantial supply of water will take you down to some of the most unspoilt Sardinian landscape.

Further south, nearby Tortolì and Tertenia, the landscape unexpectedly changes into a flat and sandy coast. From Sa Pedra Longa, a 128 metres high pinnacle, down to the resorts in Cardedu a long strip of white sandy beaches will open in front of you.

Cala Ginepro, Iscrixedda, Lido of Orrì, Coccorocci, Su Sirboni and Bari Sardo extend for some kilometres and are extremely popular among beach lovers and never overcrowded. On the other hand, Cala Moresca is a rocky inlet with characteristic red stones right behind the port of Arbatax.

The nearby towns of Tortol' and Arbatax are directly linked to Italy mainland through ferry service or through a small seasonal airport. Unique, when not scary, its runway starts from the sand of the beach just 60 metres away from the sea.