Boat trip to dream beaches on Sardinia’s east coast

Along the wild cliffs in the Gulf of Orosei on Sardinia, many small, romantic coves with sandy or pebble beaches are hidden between the crystal-clear sea and the high rock faces of the Supramonte. Occasionally, hiking trails lead down through gorges and valleys, but it’s more comfortable to go by your own boat or on an organised tour from Arbatax or Cala Gonone. Depending on the trip, several different beaches are visited on a day tour, so you can experience the variety and beauty of this impressive coastline.

In the morning, there’s a relaxed bustle in the harbour of Cala Gonone as several cooperatives prepare their boats for the day’s tours and guide passengers on board. We chose one of the earliest tours, which heads to the famous Cala Luna as its first highlight; this way we’re among the first day guests and can explore the crescent-shaped beach and the rocky “wave” with the karst caves before they’re overrun by bathers. Further stops will be Cala Biriola and Cala Mariolu, whereas we’ll visit Cala Goloritzé without stopping.

The boat is soon filled to the last seat and the crew attends to their duties on board. At every beach, it’s the same ritual – slow manoeuvring, then the gangway is lowered and guests tip-toe slowly across the swaying plank onto the beach, where fellow passengers are already waiting for the onward journey. It goes back and forth like this all day, until the last tour picks up all remaining guests and only the hikers are left behind.

More pictures in the ‘Sardinia’ gallery.