The rock wave of Cala Luna in the Gulf of Orosei

Like a petrified wave, the dazzlingly bright and colourful limestone cliffs of Cala Luna seem to want to pour themselves into the turquoise sea. But as the saying goes, constant dripping wears away the stone, and indeed the elements have washed huge caves out of the rock. Along with the bay’s white sandy beach, these unique formations define the image of Sardinia’s fascinating east coast, with its steep cliffs and bays overlooked by bizarre rocks and karst mountain peaks.

This powerful place lies just a few kilometres south of Cala Gonone in the Gulf of Orosei on Sardinia’s east coast. It can be reached via an easy hiking trail along the coast in up to 3 hours; another, but significantly longer and more demanding path leads from the plateau through the karst Moon Gorge to the sea. Behind the lagoon created by the beach’s sandbar, and hidden by the reed belt, a local cooperative runs a small restaurant where you can get some refreshments. For the return journey, a trip on one of the excursion boats from Cala Gonone, which bring most bathers to Cala Luna or other hidden bays, can be arranged. The rocks are also a challenging playground for boulderers.

More pictures in the ‘Sardinia’ gallery.