Cala Luna Beach - Gulf of Orosei

Cala Luna Beach is one of the most iconic bays in the Mediterranean; it lies in the Gulf of Orosei, along the central-eastern coast of Sardinia, at the natural border between Barbagia and Ogliastra. The beach stretches for about 800 meters like a strip of light-colored sand mixed with smooth pebbles, flanked by steep cliffs of white limestone, with six large natural caves ("grottoni") that provide shelter and shade right on the beach. The sea boasts crystal-clear waters with intense shades of turquoise and emerald green; The seabed is shallower in the southern section, while it quickly becomes deep in front of the large caves, making it perfect for snorkeling. Just behind the sand dune lies a picturesque freshwater pond fed by the stream and surrounded by a dense forest of wild oleanders, from which the spectacular fluvial-karst gorge of the Codula di Luna extends. ⚠️ Environmental protection: Cala Luna is located in a natural setting of exceptional beauty: it is strictly forbidden to remove sand, stones, or shells from the beach, and wild camping and lighting fires inside the caves and in the oleander grove are also prohibited. ℹ️ Services: Behind the small lake behind the dune, nestled among the vegetation, there is a bar, a traditional restaurant, and restrooms. During the summer, beach equipment, canoes, and pedal boats are available for rent on the beach. The cove is most crowded in July and August, so it's best to visit early in the morning. 🚗 How to get there: • By sea (the main option and suitable for everyone): The beach can be easily reached by renting a rubber dinghy or by taking one of the ferries or motorboats that run continuously throughout the summer, departing from the ports of Cala Gonone (the closest, about a 15- to 20-minute boat ride away), Marina di Orosei, La Caletta, Santa Maria Navarrese, and Arbatax. • By land (for experienced hikers only): Cala Luna can be reached via three scenic but challenging hiking trails: from Cala Fuili (about 2–3 hours along the coastal trail that passes Cala Oddoana), from Teletottes (about 10 km following the stream bed along the entire length of the Codula di Luna), or from Buchiarta / Monte Malopès (descending into the gorge along the steep S'Iscala 'e su Molente trail). 💡 Fun fact: • A famous film location: Cala Luna owes much of its worldwide fame to Lina Wertmüller’s masterpiece *Swept Away* (1974), filmed right here among these caves and starring Mariangela Melato and Giancarlo Giannini, as well as the subsequent remake “Swept Away” (2002), starring Madonna. • A beach divided between two municipalities: The course of the Codula di Luna stream marks the historical and administrative boundary between two territories: the northern half of the beach (with its famous sea caves) lies within the municipality of Dorgali (province of Nuoro), while the southern half (with the small lake and the snack bar) belongs to the municipality of Baunei (Ogliastra). • The Bue Marino Cave: Along the short stretch of limestone coastline that connects Cala Gonone to Cala Luna by boat lie the monumental Bue Marino Caves, an ancient refuge for monk seals that can be explored on guided tours along illuminated walkways. Photo: Panoramio