The best beaches in Golfo Aranci offer a diverse mix of serene coves, vibrant sands, and dramatic coastal trails, perfect for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure in northern Sardinia. From the secluded beauty of Cala Moresca to the lively atmosphere of Terza Spiaggia, there’s something for every kind of beachgoer. Whether you’re drawn to snorkeling among granite outcrops or simply unwinding with a view of Isola Tavolara, this guide covers the top spots with trusted, firsthand insights.
Best Hotels in Golfo Aranci 🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites
- ✨ 5-Star: Hotel Abi d'Oru, Porto Rotondo
- 🏨 4-Star: Hotel Villa Margherita
- 🛏 3-Star: Hotel Tabby
- 💸 Cheap: La Smeralda - Boutique Rooms and Breakfast
- 🏢 Apartment: Hotel Marana
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: VOI Colonna Village
- 🏩 For Couples: Hotel Castello
Quick Guide to the Best Beaches 📃
- 🏞️ Secluded & Wild — Cala Moresca Beach
- 🌅 Vibrant & Scenic — Spiaggia Bianca Beach
- 🏖️ Family-Friendly & Accessible — Cala Sassari Beach
- 🌿 Natural & Tranquil — Cala Sabina Beach
- 🤿 Snorkeling & Hiking — Spiaggia dei Baracconi Beach
- 🌅 Evening Vibes — Sos Aranzos Beach
- 🏖️ Lively & Central — Terza Spiaggia Beach
- 🏖️ Quiet & Intimate — Spiaggiа Baia Caddinas Beach
1. Cala Moresca Beach: A Sheltered Sandy Inlet with Emerald Waters
The beach is small and intimate, with a mix of fine sand and smooth pebbles, surrounded by dramatic granite cliffs shaped by the mistral winds over the centuries that owe its name to the bay of Cala Moresca and its emerald green tones. I wandered along the shoreline at dawn, watching the sun reflect off the turquoise water and emerald waters, creating a Caribbean-like glow on sand and crystal-clear shallows. This sheltered cove boasts shallow waters and natural beauty, making it ideal for adventurous travelers and snorkelers between May and September on this scenic promontory.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
From the parking area near Baracconi Beach, follow the trail above Cala Moresca past the Luigi Serra Battery, a WWII fortress nestled in the Mediterranean scrub, and continue toward the old Capo Figari lighthouse for a splendid view of Isola Tavolara where peregrine falcons sometimes circle. Don’t miss the hidden path that leads to Cala Greca, a magical and solitary place loved by divers for its rich seabed and a quiet place for snorkelling behind the beach. Reach the trailhead early in the morning during high season to avoid crowds; the nearest access point is off Via Cala Moresca close to the port of Golfo Aranci.
- Pro: Offers a pristine, unspoiled environment perfect for reconnecting with nature.
- Con: Limited facilities mean you must bring water and supplies, but nearby Baracconi Beach has paid parking and a starting point for kayaking tours.
Best For: Adventurous travelers and snorkelers.
Skip If: You need amenities like restrooms or food service; instead, try Cala Sassari Beach just a short drive away.
Best Hotels near Cala Moresca Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Hotel Villa Margherita — Features a waterfront setting with outdoor pool, Turkish bath, and gourmet restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine with breathtaking gulf views.
- Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites — Offers a private white sandy beach, infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean, and two restaurants specializing in fresh seafood.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Hotel Castello — Located directly on Terza Spiaggia with sea-view rooms, free parking, and excellent buffet breakfast just steps from the beach.
- Hotel La Lampara — Provides comfortable air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, walking distance to the port and top beaches of Golfo Aranci.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- La Smeralda - Boutique Rooms and Breakfast — Offers clean boutique rooms with private bathrooms, Italian breakfast, and prime location just three minutes from multiple beaches.
2. Spiaggia Bianca Beach: A Picturesque Bay with Fine White Sand
You feel the soft, powdery sand underfoot as you step into the shallow, crystal-clear waters that shimmer in shades of turquoise at this beloved white beach. I walked past the rustic dunes and maquis at sunset, where couples gathered to toast with local Vermentino wine as the sky turned gold near Porto Rotondo and La Marinella beach. This 350-meter-long beach offers calm waters and scenic views of Isola Tavolara, best enjoyed from June to August in this seaside nook near Olbia.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Stroll south along the coastal path from the town center past Viale Conca Caddinas toward Spiaggia Baia Caddinas, where a small bay offers privacy and photo-worthy rock formations with a beautiful view. Stop at the beach bar near the boat rental for a spritz and people-watch — locals love this spot for evening gatherings that enchant at sunset. Visit on a weekday afternoon to avoid the weekend rush; the nearest bus stop is Golfo Aranci Centro, and much is within walking distance from the centre of Golfo Aranci.
- Pro: Ideal mix of beauty and accessibility with nearby dining and rentals.
- Con: Gets crowded at peak times, but the adjacent beaches offer quieter alternatives.
Best For: Couples and families.
Skip If: You’re seeking solitude; head to Cala Greca instead via a scenic hike from Cala Moresca.
Best Hotels near Spiaggia Bianca Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Hotel Resort & Spa Baia Caddinas — Beachfront property with two outdoor pools, wellness center with sauna, private beach with fine white sand, and kids’ club for families.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Hotel Tabby — Set opposite Golfo Aranci Beach with air-conditioned rooms, friendly bar, and complimentary breakfast in a family-run atmosphere.
- Hotel Marana — Located near Marinella sandy beaches with outdoor pool, private beach area, and restaurant serving Mediterranean specialties.
3. Cala Sassari Beach: A Beautiful Beach with Golden Sands
Sunlight sparkles on the fine golden sand as children splash in the gently sloping shallows, their laughter blending with the rustle of the Mediterranean maquis in this well equipped cove. I followed the trail from the spacious parking lot down to the shore, where parasols dotted the 500-meter stretch like confetti beside sand and transparent shallows. This beach offers reliable calm waters and is perfect for families between July and September with a small seaside bar.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Walk the promenade from the main parking lot past the restaurant and bar toward the viewpoint overlooking Tavolara Island, then loop back past the handicap-accessible pathway used by older visitors near Nodu Pianu and Pittulongu. Locals appreciate the well-equipped facilities and morning calm before tour groups arrive from the port of Olbia. Arrive before 10 a.m. to secure a prime spot; the nearest transit point is the paid parking off SP10 on the south-west side.
- Pro: Fully equipped with services and ideal for all ages.
- Con: Midday sun offers little natural shade, so rent a sunbed with an umbrella.
Best For: Families and accessible travelers.
Skip If: You prefer untouched scenery; opt for Cala Sabina Beach, nestled in coastal vegetation further north.
Best Hotels near Cala Sassari Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites — Exceptional beachfront location with infinity pool, private white sandy beach, and award-winning Blu Restaurant offering panoramic sea views.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- VOI Colonna Village — Beachfront resort with private sandy beach, multiple pools, and family-friendly amenities near Sos Aranzos.
- Villa Aranzos — Seaside villa-style stay with balconies and free parking steps from Sos Aranzos Beach.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Villaggio Terrata Golfo Aranci — Apartment-style option with beach access, on-site dining, and family facilities near Cala Sassari.
4. Sos Aranzos Beach: A Polished Beach with Granite Rocks
The contrast of white sand and emerging granite rocks creates a striking mosaic beneath the sparkling waves, which shift from turquoise to deep azure on this picturesque stretch. I stood at the edge of the beach club’s terrace, sipping a granita while watching boats ferry tourists to the Costa Smeralda, just visible in the distance near Porto Rotondo. This 120-meter beach is lively and well-serviced, ideal for hotel guests during July and August with sand and crystal-clear water.
The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Enter from the road near the Aranzos Bay Beach Club Resort, then walk past the kiosk and big parking lot to the shoreline, where swimmers enjoy the shallow entry by a small bay that can be little crowded at midday. Locals favor the northern end for fewer crowds and better snorkeling over rocky seabeds on the promontory that offers a beautiful view. Visit late afternoon to catch the golden light and avoid midday heat; the closest access is from the hotel resort driveway near the centre of Golfo Aranci.
- Pro: Convenient amenities and safe swimming for kids.
- Con: High season brings noise and density, but early mornings offer a peaceful alternative.
Best For: Hotel guests and social travelers.
Skip If: You dislike commercialized areas; consider Terza Spiaggia for a similar vibe with more local flavor.
Best Hotels near Sos Aranzos Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- VOI Colonna Village — Large resort with three swimming pools, three restaurants, private sandy beach, wellness center, and dedicated kids’ club in expansive Mediterranean gardens.
- Hotel Baia Aranzos - Golfo Aranci Beach Club — Cliffside resort overlooking Sos Aranzos Bay with sea-view rooms, panoramic pool, and direct access to a small sandy cove.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Hotel Tabby — Family-friendly establishment with modern rooms, complimentary breakfast buffet, and convenient location near harbor and beaches.
5. Cala Sabina Beach: A Natural Cove with Juniper Trees
The scent of juniper fills the air as you step onto the soft white sand, flanked by smooth pebbles that glisten in the late summer sun on this sardinian cove. I sat under the shade of a gnarled tree, watching a small group of snorkelers disappear into the clear, azure waters near the rocky outcrops, a perfect place for snorkelling on calmer days. This tranquil cove, about 100 meters long, is best visited in late summer when the sea remains warm and the trails are less trodden along the beach of Cala Sabina.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
Start from the trailhead near Capo Figari and hike south past the remnants of Marconi’s radio observatory, where history blends with panoramic views of the Gulf of Olbia and the port of Golfo Aranci. Locals cherish the juniper groves for their aromatic tranquility and birdwatching opportunities among Mediterranean vegetation. Hike in the morning when temperatures are cooler; the nearest trail access is off the SP10 coastal road on the north-east side.
- Pro: Unspoiled natural setting with rich biodiversity.
- Con: Remote location and no services, so pack essentials — but the views are worth the effort.
Best For: Nature lovers and solitude seekers.
Skip If: You need immediate food or shade; instead, visit Spiaggia Bianca, just a short drive away.
Best Hotels near Cala Sabina Beach
💎 Luxury Hotels
- Sardegna Top Golfo Di Marinella — Upscale seaside complex near Marinella Bay with landscaped pools, private beach areas, and on-site dining.
⭐️ Best Value Hotels
- Casa Leo - Villaggio Baia de Bahas — Comfortable apartment-style stay steps from the bay, offering kitchenettes and terraces for easy coastal days.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Casa Gaia Golfo Aranci — Simple, well-equipped apartment with balcony and convenient access to beaches and local services.
6. Spiaggiа Baia Caddinas Beach: A Quiet Bay with Mixed Sand
Waves gently lap the 70-meter stretch of mixed sand and pebbles, flanked by protective rocks that create a sense of privacy even in early season on this small bay. I found a quiet spot behind the dunes, where the sound of the sea was broken only by a fishing boat drifting near the Hotel Baia Caddinas, with a beautiful view toward Tavolara. This intimate cove is perfect for couples seeking a calm, convenient escape close to the beach and the centre of Golfo Aranci.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Drive along Viale Conca Caddinas and turn left about 200 meters before the hotel to reach the unmarked beach path past low shrubs of Mediterranean vegetation. Locals love this secluded cove for its peaceful ambiance and easy access from town that feels little crowded outside August. Visit on a weekday morning to enjoy it nearly alone; the closest landmark is the hotel’s entrance near the seaside promenade.
- Pro: Offers seclusion without requiring a long hike.
- Con: Limited space means it fills quickly, but arriving early guarantees a quiet experience.
Best For: Couples seeking privacy.
Skip If: You need facilities or long stretches of sand; try Terza Spiaggia instead.
Best Hotels near Spiaggiа Baia Caddinas Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Hotel Resort & Spa Baia Caddinas — Directly on the beach with fine white sand, two infinity pools, wellness spa, and international restaurant with garden views.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Hotel Castello — Beachfront location with sea-view terrace, comfortable rooms with balconies, and free parking close to town center.
- Hotel Tabby — Welcoming family-run property offering excellent service, generous breakfast, and easy beach access.
7. Spiaggia dei Baracconi Beach: A Rugged Shoreline with Snorkeling
The coarse pebbles crunch underfoot as you wade into the clear, shallow water, where the seabed teems with colorful fish just offshore and even the occasional crab by rocky shelves. I joined a guided kayak tour from here, gliding past dramatic limestone cliffs and spotting dolphins 600 meters out — a thrilling start to the day near the port of Olbia ferry routes. This 250-meter beach is rugged and scenic, ideal for hikers and snorkeling enthusiasts who visit in the morning on a kilometer, near Golfo Aranci stretch of coastline.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Leave your car in the paid parking lot off the main road and walk the coastal path past the small cemetery of Italian sailors, known locally as Cimitero degli Inglesi, toward Cala Moresca along the bay of Cala Moresca. Locals recommend this stretch for early snorkeling, when visibility is highest and the turquoise water is calm on the promontory’s sheltered side. Set out by 8 a.m. to avoid crowds; the nearest access is the trailhead behind the parking area just outside the port of Golfo Aranci.
- Pro: Excellent starting point for kayaking and marine wildlife spotting.
- Con: No shade or food vendors, so bring supplies — but the unspoiled views are unmatched.
Best For: Hikers and snorkeling enthusiasts.
Skip If: You prefer comfort and services; Cala Sassari Beach is a well-equipped alternative.
Best Hotels near Spiaggia dei Baracconi Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Villa Giulia Golfo Aranci — Elegant villa-style stay with sea-facing terraces, private garden, and easy access to central beaches.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Casa Victoria Golfo Aranci — Bright, modern apartment with balcony and kitchenette, a short stroll from the waterfront promenade.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- La Finestra Sul Porto Golfo Aranci — Compact harbor-view studio offering a convenient base near the marina, cafes, and ferry pier.
8. Terza Spiaggia Beach: A Lively Stretch with Golden Sand
Children splash in the very gently sloping water while parents relax under rented umbrellas, the air filled with the scent of salt and sunscreen beside spiaggia di Terza Spiaggia. I walked the boardwalk from the town center, passing shops and cafes before stepping onto the main beach section, the most visited in Golfo Aranci during summer with a beautiful view toward Tavolara and Porto Rotondo. This golden stretch offers reliable conditions and calm waters, perfect for families throughout peak season close to the beach amenities.
The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Start at the Lungo Mare promenade and wander past the free Wi-Fi zone and showers toward the bar and restaurant area, then explore the beach’s southern end where locals gather for evening swims near cala banana and pittulongu. Families appreciate the nearby facilities and safety of shallow waters in this seaside hub that’s also convenient for a trip to Golfo Aranci attractions. Come on a weekday morning to avoid weekend crowds; the nearest access is a five-minute walk from Golfo Aranci town center by the port of Golfo Aranci.
- Pro: Centrally located with full amenities and gentle waters.
- Con: Gets busy, but the adjacent beaches offer quieter options.
Best For: Families with children.
Skip If: You want a remote feel; Cala Greca, reachable by foot from Cala Moresca, is a serene alternative.
Best Hotels near Terza Spiaggia Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Rooms, affittacamere Maksim — Stylish rooms above a popular eatery, offering sea-view terraces and a short stroll to central beaches.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Casa Perla Golfo Aranci — Bright apartment with a balcony and kitchenette, ideal for easy coastal days near the promenade.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- SeaBay Golfo Aranci — Simple, convenient base with self-catering setup and quick access to shops, cafes, and the marina.
FAQ
What budget should you plan for a beach holiday in Golfo Aranci?
Expect moderate spending with meals around $20–$35, local transport under $5, and free beach access, though boat rentals or guided snorkeling tours may add $50–$80 per person in this north-east corner of Sardinia.
Which beaches in Golfo Aranci are best for families with young children?
Cala Sassari Beach and Terza Spiaggia offer shallow, calm waters, gentle slopes, and amenities like restrooms and food vendors, making them ideal for families who want to stay close to the beach.
Which beaches are ideal for water sports in Golfo Aranci?
Spiaggia dei Baracconi and Cala Moresca are top spots for snorkeling and kayaking due to their clear waters, rocky seabeds, and proximity to marine life near the promontory of Capo Figari.
What is the best time of year to visit Golfo Aranci’s beaches?
The ideal period is May to September, with warm weather and sea temperatures from 20°C to 25°C, while July and August are peak months with higher crowds at popular spots like la marinella beach and pittulongu.
How can you easily get around Golfo Aranci’s beaches?
Most beaches are reachable by car, with paid or free parking, while Terza Spiaggia and Spiaggia Bianca are within walking distance from the town center and the port of Golfo Aranci.
Are there any hidden or less-crowded beaches in Golfo Aranci?
Cala Greca is a secluded cove accessible only by hiking from Cala Moresca, offering peace and exceptional snorkeling in a tucked-away setting with sand and transparent water.
What practical tips should visitors know when going to Golfo Aranci’s beaches?
Bring water and sunscreen, arrive early during summer, use marked trails in Capo Figari Nature Park, and respect protected areas like the SIC site of Figarolo Island featured on discover-sardinia.com.
