Golfo Aranci Beaches: The 9 Best Coves to Discover

Discovering the beaches of Golfo Aranci means diving into a paradise of white sand, turquoise waters and sheer cliffs. This guide, written by Alpamarine, will accompany you on your discovery of the best coves, both accessible by land and sea. You will find directions, advice on where to park, which beaches are suitable for children and which are wild and ideal for snorkelling. Whether you have a boat or not, you will find the perfect beach for you here.

1. What are the most beautiful beaches in Golfo Aranci within walking distance?

When it comes to Golfo Aranci beaches, many immediately think of coves that can only be reached by boat. In reality, excellent beaches can also be reached on foot or with a short walk from the centre. The main one is the Marinella Beach, which is about 1.5 km from the port. Following the seafront promenade to the south (via della Libertà), it is a pleasant, flat 20-minute walk. It is a walk that we recommend to all Alpamarine who want to combine a morning on the boat with an afternoon at the beach without a car.

Another beach within walking distance is the small Frenchman's Cove, although the name is more touristy than real. In reality it is a rocky stretch of coastline with a few tongues of white sand that form at low tide. It is located just before Marinella, past the fishing port. It is not equipped, but is much loved by locals for its tranquillity. The water is immediately deep, so it is suitable for those who can swim well. For find this cove, walk along the footbridge that runs alongside the sea after Pier Alpamarine: you will see a clearing of fine gravel.

Finally, we point out the free beach of Semaphore Point, at the foot of the promontory of the same name. Reaching it on foot from the centre takes about 40 minutes with a slight climb, but it is worth it for the water crystalline and the view of Tavolara. Access is from Via Punta Semaforo, where the asphalt road ends. From there, a short dirt path descends to a small pebble cove. Beware: there are no services, so bring water and food. It is the ideal beach for those seeking silence and who want to take spectacular photographs at sunset.

2. Marinella Beach: the best equipped and most family-friendly beach

La Marinella Beach is undoubtedly the main beach of Aranci Gulf. It extends for about 300 metres of white sand fine, with a very gently sloping seabed. This makes it perfect for small children and those who are not experienced swimmers. The water is almost always calm, thanks to the sheltered position of the gulf. The colour is an inviting crystal clear sea with shades ranging from emerald green to azure blue. There are two bathing establishments on the beach (Lido Marinella and Bagni Smeraldo) offering sunshades, sunbeds, a bar and a restaurant.

For those who prefer free bathing, there is a large free stretch at the north end of the beach, towards the port. Access is easy: park along Viale dei Tramonti (for a fee in high season, about 1 euro per hour) or at the free car park in Via Marconi, from where a shuttle bus departs. We of Alpamarine We often recommend Marinella to our customers who have half a day free before or after a hike. It is also an ideal place for a picnic lunch: there are benches and public drinking fountains.

Practical tip: arrive early (by 9.30am) in July and August, as parking spaces sell out quickly. If you are a customer Alpamarine, you can ask us to point out the lesser-known car parks in the vicinity, such as the one in the old quarry (via Sardo), a five-minute walk away. And don't forget the sunscreen: the sun beats down hard, but the cool water will invite you to bathe again and again. For those who like snorkelling, on the right side of the beach (looking at the sea) there is a small rocky area where colourful fish and starfish can be seen.

3. Cala Moresca: how to get there and why it is considered a jewel

Cala Moresca is perhaps the cove most photographed of Aranci Gulf. Nestled between imposing cliffs of pink granite and a cliff covered with Mediterranean scrub, this small inlet has a water of a crystalline almost unreal. The seabed is mixed: sand and pebbles, with some submerged boulders where fish take refuge. The beach is very small (about 30 metres long) and is not equipped: no bars, no umbrellas for hire, no services. It is the perfect place for those seeking the natural beauty pure state.

How to get there by land? From the centre of Aranci Gulf, take via della Libertà in a northerly direction (towards Capo Figari). After about 1.5 km, turn left onto via Punta Semaforo. Follow the road uphill for about 2 km until you reach a dirt car park on the left (be careful: in summer it is full as early as 8:30 am). From there a hiking trail marked that descends to the sea. The descent takes about 15 minutes and is not suitable for wheelchairs or people with mobility difficulties (there are steps and uneven sections). The uphill return is more challenging, but the view that awaits you repays the effort.

The best way to enjoy Cala Moresca without the stress of parking and walking is to reach it by sea. With the excursions by Alpamarine, we always include a stop of at least an hour at Cala Moresca. You arrive directly by dinghy or catamaran, drop anchor a few metres from the beach and dive into a water that looks like a natural pool. The skipper knows the best spots for the snorkelling, where you can see bream, bream and, with a bit of luck, some octopus between the cracks in the rocks. Come to us: we will take you to this paradise without queues or effort.

4. Which hidden coves can only be reached by sea?

The real treasure of Aranci Gulf are the most beautiful creeks only open from the sea, inaccessible by land because protected by cliffs peak or from private property. The former is The Pope's Cove, a small inlet between Cape Figari and Punta Semaforo. It is so small that on the maps tourist often does not appear. The water is of a turquoise sea incredible, and the seabed is a mix of sand and rock. Only the smallest boats can enter, but our Alpamarine dinghies are perfect. Here you can swim in total relaxation, often alone even in the middle of summer.

Another secret cove is Cala del Silenzio, near Figarolo. It has no real sandy shoreline, but a platform of granite polished by the sea that slopes gently into the water. It is the ideal place to spread a towel and take a dreamy swim. The snorkelling here is exceptional: the seabed is rich in sponges, gorgonians and, if you are lucky, you can see a marine life lively. Our skipper knows exactly where to anchor to avoid damaging the seabed and to ensure maximum safety. It is a permanent fixture of our most beautiful hikes.

Finally, we point out Fannullana Cove (a name invented by local sailors, but it gives the idea), a small bend between Molara and Tavolara. Reachable only by boat, it is an inlet sheltered from the prevailing winds. The water is shallow for a few metres, then suddenly becomes deep: ideal for those who want to go from “children's bathing” to diving into the blue. During our excursions, We stop here for lunch on board, as the calm water allows us to eat without swaying. And after eating, a refreshing swim before setting off again in search of dolphins.

5. Figarolo: snorkelling paradise

The islet of Figarolo is one of the most popular destinations for those coming to Aranci Gulf. It is only 15 minutes by boat from the port and is famous for its white sandy beaches and for the crystal-clear waters surrounding it. Unlike Tavolara, Figarolo is uninhabited and has no services: it is you, nature and the sea. The two main beaches are the Ponente beach (fine sand, shallow water, ideal for families) and the Levante beach (pebbles, shallow water, perfect for snorkelling). Both are spectacular.

The seabed around Figarolo is a real natural aquarium. With mask and snorkel, you can observe shoals of salps, damselfish, and if you are lucky some sea turtles. We at Alpamarine we organise specific tours to Figarolo, with extended stops for snorkelling and a small lunch on board based on Sardinian specialities. Our skipper They know every nook and cranny and will take you to less frequented areas, where the water is even clearer and the tranquillity is absolute.

Reaching Figarolo by land is impossible because there are no regular ferries to the islet. The only way is to rent a boat or participate in a’excursion. If you have a licence, you can hire a dinghy from us and go it yourself: we will give you a map nautical with the coordinates of the best coves and we will point out safe anchorage points. Otherwise, rely on our guided tours. Figarolo is one of those beaches that stays in your heart: when you see it, you will understand why Sardinia is called “paradise”.

6. The beaches of Capo Figari between cliffs and deep waters

The headland of Cape Figari is not famous for its sandy beaches, but for its cliffs overlooking the sea and for the deep, clear waters that lap its base. Here you will find some bays of pebbles and rock, popular with divers and those looking for a swim in deep water without crowds. The most accessible is the small inlet below the Punta Semaforo lighthouse. It is not a beach in the classic sense, but a granite platform that slopes gently into the water. Bring a thick towel and rock shoes.

Another interesting area is the so-called “Piscina di Capo Figari”, a natural hollow between the rocks where the water is always calm and incredibly clear. It can only be reached by sea or by abseiling (not recommended for non-experts). With Alpamarine, we often include this natural pool in our tours, because it is a magical place to do snorkelling in total safety. The water is just deep enough to dive into, but with the seabed visible in every detail. You can see sponges, gorgonians and sometimes even some octopuses.

For those who enjoy trekking, we suggest combining a walk on the Capo Figari trail in the morning (with breathtaking views of Aranci Gulf) and a’boat excursion in the afternoon to explore the coves at the base of the cliff. It is a perfect way to experiencing the sea from all perspectives. And if you are lucky, from the boat you can spotting dolphins which often play in the deep waters below the headland. The skipper Alpamarine will show you the best spots for observation.

7. When to go to the beach in Golfo Aranci? Sea, wind and temperatures

The best time to enjoy the beaches by Aranci Gulf runs from May to October. In May and June, the water is still cool (18-21°C) but the weather is perfect for long walks and avoiding crowds. July and August are the hottest months (air 30-35°C, water 24-26°C), but also the most crowded. September is our favourite month: still warm, sunny sea, but with fewer tourists and lower prices. October is still swimmable, especially in the first half, with water still reaching 22°C.

Beware of wind: Aranci Gulf is sheltered from the prevailing mistral and grecale winds, thanks to the conformation of the gulf. However, when the sirocco (from the south-east) blows, the sea can become rough and exposed beaches (such as Marinella) can have annoying waves. On those days, the advice is to move to the opposite side of the gulf or, better still, to book a’boat excursion with Alpamarine: our skippers know the sheltered coves even in strong winds, such as those below Cape Figari or on the western slope of Figarolo.

For those who want to avoid the crowds, we suggest going to the beach after 4pm. The sun is still high until 19:30 in summer, and the late afternoon light is perfect for photos. Also, many tourists go back to their hotels, so the beaches empty out. We at Alpamarine also organise sunset tours, which combine a swim in a deserted cove with an aperitif on board as the sun goes down behind Cape Figari. A romantic experience that we highly recommend.

8. What to bring for a day at the beach

• Swimming costume (obviously) and a towel (preferably microfibre, it dries quickly).

• Sun cream highly protective (possibly biodegradable, we respect the Marine Protected Area).

• Hat with visor e sunglasses with polarised lenses (the reflection on the water is very intense).

• Light sweatshirt or k-way (the wind during navigation can be refreshing, especially on the way back).

• Camera or telephone with waterproof case (dolphins and coves deserve memories).

• Rock shoes (if you plan to go down to pebble beaches).

• Water bottle (although we provide water, it is good to have a personal supply).

If you go to the beach on your own, add parasol and deckchair (can be hired in Marinella), food and drink (kiosks are there but cost more) and a book for moments of relaxation. Don't forget a waste bag: the beaches of Aranci Gulf are clean thanks to everyone's efforts, and we want to keep them that way.

9. Interactive map of Golfo Aranci beaches

To conclude, here is a interactive element which will help you display all the beaches we have mentioned. Mouse over the cards to see a preview, click to be redirected to the corresponding paragraph (if you have implemented HTML anchors in your article). 

Key Points to Remember

• Golfo Aranci offers beaches for all tastesfrom the well-equipped Marinella (ideal for families) to the wild Cala Moresca (accessible by land or sea).

• The most beautiful beaches can be reached by boatFigarolo, Cala Sabina (Tavolara) and secret coves such as Cala del Papa are only accessible by sea.

• With Alpamarine you can visit more beaches in one dayOur excursions combine stops in 3-4 different coves with snorkelling and dolphin spotting.

• Beware of parking: in high season, arrive early (by 9 a.m.) or use the car park in Via Marconi with free shuttle bus.

• Bring the right equipmentsun cream, hat, rock shoes, snorkelling mask (we provide this on reservation).

• The best periodMay-June and September for ideal climate and less crowds; July-August for warm sea but more crowds.

• Respect the environmentUse biodegradable creams, do not leave rubbish on the beach, do not touch dolphins or the protected seabed.

• Book your excursion with AlpamarineWe will take you to the most beautiful coves, away from the crowds, with experienced skippers and maximum safety.