Caletta del Faro is a picturesque beach located in the province of Oristano, Sardinia, within the municipality of Cabras. It is situated on the eastern side of Capo San Marco, the northernmost point of the Gulf of Oristano, and serves as an imaginary boundary between the calm sea of the Gulf and the livelier sea of Sardinia.
The beach is characterized by its natural beauty, featuring medium-grain white sand with hues of yellow and pink, and a shoreline adorned with a few seagrasses, rocks, and low cliffs. The sea, which boasts a shimmering green color, is calm and shallow, making it an ideal spot for swimming, bathing, and snorkeling. The sandy bottom of the sea and the surrounding flora further enhance the beach's appeal.
In the past, Caletta del Faro was used as a landing place for lobster fishermen, a history that is still evident in the pier for boat mooring located on the western side of the beach. Today, the beach is home to several small coves and beach islets, providing visitors with various spots to explore and relax in.
Despite its charm, Caletta del Faro is not typically crowded during the summer months, offering a peaceful beach experience. However, due to its small size, it can get busy at times, and some visitors have described the water as cloudy, likening the beach to a lagoon.
The beach is accessible via the Strada Provinciale 54 from Oristano towards Tharros and S. Giovanni. From there, visitors need to turn right towards Cabras and left following the signs for S. Giovanni di Sinis. A 3 km path from a nearby car park, surrounded by thick vegetation, leads to the beach. While there are no services directly on the beach, there are dining options near the archaeological area of Tharros.
In terms of amenities, Caletta del Faro is relatively basic. Visitors are recommended to bring a packed lunch and spend time in one of the small coves for a unique beach experience. Behind the beach, there are notable historical sites including the Capo San Marco lighthouse, an important Punic temple, the ancient Phoenician-Punic settlement of Tharros, and the Torre Vecchia.
