Golfo Aranci Beaches

Overview

Golfo Aranci is a premier Sardinian beach destination, celebrated for its stunning Caribbean-like waters and fine sand. It is an excellent choice for families and those seeking a dedicated seaside holiday, offering a charming alternative to the larger port city of Olbia. Many of its most beautiful beaches feature the shallow, crystal-clear turquoise water characteristic of the region. A key convenience is that several of the town's main beaches, known as the Cinque Spiagge, are easily accessible on foot from the central promenade.

Among the area's most treasured spots, our editor's picks highlight the diverse coastal beauty. Terza Spiaggia serves as the town's vibrant and central seaside hub, perfect for socialising and convenience. For a true escape, Spiaggia di Cala Moresca offers a breathtaking, secluded cove nestled within a nature reserve that is well worth the short hike to reach it. Nearby, the renowned Spiaggia Bianca captivates visitors with its brilliant white sand and iconic views of Tavolara Island. Adding to the unique local charm, the beautiful Spiaggia di Cala Sabina is famously accessible by a dedicated train line.

Beyond these highlights, the coastline is dotted with other exceptional beaches. Cala Sassari is another popular choice, loved for its pristine inlet and beautiful scenery. These beaches represent just a fraction of what the area has to offer, with numerous coves and sandy stretches waiting to be discovered. For more inspiration and to find the perfect spot for your visit, be sure to explore our complete guide to the beaches of Golfo Aranci.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Golfo Aranci good for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Golfo Aranci is considered an excellent destination for families. Many of its beaches, such as Terza Spiaggia and Spiaggia di Bados, feature fine white sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters, making them safe and enjoyable for children. The town itself has a relaxed, seaside atmosphere with numerous family-friendly restaurants and accommodations. Several beaches are equipped with amenities like sunbed rentals, bars, and easy parking, adding to the convenience for families.

Terza Spiaggia

Spiaggia Bados

Can you walk to the beaches from the town of Golfo Aranci?

Yes, one of the conveniences of Golfo Aranci is that several beautiful beaches are within walking distance of the town center. The town's main beaches are famously numbered as Prima, Seconda, Terza, Quarta, and Quinta Spiaggia (First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Beach), and they stretch along the coast starting from the seaside promenade (Lungomare), making them easily accessible on foot for anyone staying centrally.

Prima Spiaggia Golfo Aranci

Seconda Spiaggia

Terza Spiaggia

Quarta Spiaggia

What is the best time of year to visit the beaches in Golfo Aranci?

The best time to visit Golfo Aranci for a beach holiday is from May to September. July and August are the peak months with the warmest weather and the most vibrant atmosphere, but they are also the most crowded. For a quieter experience with pleasant temperatures perfect for swimming and sunbathing, consider visiting in May, June, or September when the crowds are smaller, and the weather is still beautiful.

Are the beaches in Golfo Aranci crowded?

Crowds at Golfo Aranci's beaches vary by season and location. During the peak summer months of July and August, popular and easily accessible beaches like Terza Spiaggia and Spiaggia Bianca can get quite crowded. However, even during high season, it's possible to find quieter spots, especially if you visit early in the morning or explore more secluded coves like Cala Moresca. Visiting in the shoulder seasons of May, June, or September is a good strategy to avoid the largest crowds.

Terza Spiaggia

Spiaggia Bianca

Spiaggia di Cala Moresca

Are there hotels in Golfo Aranci with private beach access?

Yes, there are several hotels in Golfo Aranci that offer the convenience of direct or private beach access. For example, Hotel Gabbiano Azzurro is located right on the beach and has a private section for its guests. Hotel Baia Caddinas also has a beach right in front of the property. Staying at one of these hotels can be a great option for those who want to have the sea just a few steps from their room.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Do you need a car to get to the beaches in Golfo Aranci?

While several of Golfo Aranci's main beaches are walkable from the town center, renting a car is highly recommended to explore the full beauty of the area. A car allows you to easily visit stunning nearby beaches like Spiaggia Bianca, Cala Sassari, and the secluded Cala Moresca, which are not within walking distance. Public transport options like buses exist but may be infrequent, so a car offers the most flexibility and comfort.

Spiaggia Bianca

Spiaggia Cala Sassari

Spiaggia di Cala Moresca

What are the water and sand like at Golfo Aranci's beaches?

The beaches in and around Golfo Aranci are famous for their stunning Caribbean-like features. You can expect fine, white or golden sand and exceptionally clear, turquoise, and emerald waters. The seabed is often sandy and slopes gently, creating large areas of shallow water that are perfect for swimming and safe for families. This combination of pristine sand and translucent water is a hallmark of the region.

Which is better for beaches, Golfo Aranci or Olbia?

While Olbia is a major port city with some nearby beaches like Pittulongu, Golfo Aranci is generally considered a more dedicated beach holiday destination. Golfo Aranci is a smaller, more charming seaside town surrounded by a greater number of renowned and picturesque beaches, from the town's own numbered beaches to nearby gems like Cala Moresca and Spiaggia Bianca. Olbia serves as a convenient gateway, but for a holiday focused purely on beaches, Golfo Aranci offers more variety and beauty in its immediate vicinity.

Spiaggia Pittulongu

Spiaggia di Cala Moresca

Spiaggia Bianca

People Also Ask

Are there any hidden or secret beaches near Golfo Aranci?

Yes, the area around Golfo Aranci has several secluded coves for those willing to explore. Cala Moresca, located within the Capo Figari nature reserve, is a stunning bay with two small beaches that require a walk to reach, making it quieter than others. Cala Sabina is another beautiful option that can be less crowded. For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, the tiny cove of S'Abba e sa Pedra is accessible via a trail and offers breathtaking views.

Spiaggia di Cala Moresca

Spiaggia di Cala Sabina

Spiaggia S'abba e Sa Pedra

Is it possible to go dolphin watching from Golfo Aranci?

Yes, Golfo Aranci is a well-known location for dolphin watching. The waters of the gulf are a habitat for dolphins, and it's not uncommon to spot them. Numerous boat tours depart directly from the port of Golfo Aranci, offering dedicated excursions to find and observe these marine animals in their natural environment, often combining the experience with snorkeling stops in scenic coves.

Are there beach clubs or equipped lidos in Golfo Aranci?

Yes, many beaches in Golfo Aranci offer equipped sections (lidos or stabilimenti balneari) where you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas. Popular beaches like Terza Spiaggia, Spiaggia Bianca, and Cala Sassari have facilities including bars, restaurants, and equipment rentals. There are also more exclusive beach clubs in the area, such as Oasi Beach Club and Fino Beach Club, which offer a full-service experience with restaurants and music.

Terza Spiaggia

Spiaggia Bianca

Spiaggia Cala Sassari

What is parking like at the beaches in Golfo Aranci?

Parking availability varies by beach. Many popular beaches like Spiaggia Bianca and Cala Sassari have dedicated paid parking lots, though it's recommended to arrive early during the high season (July and August) as they can fill up quickly. For the beaches within the town, you may need to find street parking. Some more remote beaches, like Cala Moresca, are not accessible by car and require a walk from a designated parking area.

Spiaggia Bianca

Spiaggia di Cala Moresca

Can you swim in the sea in May or October in Golfo Aranci?

Yes, you can swim in the sea during May and October, although the water will be cooler than in the peak summer months. In May, the water temperature is typically around 18°C (64°F), which some may find brisk but is refreshing for many. By October, the sea retains some of its summer warmth, with average temperatures around 23°C (73°F), making it very pleasant for swimming. These months are ideal for enjoying the beaches with fewer crowds.

Which beach in Golfo Aranci has the best view of Tavolara Island?

Several beaches in the Golfo Aranci area offer spectacular views of the majestic Tavolara Island. Spiaggia Bianca and Cala Sassari are particularly well-known for their beautiful, direct views of the island rising from the horizon. The beach of Sos Aranzos, located just south of Golfo Aranci, also provides a fantastic vantage point for admiring Tavolara.

Spiaggia Bianca

Spiaggia Cala Sassari

Spiaggia Sos Aranzos

What is the 'Cinque Spiagge' of Golfo Aranci?

The 'Cinque Spiagge' refers to the five main beaches located directly within the town of Golfo Aranci. They are named sequentially: Prima, Seconda, Terza, Quarta, and Quinta Spiaggia (First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Beach). These beaches are known for their fine sand and clear, shallow waters, and their main advantage is their extreme convenience, as they can be easily reached on foot from the town center and promenade.

Prima Spiaggia Golfo Aranci

Seconda Spiaggia

Terza Spiaggia

Quarta Spiaggia