Cala Domestica is one of the most beautiful in southern Sardinia. This small cove with soft golden sand and emerald waters is a great place to relax. Full of tourists and locals in the summer, and a great place to visit even in the off season, a day to Cala Domestica beach is greatly recommended, especially if you are planning a trip to southern Sardinia.
The beach is surrounded by two promontories, in a beautiful bay that creates a suggestive scenery, perfect if you like to lay down on the sand and even if you love snorkeling or diving. The seabed offers a lot to see, especially near the promontories, where you can observe the thriving marine life and flora.
If you are interested and want to know more on Cala Domestica, please continue reading this post. I have been to Cala Domestica more times I can remember, and in any season really – here you will also find useful information on how to get to the beach and where to sleep nearby.
Make sure to also read my post The Best Beaches In Southern Sardinia.
What You Must Know About Cala Domestica, Sardinia
Main characteristics of Cala Domestica beach
Located in the southwestern corner of the island, 2 km (1.2 miles) from the municipality of Buggerru, Cala Domestica used to be home to a small mining port, the remains of which are still visible directly at the beach. You can see the ruins of old warehouses and also the old galleries, dug by miners in the past.
Make sure to read my post Mines In Sardinia You Will Love Visiting.
The beach is well repaired from the wind by the two promontories. However, when the mistral wind blows the sea currents can get incredibly strong, and waves massive – so it’s not a good idea to visit then.
The beach is actually quite small, and for this reason I suggest you to go there early in the morning, in order to find a good spot.
f you are in for some exploring, you can pass through a mining tunnel located on the right promontory that will bring you to another small bay called La Caletta – if anything, make sure to go there for some extra photo opportunity!
The beach is also backed by beautiful dunes – but remember they are protected!
Being a natural beach, surrounded by wilderness, Cala Domestica has little in the form of equipment – there is just a small kiosk that sells drinks, some snacks and quick bites. So make sure you take everything you need with you for the day. Don’t forget the beach umbrella, has in the summer it gets usually really hot!
The shallow water is perfect for kids, since they can play and have fun without any risk – except on mistral days when it’s actually better they don’t get near the water at all! Adults and teenagers may want to bring snorkeling gear. The marine life is really unique and mesmerizing. This makes Cala Domestica great for fishing, so it’s not rare to see some locals trying their luck near the promontories.
The Spanish Tower
On top of the left promontory, you’ll find a 10 meters tall Spanish tower that dates back to the 18th century. The original purpose of the tower is still unknown – but it is likely that much like the rest of the Spanish towers found in Sardinia it was built for protective purposes.
During the centuries it was used has a watchtower, especially during World War II. You can get there by a path that starts from the beach, but avoid doing it in the hottest time of day if you are not used to trekking – it can get very hot!
Hiking around Cala Domestica
Several hiking trails lead to Cala Domestica, so if you are visiting in the off season this is definitely a way to visit this cove!
The best hike is the one that starts in Porto Flavia and goes all the way to the beach. It’s a fairly difficult coastal hike so you are better off joining a guided tour for that. I did it with Cooperative Sociale Santa Margherita, whose main headquarters are in Nebida. You can get in touch with them via email at [email protected].
Check out my posts A Guide To Porto Flavia and The Best Hikes In Sardinia.
How to get to Cala Domestica
Cala Domestica is near the town of Buggerru, which in the 19th century was the place where the miners that worked near the beach used to live. The only way to get there is by car.
The best way to get to Cala Domestica is by car: if you are staying in Buggerru, you can easily reach Cala Domestica by driving on the Strada Provinciale 83 for 2 km 81.2 miles).
Cala Domestica can be seen on day trips from Cagliari too. If you are staying in Cagliari, take the Strada Statale 130 to Carbonia – Iglesias. After the town of Iglesias, go straight following the directions to Gonnesa, until you reach the junction for Buggerru. There, you can take the SS 83 and after short while you’ll find the directions for Cala Domestica.
The beach has a large parking spot not far from the beach (you have to pay for the parking), where you can also find a kiosk and a camping ground. To get to the beach on foot, you can use the boardwalk.
Important rules of behavior for Cala Domestica
Be sure to respect some important rules, in order to preserve Cala Domestica’s environment and eco system.
DON’T TAKE SAND – never take sand, shells or stones from the beach. This rule applies to all Sardinian beaches and you can get fined if caught with it. Read more about it here.
DON’T LEAVE ANY TRASH – be sure to clean your spot before you leave. Use plastic bags to take the trash and throw it in the trash cans at the kiosk. Alternatively, take your trash home with you and dispose of it accordingly.
RESPECT THE MARINE FLORA AND FAUNA – don’t pick up starfishes or crabs and jellyfish out of the water. Starfish in particular are delicate beings that can die if taken out of water for a short time.
Other nearby beaches
Cala Domestica is considered the best beach near Buggerru, but there are others to discover.
PORTIXEDDU – This beach is located north of the town and has a kiosk that rents umbrellas and sun beds.
MASUA PAN DI ZUCCHERO – Another gorgeous cove connected to Sardinia’s mining past, this is where you’ll find Porto Flavia mines.
SAN NICOLO’ – If you are looking for another long and wide beach, this beach located at 2,5 km (1.5 miles) from Buggerru, has a parking lot and a kiosk where you can rent beach equipment.
Where to stay to easily access Cala Domestica
As said before, Cala Domestica is actually easy to access on day trips from Cagliari.
If you like camping, you may consider the camping grounds close to the beach. Camping is actually the best option if you want to stay near the beach. For a more comfortable solution, you’ll have to book a B&B in Buggerru, but keep in mind that you’ll be 2 km (1.2 miles) far from the beach.
Find the best accommodation options in Buggerru here.
Pin It For Later!
Only having one day going ashore in Cagliari what would you suggest to take in as much as possible in the day?
Stick to Cagliari. Just try to do a guided tour of the city, perhaps one that also goes to Molentargius Nature Reserve.