Cala Luna is one of the most scenic beaches on the eastern coast of Sardinia. I have been there more times than I can remember: I visited in the most classic way, getting there on a boat ride from Cala Gonone, but I also hiked there from Cala Fuili.
It’s a place of immense beauty, to the point that it’s been used as the set of many movies, and that in order to preserve its delicate environment, it’s been added to the list of beaches in Sardinia that have limited access.
Located in the Gulf of Orosei (what you may know as the Baunei Coast), between the regions of Barbagia and Ogliastra, and the territories of Baunei and Dorgali, Cala Luna is often disputed between the two municipalities.
Surrounding Cala Luna are gorgeous rock formations, and there are five caves along the beach – the perfect framing for photos (not to mention, a great place to look for shade in the summer months).
Although not accessible by car, Cala Luna is hardly a secret spot (I certainly would not say this is one of the secluded beaches of Sardinia). Go there in the summer months, and you will find it crowded with families who get there by boat, or groups of excursionists who hiked there. Yet, if you visit Eastern Sardinia, this is an unmissable spot.
Continue reading, as I will tell you everything you need to know to plan your visit to Cala Luna, and a few tips that will help you make the most of this incredible place.
Cala Luna At A Glance
Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know about Cala Luna, Sardinia
- Best way to visit for most people: by boat from Cala Gonone (easy, scenic, no physical effort). You can book the ferry here.
- Hiking option: several trails, the most popular option is from Cala Fuili, but it’s long, uneven, and only suitable for confident hikers.
- How long to allow: half a day at minimum; a full day if hiking or arriving by boat early.
- Facilities: a small kiosk and kayak/pedalo rental in season, but it’s still better to bring water, food, and sun protection.
- Swimming & safety: there’s no lifeguard on duty; water deepens quickly, and boat traffic is common, but boats must use a specific lane to get to shore.
- Crowds: very busy in summer, especially late morning to mid-afternoon — arrive early or later in the day for a better experience.
Cala Luna Beach
Cala Luna – Elune, in the dialect of Sardinian spoken in Baunei – is a gorgeous 800 meters (0.5 miles) cove of golden sand, surrounded by white cliffs that rise up to 300 meters (984 feet).
The cliffs are perfect for rock climbing. The beach has beautiful, azure waters which are shallow for the first few meters and soon after become deep, yet so transparent that they are perfect for snorkeling, diving, and fishing.
The cove is located at the mouth of the Illune River, at the end of the Codula di Luna canyon. Getting to the sea, the river creates a small lagoon surrounded by a forest of oleanders, holm oak, oak, and Mediterranean bush.
South of the beach, you can spot the Masongiu Peak; whereas to the north, you will find five small caves that provide shelter from the sun and a nice frame for photos.
Cala Luna has been the setting of a bunch of famous movies. The most notable one is Swept Away – both the original movie by Lina Wertmuller and the remake by Guy Ritchie were filmed there. Another movie filmed in Cala Luna is Mr Robinson, a parody of Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe.
Though there is no umbrella and sun beds rental at Cala Luna beach, you can find a kiosk at the back of the beach, immersed in the forest, and you can rent kayaks and pedal boats directly at the beach. There is no lifeguard on duty.
How To Get Cala Luna
Cala Luna can’t be reached by car, but I promise you that your efforts to get there will pay off entirely.
The easiest way of getting to Cala Luna is by boat. This is what I recommend to families with children, and to any traveler who is not fit enough for a hike.
If you are up for a bit more of a challenge, you can also hike to Cala Luna – keep in mind I don’t recommend hiking in the peak summer months, when the weather is too hot.
I have been to Cala Luna many times, both by boat and on a hike, and I am happy to share all the details you need to know before you decide how to get there.
Before I explain how to get to Cala Luna by either boat or hike, let me give you a quick comparison table that sums up what you need to know.
Boat vs Hike Comparison
| Option | Start point | Time | Difficulty | Who it suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boat | Cala Gonone / Santa Maria Navarrese | ~25–30 minutes each way from Cala Gonone, more than one hour from Santa Maria Navarrese | Easy | Most visitors, families, and anyone short on time | Scenic ride along the coast; multiple departures in season; you’ll arrive with many others during peak hours |
| Hike (Cala Fuili) | The most popular trail is from Cala Fuili (end of the road south of Cala Gonone) | 3–4 hours one way | Challenging | Experienced hikers only | Long, rocky, and exposed in parts; no water, and no shade for long stretches |
| Hike + Boat back | Cala Fuili → Cala Luna | Hike one way, boat return | Moderate–Hard | Fit hikers wanting variety | A popular option to avoid hiking back; it requires planning boat return times |
| Kayak | Cala Gonone | 2–3 hours (one way) | Moderate | Confident paddlers in calm seas | Only advisable in good weather and calm sea conditions |
By Boat
If you decide to go to Cala Luna by boat, you have three options:
- Take a ferry to Cala Luna from Cala Gonone;
- Go on a hop on – hop off boat tour of the Baunei Coast that also stops in Cala Luna. These tours usually depart from Cala Gonone, but there are also departures from La Caletta, Orosei, and Santa Maria Navarrese;
- Rent a small Zodiac for a day.
Good to know: Not all tours along the Baunei Coast from Santa Maria Navarrese stop in Cala Luna. Make sure to double-check with the operator before booking.
Ferry to Cala Luna
If you only wish to spend the day in Cala Luna, you can take one of the ferries that depart from Cala Gonone. Here’s what you need to know:
- Ferries from Cala Gonone to Cala Luna depart every hour from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Ferries from Cala Luna back to Cala Gonone depart at 12:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 pm.
- The journey lasts about 30 minutes, depending on the sea conditions.
- Tickets for the ferry cost €35 for adults.
The ferry also stops at the Sea Oxen Grotto (Grotte del Bue Marino in Italian), one of the most famous caves in Sardinia. In this case, the price is €40 for adults.
I recommend booking your ferry tickets to Cala Luna in advance, as it’s quite a popular day trip from Cala Gonone.
You can book your ferry ticket to Cala Luna from Cala Gonone here.
You can book your ferry ticket to Cala Luna with an additional stop at the Sea Oxen Grotto here.
Hop on – hop off boat tour
Another option is to take a hop-on hop-off boat tour. This is a great option if you have limited time and want to see several beaches along the Gulf of Orosei on the same day.
Here’s what you need to know:
- If you want to visit Cala Luna, the best departure point for cruises along the Gulf of Orosei is Cala Gonone.
- Only some boat tours from Santa Maria Navarrese or Arbatax stop in Cala Luna (check with the operator if this is an option).
- The price of the boat tour varies depending on the kind of boat you opt for – Zodiacs are usually more expensive, but also move much faster (which means you get to spend more time at the beach) and carry fewer people (which means the disembarkation and embarkation procedures are much faster).
These are my recommendations for boat tours that also stop in Cala Gonone:
This is the best-rated dinghy cruise from Cala Gonone that stops at Cala Luna and other beaches of the Gulf of Orosei.
I also recommend this sailboat tour from Cala Gonone: it’s only open to no more than 12 passengers, and it’s great if you want to travel in a more environmentally-friendly way.
This Orosei Gulf hop-on–hop-off dinghy tour departs from Cala Gonone and stops at various beaches in the area, including Cala Luna.
This Zodiac tour from Arbatax stops at various beaches along the coast, including Cala Luna, and at the Grotta del Fico (a great alternative to the Grotta del Bue Marino).
Finally, there’s this minicruise along the Gulf of Orosei, departing from Cala Gonone and stopping at various beaches, including Cala Luna, and that also includes lunch.
Check out my posts, Best Boat Tours From Cala Gonone and Best Gulf Of Orosei Boat Tour, for more options.
Rent your own Zodiac
Finally, you have the option of renting your own Zodiac. You don’t need to have a license if you rent a small one (under 40 horsepower). It’s quite convenient if you are traveling with a family or group of friends, but keep in mind you will need to use lanes to get to shore.
Once you drop everyone off at the beach, you need to park the Zodiac at least 200 meters from the shore, and you will have to swim back to the beach.
The average price for Zodiac rental for the day is €250-€260, to which you need to add the price of gasoline once you bring the Zodiac back. You can book yours in advance online, here.
On a Hike
There are two trails to reach Cala Luna, both of them there and back. The timings I report below are average, and as for any hike, they depend on your pace and on how often you stop. By all means, and remember to factor some good amount of time in Cala Luna.
Trail One
One of the trails to Cala Luna departs from Teletottes, in the Supramonte region near Urzulei. Here are some useful facts about this hike:
- Overall distance: 21 km (13 miles) there and back.
- Duration: between 8 and 10 hours (make sure to allow time at the beach).
- Elevation gain: 280 meters (918.6 feet).
- Difficulty level: strenuous.
Trail Two
This is the main Cala Luna hiking trail, the one I followed last time I went to Cala Luna. It departs from Cala Fuili, the last cove you can reach by car from Cala Gonone. Here are some useful facts about this hike:
- Overall distance: 12 km (7.4 miles) there and back.
- Duration: 6 hours or more (make sure to allow time at the beach).
- Elevation gain: 500 meters (1,640 feet).
- Difficulty level: strenuous for the most part.
The trail from Cala Fuili follows the coast but goes through the beautiful Mediterranean vegetation, so, for the most part, you won’t get views. There are parts in which you have to climb large rocks.
Good to know: If you hike to Cala Luna when the beach season has started, and boat services are running, you can get back to Cala Gonone by boat. You can get boat tickets directly at the beach, by the dock. There’s a shuttle service from Cala Gonone to Cala Fuili for a few euros. If you need to return to Teletottes (about 1.5 hours to drive from Cala Gonone to Teletottes), you will have to coordinate the cars independently.
This guided hike to Cala Luna includes transportation from Orosei or Dorgali, is perfect if you’d rather go with a guide.
Are you into hiking? Then you have to read my Guide To Hiking In Sardinia.
What Is Cala Luna Really Like In The Summer?
In the summer, Cala Luna is beautiful but very busy, and the experience depends heavily on when and how you arrive.
From late June through August, the beach fills quickly once the boat shuttles from Cala Gonone start arriving, usually from mid-morning onwards. By late morning, large groups arrive at the same time, and the central part of the beach can feel crowded rather than remote. Boat traffic close to shore is constant, which affects both swimming and the overall sense of calm.
Shade is limited and quickly taken, especially under the caves, and there are no public facilities beyond a small seasonal kiosk. The heat, combined with the lack of natural shelter, makes midday the least pleasant time to visit (which is why I recommend bringing your own umbrella for shade).
Arriving on one of the first boats or staying later in the day gives you more space, softer light, and a quieter atmosphere. Outside the peak summer months – for example, if you visit in May in late spring, or at the very beginning of October, or by hiking in – you’ll experience a much more relaxed version of Cala Luna.
Other Useful Tips For Visiting Cala Luna
Here are a few more tips for making the most of your day when visiting Cala Luna, Sardinia:
- Bring what you need for the day – There is a kiosk in Cala Luna, immersed in the vegetation behind the beach, where you can grab a meal and a drink. However, the location means it is overpriced, and you are better off carrying whatever you need for the day. That includes an umbrella for shade, sunblock, food, and water.
- Don’t take sand – Stealing sand, pebbles, stones, and shells from Sardinian beaches is prohibited, and if you are caught with it, you will be given a fine.
- Take your trash back with you – There are no trash bins at the beach, so make sure to pack whatever trash you have at the end of your visit, and take it back home with you and dispose of it properly.
- There’s no lifeguard on duty – Make sure to keep this in mind whenever you go swimming.
- Do not smoke – Smoking is actually forbidden at all beaches in Sardinia. If you still decide to smoke, don’t drop cigarette butts in the sand.
Other Nearby Beaches
As I said before, Cala Luna is located in the Gulf of Orosei (or Baunei Coast, if you prefer), where you will find an incredible amount of gorgeous beaches.
Here are the ones you should visit:
- Cala Fuili – North of Cala Luna, this is the last beach accessible by car from Cala Gonone, and the starting point of the hike to Cala Luna.
- Cala Sisine – Beautiful beach located at the end of a ravine, which was once a river bed. It’s one of the largest beaches in the area. You can get there by boat or via an easy hike departing from the Golgo Plateau, near Baunei.
- Cala Biriala – A small, very scenic beach of tiny white and pink pebbles and incredibly clear waters. You can get there by boat or on a very strenuous hike departing from the Golgo Plateau.
- Piscine di Venere (Venus Pools) – Not a beach, but a stretch of water with the most incredibly clear waters. Beware that boat traffic can be particularly bad in this part of the coast.
- Cala Mariolu – Also known as Ispuligi de Nie (literally “snow flakes” in Sardinian) because of the tiny white pebbles, it’s one of the most famous beaches in the area. Most people go there by boat as the hike is quite strenuous.
- Cala dei Gabbiani – Accessible on a strenuous hike or by boat, it’s a beautiful, tiny stretch of white-as-snow pebbles and clear waters.
- Cala Goloritzé – One of the most peculiar beaches in Sardinia, thanks to its Pinnacle, it is only accessible via a hike departing from the Golgo Plateau.
Good to know: Not beaches, but places you should visit nevertheless when in the Baunei Coast: the Grotte del Bue Marino (Sea Oxen Grotto), just 3 km (1.8 miles) from Cala Luna and the Grotta del Fico. They are only accessible by boat.
Where To Stay To Access Cala Luna
Whether you want to hike to Cala Luna or get there by boat, the best place to stay nearby will be Cala Gonone, Dorgali’s seaside town. This is a popular summer holiday destination, where you won’t have trouble finding accommodation options to cater to your needs and budget.
These are my favorite places to stay in Cala Gonone:
- Palmasera Bed and Breakfast – Close to the beach and the center of Cala Gonone, this small hotel offers comfortable, nicely decorated rooms (some of them with views of the sea). Pets are welcome.
- Hotel Villa Gustui Maris – A nice seaside hotel with comfortable rooms decorated in classic style. The massive pool is an added bonus.
I have a guide on Where To Stay In Cala Gonone that shares more accommodation options in the area.
FAQs on Cala Luna
No. Cala Luna cannot be reached by car. Access is only possible by boat, kayak, or on foot via hiking trails from the Cala Gonone area.
You can get to Cala Luna by boat from Cala Gonone, by kayak from Cala Gonone (if you are very fit), or on a hike from Cala Fuili.
The boat to Cala Luna from Cala Gonone is €30 for adults.
Yes, if you arrive by boat and are comfortable with basic beach conditions. There is no lifeguard, limited shade, and the water deepens quickly, so children should always be supervised.
Yes. The hike from Cala Fuili is long and physically demanding, with rocky and uneven sections. It’s suitable only for experienced and well-prepared hikers.
In the summer, yes. Cala Luna becomes very busy, especially from late morning to mid-afternoon, when most boats arrive. Visiting early or later in the day offers a better experience.
There is a small seasonal kiosk and kayak/pedalo rental, but no shops, bins, or lifeguards. Bring water, food, and sun protection.
Yes, but conditions vary. The seabed drops off quickly, and boat traffic is common (but by law, boats can’t come closer than 200 meters (more than 650 feet) from the shore. Additionally, remember there’s no lifeguard on duty.
If you plan to swim:
Keep a close eye on children at all times
Avoid swimming near arriving or departing boats
Be cautious if the sea is choppy or windy
The most famous movie filmed at Cala Luna is Swept Away, directed by Lina Wertmüller.
Several key scenes of the film were shot on Cala Luna Beach, which was used as the desert island setting after the two main characters are shipwrecked. At the time of filming, Cala Luna was far less accessible than it is today, which is why it worked so well as a remote, untouched location.
The film starred Giancarlo Giannini and Mariangela Melato, and became internationally famous for its mix of social commentary and dramatic coastal scenery.
A later Hollywood remake of Swept Away (2002), starring Madonna, was also filmed at Cala Luna.
Final Considerations
If you are exploring the Baunei Coast of Sardinia, Cala Luna is quite simply a must-see. This is a gorgeous beach – with its pale sand, limestone caves, and clear water set against the dramatic cliffs of the Gulf of Orosei.
However, remember that it’s no longer a hidden spot of Sardinia, and that it can get quite crowded in the peak summer months – this is key information to understand, so that you won’t be disappointed when you visit.
Reaching Cala Luna takes effort or planning, whether you choose a boat, a hike, or a combination of both.
It’s also worth stressing that facilities at Cala Luna Beach are minimal: there’s no lifeguard, there’s a basic kiosk to rent pedal boats and kayaks, and a small restaurant hidden in the vegetation behind the beach.
Visit slightly off-season – in late May, or in late September/early October – for a less crowded experience, or go prepared if you are visiting in the peak summer, and I am sure you will love it as much as I do.
Recommended Readings
Further Readings
Are you planning to visit Sardinia? Make sure to check out my other posts:
- A Wonderful 10 Days In North Sardinia Itinerary
- A Quick Guide To La Pelosa, Stintino
- A Quick Guide To Is Arutas Beach
- A Quick Guide To Mari Pintau
- An Easy Guide To Cala Zafferano
- Guide To Punta Molentis Beach, Villasimius
- Unmissable Things To Do In Sardinia
- Where To Stay In Sardinia
- Unique Airbnbs In Sardinia – With Prices!
- Beautiful Beach Resorts In Sardinia
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Hello Steven, when you get to Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu, the boat – whether it is a large boat, dinghy or zodiac or whatever else – will bring you to shore so you won’t have to swim. The boat will also stop in various places where you can jump in the water and snorkel. Most boats would be able to provide with life jacket. Straw mat = not sure where you are from, but oftentimes you will find that even at an inflated price it would be cheaper in Sardinia. Otherwise, they also sell them on Amazon.
Hi Claudia!
You’ve helped me over the past few months plan an amazing trip and we leave in a couple of weeks! Emotions are high!!
I have a similar question to one of the posts above but want to clarify something. I booked an all-day tour from one of your recommendations and they use a 12 person dinghy. They stop at Mariolu and Cala Luna, however, I’m not a good swimmer – at all! I can do ok with a life vest. When you explained the “boat” parks at a small dock, does this also refer to these dinghies? Otherwise, do they expect everyone to swim to shore? Or get close enough to walk?
In addition, many of the beaches we have reserved or plan to be at require a straw mat. Do you advise rolling one up and buying prior to going on our trip? Or wait until we get to Sardegna where they could very well be double or triple price? I don’t know how to gage that one.
Thanks again so much! Your blog is one of the very best out there! I love it!!
Regards,
Steven
Hi! To my knowledge, the dock is only for public boats and tour companies. You’ll have to ask when you rent yours. RE. the drone: you can fly them but have to stay at least 100 meters from the coast.
Hi Claudia, are we able to fly a drone? Also could we use the dock if we rent our personal boat?
Yes, September is usually a good month to go to the beach. The closes nearby village is Dorgali. Why don’t you stay in an agriturismo? My favorite is Canales. You will need a car.
Hi Claudia,
Thanks for this great guide! Is mid-September still sunny there?
Also, are there any nice villages or other ways to meet locals while staying there? I don’t want to be just in the hotel and beach, surrounded by other tourists 🙂
Thanks a lot, Lisa
Hello Sally! As a photo geek, I find that unless you have amazing photo gear the best time of day to shoot anything beach-related for best colors is between 12:00 and 3:00 pm. The first half of June is less crowded compared to the rest of the summer, but don’t expect beaches to be empty! There will be people, and quite a bit indeed. Make sure to avoid the weekend. The boat will leave you at a small dock from where you can get down directly to the beach (sand). It’s the largest beach in the area so you can walk as much as you want to find a suitable spot!
Hi Claudia! Thanks a million for this helpful guide indeed! I kindly have few questions:
-What’s the best time of the day for good pictures in front of the caves (in terms of light). Any photography tips?
– how crowded is it usually during the first half of June?
– does the boat get us exactly at the beach (sand)?
Appreciate your reply!
June is already beach season, indeed. There will be regular departures to take you back to Cala Gonone. You could try to get a ticket there, before leaving. Or else, as soon as you make it to the beach you could head to the pier (it will be on the right hand side) and grab a ticket and ask for departure times.
Thanks a lot for all the useful info.
So when I hike to cala luna I can by a boot return ticket at the cala luna beach? Or do I have to get it in advance at cala gonone?
I assume june is ‘Beach season’?
Best regards
You will have to check directly with the company that provides the service. I don’t run the tours 🙂
what are the hours in September around the 15th to 28th to take a boat to cala luna and the other beaches