Choose by landscape
One coastline, very different beach days
The coast of Ogliastra cannot be reduced to a single ranking. Around Tortolì, broad sandy beaches and low granite rocks make access relatively straightforward. North of Santa Maria Navarrese, the limestone walls of Baunei drop towards coves that are reached by sea or demanding trails. Farther south, long shores, pebbles and red porphyry create another landscape.
Use this page to choose an area rather than chase every famous name in one day. Parking arrangements, boat services, trail conditions and beach facilities are seasonal and should always be checked close to the date of your visit.
A representative selection
The best-known beaches of Ogliastra
A balanced first visit combines the sandy coast around Tortolì with at least one view of the limestone Gulf of Orosei. Cea and Orrì are practical anchors; Cala Goloritzé and Cala Mariolu reveal the wilder side of Baunei.
Cea Beach
Pale soft sand, shallow water and the red sea stacks known as Is Scoglius Arrubius. The beach lies between the territories of Tortolì and Bari Sardo.
Lido di Orrì
A long sequence of sandy stretches and small granite coves south of Tortolì, with shallow water in several areas and seasonal facilities.
Cala Goloritzé
A protected limestone cove in Baunei. Access rules and booking requirements can change and must be checked through official local information.
Cala Mariolu
A cove beneath high cliffs, usually approached by sea. The land route is only suitable for properly prepared hikers.
Simpler access
Ogliastra beaches reached by road
Cea, Orrì, San Gemiliano, Porto Frailis, Torre di Barì and the Cardedu coast are connected to the road network. Reached by car never means driving onto the sand: use authorised parking and complete the final section on foot.
Tortolì and Arbatax
Choose between Porto Frailis, San Gemiliano, Basaura, Orrì, Foxi Lioni, Musculedda and Cea according to the type of shore and facilities you need.
Bari Sardo and Cardedu
Torre di Barì and the long beaches around Marina di Cardedu offer broad coastal landscapes with several road access points.
Santa Maria Navarrese
A coastal village and practical base for the northern Gulf, with a town beach and departures for authorised sea excursions.
Match the beach to the day
Wild coves, quiet shores and family beaches
The Baunei coves are the strongest choice for a dramatic natural setting, but they require more planning. For families, Cea, Orrì, Foxi Lioni and San Gemiliano are known for sandy sections and shallow water near the shore. Conditions can still change with wind and waves.
For a quieter rhythm
Long beaches around Cardedu often spread visitors over more space. Early mornings, weekdays and shoulder season usually offer a calmer experience than August afternoons.
For children
Prefer clear access, a sandy entry and services confirmed for that day. Shallow water never replaces adult supervision.
For experienced hikers
Do not rely on a phone map alone for the Supramonte routes. Check rules, weather, water supplies and use qualified guides when appropriate.
North to south
A simple map of the Ogliastra coast
From north to south, group the coast into Baunei and Santa Maria Navarrese; Lotzorai; Tortolì and Arbatax; Bari Sardo and Cardedu; Gairo and Tertenia. This order helps combine nearby places without treating the whole region as one short drive.
Baunei
Santa Maria Navarrese, Pedra Longa, Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu, Biriola and Sisine.
Tortolì
Arbatax, Porto Frailis, San Gemiliano, Orrì, Foxi Lioni, Musculedda and Cea.
Bari Sardo to Tertenia
Torre di Barì, Cardedu beaches, Su Sirboni, Coccorrocci and Sarrala.
Practical answers
Frequently asked questions about Ogliastra beaches
Which are the most beautiful beaches in Ogliastra?
Cea, Orrì, Cala Goloritzé and Cala Mariolu show four different sides of the coast. Add San Gemiliano, Porto Frailis, Torre di Barì and a long beach around Cardedu according to your route.
Which Ogliastra beaches are easy to reach by car?
The beaches of Tortolì, Arbatax, Bari Sardo and Cardedu generally have road access followed by a walk from authorised parking. Conditions and parking rules must be checked locally.
Which beaches are best for children?
Cea, Orrì, Foxi Lioni and San Gemiliano are known for sandy sections and shallow water near shore. Always assess the conditions of the day and supervise children.
Which are the wildest beaches in Ogliastra?
The coves below the Baunei cliffs are the most dramatic and require the most preparation. Su Sirboni and Coccorrocci offer a different wild landscape of porphyry and pebbles.
How do I reach the Baunei coves?
Access varies by cove and may involve authorised boat services or demanding trails. Check current rules and do not assume every cove can be reached directly by car.
Ogliastra.net
From the coast to the villages
Continue with the complete Cea guide, the Tortolì coast and the travel guide to Ogliastra.