Santa Maria Navarrese
Gateway to Sardinia's wild Costa di Baunei, offering stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters accessible by boat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Santa Maria Navarrese
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gateway to Sardinia's wild Costa di Baunei, offering stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters accessible by boat.
"Skip the crowded Amalfi Coast & go here instead - Italy’s hidden paradise :)"
Boat Tour Essentials
Book boat tours in advance! Many options depart from Santa Maria Navarrese for the stunning Costa di Baunei. :boat:
Pack for Adventure
Bring sturdy shoes for trekking and swimwear for the incredible beaches. :athletic_shoe: :swimmer:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cala Mariolu
Baunei Coast
A breathtaking cove with turquoise waters and smooth white pebbles, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Cala Goloritzè
Baunei Coast
Famous for its iconic limestone pinnacle and crystal-clear waters, a true natural wonder.
Piscine di Venere
Baunei Coast
Natural pools with incredibly clear water, offering a magical swimming experience.
Torre di Santa Maria Navarrese
Santa Maria Navarrese promenade
A historic Spanish tower offering panoramic views of the coastline and sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild Coast
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Tour Essentials
Book boat tours in advance! Many options depart from Santa Maria Navarrese for the stunning Costa di Baunei. :boat:
Pack for Adventure
Bring sturdy shoes for trekking and swimwear for the incredible beaches. :athletic_shoe: :swimmer:
Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water, especially if hiking. Some coves have limited facilities. :water_wave:
Capture the Beauty
Don't forget your camera! The landscapes are incredibly photogenic. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Tour Essentials
Book boat tours in advance! Many options depart from Santa Maria Navarrese for the stunning Costa di Baunei. :boat:
Pack for Adventure
Bring sturdy shoes for trekking and swimwear for the incredible beaches. :athletic_shoe: :swimmer:
Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water, especially if hiking. Some coves have limited facilities. :water_wave:
Capture the Beauty
Don't forget your camera! The landscapes are incredibly photogenic. :camerawithflash:
Skip the Crowds
Consider Sardinia's wilder coasts over more popular Italian destinations for a unique experience. :star:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking natural beauty of Santa Maria Navarrese and the surrounding Costa di Baunei, particularly its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. The boat tours to coves like Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzè are consistently highlighted as unforgettable experiences. Some find the town a bit quiet outside of peak season, and access to certain beaches can be challenging without a boat.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Santa Maria Navarrese is accessible by car, with the nearest major airports being Cagliari (CAG) and Olbia (OLB). From the airports, you can rent a car or take a bus to the town. The drive offers scenic views of Sardinia's interior.
While not as heavily touristed as some other Italian coastal areas, Santa Maria Navarrese is a gateway to the spectacular Costa di Baunei. It's a popular base for exploring the region's hidden coves.
The Costa di Baunei is largely inaccessible by road. The best ways to explore it are by boat tours departing from Santa Maria Navarrese or by trekking from Baunei.
The town itself is easily walkable. For exploring the surrounding coastline, boat tours are highly recommended. Renting a car is useful for reaching Santa Maria Navarrese and for exploring the wider Ogliastra region. :car:
Public transport directly to the more remote coves like Cala Mariolu or Cala Goloritzè is limited. Boat tours are the most practical and popular method for accessing these stunning locations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to most beaches is free. However, some, like Cala Goloritzè, may have a small entrance fee or require booking in advance due to conservation efforts. Boat tours will have their own pricing.
Santa Maria Navarrese is a town and its beaches are accessible year-round. The main tourist season runs from May to October, with peak activity in July and August. Boat tour operators have their own schedules.
Prices vary depending on the duration, type of boat, and inclusions. Expect to pay anywhere from €40-€100+ per person for a day trip to the Gulf of Orosei. Booking in advance is advised.
While the coastline itself is natural, specific popular coves like Cala Goloritzè may have a small conservation fee to manage visitor numbers and protect the environment.
Yes, many tour operators offer online booking for their boat trips from Santa Maria Navarrese. This is highly recommended, especially during the busy summer months.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Costa di Baunei boasts incredible beaches like Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritzè, and the Piscine di Venere. These are best accessed by boat tours from Santa Maria Navarrese. +2
Enjoy swimming and sunbathing at the local beach, explore the Torre di Santa Maria Navarrese, and most importantly, take boat tours to discover the breathtaking coves of the Costa di Baunei.
While the town itself is charming, the real hiking opportunities are on the Baunei Coast, often starting from the village of Baunei. These treks can be challenging but reward with stunning views.
The waters are famously crystal-clear, ranging from vibrant turquoise to deep blue, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. +1
Facilities vary greatly. Some popular coves might have limited services like snack bars or sunbed rentals, while others are completely wild. It's best to pack essentials.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Savor fresh seafood, traditional Sardinian pasta dishes like Culurgiones, and local cheeses. Many restaurants offer authentic regional cuisine.
Yes, Santa Maria Navarrese has a good selection of restaurants, from casual trattorias to more upscale dining, many offering sea views and local specialties.
While seafood is prominent, most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests with pasta dishes, salads, and vegetable-based antipasti. It's always good to ask. :salad:
Some longer boat tours may include lunch or have onboard snack bars. It's advisable to check the tour details beforehand or pack your own snacks and drinks. :sandwich:
Restaurants typically serve lunch from around 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM and dinner from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Some may close between lunch and dinner. :clock_3:
📸 📸 Photography
The Torre di Santa Maria Navarrese offers great coastal views. For iconic shots, focus on the dramatic coves of the Costa di Baunei, like Cala Goloritzè's arch and Cala Mariolu's vibrant waters.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, provides soft, warm light that enhances the natural beauty of the coastline. Midday sun can be harsh. :sunriseovermountains: :city_sunset:
Boat tours offer unique perspectives of the cliffs, sea caves, and secluded beaches, allowing for stunning shots of the rugged coastline from the water.
Drone regulations can be strict in Italy, especially in protected natural areas. Always check local rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone. :drone:
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal landscapes. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water and enhance colors. :camera:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some treks are too strenuous for young children, many boat tours allow toddlers to enjoy the stunning scenery and swim in the clear waters. Pack plenty of sun protection, snacks, and water, as facilities on some of the more remote beaches can be limited. The sheer beauty of the turquoise waters and unique rock formations will captivate young imaginations.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn) when accommodation prices might be lower. Staying in apartments with kitchenettes can also help reduce expenses. For activities, enjoy free beach access and explore the town on foot.
💑 Couples
For a truly special experience, consider a day trip to a less crowded beach like Cala Mariolu, where you can relax in a picturesque setting. The dramatic landscapes and crystal-clear waters create a perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Costa di Baunei by Boat
When choosing a boat tour, consider the duration and type of vessel. Options range from small group excursions on speedboats to larger boat trips with onboard amenities. Some tours focus on swimming and snorkeling stops, while others might include guided commentary. Many travelers recommend booking in advance, especially during the summer months, to secure a spot on their preferred tour.
For those traveling with young children, inquire about family-friendly tours. Some operators are equipped to handle toddlers and offer a more relaxed pace. The sheer beauty of the coastline, with its crystal-clear waters and hidden coves, makes a boat trip an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Trekking the Baunei Coast
The most famous trek is to Cala Goloritzè, which takes a few hours each way. While demanding, the panoramic views along the path and the reward of reaching the secluded beach are considered well worth the effort by many hikers. It's crucial to be prepared with ample water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear.
It's advisable to check local conditions and trail status before embarking on a trek, as some paths may be closed due to weather or maintenance. For those seeking a less strenuous experience, guided treks can provide valuable insights and ensure safety.
Santa Maria Navarrese: A Charming Base
It offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to larger tourist hubs, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility.Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the waterfront, visit the historic Torre di Santa Maria Navarrese for scenic views,
and sample local Sardinian cuisine at the town's restaurants and cafes. The village provides a good balance of amenities and natural beauty, allowing visitors to unwind after a day of exploring the dramatic coastline.Accommodation options in Santa Maria Navarrese range from hotels to apartments, catering to various budgets. Its strategic location makes it a convenient starting point for day trips to the nearby beaches and the rugged interior of the Ogliastra region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit