Cala Cartoe
A stunning white sandy beach in Sardinia with crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling, accessible by a scenic drive.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Cala Cartoe
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning white sandy beach in Sardinia with crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling, accessible by a scenic drive.
"Our favorite beach on Sardinia. Great swimming and good snorkeling on either end of the beach."
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots
Secure your preferred spot on the sand by arriving before 9:00 AM.
💰 Cash for Food Truck
The food truck accepts cash only for sandwiches and gelato.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine Sandy Shores
Main beach area
Expansive white sand meets crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Snorkeling Opportunities
Ends of the beach
Explore vibrant underwater life on either side of the beach, offering excellent snorkeling.
Scenic Drive Access
Road to Cala Cartoe
Enjoy a beautiful drive along the panoramic road leading to the beach, with stunning coastal views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Cala Cartoe
Essential Beach Day Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots
Secure your preferred spot on the sand by arriving before 9:00 AM.
💰 Cash for Food Truck
The food truck accepts cash only for sandwiches and gelato.
📶 Limited Mobile Service
Download offline maps as phone service is minimal.
🚗 Scenic Drive In
Enjoy the beautiful coastal views on the drive to Cala Cartoe.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots
Secure your preferred spot on the sand by arriving before 9:00 AM.
💰 Cash for Food Truck
The food truck accepts cash only for sandwiches and gelato.
📶 Limited Mobile Service
Download offline maps as phone service is minimal.
🚗 Scenic Drive In
Enjoy the beautiful coastal views on the drive to Cala Cartoe.
🌊 Windy Conditions
Expect some wind, which can create nice waves for swimming.
🚶♀️ Trekking Option
Consider the scenic trek if you're feeling adventurous.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cala Cartoe is widely praised as a beautiful, clean sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors appreciate the convenient access by car, free parking, and on-site food truck. Some note the presence of seaweed and the need to arrive early to secure a good spot.
"beautiful beach. clean water, but in some places there are seaweeds. To get a good place you need to arrive before 9.00 am"
Daria Otroshko
"We loved this beach! It was clean, free parking, a windy road, a food truck (cash only - sanwhich was €7, 2 scoops of gelato ice cream was €4 - v tasty!).
The winds gave us great waves, and it got deep fast, so we had a blast! Water was warm, some sea weed, lifeguard on duty.. toilets are €1. You can rent umbrellas and deck chairs, and they set you up. We had our own so not sure of prices.
The young chaps setting these up are curious and friendly. They helped a group of people with disabilities so we'll. Impressive all around.
Our favourite beach so far!!"
Ayala sibanda
"Our favorite beach on Sardinia. Great swimming and good snorkeling on either end of the beach. The sandwich/drink van is nice to have, but bring cash. No or minimal mobile data/phone service."
Peter Schalock
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cala Cartoe is accessible by car via a scenic panoramic road from Cala Gonone. There's also a trekking route for the more adventurous. 
Yes, there is free parking available, but it fills up very quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
While many other beautiful beaches in the Gulf of Orosei are primarily boat-accessible, Cala Cartoe has good road access.
The drive is along a beautiful panoramic road offering stunning coastal views.
Cala Cartoe is located a few kilometers north of Cala Gonone, making it a relatively short drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cala Cartoe is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Parking is also free, though it can be limited.
As a natural beach, Cala Cartoe is accessible at all times. However, facilities like the food truck and toilets have specific operating hours, typically during daylight.
No booking is required for Cala Cartoe as it's a public beach. However, arriving early is advised to secure a good spot.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but it's always good practice to respect the natural environment and follow any posted guidelines.
Yes, you can rent umbrellas and deck chairs at Cala Cartoe.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cala Cartoe is a beautiful white sandy beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters. It's known for its clean environment, though some seaweed can be present.
Yes, the water is warm and gets deep relatively quickly, making it great for swimming and playing in the waves.
The ends of the beach offer good opportunities for snorkeling, allowing you to explore marine life.
Yes, there is a lifeguard on duty at Cala Cartoe, ensuring a safer swimming experience.
Facilities include a food truck (cash only), toilets (for a small fee), and rentals for umbrellas and deck chairs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a food truck at Cala Cartoe that offers tasty sandwiches and coffee.
Yes, the food truck provides sandwiches and drinks. It's recommended to bring cash as they do not accept cards.
The food truck offers sandwiches and gelato, which are reported to be very tasty.
Prices are reasonable, with sandwiches around €7 and two scoops of gelato costing €4.
While the food truck is convenient, bringing some of your own snacks and water is always a good idea, especially if you plan to stay for a while.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning white sand, turquoise waters, and the surrounding natural beauty. The panoramic drive to the beach also offers great photo ops.
Yes, drone footage can capture the expansive beauty of Cala Cartoe and its coastline.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for photography.
The panoramic road leading to the beach offers elevated views. The beach itself provides ample opportunities for capturing its beauty.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and landscape. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for water activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the food truck offers convenient snacks like gelato, it's wise to bring extra provisions and drinks, and remember to have cash on hand for purchases. The scenic drive to the beach is manageable, and the free parking, though competitive, makes access easier.
💰 Budget Travelers
The on-site food truck provides reasonably priced options for lunch or snacks, with sandwiches around €7 and gelato at €4. However, to maximize savings, consider packing your own picnic.
🚶♀️ Active & Adventurous Travelers
+1 Once there, the snorkeling opportunities at the rocky ends of the beach are excellent for exploring underwater. The windy conditions can also be a plus for those who enjoy a bit of wave action while swimming. The scenic drive to the beach also appeals to those who appreciate a beautiful journey as part of their travel experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Accessing Cala Cartoe: Drive vs. Trek
+1For the more adventurous, a trekking route is also available. This option allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Gulf of Orosei and offers a different perspective on the landscape. While details on specific trails can vary, it's a rewarding experience for hikers looking for a more active approach to reaching this stunning destination.
+1It's worth noting that while other famous beaches in the area, like Cala Mariolu, are primarily accessible by boat or challenging hikes, Cala Cartoe's road access makes it a more convenient option for many, especially families.
The Cala Cartoe Experience: Beyond the Sand
For those interested in marine life, the snorkeling opportunities at either end of the beach are quite good. The presence of a lifeguard adds an extra layer of security for swimmers.
Visitors have also noted the windy conditions that can sometimes prevail, which can be a welcome breeze on hot days and can even create enjoyable waves for swimming. The beach is also equipped with facilities like toilets (for a small fee) and rentals for umbrellas and deck chairs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable day out.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit