40 km of cliffs, coves and the bluest sea in the Mediterranean
From north to south along the eastern coast, where the limestone mountains of the Supramonte plunge into the Tyrrhenian Sea creating scenery that seems impossible. This itinerary takes you to the most celebrated beaches in Sardinia — Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu, the Red Rocks — but also to the secret coves that only local fishermen know.
The beating heart of the Ogliastra coast. From Baunei, trails lead to Cala Goloritzé (a Natural Monument), Cala Mariolu (the pink-pebble beach) and Cala Sisine. Be prepared to walk — beauty here has to be earned.
Book the boat from Santa Maria Navarrese to see the coast from the sea — it's a completely different perspective.
The port of Arbatax is dominated by the famous Red Rocks of porphyry — reddish geological formations that emerge directly from the sea. From here, ferries depart and the Trenino Verde runs — Italy's most scenic historic railway.
The sunset over the Red Rocks is one of the most photogenic in Sardinia. Arrive at least an hour early.
The beach of Lido di Orrì stretches for kilometres of white sand and Caribbean-blue water, watched over by the Torre di Barì. It's the ideal family beach, with shallow and crystal-clear waters.
Coccorrocci is a one-of-a-kind beach: black volcanic pebbles set among dramatic rocky cliffs. The contrast between the black stone and the blue sea is hypnotic.
Bring water shoes: the black pebbles get scorching hot in the sun and are slippery. But it's absolutely worth it.
The long beaches of Tertenia mark the southern border of Ogliastra. Sarabus and Foxi Manna offer stretches of sand that are practically deserted even in August.