Sa Barza

Dorgali · Gulf of Orosei

Cala Luna

At the mouth of the Codula di Luna, where a dry valley meets the sea and the beach widens beneath a line of caves.

Cala Luna, at the mouth of the Codula di Luna

Cala Luna, at the mouth of the Codula di Luna — Photo: Roberto Mura · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Cala Luna is larger than the Baunei coves and has a real beach, with sandy ground and vegetation behind it. The caves at the back, which become improvised shade in summer, are karst cavities opened by erosion.

The word codula denotes a valley cut into limestone: in winter it may carry water, in summer it is a dry corridor. Walking it is the fullest way to understand this coast, but it is a serious outing and needs preparation.

The essential answers

What is it?
A wide beach at the mouth of the Codula di Luna, with natural cavities aligned along the back wall.
Where is it?
In the municipality of Dorgali, at the northern end of the roadless stretch of the Gulf of Orosei.
Why visit?
Because it shows the geographic mechanism of this coast: the codule, river valleys dry for most of the year, are the only natural routes between the interior and the sea.
How do you get there?
By boat from Cala Gonone or Santa Maria Navarrese, or on foot along the Codula di Luna from inland: a long route with no water and no shade.
When to go?
May to October for the boat; for the walk, spring and autumn — never in the height of July or August.
How long does it take?
Half a day by boat. On foot it is a full-day walk.
What is nearby?
Cala Sisine, Cala Mariolu, Codula di Luna, Gola di Gorropu (overland).
What can you combine it with?
With the boat crossing of the gulf, or with the final stage of the Selvaggio Blu for walkers.
Where to stay?
Cala Luna is the northern limit reachable in a day from a base at Triei: from I Mandorli you sail from Santa Maria Navarrese.
Cala Luna, at the mouth of the Codula di Luna

Where to stay

A base for exploring east Sardinia

Cala Luna is the northern limit reachable in a day from a base at Triei: from I Mandorli you sail from Santa Maria Navarrese.

I Mandorli, a base for Cala LunaWhere to stay