Our most recommended things to do in Arbatax

Arbatax: Gulf of Orosei Day Tour by Boat

1. Arbatax: Gulf of Orosei Day Tour by Boat

With our 21-metre motor vessel Helios Primo, the meeting is at 07:45 am with departure at 08:15 am from the Marina di Arbatax tourist port and return at around 5.30 pm. Our boat has a capacity of 100 people, but for to provide more comfort, we decided to create groups of up to 75 passengers. From the boat, you can admire the most interesting sites on the coast, from the Islet of Ogliastra, Pedralonga, Grotta dei Colombi... to the two striking fiords of the Gulf of Orosei: Cala Tramontana and Cala Scirocco! The colours of the water change and become more intense off the coast of Cala Goloritzè, a very famous cove that became a Unesco heritage site in 1995. Soon the first bathing stop is Cala dei Gabbiani, after which you will be served a refreshing alcoholic and non-alcoholic aperitif. You can now decide whether to make the beautiful visit to the Grotta del Fico (with an extra ticket of 10€ per person for adults, 5€ for children from 6 to 12 years old) or make the second swim stop at Cala Biriola! It's time for your lunch break, and you will board the boat where, if you have purchased the package with lunch included, you will find your table downstairs with a typical Sardinian hors d'oeuvre with Sardinian sausage, Coppa, cheese and olives, a first course of Malloreddus alla Campidanese (typical Sardinian gnocchi with sausage sauce), and bread, water, wine, coffee, digestif and savoiardo (a dessert made with savoiardo cheese)! Those who have chosen the offer without lunch will be able to eat their packed lunch comfortably on the upper floor, where you will find tables and a breathtaking view of the Pools of Venus! It's time for our last stop at the beautiful Cala Mariolu, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. On the return trip, you can enjoy a freshly cut fruit accompanied by excellent Vermentino wine, before ending the day with a unique show! Our professional and qualified staff will be at your disposal. The captain will reveal a few secrets of our beautiful coastline. - Beach umbrella provided - Each stop lasts approximately 1h30min

Arbatax: Gulf of Orosei Boat Trip to Cala Luna

2. Arbatax: Gulf of Orosei Boat Trip to Cala Luna

Embark on a picturesque journey along the Gulf of Orosei from Arbatax and marvel at some of Sardinia's most beautiful coves, many of which are only accessible by sea. Have the chance to take a guided tour of Fico Cave and/or enjoy lunch on board for an extra cost on the day. As you leave Arbatax harbor behind, admire Isolotto d'Ogliastra's vibrant colors of pink granite and red porphyry. Just after passing Santa Maria Navarrese, see the limestone-dolomite rock of Pedra Longa, the "guardian" of the treasures and secrets of the area, rising steeply from the sea.  Continue past the spectacular Baus waterfalls and through the Colombi cave and Cape Monte Santo until you arrive at two stunning fjords: Cala Scirocco and Cala Tramontana. In the latter, hear the tragic story of a Levante vessel whose remains can be glimpsed in the transparent waters of the seabed. Next, head to the extraordinary Cala Goloritzé and admire its characteristic arch, where the beach and the sea appear like a painting. After leaving this slice of maritime Eden behind, you'll arrive at Cala Mariolu. Here, you can disembark and enjoy the beach — with umbrellas available to rent from the boat — or take a guided tour of the Grotta del Fico (Fico Cave). Pay the entry fee, then explore the cave's unique limestone formations and hear how they were once the realm of the Mediterranean monk seal. Once back on board and the navigation resumes, head to the welcoming dining room to enjoy a zero-kilometer appetizer of local cheeses and cured meats. Savor prosciutto, guanciale, and coppa strictly from the area while immersed in the wild beauty of the Baunei coast. But the highlight of the onboard lunch is the fregola with seafood, prepared with a seafaring recipe from Ponza passed down through generations. Get an authentic taste of the sea as the squid and calamari sauce blends with the exquisite flavor of crabs, enriched with mussels and prawn tails. Enjoy a glass of Ogliastra wine with the main course before concluding with a slice of "sapa" cake with walnuts and seasonal fruits for dessert. Lunch is not included in the tour price. After this fulfilling culinary experience, you'll arrive at the beach of Cala Luna, where you can disembark and relax in one of the most picturesque places in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Later, as the route is reversed, the motorboat provides the exciting experience of Cala Sisine beach. This is also a stop where you can disembark. The tour then concludes by returning to Arbatax harbor.

From Arbatax: Gulf of Orosei Sail Boat Trip with Lunch

3. From Arbatax: Gulf of Orosei Sail Boat Trip with Lunch

Exciting daily experience on a sailing boat, an unmissable way to spend a day in a different way, in contact with the sea, kissed by the sun among the beauties of a stretch of coast defined among the most beautiful in the world of Sardinia. Starting from Arbatax, you will visit many natural beauties, unique beaches - coves - crystalline caves and it will be possible to swim and snorkel in the clearest waters of Sardinia. We leave at 9 from the tourist port of Marina di Arbatax with navigation to the north, and return for 1730. On board a beautiful sailboat of 16 meters, very comfortable and luxurious, with large sundecks, 4 cabins, 4 bathrooms, equipped with everything, we will visit: Perda Longa, Grotta dei Colombi, Portu Pedrosu, Portu Quau, Grotta della Contessa, Cala Goloritzè, Cala dei Gabbiani, Cala Mariolu, Cala Mudaloru, PPiscine di Venere e Cala Biriola. While you enjoy this paradise, the crew, as well as guaranteeing you on-board assistance, will prepare an aperitif and a main meal based on typical local products, based on availability, including some drinks, typical sweets and locally produced digestives. Recipe for a light and delicious lunch, perhaps due to the famous longevity of our area. Obviously, depending on the weather and sea conditions and the situation of the various beaches, the skipper will decide if, where and how much to stop for the various stops, however at least 3 stops are foreseen. Our skipper will accompany you for some stretches of snorkeling in the most beautiful beaches and caves on the sea. You can try the handling and all the maneuvers necessary for sailing. Don't forget your beach gear, snorkel gear, sunscreen and a light jacket for the return. The meeting point is at 8.45 am on the pier of the Marina Turistica of Arbatax.

Cala Gonone: Cala Gonone Aquarium Entry Ticket

4. Cala Gonone: Cala Gonone Aquarium Entry Ticket

The modern structure of the Aquarium of Cala Gonone, set in a park of splendid Mediterranean scrub, awaits you between the pristine mountains of Supramonte and the fascinating scenery of the Gulf of Orosei to make you appreciate what happens when the mountain of Sardinia meets the sea! You will discover the marine habitats of the Mediterranean Sea, its most typical inhabitants and their curious adaptations to life! The Aquarium of Cala Gonone, inaugurated on 10 July 2010, aims to combine the educational and didactic aspect with entertainment and fun. The property is located in the seaside village of Cala Gonone and overlooks the Gulf of Orosei, surrounded by a large park of splendid Mediterranean scrub. The twenty-four exhibition tanks host animal and plant species typical of the Mediterranean Sea, the route ends with tanks dedicated to corals and colorful tropical species. Attached to the structure there is an outdoor play area dedicated to the world of sea turtles and a large parking area for buses and cars.

Tortolì: Gulf of Orosei Cruise with Aperitif and Swim Stops

5. Tortolì: Gulf of Orosei Cruise with Aperitif and Swim Stops

Departure in the morning at 8.45 a.m. from the marina of Arbatax. During the excursion, our skippers will take you on a discovery of coves and sea caves that will leave you speechless. You will surely love the limpid waters of Cala Goloritzè, a Unesco heritage site since 1995, and the unique colours of Cala Mariolu, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, in the latter of which we will make our first stop of about an hour. After the stop you will be served a refreshing alcoholic or non-alcoholic aperitif among the turquoise waters of the coast. For our lunch break we head to the picturesque Cala Luna, where you can take a refreshing dip and/or have lunch in the local restaurant. We will continue exploring the Gulf of Orosei to the turquoise-coloured Cala Biriala, where we will make a final stop of about 1½ hours. You will also have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the Grotta del Fico. Don't miss out on this magnificent experience and book your dinghy trip to Italy's most beautiful sea now!

Arbatax: Boat Rental With or Without Skipper

6. Arbatax: Boat Rental With or Without Skipper

Our dinghy rental service in Arbatax is the right fit for those who want to explore some of Sardinia's most renowned destinations in perfect autonomy and at their own leisure. You choose when and with whom to leave, and we will take care of the rest. We recommend a visit to the beautiful Gulf of Orosei: you can explore the turquoise Cala Goloritzè and Cala Mariolu, or the equally renowned Cala Luna and Cala Biriola. If you prefer, one of our professional skippers will accompany you on the trip, allowing you to see the most beautiful places, and enjoy the outing in total relaxation.

Costa di Baunei Boat Tour

7. Costa di Baunei Boat Tour

La nostra giornata inizierà dalla Marina di Arbatax, da cui ci dirigeremo direttamente verso la prima tappa del tour: Cala Goloritzé. Qui avrete a disposizione circa 30 minuti per rilassarvi e rinfrescarvi nelle acque turchesi che ci circondano. Partiremo poi alla volta di Cala Mariolu, vera e propria icona del Golfo di Orosei. Dopo lo sbarco avrete circa 1 ora e mezza per esplorare i dintorni di questa spiaggia unica nel suo genere. I suoi colori e la sua conformazione naturale la rendono da anni il soggetto perfetto per foto e video. In particolare, il grande masso presente sulla riva è spesso scelto come sfondo per foto mozzafiato su Instagram. La nostra navigazione continuerà, poi, alla volta di Cala Biriola, dove avrete una sosta di ben 2 ore e mezza per godervi il sole, le acque cristalline, e la compagnia dei vostri cari. La parete rocciosa ricca di vegetazione che contorna e incastona il mare in questo angolo di paradiso siamo certi sarà uno dei ricordi più indelebili della vostra giornata. Sosteremo poi alle Piscine di Venere per permettervi di rinfrescarvi ulteriormente dopo la navigazione in una sosta di circa 25 minuti. Ci concederemo un'ultima possibilità di essere a stretto contatto con la natura in una sosta di 1 ora per nuotare e fare snorkeling alla Cala dei Gabbiani prima di rientrare ad Arbatax.

Rental Boat 5,60 mt from Arbatax (without License)

8. Rental Boat 5,60 mt from Arbatax (without License)

You will drive the boat and you will live an adventure in the clear blue water of the east coast of Sardinia. You will explore hidden beaches that you can reach only with the boat. You will start in the morning at 8h30 up to 17h00 and it will be an amazing experience to share with your family and friends.

Coccorocci: E-bike Guided Tour

9. Coccorocci: E-bike Guided Tour

The itinerary departs from Arbatax at 9 a.m. (morning) 2 p.m. (afternoon), after about 30 minutes of transfer we arrive at the starting point of our excursion in the marina of Gairo. We climb into the saddle and immerse ourselves in the unspoiled nature of Coccorrocci. We will visit the Su Sirboni beach, enclosed between two rocky promontories and characterized by fine sand, and then head to Cala Luas, which, in contrast, will feature large granite pebbles polished by the sea. Return to Arbatax scheduled for 1 p.m. (morning) 6 p.m. (afternoon) Length: about 15 km Difficulty: easy Positive elevation gain: 250 m Negative elevation gain: 250 m

From Tortolì: Guided Tour of the Golgo Plateau in an SUV

10. From Tortolì: Guided Tour of the Golgo Plateau in an SUV

We leave at 9 a.m. (morning) 2 p.m. (afternoon) from Arbatax and head to Baunei. After passing through the small village, we will continue our tour driving along the scenic road that takes us to the Golgo plateau, we will admire breathtaking views, moonscapes and local wildlife. We will make several stops where we can visit magnificent places including the "Su Sterru" chasm, among the deepest in Europe, the church of St. Peter and the Stone Mask before returning home around 1 p.m. (6 p.m.) or so.

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Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 9 reviews

Very very good but 30 minutes is enough to go around... the rays cuddle pool is a good experience!