Cala Sisine is one of the most dramatic beaches in the Gulf of Orosei, a 200-metre pebble cove framed by 500-metre limestone cliffs with water so clear you can see the bottom from 10 metres down. No road reaches it. You arrive by boat, on foot from the plateau above, or — if you’re serious about trekking — at the end of the Selvaggio Blu, Italy’s most demanding coastal trail. This guide covers what Cala Sisine actually looks like, how to get there in practice, and what to expect when you arrive.
Cala Sisine: the beach, the cliffs, and the valley behind it
The beach sits at the mouth of Codula Sisine, a long dry-valley ravine that cuts deep into the Supramonte limestone massif. Seen from a boat, it appears suddenly between sheer walls that rise nearly vertically to the plateau: Serra Ovra to the south is the most imposing section, a pale grey cliff face that catches the morning light straight on because Cala Sisine faces almost due east.
The old name, Portu ‘e Sisine, gives a clue to the beach’s history. This was a working harbour for centuries, used by the people of Baunei and Dorgali to transport charcoal and timber cut in the Supramonte forest down to the sea. The valley was a trade route, not a tourist destination. During the Second World War, the cove served as a hiding place for an Italian submarine, taking advantage of the natural cover offered by the cliff overhangs. Local tradition refers to this spot as Su Stuggiu, meaning roughly “the hiding place.”
Today the beach is bookended by a small freshwater pond on the northern side, fed by springs along the valley, and a rocky promontory to the south. A bar and basic restaurant, Su Coile, operates in season, which is genuinely useful given that no resupply by road is possible.
The beach itself: what to expect underfoot
The shoreline is pebble, not sand. Medium to large rounded stones make walking in regular flip-flops uncomfortable. Water shoes or proper beach sandals with grip are not optional here, they are essential. The seabed drops steeply from the shore: you are in deep water within a few strokes of the edge. This makes Cala Sisine outstanding for snorkeling and free-diving but means it is not a safe beach for small children who are not confident swimmers.
There is no lifeguard service. There are no bins, so waste management is entirely the responsibility of each visitor. Phone signal is absent for most networks. The restaurant Su Coile has toilets, which is relevant because nothing else does.
In July and August the beach fills with day visitors arriving from motorboat excursions. Space on the pebbles becomes genuinely limited. The water remains extraordinary regardless of crowds, but if you arrive at midday on a peak-summer Saturday expecting solitude, you will be disappointed.
Cala Sisine as the endpoint of the Selvaggio Blu
Cala Sisine is the official finishing point of the Selvaggio Blu, the multi-day trekking route widely considered one of the most technically challenging in Italy. The route follows the cliff tops and ravines of the Gulf of Orosei coast for approximately 40 kilometres over five to seven stages, starting from Pedra Longa near Santa Maria Navarrese. Requiring via ferrata skills, rope work, and solid navigation ability, it attracts experienced alpinists and trekkers from across Europe.
For most visitors arriving by boat, this context is invisible. But it explains why Cala Sisine has a particular resonance among the outdoor community beyond its beauty as a beach. Hikers finishing the Selvaggio Blu emerge from the Codula Sisine valley onto the pebbles here, often after days of demanding terrain, and wade into the sea fully clothed. It is one of the more satisfying arrivals in Italian trekking.
For routes, conditions, and context on the best hikes in Sardinia, including easier trails in the same area, see the sardiniabella.com guide to the best hikes in Sardinia.
How to get to Cala Sisine: boat, 4×4, or on foot
Three options exist. None of them is straightforward by Italian beach standards. Here is a practical comparison:
| Access method | Effort | Time from base | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large motorboat from Cala Gonone | Low | 45-60 min by sea | Families, first-timers |
| Private dinghy from Cala Gonone or Santa Maria Navarrese | Low-medium | 30-50 min by sea | Small groups, flexibility |
| 4×4 + short walk from Golgo Plateau | Medium (driving) | 1h drive + 30 min walk | Independent travellers |
| Long hike from Cala Luna | High | 3.5-4h on foot | Experienced hikers only |
By boat from Cala Gonone or Santa Maria Navarrese
Boat is by far the most common approach, and for good reason. Both Cala Gonone to the north and Santa Maria Navarrese to the south have active ports with daily departures throughout the summer season. The sea journey from Cala Gonone takes approximately 45-60 minutes depending on the boat; from Santa Maria Navarrese it is roughly similar, since Cala Sisine sits roughly in the middle of the Gulf coastline.
The advantage of the boat is obvious: you see the cliffs from the water, which is the only way to appreciate their scale. Large motorboats can dock directly on the beach with a gangway. Departure points, schedules, and prices vary between operators, so it is worth booking in advance in July and August, as tours regularly sell out.
For the full catalogue of boat options departing from both ports, the sardiniabella.com guide to the best boat tours in Sardinia is a useful starting point.
On foot from the Golgo Plateau (the easier walking option)
The Golgo Plateau, known locally as Altopiano del Golgo, sits roughly 400 metres above sea level directly behind the beach. To reach it by car, you take the SS125 to Baunei and then follow a dirt road of approximately 13 kilometres to the parking area near Planu ‘e Murta. A standard hire car will struggle on this road: the surface is rough gravel with exposed rock sections. A high-clearance vehicle or 4×4 is strongly recommended.
From the parking area, the walk down to Cala Sisine via the Codula Sisine valley takes approximately 30 minutes one way on a clear, marked path. The return is uphill and takes 40-50 minutes. The total elevation change is about 350 metres. This is genuinely accessible for any reasonably fit adult and involves no technical difficulty. It is, in context, the most independent way to visit Cala Sisine without being entirely dependent on boat schedules.
The road condition changes after heavy autumn and winter rain. Before attempting this route outside the June-September window, it is worth checking locally.
The long hike from Cala Luna (advanced only)
A trail connects Cala Luna to Cala Sisine along the coast, forming part of the Selvaggio Blu route. The distance is approximately 10-12 kilometres with significant elevation change. In dry conditions and good weather, the hike takes three to four hours. In summer heat, on exposed terrain with no water sources, it is physically demanding and carries real risk for those who are not properly equipped.
This option is for experienced hikers only, with full navigation capability, adequate water for the whole day, and appropriate footwear. It is not a casual beach walk.
Things to do in Cala Sisine: activities and tours
The most practical way to visit Cala Sisine is as part of an organised boat tour, which combines the beach stop with other highlights of the Gulf of Orosei coastline. The following tours have been verified and cover both premium and budget options.
Full-day Gulf of Orosei cruise from Cala Gonone (large motorboat)
A full-day cruise aboard a large motorboat that stops at Cala Sisine, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Luna, with the option to also visit the Grotte del Bue Marino. This is the most accessible format for families and those who want comfort at sea without the speed of a dinghy. The boat can accommodate larger groups and has a bar on board.
Book the full-day Gulf of Orosei cruise on Viator
Gulf of Orosei motorboat tour with beach stops at Cala Sisine (GetYourGuide)
A motorboat departure from Cala Gonone with multiple stops including Cala Sisine, Cala Mariolu, Cala Gabbiani, and Cala Biriola. The boat is a 22-metre motorboat with covered sections, cool in summer and heated for low season use. Multilingual audio guide included.
Book the Gulf of Orosei motorboat tour on GetYourGuide
Gulf of Orosei cruise to Cala Goloritzè with stops at Cala Sisine and Cala Mariolu
A longer day tour with beach stops at Cala Biriola, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Sisine, plus a photo stop in front of Cala Goloritzè. The itinerary includes a swim stop at the Piscine di Venere. Consistently high ratings for crew quality and organisation. Multiple departure times available from 7:30 AM.
Book the Cala Goloritzè cruise with Cala Sisine stop on GetYourGuide
Gulf of Orosei dinghy trip with Cala Sisine lunch stop
A smaller rubber dinghy tour from Cala Gonone with a dedicated lunch stop at Cala Sisine (where the Su Coile restaurant and toilets are located). The dinghy format allows access to caves and coves that larger boats cannot reach. Itinerary includes Cala Luna, Piscine di Venere, Cala delle Sorgenti, and Cala Sisine. Maximum 12-13 participants per boat. A glass of wine and a Sardinian sweet are included on the return.
Book the Gulf of Orosei dinghy trip with Cala Sisine stop on GetYourGuide
Small-group dinghy tour to Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzè (Viator, max 11 people)
A small-group rubber dinghy tour covering Cala Mariolu, Cala Biriola, Cala dei Gabbiani, and swim stops at the Piscine di Venere and Cala Goloritzè. Maximum 11 passengers. Particularly recommended for those who want more personalised attention and flexibility at each stop.
Book the small-group dinghy tour on Viator
Full-day Baunei coast tour from Santa Maria Navarrese
A full-day guided boat tour departing from Santa Maria Navarrese (the southern port), which offers a different angle on the coastline compared to Cala Gonone departures. Particularly recommended if you are staying in the southern part of the Gulf. Tour includes multiple stops along the Baunei coast.
Book the Baunei coast tour from Santa Maria Navarrese on Viator
Vintage sailing boat cruise from Cala Gonone
The DOVESESTO is a nearly century-old motorsailer that departs daily at 10:15 from Cala Gonone with a maximum of 12 passengers. The itinerary follows the Selvaggio Blu coastline, stopping at Cala Luna and Cala Sisine (usually on the return when crowds have thinned). The format is fundamentally different from a standard motorboat tour: slower, quieter, more atmospheric. Bring your own packed lunch.
Book the vintage sailing boat cruise on GetYourGuide
Getting around: car rental near Cala Sisine
A hire car is essential if you want to combine a visit to Cala Sisine by foot with any flexibility. The Golgo Plateau trailhead requires driving 13 kilometres of rough gravel road after the SS125, and a low-clearance vehicle will sustain damage. Beyond that, the road between Cala Gonone and Santa Maria Navarrese is a mountain road of considerable length: the two towns are less than 20 kilometres apart as the crow flies, but the drive takes over an hour and a half via inland roads. Planning your boat tours from the town where you sleep is strongly advised rather than crossing between the two ports daily.
The nearest major airports are Olbia (approximately 1.5 hours by car to Cala Gonone) and Cagliari (approximately 3 hours to Santa Maria Navarrese). Both have good hire car availability.
Compare prices and book directly:
Book as early as possible in summer. August availability drops sharply from mid-June onwards, and prices rise accordingly.
Where to sleep near Cala Sisine
The two practical bases are Santa Maria Navarrese (closer to the southern trailhead and with a large marina for boat tours) and Cala Gonone (the main northern departure point, more developed for tourism). Both are roughly equidistant from Cala Sisine by sea.
Lanthia Resort (4-star, Santa Maria Navarrese) is the premium option in the area. Boutique property with 28 rooms, an infinity pool, a private beach, and a restaurant serving locally sourced Sardinian cuisine. Each room is named after a Sardinian village and decorated accordingly. The resort coordinates boat tour bookings for guests. Open seasonally from May to September.
Check availability on Booking.com
Hotel Santa Maria (3-star, Santa Maria Navarrese) is the most practical mid-range choice. Located 200 metres from the beach and a short walk from the marina, this is where you check in, walk to your boat tour, and come back to dinner without needing a car for your day. Consistently praised for staff helpfulness with local tour bookings.
Check availability on Booking.com
Hotel Mediterraneo (3-star, Santa Maria Navarrese) is a seafront option with a private beach, sea-view rooms, and a restaurant. Well-maintained garden with hammocks. Useful if you want direct beach access at your accommodation as well as day trips to the Gulf coves. Pet-friendly.
Check availability on Booking.com
For more options in the area, see the sardiniabella.com guide to Baunei: things to see and do.
Cala Sisine and the nearby beaches of the Gulf of Orosei
Cala Sisine sits roughly at the midpoint of the Gulf of Orosei coastline. Most boat tours visit several beaches in a single day, and knowing how the coves relate to each other helps you choose which tour format suits your priorities.
Cala Luna is the largest beach in the Gulf, roughly 4 kilometres north of Cala Sisine. It has sand mixed with pebbles, a natural lagoon, and a sea cave accessible from the beach. It is generally the most crowded beach on any given boat tour. Worth seeing, especially outside peak hours.
Cala Mariolu is smaller and arguably more beautiful than Cala Sisine, with two-tone pebbles of white and grey and water that shifts between turquoise and deep blue depending on depth. It sits about 6 kilometres south of Cala Sisine.
Cala Goloritzè is a UNESCO World Heritage site candidate and the most iconic single landmark in the Gulf, defined by a natural rock arch rising from the sea. Access by boat for swimming has been restricted: motorboats cannot dock and the non-navigable zone means most boats pass for photographs only. Access on foot from Golgo is regulated with a daily limit of 250 visitors. Book in advance via the Heart of Sardinia app.
Cala Biriola is a small, quieter cove between Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzè, with submerged white boulders visible through the clear water. Less visited because it has no amenities, which is its main appeal.
For the full Grotta del Bue Marino sea cave, departures by ferry from Cala Gonone port run throughout the day in season. It can be combined with most boat tours as an optional add-on.
The complete sardiniabella.com guide to the Gulf of Orosei beaches covers the full coastline in detail.
The local perspective: what Sardinians think
The geography here is unforgiving in specific ways that matter practically.
Cala Sisine faces east, which means the morning light is extraordinary and the water is in direct sun from sunrise to about 1 PM. By early afternoon, the valley walls begin to shade the northern part of the beach. If you want full sun and calm water, arrive in the morning. If you are arriving by boat in the afternoon heat, you will find the beach already shaded in part.
The Maestrale, the north-westerly wind that dominates Sardinia’s summer weather, is largely blocked by the terrain here. Cala Sisine tends to be calmer than more exposed beaches on days when the Maestrale is blowing at force 3-4. The sea inside the cove rarely develops significant chop. However, if a south-easterly Scirocco picks up, the beach is directly exposed, and conditions can deteriorate quickly. Boat tours cancel or change itinerary on these days.
The seabed drops fast. This surprises visitors used to gradual beaches. You step off the last pebbles and within two or three steps you are in two metres of water. Experienced swimmers find this ideal for immediate snorkeling. For anyone hesitant in open water, this is worth knowing before you arrive.
In August, expect a different experience from the photographs. The beach does not become unpleasant, but the images circulating online show Cala Sisine in April or in early June, when it is empty. In August, it is full by 10 AM on days when the sea is calm. Late June, September, and October offer the same water quality with a fraction of the visitors.
The dirt road to the Golgo Plateau catches people off guard. It is 13 kilometres long and requires a high-clearance vehicle. Several visitors each season attempt it in standard hire cars and regret it. If your rental contract specifies no gravel roads, you are taking a risk. A compact SUV with reasonable clearance handles it without problems.
FAQ about Cala Sisine
Can you reach Cala Sisine by car?
No. There is no road that reaches the beach directly. The closest point accessible by vehicle is the parking area on the Golgo Plateau, from which a 30-minute walk down the Codula Sisine valley brings you to the beach. The road to the plateau is 13 kilometres of rough gravel and requires a high-clearance vehicle.
How long is the walk to Cala Sisine from the Golgo Plateau?
Approximately 30 minutes downhill (about 2 kilometres), with 350 metres of descent. The return uphill takes 40-50 minutes. The path is clear and marked. No technical difficulty is involved.
Is Cala Sisine crowded in summer?
In July and August, yes. Large motorboat tours from both Cala Gonone and Santa Maria Navarrese include Cala Sisine on their itineraries, and the beach fills between about 10 AM and 3 PM on calm days. Late June and September are significantly quieter while still offering excellent swimming conditions.
Is there a restaurant at Cala Sisine?
Yes. Su Coile, a small bar and basic restaurant, operates on the beach in season. It is the only food and drink option, and it also has toilets. On busy days it can become crowded. Bring your own water and food as backup.
Is Cala Sisine part of the Selvaggio Blu trek?
Yes. Cala Sisine is the official finishing point of the Selvaggio Blu, a five-to-seven stage coastal trekking route along the Gulf of Orosei cliffs starting from Pedra Longa. The route requires via ferrata skills, rope work, and experienced navigation. It is not a route for casual hikers.
What is the best time to visit Cala Sisine?
For the quietest experience with full sun: late June or September. For guaranteed boat tour availability and the warmest water: July or August, but accept the crowds. For the Golgo Plateau walk outside peak season: May to June or October, but check road conditions after autumn rains.
Is Cala Sisine good for snorkeling?
Yes, very. The water is clear, the seabed drops quickly to good depth close to shore, and the rock formations along the base of the cliffs harbour fish and marine vegetation. Bring your own mask and fins, as no rental equipment is available on the beach.
Sources: SardegnaTurismo official portal, Baunei municipality tourism office (turismobaunei.eu), operator information from verified Viator and GetYourGuide listings
