A limestone pyramid set on an emerald sea: this is the first image welcoming passengers in Golfo Aranci Bay. The islet of Figarolo, with its almost perfectly regular shape, keeps watch over this fishing village in northeastern Sardinia, nestled at the foot of Capo Figari's promontory. Ships anchor offshore and tenders deposit travellers steps from the centre, where Costa Smeralda begins unfolding its transparent waters.

A Village Faithful to the Sea

Golfo Aranci grew around fishing and the railway, and this double origin still reads in its streets. The town remains compact: everything is explored on foot from the landing. The waterfront promenade links the small pier to the first beaches, bordered by low houses and terraces serving the morning's catch. Dolphins regularly frequent the bay, to the point that watching them has become one of visitors' favourite activities. From the dock, it is not rare to spot their fins crossing between boats.

Beaches Within Walking Distance

Sand begins almost at the town's heart. Several beaches follow along the shore, accessible without any transport, with shallow water turning turquoise within the first metres. Families find quiet stretches, while curious swimmers pull on mask and snorkel: the depths quickly reveal dense marine life. The MuMart, an underwater museum, even displays works submerged that you observe by snorkelling or from a glass-bottomed boat.

Cala Moresca, the Preserved Cove

Following the coastal trail southward, some 30 minutes' walk leads to Cala Moresca, a creek nestled in Capo Figari's protected zone. Two small golden sand beaches share space with emerging rocks, facing Figarolo looming on the horizon. Pines descend almost to the water. The shore slopes gently, then depths plunge quickly, making it a favourite dive site. This is the ideal spot to pass the day's hot hours, between swimming, reading and long naps in the pines' shade, lulled by the wash of the waves.

The Capo Figari Trail

Hikers seeking vistas continue past Cala Moresca. A trail climbs through maquis to a former military battery, passing a small cemetery dedicated to English sailors. At the summit, the limestone promontory opens onto a lighthouse and a circular view: the entire bay, Gallura's mountains, and on clear days the silhouettes of neighbouring islands. The climb demands good shoes and water, but the reward measures in kilometres of sea unfolded beneath the cliffs.

The Flavours of Gallura

On the return, local tables offer the cuisine of this region of northern Sardinia: grilled fish, fregola with seafood, pecorino and white Vermentino wines grown on granite hills. Artisanal ice cream in hand, you stroll one last time along the waterfront as fishing boats return to port.

As evening falls and the tender ferries passengers back to the ship, Figarolo blazes with the last light and the gulf's water turns violet. Golfo Aranci leaves this simple, clear memory: a village where Sardinia offers itself without superfluous staging, at human scale and by the water's edge.