Cala Luna Hike Guide

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From our last girl’s trip to Sardinia where I convinced my friends to hike in 90 degree heat – totally worth it!

TL;DR: The Cala Luna hike will take you through the Supramonte region, near Urzulei, and will lead you to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s 5.5 km (3.4 mile) one-way and a bit strenous and rocky, but you can take a boat back to start if you don’t want to hike back.

The Cala Luna hike is a 11 km round trip that will take you around 4-6 hours to complete. There are two trails to choose from, but the most popular one departs from Cala Fuili, the last cove you can reach by car from Cala Gonone.

The hike is strenuous, but the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Supramonte mountains make it worth it. Once you reach the beach, you can explore the caves and grottos, swim in the crystal-clear water, and relax on the white sand.

Morgan’s Cala Luna Hike Video

Key Takeaways

  • The Cala Luna hike is a strenuous 11 km round trip that will take you around 5 hours to complete.
  • The hike offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Supramonte mountains.
  • Once you reach the beach, you can explore the caves and grottos, swim in the crystal-clear water, and relax on the white sand.
  • The last ferry leaves at 18:30 (6:30 pm) if you want to skip the hike back and take the ferry to your parking spot.

The Cala Luna Hike

If you are a nature enthusiast and love trekking, then the Cala Luna hike is a must-do when in Sardinia. The hike offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes on the island.

The Cala Luna trail is a part of the Sentiero Selvaggio Blu, a famous long-distance hiking trail in Sardinia.

  • The hike starts from Cala Fuili, the last cove you can reach by car from Cala Gonone, and takes you to Cala Luna, a stunning beach with crystal-clear waters.
  • The trail is about 11 km long and takes around 5 hours to complete. The difficulty level of the hike is moderate, and sturdy shoes are recommended.
  • The elevation gain is around 600 feet, and the trail can be quite rugged in some places, so hikers should be prepared for some easy climbing.

The Cala Luna hike offers stunning views of the coastline and the mountains, and you will pass through beautiful forests and canyons along the way.

The trail is well-marked, and there are plenty of opportunities to take breaks and rest along the way.

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Exploring Cala Luna Beach

If you’re looking for a beautiful beach in Sardinia, Cala Luna Beach is an excellent choice. With its crystal-clear water and stunning rock formations, it’s no wonder that Cala Luna is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

The beach is located in the Gulf of Orosei, and it’s accessible by boat or by hiking. Once you reach Cala Luna Beach, you’ll be greeted by the emerald green sea and white sand. The beach is surrounded by high cliffs and rock formations, making it a beautiful and secluded bay. The water is crystal clear, and you can see the fish swimming around you while snorkeling.

If you want to get a better view of the beach and the surrounding area, there’s a viewpoint on the left side of the beach. It’s a bit of a climb, but the view is definitely worth it. From the viewpoint, you can see the entire bay and the Mediterranean Sea in the distance.

Cala Gonone and Surroundings

If you’re planning a hike to Cala Luna, you’ll likely spend some time in the charming town of Cala Gonone and its surroundings. This small town is located on the eastern coast of Sardinia and offers a variety of activities and amenities for visitors.

Caves and Grottos of Cala Luna

As you hike along the Cala Luna trail, you will come across some of the most beautiful caves and grottos in Sardinia. These natural wonders are a must-see for any nature lover and will leave you in awe of the power and beauty of nature.

One of the most famous caves in the area is the Grotte del Bue Marino, also known as the Sea Oxen Grotto. This cave is located just 3 km from Cala Luna and can be accessed by boat. The cave is known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites, as well as its crystal-clear waters.

Another cave worth exploring is the Grotta del Fico, located near the town of Ulassai. This cave is known for its impressive underground lakes and waterfalls, as well as its unique rock formations. The cave is open to visitors and guided tours are available.

One of the most prominent features of the Cala Luna hike is the juniper trees. These trees are native to Sardinia and are known for their twisted and gnarled branches. The juniper trees provide a beautiful contrast to the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

As you hike through the trail, you will be surrounded by the sweet aroma of juniper berries, which are used in the production of gin.

Insider Tips

If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting Cala Luna early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You can also hike to Cala Luna from Cala Fuili and then take a boat back to Cala Gonone. This will give you a chance to see the beach from a different perspective and avoid the uphill hike on the way back.

Other Nearby Attractions

If you have time, there are many other attractions to explore in the area around Cala Luna. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Cala Goloritzé: Another stunning beach in the area, Cala Goloritzé is known for its crystal clear waters and impressive limestone cliffs. It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but well worth the effort. Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes.
  • Selvaggio Blu: This challenging multi-day trek takes you along the rugged coastline of Sardinia, from Santa Maria Navarrese to Cala Gonone. You’ll need to be in good shape and have some experience with hiking and camping to tackle this trail, but the views are truly breathtaking.
  • Baunei: This charming hilltop town is a great place to explore if you’re interested in Sardinian history and culture. Check out the church of San Pietro and the archaeological museum to learn more about the area’s past.
  • Camping: There are several campsites in the area around Cala Luna if you’re interested in spending a few nights under the stars. Make sure to book in advance, especially during peak season, and be prepared for basic facilities.



Author profile: Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.