Baunei​

Latest page update: 14 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Baunei
Baunei, set in the mountains above the eastern coast of Sardinia, is a small town best known for the scenic Golgo Plateau and its proximity to the Gulf of Orosei. Accommodation in the town itself is mostly limited to smaller residences, but the surrounding area offers several established hotels, particularly in nearby Santa Maria Navarrese.
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In Santa Maria Navarrese, Hotel Nicoletta is a central option near the seafront, with modern rooms, a rooftop terrace and strong feedback for cleanliness and service (€€). Also in the town, Hotel Santa Maria provides comfortable rooms surrounded by gardens, often praised for its convenient location and welcoming atmosphere (€€). For a more upmarket stay, Lanthia Resort offers stylish interiors, a pool and direct beach access, with consistently excellent guest reviews (€€€).

Where is

Where is Baunei?
The hill town of Baunei is situated within​ the Province of Nuoro, a distance of 153 kilometres north-east of Cagliari, the regional capital of Sardinia. Standing at an elevation of 480 metres above sea level, it has a population of around 3,500 residents.

Some of the nearby places of interest include Punta Pedra Longa, Santa Maria Navarrese and the ferry port of Arbatax.
Comune di Baunei
Province: Nuoro
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Region: Sardinia

Population: 3,401 ​(in 2024 - source)

​​​​​​Size: 216 km²

Elevation: 480 metres

​​Close by: Punta Pedra Longa, Santa Maria Navarrese, Arbatax

Recommended accommodation: ​Hotel ​Goloritzé
Airports:
Cagliari Elmas Airport - 1 hour 58 minutes by car (153 km)
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport - 2 hrs 8 mins by car (143 km)

What People Ask About Baunei, Sardinia

Is Baunei worth visiting?
Yes, Baunei is worth visiting for its dramatic limestone coast, renowned coves such as Cala Goloritzé and Cala Mariolu, and excellent hiking. It pairs sea excursions with mountain scenery and traditional village character.
How do I get to Baunei?
Baunei is reached by car along the SS125 (Orientale Sarda). Driving times are roughly 2.5–3 hours from Olbia and about 2.5–3 hours from Cagliari. ARST buses serve Baunei and Santa Maria Navarrese, but a car is the most convenient for beaches and trailheads.
What are the main attractions in Baunei?
Highlights include Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu, and the Pedra Longa sea stack, plus boat trips from Santa Maria Navarrese. Inland, the Golgo plateau offers viewpoints, karst features, and archaeological sites, with the Selvaggio Blu trek for experienced hikers.
When is the best time to visit Baunei?
May to October suits beach days and boat trips, with July and August the busiest. Late spring and September are ideal for hiking and swimming, with warm seas and milder temperatures. Winter sees fewer services and limited sailings.
How long should I stay in Baunei?
Plan 3 to 4 days to combine boat trips to the coves, at least one coastal hike, and time on the Golgo plateau. Many visitors base themselves in Santa Maria Navarrese for harbour access and visit the hill town of Baunei.
Related links

Discover

Discover Baunei
Baunei is a hill town on the eastern side of Sardinia, set high above the Gulf of Orosei in the rugged landscapes of the Supramonte. Built on a rocky slope, the settlement is characterised by narrow streets, stone houses, and panoramic views across both the mountains and the coastline. Its elevated position has given it a role as a lookout and a point of access between inland Sardinia and the sea.
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The area is renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery, with cliffs, caves, and beaches such as Cala Goloritzé and Cala Mariolu reached by footpaths or boat from nearby Santa Maria Navarrese. Within the town, the Church of San Nicola di Bari forms the main landmark, while the surrounding territory is part of the Gennargentu National Park, offering extensive hiking and nature trails. Road links connect Baunei with Arbatax on the coast and inland towards Nuoro.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Baunei
  • Historic centre of Baunei is a mountain village in Sardinia, known for its narrow streets, stone houses, and traditional architecture. The town’s layout reflects its ancient origins, with small piazzas and historic churches nestled among rugged hills. Views extend over the surrounding Gennargentu mountains and coastline.
  • Chiesa di San Nicola is the main church in Baunei, featuring a simple façade and an interior adorned with religious artworks. It remains central to local religious life and hosts festivals and community events throughout the year. The church is a key landmark within the village.
  • Piazza Municipio serves as the social heart of Baunei, lined with cafés, shops, and traditional buildings. The square hosts markets, cultural events, and gatherings, offering a lively space to experience local life and Sardinian traditions.
  • Surrounding nature trails lead through the Gennargentu National Park and along the dramatic coastline, including the famous Cala Goloritzé. These paths offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring some of Sardinia’s most spectacular landscapes.
  • Guided cultural and nature tours explore Baunei’s historic centre and the surrounding natural environment. Local guides share stories about the village’s history, traditions, and the unique geology of the area. These tours often include tastings of regional food and wine, providing a rich cultural experience.

Tours and Activities

Baunei Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Sardinia Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sardinia

1. ​Bosa
2. La Maddalena Archipelago
3. ​Alghero
4. Su Nuraxi di Barumini
5. ​​Santa Teresa Gallura
6. Asinara
7. ​Gulf of Orosei
8. La Pelosa Beach
9. ​Gennargentu National Park
10. ​Tavolara

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sardinia

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Baunei
By Rail: Baunei does not have its own train station, but the nearest one is in Arbatax, about 20 kilometres away, on the Mandas–Arbatax line operated by ARST. This narrow-gauge railway mainly operates as a tourist service during the warmer months. For regular train connections, the nearest major station is in Nuoro, around 75 kilometres away, with Trenitalia services to Macomer, Sassari, and Cagliari.

By Road: Baunei is situated on the eastern coast of Sardinia, about 140 kilometres north of Cagliari. The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes via the SS125. From Arbatax, the distance is around 20 kilometres, with a journey time of about 25 minutes. The town is reached by scenic coastal and mountain roads, with public parking available near the centre and around the routes leading towards the Golgo Plateau and Cala Goloritzé trailheads.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Cagliari Elmas Airport: Located around 150 kilometres south of Baunei, with a drive of about 2 hours and 30 minutes via the SS125. This is the nearest and most practical airport, offering frequent domestic and international flights.
  • Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport: Situated approximately 180 kilometres north, taking about 2 hours and 40 minutes by car via the SS125. It provides both year-round and seasonal flights across Italy and Europe.
  • Alghero–Fertilia Airport: Roughly 235 kilometres northwest, with a journey time of around 3 hours and 30 minutes via the SS131 and SS389. It offers a variety of national and international connections.

Private Transfers

Baunei Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and reliable way to reach or depart from Baunei, with a professional local driver offering direct, door-to-door service. It’s a convenient option for travellers heading to this mountain village or the nearby coast, where public transport links can be limited and roads are winding.

Transfers can be arranged from Cagliari Elmas Airport, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, or Alghero Fertilia Airport, all of which operate domestic and international flights. Private transfers also connect Baunei with nearby destinations such as Arbatax, Santa Maria Navarrese, and Tortolì, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey through one of Sardinia’s most scenic regions.
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