Golfo Aranci
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Latest page update: 30 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Golfo Aranci
Golfo Aranci, on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, combines a working port with a resort atmosphere, offering a number of established hotels along its beaches and waterfront. Many visitors choose it as a quieter alternative to the Costa Smeralda, while still enjoying direct sea access and good facilities.
Hotel Gabbiano Azzurro is a landmark property on the seafront, featuring a private beach, two pools and a restaurant, with consistently excellent reviews for service (€€€). Also on the waterfront, Hotel Villa Margherita offers elegant interiors, sea-view rooms and a pool, regularly praised for comfort and attention to detail (€€€). For a more resort-style stay, Baia Caddinas Clubresidence provides family-friendly facilities, direct beach access and good feedback for value and convenience (€€).
Hotel Gabbiano Azzurro is a landmark property on the seafront, featuring a private beach, two pools and a restaurant, with consistently excellent reviews for service (€€€). Also on the waterfront, Hotel Villa Margherita offers elegant interiors, sea-view rooms and a pool, regularly praised for comfort and attention to detail (€€€). For a more resort-style stay, Baia Caddinas Clubresidence provides family-friendly facilities, direct beach access and good feedback for value and convenience (€€).
Where is
Where is Golfo Aranci?
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The sea port of Golfo Aranci is situated within the Province of Sassari and has a population of around 2,500 inhabitants.
From its ferry port it's possible to sail to the island of Corsica or to the port of Livorno in Tuscany on the Italian mainland. Places of interest nearby include the city of Olbia, Porto Rotondo, the beach of Spiaggia Capriccioli or the hill town of Arzachena. |
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Comune di Golfo Aranci
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Province: Sassari
Region: Sardinia Population: 2,388 (in 2024 - source) Size: 37 km² Close by: Olbia, Porto Rotondo, Spiaggia Capriccioli, Arzachena Ferry destinations: Livorno, Corsica Fly to: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport - 22 minutes by car (23 km) |
What People Ask About Golfo Aranci
Is Golfo Aranci worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Golfo Aranci?
How do I get to Golfo Aranci?
What can you do in Golfo Aranci?
When is the best time to visit Golfo Aranci?
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Discover
Discover Golfo Aranci
Golfo Aranci is a coastal town in the Province of Sassari, set on a curved peninsula along Sardinia’s northeastern shore facing the Tyrrhenian Sea. It developed around a natural harbour framed by low hills, clear waters, and stretches of sandy beach, with a compact centre arranged close to the seafront. The coastline combines coves, headlands, and Mediterranean vegetation, giving the town a bright, maritime character that contrasts with the granite uplands further inland.
The port of Golfo Aranci is one of the town’s defining features, providing important ferry connections to mainland Italy and serving as a gateway to the Costa Smeralda. Nearby beaches and marine areas are known for snorkelling, dolphins, and coastal paths, while the town remains closely linked to the traditions of fishing and seafaring. Positioned between Olbia and Porto Rotondo, Golfo Aranci forms a key stop on Sardinia’s northeastern coast, connecting coastal resorts, island routes, and the wider landscapes of Gallura.
The port of Golfo Aranci is one of the town’s defining features, providing important ferry connections to mainland Italy and serving as a gateway to the Costa Smeralda. Nearby beaches and marine areas are known for snorkelling, dolphins, and coastal paths, while the town remains closely linked to the traditions of fishing and seafaring. Positioned between Olbia and Porto Rotondo, Golfo Aranci forms a key stop on Sardinia’s northeastern coast, connecting coastal resorts, island routes, and the wider landscapes of Gallura.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Golfo Aranci
- Lungomare di Golfo Aranci is a seaside promenade lined with sculptures, seating areas and views over the gulf. It connects the town centre with nearby beaches and is ideal for evening walks. Art installations such as the mermaid statue add visual interest along the route.
- Church of San Giuseppe is the main parish church, set back from the port area with a simple design and peaceful interior. The surrounding square often hosts local events and markets. Its position near the centre makes it easy to visit while exploring the town on foot.
- Spiaggia Prima e Seconda are two central beaches with shallow, clear water and views of the coastline. Both are popular with families and within walking distance of restaurants and cafés. They include seasonal facilities such as loungers, umbrellas and small kiosks.
- Dolphin-watching excursions from the marina offer the chance to observe a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins in the surrounding waters. Guided trips run daily during the summer and focus on marine observation and photography. Some tours combine dolphin watching with snorkelling.
- Hiking to Capo Figari and the old lighthouse provides panoramic views over the sea and nearby islands. The trail passes through Mediterranean scrub and historical military ruins. The area is part of a nature reserve and is popular for walking, birdwatching and occasional climbing routes.
Tours and Activities
Golfo Aranci Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Golfo Aranci 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
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 Golfo Aranci
By Rail: Golfo Aranci has its own train station on a branch line connecting to the main Sardinian rail network via Olbia. Regional Trenitalia services link Golfo Aranci with Olbia and, from there, with major destinations including Cagliari and Sassari. The station is close to the centre and the ferry port, making onward connections straightforward.
By Road: Located on Sardinia’s northeastern coast, Golfo Aranci is approximately 20 kilometres northeast of Olbia. The town can be reached by car in about 25 minutes via the SP16 coastal road. Parking is available near the town centre and close to the beaches.
Nearest International Airports:
Ferry Connections:
Golfo Aranci: The town has a ferry port with regular services to mainland Italy. Connections include routes to Livorno and Civitavecchia, operated by ferries that accommodate vehicles and foot passengers. Departures are typically timed for both daytime and overnight crossings.
By Road: Located on Sardinia’s northeastern coast, Golfo Aranci is approximately 20 kilometres northeast of Olbia. The town can be reached by car in about 25 minutes via the SP16 coastal road. Parking is available near the town centre and close to the beaches.
Nearest International Airports:
- Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport: The nearest airport, around 20 kilometres away, with a drive of approximately 25 minutes. It offers flights to various destinations across Italy and Europe.
- Alghero-Fertilia Airport: Situated roughly 150 kilometres west of Golfo Aranci, with a driving time of about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Ferry Connections:
Golfo Aranci: The town has a ferry port with regular services to mainland Italy. Connections include routes to Livorno and Civitavecchia, operated by ferries that accommodate vehicles and foot passengers. Departures are typically timed for both daytime and overnight crossings.
Private Transfers
Golfo Aranci Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel to or from Golfo Aranci, with a professional local driver providing direct, door-to-door service. It’s an ideal choice for visitors arriving at the port or staying along the north-eastern coast who prefer to avoid hiring a car or using local buses.
Transfers can be arranged from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, which serves regular domestic and international flights, as well as from Alghero Fertilia Airport for those arriving from other parts of Sardinia. Private transfers also connect Golfo Aranci with nearby destinations such as Olbia, Porto Rotondo, and Porto Cervo, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey along the Costa Smeralda.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Transfers can be arranged from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, which serves regular domestic and international flights, as well as from Alghero Fertilia Airport for those arriving from other parts of Sardinia. Private transfers also connect Golfo Aranci with nearby destinations such as Olbia, Porto Rotondo, and Porto Cervo, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey along the Costa Smeralda.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
