Golfo AranciSardinia · Italy

All About Golfo Aranci

The town of Golfo Aranci is intricately connected with the sea. It developed during the eighteenth century as a small fishing village, but soon became one of the island’s main ports, connecting the then kingdom of Sardinia with the Italian Peninsula. Literally translating as the ‘Orange Coast’, the region is a great alternative to the much-heralded Costa Smeralda. With Ferryscanner, it’s easy to compare the various different ferries and book ferry tickets to Golfo Aranci.

Forming a loose C shape around a natural south-facing bay, Golfo Aranci lies 18 kilometers northeast of the much larger city of Olbia, which can be reached via a scenic coastal road. Its restaurants boast some of the freshest seafood dishes to be found anywhere on the island. There is also a smattering of friendly bars, a stunning harborside, and a surprisingly good range of boutique stores. Those in the know reach Golfo Aranci by sea, which combines a relaxed pace with phenomenal Mediterranean views.
 

Routes and Ferries to Golfo Aranci

Although it’s not the largest port in Sardinia, Golfo Aranci is perhaps the best-connected of any on the island. Ferry tickets to Golfo Aranci are available not only from mainland Italy but also from France and Corsica. All of these ferries are operated by Corsica Ferries, one of the ferry companies that not only serves Corsica but also Sardinia.

From the Italian peninsula, it’s possible to purchase ferry tickets to Golfo Aranci that depart from both Livorno and Piombino. Located just south of the popular destination of Pisa, it also makes both these ferry ports close to Florence and Rome. From Livorno, there are up to three sailings per day, with a journey time of roughly 7.5 hours and ticket prices for foot passengers that range between €50 and €130. Those traveling with a motorbike or motor vehicle are also welcome on board. From Piombino, there is one sailing per week, which lasts slightly longer, at eight hours, but has a similar pricing structure.

There are also two options for reaching Golfo Aranci directly from France. The nearest French port connected with Golfo Aranci is Toulon. There are two sailings per week in either direction, with a total travel time of 13 hours. Further east, Nice is connected with the port once a week in 17.5 hours. It’s also possible to reach Golfo Aranci from Corsica. This ferry route docks at Porto Vecchio in the south of the French-owned island twice a week in either direction.

Additionally, Golfo Aranci has a mainline rail station that is served by regional trains, the most useful of which probably heads to nearby Olbia. From here there is a high-speed rail connection with Cagliari, the island’s provincial capital in the south of the island, and links with Porto Torres on the northwest coast. Lastly, Aeroporto Olbia Costa Smeralda lies to the south of Olbia. It receives scheduled and charter flights from major cities right across Europe, many of which operate on a seasonal basis in the summer months alone.
 

Ports of Golfo Aranci

The ports of Golfo Aranci consist of the ferry port together with marinas for small pleasure vessels such as yachts. It lies on the eastern extreme of the town, a short walk from the town’s railway station and within easy reach of the rest of the town by road. This means those with ferry tickets to Golfo Aranci don’t waste any time in reaching either the best beaches in Golfo Aranci or the things to do here.
 

Best Beaches

The northeast of Sardinia has long been known as a region of sublime natural beauty, and the area immediately around Golfo Aranci is no exception. What’s more, the town’s fine Mediterranean climate ensures its range of beaches are always at the forefront of the visitors’ minds.

Prima Spiaggia

Prima Spiaggia is Golfo Aranci’s ‘first beach’ in more ways than one. Family-friendly, it stretches for just over 400 meters. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented for the day without fuss, while there are a good number of restaurants and other spots to relax with a snack or cooling drink.

Terza Spiaggia

Golfo Aranci has five numbered beaches in all, but along with Prima Spiaggia we think Terza Spiaggia or ‘third beach’ is the best. Predominantly comprised of sand with a light golden color, this beach not only has refreshments to hand but also dressing rooms and even free WiFi.

Spiaggia dei Baracconi

Just a kilometer south of the ports of Golfo Aranci stands Spiaggia dei Baracconi. Facing towards the southwest, it has some excellent vistas of the gulf, including its arriving ferries and pods of wild dolphins. At 250 meters in length, it consists of loose pebbles that may disappoint younger beachgoers hoping to build a sandcastle or two.

Cala Greca

This small cove can be quite difficult to find for first-time visitors. Only a few meters in length, it lies within Capo Figari National Park. A wonderful beach to hike to, it is also known for its snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Close by you’ll also find a small but interesting graveyard dedicated to nineteenth-century sailors lost at sea.
 

Things to Do

Golfo Aranci might not have the bright lights of nearby and easily accessible Olbia, but it still has a few spots that are worth exploring while you are in and around the town.

Explore Capo Figari Natural Park

In addition to being home to Cala Greca Beach, this small nature reserve has a variety of footpaths that lead to the lighthouse on the summit of its 350-meter peak. An enjoyable hike on its own, it also marks the spot from where Italian-born engineer Guglielmo Marconi sent his first radio signal to mainland Italy in the late 1920s.

Go Dolphin Watching

Although it’s possible to see these majestic creatures from a distance from Baracconi Beach, to truly say you’ve encountered Sardinia’s wild water residents it’s best to get up close by opting for an organized dolphin-spotting trip. They operate all year-round, weather permitting.

Take in La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita is no longer just a state of mind. Now visitors to Golfo Aranci can walk ‘the good life’ – a shopping mall and promenade that runs along the waterside. Anyone with an eye for Italian style won’t want to miss the shopping opportunities here.
 

Transportation Around Golfo Aranci

Golfo Aranci itself is of such a size that it is unlikely you’ll need transportation for much of your time. If you’re coming off the ferry with luggage, your best option is almost certainly to hail one of the taxis that await arrivals. If you’re staying the night, some accommodation may offer a pick-up service.

For slightly longer journeys around this area of the coast, the public bus service is another good option. As an indication of distance, it takes around 25 minutes to reach Olbia by bus, although there are less than 10 buses per day in either direction. Therefore, it’s always best to check the times of the next bus, which should be displayed at bus stops. You’ll need to purchase your ticket before boarding too. They can be purchased from newsagents and tobacconists and must be time-stamped using the small machines on board.