Cala Luna is a paradise corner in the wild nature, between mountains and the sea.
It is bordered to the north by a high cliff reaching up to 300 meters in height, dropping straight down to the sea, and to the south by the suMasongiu point, with a central strip of 800 meters fine golden sand that dips into the turquoise waters of the crystal-clear sea.
Cala Luna lies at the mouth of the Rio Ilùne, at the end of a long canyon called Codula Ilùne, at the end of which is a small lake (to the west of the bay) that separates the sandy beach from the hinterland.
The mouth also marks the boundary between the territories of Baunei (in Ogliastra) and Dorgali (in Barbagia), making it a disputed area between the two towns, although it is closer to Cala Gonone, the shore of Dorgali.
As regards the name of Cala Luna, it was originally called Cala Ilùne, a name later transformed by shepherds who, in the last century, would walk from Baunei to reach the beach of Cala Luna via Cala Sisine during transhumance.
It was an 8 to 9 hour walk, and from this came the ironic nickname “Cala Luna,” used to describe a place that was very far away and difficult to reach.
Another theory is that the name Cala Luna derives from a distortion of the name Cala Ilùne by piedmontese geographers who arrived here in the 19th century with the task of updating the maps of the Kingdom of Sardinia. And so Cala Ilùne became Cala Luna.
A unique feature of Cala Luna is the fact that the shape of the beach changes from year to year depending on weather events that affect the course of the Rio Ilùne (a seasonal stream), determining the flow of water, and the waves, which shape the shoreline every year.
Territory Features
Cala Luna has a beach where fine sand mixes with limestone pebbles (it is advisable to bring rubber sandals to visit it), and the seabed remains shallow for the first 5 meters, then becomes steep.
The beach is flanked by imposing limestone cliffs and intricate cave systems, especially appreciated by climbing enthusiasts.
Under the cliff to the north of the beach, there are 5 caves formed by the erosion of the sea on the limestone rock, and in the shade of these caves, one can find relief from the summer heat.
Cala Luna is a natural paradise characterized by an ecosystem that combines crystal-clear sea and towering cliffs.
The flora is dominated by a rich Mediterranean scrub in the area behind the beach, with holm oaks and rocky vegetation on the limestone cliffs.
The marineanimals includes the presence of breams, gilthead seabream, groupers, starfish, and sea urchins.
On the beach, various species of coastal birds can be observed, including the Audouin’s gull.
In the inland area, one can find peregrine falcons, golden eagles, wild boars, and wild goats.
Activities
Cala Luna offers the opportunity to engage in various activities such as snorkeling, diving, trekking, and climbing on the cliffs.
There are also experiential offerings that include trekking and staying in tents or cuiles (ancient shepherd’s huts), followed by witnessing the sunrise at Cala Luna.
For adventure and nature lovers, Cala Luna offers much more than just a beach experience—it’s a place where nature shows its unspoiled beauty, and time seems to stand still.
Cala Luna promises a memorable escape from daily life, a corner of paradise where nature reigns supreme.
Services
At Cala Luna, there is only one bar-restaurant with restrooms located behind the small lake, in a shack dating back to the time when Cala Luna was used as a port for coal transport.
Here, beach equipment can also be rented.
However, it is advisable to bring your own food and a bottle of water, as supplies may be limited.
How to Get There
Cala Luna can be easily reached by sea by booking ferry tickets that depart from the ports of Cala Gonone, Orosei, Santa Maria Navarrese, and Arbatax, or by renting a dinghy or a taxi boat.
There are also several trekking routes:
- Leaving the car at Cala Fuili, it is possible to continue on foot following a path that passes above the Bue Marino Caverns, with a walking time of about 2 hours.
- From the SS 125 road, reach the junction at km 172.100, then take a narrow paved road for 10 km to the Telettotes locality, from here continue on foot for another 10 km inside the Codula de Ilùne, following the streambed.
- From the Dorgali-Cala Gonone road, take the dirt road that opens at the height of Monte Malopès, and continue for about 8 km towards Cuili Bucchiarta, from there a steep path called s’iscala ‘e su molente leads into the Codula Ilùne about 2 km from Cala Luna.
Cala Luna is located within the National Park of the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu, and its protection is crucial for preserving its natural beauty.
The park enforces strict regulations, limiting the number of daily visitors, and camping or lighting fires on the beach is not allowed.