The Hidden Coves
of Golfo Aranci

Golfo Aranci is one of north-eastern Sardinia's best-kept secrets. Just 15 kilometres from Olbia, the Capo Figari headland conceals a coastal and underwater world of rare beauty: sea caves, posidonia meadows, limestone cliffs plunging into the sea, and coves accessible only by vessel. We deliver kayaks to Spiaggia delle Vacche every morning from May to September — and every route in this guide starts right there.

Spiaggia delle Vacche — Your Departure Base

Located north of the town centre and easily reached by car. Wide and sheltered, with shallow water — perfect for launching a kayak. From here, in less than 10 minutes' paddling, you're already in the heart of the headland.

Punta Capicciolu and the First Caves

Leaving the beach, paddle north following the rocky coastline. After about 20 minutes you reach Punta Capicciolu, where the cliff face drops and reveals the first sea caves accessible by kayak.

The most spectacular is a small grotto that opens on the northern side of the headland: inside, the light reflected on the water creates turquoise shimmers on the walls. In calm conditions you can paddle all the way to the back of the cave.

Capo Figari — the Jewel of the Olbia Area

Continuing north you reach Capo Figari, the headland that separates the Gulf of Olbia from the Gulf of Arzachena. Protected as a marine area, it hosts one of Europe's rarest mouflon populations — you'll often spot them grazing on the rocky walls as you paddle beneath.

The coastline at Capo Figari is a succession of limestone cliffs, caves 15–20 metres deep, and posidonia meadows fading to blue. There are no beaches here — only rock and sea — which is precisely why it's unreachable by land.

When to Go — Best Months and Conditions

Golfo Aranci is paddleable from May to October, but the best months are June and September: mornings are almost always flat, fewer tourists than July and August, and the water temperature sits around 23–24°C — perfect for snorkelling.

July and August — Enjoyable but Take Care

Summer weather is nearly guaranteed, but the afternoon maestrale can pick up suddenly between 13:00 and 15:00. Golden rule: start early (08:30–09:00) and be back by noon. In summer, avoid weekends if you want the coves to yourself — motorboat and inflatable traffic is high, especially around Capo Figari.

May, June and September — the Local Secret

Low season is the secret of locals. Crystalline water, moderate wind, empty coves. Capo Figari in September, with morning light streaming obliquely into the caves, is a spectacle that's hard to describe — and worth the trip on its own.

What to Bring for the Golfo Aranci Route

For this route, preparation is the difference between an epic day and a stressful return paddle. We have a complete checklist of everything you need for a kayak day in Sardinia, but for Golfo Aranci add these specific items:

• At least 2 L of water per person — no refill points along the route; with the sun reflecting off white limestone walls, thirst arrives sooner than expected
• Mask and snorkel — the Capo Figari caves are home to groupers, moray eels and shoals of fish; without a mask you miss half the show
• Short rope (5 m) — useful for tying your kayak to the rocks during snorkel stops so the current doesn't carry it away
• SPF 50+ waterproof sunscreen — the white cliffs reflect up to 30% more UV rays than a normal beach

For Beginners: Stop at Punta Capicciolu

If this is your first or second kayak outing, don't worry — you don't need to go all the way to Capo Figari to have an incredible day. Paddle to Punta Capicciolu, explore the first caves, snorkel around the rocks and return. It's already a perfect day, and you leave something to look forward to next time.

Practical Information

• Best departure time: 09:00, before the maestrale rises (typically afternoon)
• Weather to avoid: NW wind (maestrale) above 10 knots — the Capo Figari walls create dangerous back-currents
• Essential equipment: life jacket, 2 L water per person, SPF 50+ sunscreen, snorkelling gear
• Lunch stop: the flat rocks near Punta Capicciolu are perfect for a break
• For beginners: stop at Punta Capicciolu and return — it's already a great day out