Golfo Aranci

Natural treasures and precious biodiversity

A few kilometres from Olbia, at the north-eastern tip of Sardinia, lies a splendid and renowned resort: Golfo Aranci, a true coastal pearl.

The small marine centre, completely surrounded by unspoilt nature, stretches along the foot of the Capo Figari promontory, on a tongue of land in the middle of the sea, perfect for diving and hiking. Despite its name, the area is devoid of orange trees: the name comes from a translation error of the Sardinian expression 'Golfu di li Ranci', literally 'Gulf of Crabs'.

What characterises the coastal towns are the many colourful houses with low roofs, as well as the vestiges of their ancient past. These include the Sacred Well of Milis, a rare example of a Nuragic 'well' temple, dating from the 8th-7th centuries BC.

You can also admire the white sandy beaches from the splendid promenade, where the benches have quotations from philosophers and writers of the past. Stop at the start of the marina and listen to the song of the Little Mermaid of Golfi Aranci: twice a day, at mid-morning and at sunset, the bronze installation emerges from the sea and plays music.