Cala Luna
Cala de Luna · Luna Bay
40°10.9'N 09°38.8'E
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
100m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m
100m accounts for the bay width and deeper anchoring depths (4:1 scope in 10m = 40m chain + vessel length). Bay is wide so swing room is generous in moderate boat numbers. In summer 20–50 boats anchor here; reduce radius to 80m when crowded. The SE opening means SE swell occasionally enters — set a tighter alarm and be ready to shift.
About This Anchorage
Cala Luna is one of Sardinia's most celebrated anchorages — a wide, dramatic bay backed by a white pebble and sand beach, towering limestone cliffs, and the famous arched sea cave. The turquoise water and wild cliff scenery create an almost theatrical backdrop. Access is only by sea (no road access) which keeps the atmosphere special even when boats are numerous. The beach is reached by dinghy and is free to access. No AMP restrictions apply here; the Gulf of Orosei is not a formal AMP, though national Posidonia rules apply. The anchorage is exposed to E–SE but the natural bay geometry provides good protection from the dominant W–NW Maestrale direction.
Protected From
W · NW · N
Exposed To
E · SE · S
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Maximum stay
- 5 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No permit required. Part of the Gulf of Orosei natural area but not a formal AMP with permit requirements.
Restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. Maintain 100m exclusion from the cave entrance (tourist boat traffic). No camping ashore. No fires on the beach.
Hazards
- !Seasonal day-tripper boat traffic: Cala Gonone–Cala Luna ferry and numerous private charter boats arrive from 10:00; the bay becomes extremely crowded noon–17:00 in July–August
- !SE swell wraps around Punta di Cala Luna: Not obvious until you're in it; monitor sea state reports; if swell builds from S/SE, the anchorage becomes uncomfortable
- !Deep approach: Bottom drops to 30m+ quickly outside the bay — have ample chain ready; anchoring in less than 8m puts you close to the beach and ferry routes
- !Rock fall hazard from cliffs: The limestone cliffs are prone to erosion; do not anchor directly under cliff faces
Skipper's Tips
- →Leave Cala Gonone by 08:00 to arrive at Cala Luna before the day-tripper boats — the pre-10:00 solitude is magical
- →The hike from the beach over the ridge to the Supramonte (wild Sardinian interior) is a superb half-day excursion — carry water
- →Do not anchor in the narrow approach south of the cave arch — ferry turning area; give the entire cave sector a 100m berth
- →In July–August, continue south to Cala Biriola or Cala Sisine for more solitude — both excellent day anchorages with fewer boats
Facilities
No facilities at the beach. A small seasonal refreshment boat sometimes anchors nearby in July–August. Carry all food and water from Cala Gonone.
Nearest provisions: Cala Gonone (10nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
Best in May–June and September–October when boat numbers are manageable. July–August is extraordinary but extremely crowded — patience and an early start essential. Winter: no facilities and E–NE exposure makes conditions unpredictable.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 100m
In Sardinia, the Maestrale can build from calm to Force 8 while you sleep. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
Download Free for iOS