They are often called ‘pools’, because of the unreal transparency of the water, though they are really coves that open up in succession along the eastern side of the Gulf of Marinella. The small beaches, positioned in an arch shape, form the de Bahas Bay, five kilometres to the west of Golfo Aranci in the direction of Porto Rotondo. You will be struck by the soft, medium-grained amber-coloured sand and the emerald green colours of the sea, also the result of the reflection of sun’s rays on the ‘carpet’ of Mediterranean vegetation all around. White rocks emerging from the water and granite rocks dotted across the beach and delimiting the borders of the various coves complete the picture.
On the left-hand side, there is a tourist port with a pier. It is the only ‘artificial’ aspect of the bay, which is otherwise completely free and unspoilt, making it an ideal place for a total immersion in nature. The shallow waters and shelter from the winds make it suitable for families with children, while diving and snorkelling enthusiasts will appreciate the rich plant life and fish fauna, especially on the eastern side and around the rocks. The panorama in front is enhanced by the view of the Islands of Soffi and Mortorio in the distance.
The southwestern corner of the Gulf of Marinella is occupied by the beach of the same name, which, unlike those of Bahas, extends uninterruptedly for more than a kilometre and is characterised by white sand. It shares the colour of the sea and the shallow waters with the bay. You will find various services here: parking, refreshment areas, beach equipment rentals and even a windsurfing school. Behind the beach, on the right side, stands the small seaside village of Marinella, equipped with a tourist port. Between the Bay of Bahas and Marinella, Punta Marana juts out into the sea and is a promontory dotted with coves and inlets, including the crescent-shaped beach of Cala Marana.
Golfo Aranci has 24 beaches, all worth visiting, starting from the Five ‘City’ Beaches and proceeding towards Olbia, with the enchanting and well-equipped Spiaggia Bianca (White Beach) and Cala Sassari, as far as Sos Aranzos, ‘tinged’ with the white of the granite rocks and the turquoise colour of the sea. In Capo Figari, which is rich in historical evidence, the jewels are Cala Moresca, Cala Greca and Cala del Sonno, while a little further east of the Gulf of Marinella, the picture-postcard landscape of Cala Sabina awaits you. It can also be reached by train and is ideal for exciting diving and nature walks in the surroundings.
