Baunei in brief – information and more

Baunei with its approximately 3,500 inhabitants is located on the east coast of Sardinia at 1.600 ft above sea level and about 3 miles in bee line from the sea. Cagliari’s airport in the south and Olbia’s airport in the north are approximately 95 miles away.

What are the top attractions to see in Baunei

The village of Baunei is particularly popular with motorcycle tourism in Sardinia, since it is possible to make interesting day trips along the fascinating east coast, like driving in direction to Arbatax in the south or exploring the Gulf of Orosei further north. We highly recommend, even by car, the high way S.S. 125, a panoramic road that winds through the Gennargentu massif and leads to Dorgali and Orosei: amazing views and a beautiful landscape are expecting you.

Santa Maria Navarrese, a small town, is located directly on the sea and can be reached in about 15 minutes. Here are some shops, supermarkets, bars and restaurants and a small marina. Especially in summer there are many proposals to discover the fascinating and steer coast, one of the wildest one in the Mediterranean with high limestone cliffs covered by a lush Mediterrean vegetation, in a diverting boat trip. Some of the bays along this coast stretch are only accessible from the sea or on arduous treks. Among the most beautiful ones are Cala Goritze, Cala Mariolu, Cala Sisine and Cala Luna.

The cave Grotta del Fico is only reachable by boat (from Arbatax or Santa Maria Navarrese) and to be explored with guided tours (also English speaking). The entrance is about 30 ft above the sea level, and the temperature inside is about 18 centigrade.

In summer months, the Trenino Verde (little green train), a narrow-gauge train, departs from Arbatax, which is located about 20 km south of Baunei, and reaches up to Gairo in the island’s interior, through a breathtaking landscape. The 60-kilometer route was completed in 1894 and the travel time today is approximately 3 and a half hours for one trip.

Hiking, climbing, cycling and riding: active outdoor holidays in Baunei

A popular destination for trekking and riding, but also for ciclo tourism, is the Su Golgo plateau, which is located about 9 km north of Baunei. The road is initially paved, and along the way you can see donkeys, goats, cows and pigs. On the plateau there is also a restaurant, which offers simple dishes.

Experienced climbers have certainly heard of the Su Sterru gorge: with 295 m it is the deepest karst gorge in Europe.

Thanks to its limestone cliffs and steep walls with a lot of high crags, some near the coast with amazing sea views and a fresh breeze also in summer, and routes for all levels this part is a paradise for climbing and trekking in Sardinia. Always near Baunei there are some marvellous, unpolished rock walls for free-climbing.

The most beautiful beaches of Baunei and surroundings

The next sandy beach is the one in Santa Maria Navarrese, which is very long and extends to Arbatax.

The beautiful bays further north and along the 20 miles long, rough coastal stretch can be reached by boat (or on arduous treks) from Arbatax, Santa Maria Navarrese and Cala Gonone in the north.