Capo Figari is a true open-air museum in Golfo Aranci. A suggestive and unspoiled kaleidoscope of colors, history, scents, and nature.
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Capo Figari and its wonders
Capo Figari is a predominantly limestone promontory in the territory of Golfo Aranci. The peninsula that lies along the coast of Gallura begins with an isthmus that hosts the town of Golfo Aranci. The promontory divides the coast into 2 large gulfs, forming to the north the Gulf of Congianus which includes the Gulf of Marinella and to the south the Gulf of Olbia.
Its summit reaches an elevation of about 350 meters above sea level and its coasts are characterized by rocks, sand, and colors enchanting sea: the beaches of Golfo Aranci (the first, the second, the third, the fourth, and the fifth), the Baracconi beach, Cala Moresca, Cala del Sonno, to finally arrive at the north to Cala Sabina.
The northeastern part of Capo Figari, facing the open sea, is famous for its limestone cliffs with The Amphitheater – an incredible cliff 200 meters high straight down to the sea accessible only by boat. Capo Figari and the island of Figarolo, thanks to their peculiar richness in terms of biodiversity, are a SIC Site of Community Importance included in the Natura 2000 network.
There are really many things to see, remember to bring some water bottles with you and the advice is not to face this visit on foot during the hottest hours of the day - especially in August
The road to Capo Figari
How to reach Capo Figari
To find the road that leads to the Promontory of Capo Figari, it is first necessary to reach Golfo Aranci. You must then proceed past the town and the marina area and continue on the road leading to Cala Moresca.
Via Cala Moresca is an initially asphalted road – up to the small countryside church – then it becomes a dirt road accessible by both car and on foot. Upon reaching the Baracconi Beach you must leave the car in the parking lots (paid parking in the summer season and free in winter) and continue on foot.
Before parking, pay close attention to the road signs and do not enter prohibited traffic areas. Fines are just around the corner.
From Baracconi Beach the visit to Capo Figari begins, the best choice is to skirt along the sea starting from the parking area to pass through “The Little Helichrysum Path”.
It is a delightful stretch of path, near an ancient lime kiln, outlined at the edge of the railway by a veritable expanse of fragrant helichrysum – in spring with a truly massive bloom.
Along the way and on the promontory, there are various ptrekking paths that are well signposted with informative signs and appropriate infographics.
- Visit the Amphitheater, a cliff 200 meters high.
- Explore the beaches of Golfo Aranci, such as Cala Moresca and Cala Sabina.
- Discover the biodiversity of the island of Figarolo.
- Hike along the marked paths.
- Enjoy a boat tour to admire the limestone cliffs.
Read also Things to see in Golfo Aranci
2 enchanted bays: Cala Moresca
From Baracconi Beach, continuing on foot along the dirt road, you reach the enchanting bay of Cala Moresca with its two beaches and the sea in breathtaking colors. In front of the bay, for protection, you can see the nearby Isoletta di Figarolo.
In the area behind Cala Moresca, there are some buildings, kilns, a small site of industrial archaeology with a lime kiln abandoned after just a few years of activity. A pine forest provides shade and shelter for the animals that inhabit the area.
From Cala Moresca the path begins that winds and climbs the promontory. Continuing the road beyond the gate, you can reach:
- The English Cemetery with Cala Greca and the fort of Punta Filasca
- The charcoal burner path that leads to the Case Rosse locality
- The Marconi Semaphore of the Navy.
The English Cemetery
From Cala Moresca the path begins that winds and climbs the promontory . Continuing the road beyond the gate, you can reach:
- The English Cemetery with Cala Greca and the fort of Punta Filasca
- The charcoal burner path that leads to the Case Rosse locality
- The Marconi Semaphore of the Navy
From Cala Moresca the path begins that winds and climbs the promontory. Continuing the road beyond the gate, you can reach:
- The English Cemetery with Cala Greca and the fort of Punta Filasca
- The charcoal burner path that leads to the Case Rosse locality
- The Marconi Semaphore of the Navy.
Less than 100 meters from the access gate of Cala Moresca is well signposted the first junction. Taking the road on the right leads to the English Cemetery, a tiny space enclosed by a fence surrounded by Mediterranean scrub and typical plants. In this secluded place, there are some graves on which stands a Celtic cross, which has led to the name “of the English” being given to this place of peace.
The most visible grave is that laid in honor of an English sailor – Sacred To The Memory of George Bradshaw Died 12 June 1900 Aged 18 years H.M.S. Vulcan. In reality, the English Cemetery of Golfo Aranci mainly hosts Italian sailors who perished during some shipwrecks that occurred along the coast.
Cala Greca
After passing the small cemetery, you arrive at the picturesque Cala Greca with its small access points to the sea. Beyond Cala Greca, you can spot the rock named Mama Chiatta while sailing along the coast, resembling an elderly lady with a bun looking at the sea. During boat trips in this area, you can also admire the rock of Mamuthone – a typical Sardinian mask – and then the amphitheater – the famous cliffs that rise steeply from the sea.
The Fort of Punta Filasca
On the road leading to the English Cemetery, continuing towards the promontory of Punta Filasca, you reach the coastal battery Luigi Serra built during the war. At the top of Punta Filasca, there are visible circular bases with large bolts on which the cannons were anchored.
In the depths in front of the fort, numerous archaeological finds are present, including many anchors from the Byzantine period, submerged caves populated by diverse marine life including groupers, scad, octopuses, eels, and morays. According to a study conducted by the University of Cagliari, over 200 anchors from this period have been cataloged, making the area an important archaeological site.
The Lighthouse and Guglielmo Marconi
How to Reach the Marconi Lighthouse
The easiest way to reach the Marconi Lighthouse of Golfo Aranci located at the top of Capo Figari is to walk the road that starts from Cala Moresca beyond the access gate. Climbing the the trail for about 3 kilometers leads to the summit of Capo Figari, where the remains of the military lighthouse stand at about 350 meters above sea level.
The Story of Guglielmo Marconi
On August 11, 1932, Guglielmo Marconi made a shortwave radio link with the first microwave transmission between Capo Figari and Rocca di Papa – Rome at 269 km. Along the path, there are informative signs that provide details on the flora, fauna, and interesting historical notes about the area and the experiments conducted by Marconi.
View and Attractions
Upon reaching the Lighthouse, you are treated to a breathtaking view, the feeling is as if you've reached the last floor before paradise. From the top, you oversee the area at 360°, a panoramic spot with to the south the Gulf of Olbia with Capo Ceraso and the island of Tavolara, to the north the islands of Soffi and Mortorio with Cala di Volpe, the Archipelago of La Maddalena and the Costa Smeralda illuminating the backdrop.
Current Conditions of the Lighthouse
The structure that makes up the Capo Figari Lighthouse is currently in a state of decay and is precarious in some areas. It consists of three main buildings: the lighthouse station, the telegraphic station, and the dining hall.
FAQ: Is it possible to visit the Marconi Lighthouse?
Yes, the Marconi Lighthouse is open to the public. It is recommended to visit during daylight hours to enjoy the panoramic view and for safety during the ascent.
Figarolo Island: Between Mouflons and Herons
In front of the enchanting bay of Cala Moresca stands the small island of Figarolo, as it is accessible only by sea. It is a limestone outcrop that stands out in the sea for its pyramid shape, the flora and fauna present on the island are of absolute interest.
Among the notable specimens are mouflons, cormorants, peregrine falcons, seagulls, and yellow-legged gulls. On days in late August and September, you can admire the grey herons adorning the rocks and enlivening life on the island.
The surrounding waters are a true paradise for scuba diving lovers, featuring submerged caves, bays, and landslides populated by migratory fish and schools of common fish.
In the southern area of the Island, “the Nativity” can also be seen while snorkeling with the statues of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus submerged.
FAQ: How can I visit Figarolo Island and what are the best times?
Figarolo Island is accessible exclusively by sea, with ferries or boat tours departing from Golfo Aranci. The months of July and August are the busiest, while spring and early autumn offer a more peaceful and enjoyable experience for exploring local flora and fauna.
The Milis Well and the Spring
Sacred Wells in Sardinia
Someone, many years ago, built a well that has reached us...
Near the railway station of Golfo Aranci and the old colony is the Milis well, a sacred well with a spring inside dating back to the 3rd century BC (recent studies are trying to determine its exact dating). The sacred well Milis is a subject of archaeological studies and one of the attractions of Golfo Aranci. The surrounding area is not widely appreciated, however, to better understand its nature, more in-depth research has been initiated with the aim of making it more accessible in the future.
It is one of the few sacred wells near water found in Sardinia and it is believed that remains of a Nuragic village may be found in its immediate vicinity.
Very distinctive is the ceiling cover of the well that gives the impression of a staircase with an upside-down view.
