If you want to find an incredible beach where only the locals go during your trip to Alghero, I suggest you visit Cala Dragunara. It’s one of the prettiest and smallest beaches I’ve ever been to! However, given its tiny size, I suggest planning accordingly so you can enjoy your day.
Find out what else to do during your trip to Alghero, Sardinia in my post How to Spend 3 Days in Alghero, Sardinia: Epic Travel Guide.
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Where is Cala Dragunara
Just outside of Alghero, near Capo Caccia and Porto Conte Natural Park, you will find Cala Dragunara.
- Driving: To arrive by car takes about 25 minutes from the Alghero town center
- Parking: There is a small parking lot near the beach. Be aware as spaces fill up quickly. In addition, pay attention if your car will be able to handle the terrain. For instance, we were able to easily park on the side of the road, but the “parking lot” can be like an off-road adventure. Lots of rocks and bumps, so make sure you have the proper car.
By the way, if you’re planning on traveling around northern Sardinia beyond Alghero, make sure to check out my guide: The Perfect 2 Week Sardinia Itinerary (Costa Smeralda, Su Gologone, Alghero, and La Maddalena).
What to Expect at Cala Dragunara
The beach portion itself is extremely small. Even if you get there early to claim your space with towels and umbrellas, don’t be shocked if your neighbors lay their towels directly next you… YES, I’d arrive with expectations you will be shoulder to shoulder with your neighbors (something rather normal for Italians but may be a bit jarring for Americans who cherish our personal space).
If the sandy portion of the beach is full, people start to lay their towels and belongings out on the rocks. However, this may be a bit unsafe if you have smaller children, considering they can be sharp and slippery.
Your best bet if you’d like to have an area “fully claimed” is to rent beach beds. You can rent directly with the snack shop. I suggest calling in advance to reserve as they are either booked by reservations or first come, first serve,
What to do at Cala Dragunara
Cala Dragunara is a tiny cove. There isn’t much to do here beyond swim and relax! So, soak up La Dolce Vita – rotate between sipping a spritz and swimming in the sea. Bring goggles if you’d like to snorkle or explore nearby the cove.
The beach bar/snack shop actually has some refreshing snacks. We shared an insalata di polpo (an octopus salad) for lunch before cramming in some coffee and a spritz.
Boat Trips from Cala Dragunara
One of the best parts about your visit to Cala Dragunara is the ease of accessing Neptune’s Grotto! If you speak with the snack shop owners, you can inquire at what times the boat picks up to visit the grotto. There are only a couple of boats that leave from this location each day. You can purchase tickets with the snack shop directly – just keep an eye on the time so you don’t miss the boat!
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