The ancient olive trees surrounding the beach are among the oldest in Sardinia, some estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
The beach takes its name from a 10th-century church, Santa Maria di Navarra, which was purportedly built by a princess of Navarre as an act of thanksgiving for surviving a shipwreck.
The Spanish watchtower nearby, Torre di Santa Maria Navarrese, was constructed in the 17th century as part of a defensive network against Barbary pirate incursions.
The beach is the main gateway for visiting the limestone cliffs and sea caves of the Gulf of Orosei, accessible only by sea or strenuous hiking trails.
The seabed consists largely of polished white pebbles and small stones, contributing to the high water clarity.
Spiaggia di Santa Maria Navarrese is a pebble and sand beach located in the Ogliastra region of eastern Sardinia. It is characterized by a distinctive grove of centuries-old olive trees directly bordering the shoreline. The beach is situated immediately adjacent to the marina of Santa Maria Navarrese, which serves as a departure point for boat excursions to the Gulf of Orosei. The water is known for its clarity and relatively shallow entrance, transitioning quickly to deeper depths. A medieval Spanish watchtower stands on a nearby promontory overlooking the coastal area. The beach is protected from northern winds by its geographical orientation and the surrounding mountainous landscape. Facilities including sunbed rentals and basic services are available along the primary shoreline. The surrounding town retains a village-like atmosphere compared to more commercialized Sardinian coastal hubs.
From the base of the Spanish watchtower looking south over the beach and the marina.
Wear water shoes, as the seabed and shore are composed of pebbles that can be uncomfortable to walk on barefoot.
Use the marina area to rent a rubber dinghy or book a guided boat tour to reach the inaccessible coves of Cala Goloritzé or Cala Mariolu.
Visit the small park area behind the beach to rest under the shade of the ancient olive trees during the hottest parts of the day.
Attempting to hike to the remote coves of the Gulf of Orosei without proper hiking boots and sufficient water supplies.
Beach services and lifeguard supervision are provided primarily during the summer season.
Public beach rules apply; do not remove sand, stones, or shells from the beach, as this is illegal in Sardinia.
