{"id":13206,"date":"2026-06-10T16:01:29","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T14:01:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/?p=13206"},"modified":"2026-06-22T10:49:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T08:49:23","slug":"cala-granara-santo-stefano-the-pink-granite-beach-that-borders-cala-coticcio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/cala-granara-santo-stefano-la-spiaggia-di-granito-rosa-che-batte-cala-coticcio\/","title":{"rendered":"Cala Granara Santo Stefano: the pink granite beach that beats Cala Coticcio"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 id=\"cala-granara-santo-stefano-la-spiaggia-di-granito-rosa-che-batte-cala-coticcio-e-perche-pochi-la-conoscono\"><span class=\"\">Cala Granara Santo Stefano: the pink granite beach that beats Cala Coticcio (and why so few people know about it)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Did you know that there\u2019s a beach in the Maddalena Archipelago with emerald-green water, snow-white sand, and pink granite rocks shaped like natural sculptures, and without the crowds of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/caprera-and-cala-coticcio-an-uncontaminated-paradise\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cala Coticcio<\/a> or Spiaggia Rosa?<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0It is called Cala Granara, it is located on the island of Santo Stefano, and it is one of the most spectacular and least visited coves in the entire national park.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">In this guide, you will discover:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Where is Cala Granara and why is it called that?<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">How to get there (it\u2019s impossible to get there by land; only by sea)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Because it\u2019s better than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/caprera-and-cala-coticcio-an-uncontaminated-paradise\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cala Coticcio<\/a> (and many other famous beaches)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">What to see apart from the beach: the bunkers, the carved granite, the sea caves<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">All the practical tips you need for a perfect day<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Reading time:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a06 minutes. By the end, you\u2019ll know whether Cala Granara is the right beach for you and how to plan your visit.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"cose-cala-granara-e-perche-si-chiama-cosi\"><span class=\"\">What is Cala Granara and why is it called that?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Cala Granara is a beach situated on the north-western coast of the island of Santo Stefano, in the heart of the Maddalena Archipelago. It is considered by many boaters and locals to be the most beautiful beach on Santo Stefano, and one of the most beautiful in the entire national park.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The name \u201cGranara\u201d derives from \u201cgranite\u201d, the rock that makes up almost the entire island. But there is a play on words: in the Gallurese dialect, \u201cgranara\u201d also means \u201ca place where wheat is harvested\u201d. In reality, wheat has never been grown on Santo Stefano. The name is a tribute to the texture of the sand: fine, golden, which in the sun seems almost to glisten like grains of wheat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The beach is a crescent of fine white sand, about eighty metres long and twenty metres wide. It is framed by imposing pink granite rocks, smoothed by the wind and the sea over thousands of years. Some of these rocks have surprising shapes: there is one that looks like an elephant, one that looks like a giant mushroom, and one that the locals call \u201cthe general\u2019s chair\u201d (it is said that a commander from the NATO base used to sit there and watch the sunset).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The water at Cala Granara is spectacular: crystal-clear, with shades ranging from emerald green near the shore to deep blue further out. The seabed is varied: very fine sand near the water\u2019s edge, then small smooth pebbles, and finally rock and Posidonia. The depth increases gently, making it suitable even for those who aren\u2019t strong swimmers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">A detail you won\u2019t find anywhere else:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Unlike many beaches in the archipelago, Cala Granara faces north-west. This means it gets the sun from morning until late afternoon, but at sunset the sun is hidden behind the rocks. To watch the sunset, you\u2019ll need to head to the other side of the island. However, the afternoon light is warm and golden, perfect for photos.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"dove-si-trova-cala-granara-lisola-di-santo-stefano-e-la-sua-posizione-strategica\"><span class=\"\">Where is Cala Granara? The island of Santo Stefano and its strategic location<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Cala Granara is located on the island of Santo Stefano, the fourth-largest island in the Maddalena Archipelago. Santo Stefano is situated south-east of the island of La Maddalena, about two kilometres from the town of La Maddalena, and north-west of the island of Caprera.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The exact coordinates are as follows: latitude 41 degrees 12 minutes north, longitude 9 degrees 24 minutes east. But that won\u2019t be much use to you. What you need to know is that Cala Granara is located on the north-western coast of the island, directly opposite the former NATO base.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The location is strategic for two reasons. Firstly, it is sheltered from the prevailing winds. The mistral, blowing from the north-west, is deflected by the rocks behind it. The south-westerly wind arrives in a more subdued form. Consequently, even when there are waves in other coves of the archipelago, Cala Granara is often completely calm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Secondly: it\u2019s close to La Maddalena. Just two kilometres across the sea. In a dinghy, you can get there in under ten minutes. In a kayak, it\u2019s a leisurely half-hour paddle. This makes it accessible even to those without a powerful boat or much sailing experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">What's nearby:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0A few hundred metres east of Cala Granara lie the buildings of the former NATO base. They are not accessible, but can be clearly seen from the sea. To the west, on the other hand, there are small, secluded coves, reachable only by swimming or in small rubber dinghies. They are ideal for those seeking even greater seclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"come-si-arriva-a-cala-granara-spoiler-via-terra-non-si-puo\"><span class=\"\">How do you get to Cala Granara? (Spoiler: you can\u2019t get there by land)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">This is the most important question \u2013 and also the answer that disappoints many tourists. Cala Granara\u00a0<\/span><strong><span class=\"\">cannot be reached by land<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">. There are no roads, no marked footpaths, and no car park. The island of Santo Stefano is largely a military zone (a former NATO base), and the only access permitted to civilians is via Cala Granara and the short path leading from the beach inland. But to reach Cala Granara, you have to come by sea.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Here are the ways to get there.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"con-tour-in-barca-organizzato\"><span class=\"\">With an organised boat tour<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The simplest and most common way. Many boat tours departing from Palau, La Maddalena or Santa Teresa Gallura include a stop at Cala Granara. Usually, the standard itinerary includes: La Maddalena (tour of the island), Caprera (Cala Coticcio or Cala Napoletana), Budelli (view of the Spiaggia Rosa), and then Santo Stefano (Cala Granara). The stop lasts on average an hour or an hour and a half. Enough time to have a swim, take photos, and perhaps do a bit of snorkelling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The advantage: you don\u2019t have to worry about a thing. The guide takes you straight to the right spot, tells you the story of the island and the bunkers, and manages the timetable. The downside: you\u2019re in a group. In high season, as many as five or six dinghies can arrive at Cala Granara at the same time. The beach is small, just eighty metres long. If there are a hundred people there, the intimate atmosphere disappears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Council:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Choose a boat tour that sets off early in the morning (8.30\u20139.00 am). You\u2019ll arrive at Cala Granara when the other tours are still elsewhere. You\u2019ll often be on your own, or nearly so.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"con-gommone-noleggiato\"><span class=\"\">By hire boat<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The best option if you want freedom and flexible hours. Hire a dinghy in La Maddalena (there are several companies near the harbour) and sail over to Santo Stefano on your own. It\u2019s only a short distance: it\u2019s about two kilometres from the harbour in La Maddalena to Cala Granara. A ten-minute sail, or even less.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Once you arrive, you can moor in the waters off the beach. Please note: you are not allowed to anchor freely. There are buoys belonging to the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park to which you must tie your dinghy. The cost is just a few euros per hour or per day. Do not attempt to pull the dinghy onto the beach: the sand is soft and the seabed shallow, but it is prohibited (you will damage the Posidonia and coastal vegetation).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The advantage: you\u2019re on your own. You choose the time. You can stay as long as you like. You can explore the other coves in the area. The disadvantage: you need to have sailing experience, or at least some basic familiarity with it. What\u2019s more, in high season, you need to book the dinghies days in advance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Council:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0If you\u2019ve never driven a dinghy before, take a half-hour taster course. Rental companies often offer this for free. Learn how to use the GPS, spot the buoys and handle the anchor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"con-kayak-da-mare\"><span class=\"\">By sea kayak<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">For sports enthusiasts and adventurers. Hire a kayak (single or double) in La Maddalena and paddle over to Santo Stefano. The crossing is short (two kilometres), but should only be attempted in calm seas and with no wind. The Strait of Bonifacio is famous for its unpredictable currents. Check the conditions beforehand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The advantage: a unique experience. You reach the beach entirely under your own steam, without an engine, in complete silence. You can explore caves and nooks that rubber dinghies can\u2019t reach. The disadvantage: it\u2019s hard work. And you have to carry everything you need (water, food, sun cream) in waterproof bags.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Council:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Set off early in the morning, when the sea is calmest. Don\u2019t go alone: take at least two kayaks with you for safety\u2019s sake. Take a mobile phone with you in a waterproof bag.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"perche-cala-granara-e-meglio-di-cala-coticcio-e-di-altre-spiagge-famose\"><span class=\"\">Why Cala Granara is better than Cala Coticcio (and other famous beaches)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">That\u2019s quite a bold statement, I know. Cala Coticcio is known as the \u201cSardinian Tahiti\u201d; it\u2019s famous all over the world and features in every guidebook. But Cala Granara has certain advantages that make it, in many ways, superior.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Advantage 1: fewer crowds.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Cala Coticcio is accessible by land (with a guide and a permit) and by sea. It receives hundreds of visitors a day in high season. Cala Granara, being accessible only by sea and situated on a partially military island, is much less crowded. Even in August, if you choose the right time, you can find few dinghies and plenty of peace and quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Advantage 2: nicer sand.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Cala Coticcio has a tiny beach, which is often submerged at high tide. Most of the coastline is rocky. Cala Granara has eighty metres of fine, soft sand, with a gentle, gradual entry into the water. Perfect for families and anyone looking for a comfortable spot.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Advantage 3: a safer seabed.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0At Cala Coticcio, the seabed drops off sharply. Just a few metres from the shore, the water is already two or three metres deep. At Cala Granara, the depth increases gradually. Children can play in the water without any risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Advantage 4: carved granite.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0The rocks at Cala Granara are spectacular. They look like abstract sculptures. Some have incredible shapes: one that resembles an elephant, one that looks like a giant mushroom, and one with a natural cave that fills with water at high tide. Cala Coticcio has beautiful rocks, but they are more rugged and jagged.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Benefit 5: snorkelling.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0The seabed at Cala Granara is teeming with life. Among the pebbles and Posidonia beds, fish of all kinds swim: damselfish, sea bream, saddled seabream, and, if you\u2019re lucky, even the odd octopus. Snorkelling at Cala Coticcio is lovely, but the water is often too deep to see the seabed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">The only downside to Cala Granara:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0You can\u2019t get there by land. You need a boat. But for many, this isn\u2019t a drawback: it\u2019s a filter that keeps the crowds at bay.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"cosa-fare-a-cala-granara-oltre-al-bagno-snorkeling-foto-e-esplorazione\"><span class=\"\">Things to do in Cala Granara besides swimming: snorkelling, photography and exploring<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Cala Granara isn\u2019t just a beach for sun loungers and parasols. It offers a range of activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Snorkelling.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0The water is crystal-clear and the seabed is varied. The best spots are at the sides of the beach, where the sand gives way to rocks. There you\u2019ll find crevices, small caves and a myriad of fish. Bring a mask and flippers. If you have an underwater camera (GoPro or similar), bring it along. The colours are spectacular.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Photography.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Cala Granara is one of the most photogenic beaches in the archipelago. The best subjects: the sculpted granite rocks (in the morning, with the light coming from the east, and in the afternoon, with the warm light), the emerald-green water seen from above (if you can climb up onto a rocky outcrop), and the bunkers in the background (the contrast between the natural beauty and the abandoned military structures is striking).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Exploring rocks.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Walk along the coast, both eastwards and westwards. To the east, after about a hundred metres, you\u2019ll find a series of small side coves, accessible on foot (be careful: some sections require you to climb over rocks). To the west, however, you\u2019ll find the first structures of the former NATO base. Don\u2019t go past the \u2018No Entry\u2019 signs, but they make for a nice photo from a distance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">A picnic on the beach.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0There are no kiosks or caf\u00e9s. Bring a packed lunch. Choose a shady spot (the rocks only provide shade at certain times of day). Eat with your feet in the sand, gazing out at the sea. It\u2019s one of the simplest and most beautiful experiences you can have.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">A walk to the summit.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0An unmarked but passable path leads from the beach, winding its way inland. In just a few minutes, you\u2019ll reach a small natural viewpoint. From there, you can see the whole of Cala Granara from above, with the islands of La Maddalena and Caprera on the horizon. The path is short and suitable for everyone. Please note: do not proceed beyond the \u2018No Entry\u2019 signs for the military area.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"cosa-ce-vicino-a-cala-granara-le-altre-calette-di-santo-stefano\"><span class=\"\">What\u2019s near Cala Granara? The other coves around Santo Stefano<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Santo Stefano has other small coves, less well-known but just as beautiful. Here are the main ones.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Cala del Morto.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0It is situated south of Cala Granara, on the east coast. Its eerie name derives from a shipwreck that occurred in the 19th century. It is a sheltered cove of sand and pebbles, ideal for those seeking complete seclusion. It can only be reached by boat, and caution is advised as there are exposed rocks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Cala dei Francesi.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0On the south-west coast. It takes its name from a raid by the French navy in the 18th century. It is a tiny beach, almost a narrow strip between the rocks. The water is incredible, but there is only room for a few dinghies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">The Santo Stefano Swimming Pools.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0It isn\u2019t a beach, but a series of natural pools carved out of the granite by erosion. They are located on the north-east coast, near the former NATO base. They can only be reached by swimming or in small kayaks. The water is shallow and very warm in summer, perfect for relaxing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Council:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0If you have a dinghy, after Cala Granara, take a trip around the island. In less than an hour, you\u2019ll see all these coves and bunkers, and you can go for a swim in places where other tours don\u2019t stop.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"quando-andare-a-cala-granara-il-periodo-migliore-e-lorario-giusto\"><span class=\"\">When is the best time to visit Cala Granara? The best time of year and the best time of day<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Cala Granara is beautiful in every season, but there are better times to visit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Best time to visit: May, June, September and October.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0At this time of year, the weather is warm but not sweltering, the sea is perfect for swimming, and, best of all, there are no crowds. Boat tours are less frequent. If you arrive in your own dinghy, you\u2019ll find few other boats and plenty of peace and quiet. What\u2019s more, the wind is more consistent and the sea calmer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">July and August.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0These are the busiest months. Cala Granara sees dozens of dinghies arriving every day. The beach can look like a small, crowded lido. But if you choose the right time, you can still enjoy it: arrive before 10:00 or after 16:00. At those times, the boat tours are elsewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">The right time.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Early morning (8:00\u201310:00) is the best time. The sun bathes the beach in soft light, the water is calm, and most tourists are still having breakfast in La Maddalena. The afternoon (4.00\u20136.00 pm) is lovely for the warm light, but the wind often picks up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Watch out for the wind.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Cala Granara is sheltered, but not completely. If there is a strong mistral (over 20 knots), waves break into the cove and the water becomes murky. If there is a south-westerly wind, however, the cove is almost always calm. Check the wind forecast before setting off.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"cosa-portare-per-una-giornata-a-cala-granara-lista-pronta\"><span class=\"\">What to pack for a day out at Cala Granara (ready-made checklist)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">There are no facilities at Cala Granara. None whatsoever. So you\u2019ll need to bring everything with you. Here\u2019s the list.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Water.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0At least two litres per person. There\u2019s no drinking fountain. There\u2019s no kiosk. The only water available is what you bring with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Packed lunch.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Sandwiches, fruit, snacks, energy bars. There are no restaurants. There are no grills. Eat what you bring with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Sun cream.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0High protection (50). The sun\u2019s glare off the granite and water is very strong.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">A cap and sunglasses.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Essential. Especially if you\u2019re arriving by dinghy and spending hours in the sun.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Diving mask and fins.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0For snorkelling. Cala Granara is a little underwater paradise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Beach towel.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0A normal one. You don't need the thick one.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Rock-climbing shoes.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Essential. The beach is sandy, but you\u2019ll need water shoes if you want to enter the water from certain spots along the shore or walk on the rocks. The granite is sharp.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Waterproof rucksack or waterproof bags.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0If you\u2019re arriving by dinghy or kayak, make sure to keep your phone, keys and documents safe. Water always splashes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Power bank.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0There are no power sockets. If you use your phone as a camera, the battery won\u2019t last as long.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">A bin bag.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0There are no bins. You take everything with you, and you bring it all back.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Snorkelling<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0(I\u2019ll say it again, because many people forget): a mask and fins. There\u2019s no hire shop. You\u2019ll need to bring your own.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">A lightweight beach parasol.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0If you\u2019re arriving with a large inflatable, you can bring it. But be careful: you can\u2019t just plant it anywhere. The roots of Mediterranean scrub plants are shallow. Choose a spot where you won\u2019t damage the vegetation. Better still, use a parasol that you can secure to the rock with weights.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"le-regole-del-parco-nazionale-a-cala-granara-leggi-prima-di-partire\"><span class=\"\">The rules of the National Park at Cala Granara (please read before you go)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Cala Granara is located within the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. The rules are clear and must be observed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Please do not take any sand, shells or pebbles.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0The fine starts at \u20ac500. Don\u2019t do it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">No free mooring.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Please use the marked buoys. There is a charge for this (a few euros per hour or per day). Anchoring in the Posidonia seagrass beds is prohibited and damages the ecosystem.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">No smoking.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0There is an extremely high risk of fire in the Mediterranean scrub. A cigarette that hasn\u2019t been properly extinguished can burn down hectares of vegetation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Beach umbrellas are not permitted on the sand.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Yes, you\u2019ve got it right. It\u2019s forbidden to put parasols in the sand. Parasols damage the vegetation on the dunes (even though you might not think so, there are tiny plants growing in the sand). Use a sunshade or a beach towel instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Dogs are not allowed.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0During the high season, dogs are not allowed on the park\u2019s beaches. Not even on a lead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Take the rubbish away.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0There are no bins. Whatever you bring in, you take back with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">The use of drones is prohibited.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Without authorisation from the national park, this is prohibited. A fine and confiscation of the item will be imposed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Camping and lighting fires are prohibited.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Of course.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">These rules aren\u2019t a nuisance. They\u2019re the only reason Cala Granara is still so beautiful. Please respect them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"cala-granara-con-bambini-si-o-no\"><span class=\"\">Cala Granara with children: yes or no?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Yes, absolutely. Cala Granara is one of the most child-friendly beaches in the whole archipelago.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Why? The seabed is sandy and gently sloping. There are no sudden drops. The water is calm (the bay is sheltered). The beach is small, so children can\u2019t wander too far. And the granite rocks, with their strange shapes, make a natural playground.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The only things to watch out for: the sun. There is no natural shade at Cala Granara (apart from the odd rock here and there). Bring a lightweight parasol or a sunshade. And the water: even though it\u2019s shallow, never leave children unattended. There are currents, even if they\u2019re weak.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">A tip:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Bring some beach toys (a bucket, spade and moulds). The sand is perfect for building castles. And bring a life jacket or armbands for the little ones. There is no lifeguard on duty.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"quanto-costa-una-giornata-a-cala-granara-budget-dettagliato\"><span class=\"\">How much does a day out at Cala Granara cost? (detailed budget)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Here is an example of a budget for a day trip to Cala Granara, departing from La Maddalena.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">With tours in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/boat-tour-of-la-maddalena-spargi-budelli-islands\/\">organised boat trip<\/a> (adult):<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Day trip (with stops at La Maddalena, Caprera, Budelli and Santo Stefano): \u20ac40\u2013\u20ac60<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Packed lunch: \u20ac10<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">National park ticket (usually included in the tour, but sometimes not): \u20ac3<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Total:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0\u20ac53\u201373<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">With a hired dinghy (for two people, costs shared):<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Inflatable boat hire for a day (August): \u20ac80\u2013\u20ac120<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Petrol: \u20ac20\u2013\u20ac30<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Mooring buoy at Cala Granara: \u20ac5\u2013\u20ac10<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Packed lunch for two: \u20ac20<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">National park ticket for two: \u20ac6<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Total for two:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0\u20ac131\u2013186 (\u20ac65\u201393 per person)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">With a hire kayak (for two people):<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">One-day hire of a two-person kayak: \u20ac40\u2013\u20ac60<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Waterproof bags: \u20ac10 (if not provided)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Packed lunch for two: \u20ac20<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Total for two:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0\u20ac70\u201390 (\u20ac35\u201345 per person)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The most economical option is a guided tour. The most flexible option is a rubber dinghy. The most adventurous option is a kayak.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"conclusione-cala-granara-la-spiaggia-che-non-ti-aspetti\"><span class=\"\">Conclusion: Cala Granara, the beach you wouldn\u2019t expect<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Cala Granara isn\u2019t as famous as Budelli\u2019s Spiaggia Rosa. It isn\u2019t as iconic as Cala Coticcio. It isn\u2019t as accessible as Cala Garibaldi. And perhaps that\u2019s precisely why it\u2019s so special. It\u2019s a beach you have to seek out, one you have to earn. Getting there requires a boat, a bit of planning, and a desire to get away from the most well-trodden tourist trails.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">But when you arrive, when you see that crescent of white sand nestled between the pink granite rocks, when you feel the warm, crystal-clear water lapping at your feet, you realise why it\u2019s all worth it. There\u2019s no music, no queues, no selfie sticks invading your space. There is only the sound of the waves, the scent of the Mediterranean scrub, and the rare feeling of having found a corner of paradise that remains untouched.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The next time you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/la-maddalena-archipelago-national-park\/\">in the Maddalena Archipelago<\/a>, don\u2019t just stick to the usual stops. Ask your skipper to take you to Cala Granara. Or hire a dinghy and go on your own. You\u2019ll discover a beach you\u2019ll never forget.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Enjoy a swim at Cala Granara, on the island of Santo Stefano.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cala Granara Santo Stefano: la spiaggia di granito rosa che batte Cala Coticcio (e perch\u00e9 pochi la conoscono) Lo sapevi che esiste una spiaggia nell&#8217;Arcipelago della Maddalena con acqua color smeraldo, sabbia bianchissima, rocce di granito rosa a forma di sculture naturali, e senza la folla di Cala Coticcio o della Spiaggia Rosa?\u00a0Si chiama Cala [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13251,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-default"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13206","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13206"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13206\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13251"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13206"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13206"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13206"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}