The beach at Cala Cartoe is in the area of Dorgali, on Sardinia’s eastern coast, in the Gulf of Orosei.
The beach extends for about 300 metres, between the promontory of basalt rock at Punta Nera di Osalla, to the north, and the promontory of clear rocks of Monte Moru, to the south.
The cove is also the natural outlet of the rio Litto, which forms a small wetland behind the central section of the beach, natural habitat of different aquatic birds.
The sandy shore features a golden coloured thick-grain sand, in contrast with the dark colour of the basalt rocks.
Behind the beach grows a forest with pines, junipers and Mediterranean shrub and the salt cedars appear near the wetland.
The beach is also well known for being part of the film set of “Travolti da un insolito destino nell’azzurro mare d’agosto” (1974), written and directed by Lina Wertmuller, and interpreted by Mariangela Melato and Giancarlo Giannini. In addition to this, it hosted the set of the subsequent remake “Swept Away” (2002), directed by Guy Ritchie and interpreted by the pop-star Madonna.
In summer, the beach is kitted out with a kiosk and swimming facilities.
Cala Cartoe is part of the Sites of Community Importance (SCI) “Golfo di Orosei” (ITB020014), regulated by the Rete Natura2000.
