Cala Moresca - Tortolì

Cala Moresca is a cove in Arbatax beneath the Bellavista promontory, framed by red porphyry and granite.

Why it matters

The cove brings together the volcanic rocks characteristic of the Arbatax coast and clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its setting near the harbour makes it a notable natural feature within the town's coastal landscape.

What to notice

Red porphyry cliffs contrast with pale granite at the water's edge. The seabed is a mix of gravelly sand, rock and stone, and the sheltered cove is known for its clear water and marine life.

Context and history

The name Cala Moresca is associated in local tradition with Saracen raids along the coast. The sixteenth-century Torre di San Miguel above the port formed part of the defensive system built to guard the eastern Sardinian shoreline. Arbatax later developed around its harbour.