Rada della Dragunara

In the southwestern part of the Gulf of Porto Conte opens one of the many anchorages that line the entire bay of the Regional Natural Park. Anchorages Dragunara is along the Riviera del Corallo in the territory of Alghero in the province of Sassari and is best known because boats bound for the Neptune caves come and go from the small port.

The whole area is full of underwater caves and ravines frequented by divers from all over the world and snorkeling enthusiasts; there are several diving centers that organize boat excursions throughout the gulf, so it is easy to imagine that on some days it is almost impossible to find a quiet corner. The Dragunara anchorage is quite small and features a seabed of about 10 meters formed by sand and seaweed with the walls along the coast full of ravines appreciated by divers.

The beach is quite small and has a pier where barges dock to load and unload tourists during the summer season. It is easily reached even by the disabled and is equipped with toilets, refreshment facilities and the possibility of renting deckchairs and umbrellas; it has a parking lot and can be reached from Alghero by proceeding toward Tramariglio and turning down a dirt road.

The influx of tourists by land is considerable particularly on days with little wind, because when the libeccio anchorages Dragunara is blowing it is best avoided. Dragunara beach is dominated by the promontory of Capo Caccia, which bounds the gulf of Porto Conte to the west, dominating the entire bay from its 186 meters in height. At the top of the promontory is one of the most visible lighthouses in all of Italy, reflecting the signal over 30 miles away.

The beach is set in a small inlet and is covered with fine golden sand and pebbles; the anchorage’s mirror of sea is clear and transparent, with color gradations ranging from blue to emerald green.

The bottom of the water is full of ravines, and there is the semi-submerged Dragunara cave, which is very important geologically. It has an inland lake 40 meters deep with fresh water on the surface that becomes salty after a while and has been a water supply place since prehistoric times.

At the top of the promontory is the Capo Caccia weather station, which is an air force reference point for what concerns the Alghero area, and numerous cars often stop nearby to admire the view across the gulf.