The singing mermaid of Golfo Aranci
Along the waterfront in Golfo Aranci, locals and visitors pause twice a day to watch a bronze figure rise from the water to a gently layered chorus of traditional Sardinian voices. This is the Sirenetta di Golfo Aranci, part art installation and part seafaring salute. The statue, titled Il Canto della Sirena, is by Sardinian sculptor Pietro Longu. It stands around 3.5 meters high, cast in bronze using the lost-wax method, with details that echo the island’s traditional dress, from jewelry-like buttons to pleated skirts. References to ancient navigation, including the nuragic boat motif and a nod to the Milky Way as a celestial route, connect the piece to Sardinia’s long relationship with the sea. Golfo Aranci sits on Sardinia’s northeast coast, facing Tavolara and the clear waters of the Gallura area. For an overview of the town and its setting, see the region’s official guide to Golfo Aranci on Sardegna Turismo.
What to expect and when to go
The ritual is brief and easy to catch. Music begins, the mermaid rises slowly from the water, then returns below the surface a few minutes later. Families tend to gather just before the start, and the atmosphere is calm and respectful.
Typical show times
Summer: around 11:30 and 19:00
Winter: around 11:30 and 18:00
Times can shift with the season, holidays, and events. If you are planning around the show, confirm locally the same day via the municipality or the tourist office. Start with the Comune’s page for contacts and updates Comune di Golfo Aranci.
Where it happens and the best viewpoints
The statue emerges just off the central stretch of the seafront promenade. You can watch comfortably from the waterfront walkway; most people stand along the railings near the middle of the lungomare. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early if you want a front spot, especially at sunset in July and August.
Sunset light is softer and good for photos. Morning shows tend to be quieter outside school holidays.
If you are with kids, stay a step back from the edge to keep sightlines and avoid crowding.
The area is flat and paved. Benches are available along the promenade.
Only 10 minutess walk from both AZULIS villas Dumas
Practical tips
Essentials
Cost and duration: free; just a few minutes of music and movement.
Weather: the show may pause in rough seas or heavy rain. Have a flexible window.
Sound: the singing plays over speakers along the promenade; you will hear it clearly at normal speaking distance.
Photography
Use a faster shutter for the water droplets and a polarizing filter to manage glare.
Aim slightly off-center to include the coastline or boats for context.
Tripods are fine if you keep walkways clear.
Etiquette
Give space near the railing so children and shorter viewers can see.
Keep volume low during the singing. It is intended as a greeting to the town and to those who work at sea.
Make it a day in Golfo Aranci
Pair the mermaid with a swim or a boat trip. Beaches line both sides of town, with clear water and gentle entries. Boat excursions run to Tavolara and around Capo Figari, often with snorkeling stops in protected waters. For the marine protected area next door, see the AMP Tavolara official site Area Marina Protetta Tavolara. In the evening, the promenade is a pleasant place for a stroll and gelato. If you plan to dine afterward, book in peak summer and give yourself time; the show can draw a small crowd right before sunset. 🚶♀️
Key takeaways
The Sirenetta di Golfo Aranci is a short, free waterfront ritual blending art and sea tradition.
Typical times: around 11:30 and late afternoon or early evening, with seasonal shifts.
Arrive a bit early for the best view; sunset is popular and photogenic.
Combine it with beach time or a boat trip for a relaxed day on Sardinia’s northeast coast.
