“The Gulf of Orosei is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Italy. It is like nowhere else in Sardinia.”
Cala Gonone is a village in the municipality of Dorgali, in the province of Nuoro, looking out over the Gulf of Orosei. It is the main gateway to one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Italy — more than 40 km of limestone cliffs plunging sheer into the sea, broken by white-sand coves you can reach almost exclusively by boat.
The village itself is small — about 1,600 residents — with a lively marina, a handful of quality restaurants and a genuine atmosphere that holds on even in August. We have managed holiday homes in Cala Gonone and around the Gulf of Orosei since 2011.
These are no ordinary beaches. They are coves set between white limestone cliffs, almost all of them reachable only by boat or after a long hike. Each one has its own character.
The most famous and most photographed cove in the Gulf. Fine white sand, natural limestone arches, caves behind the beach. Emerald-green water. In summer access is limited: check the season's rules before you set off.
A Natural Monument since 1993. The rock spire that towers over the cove is one of the symbols of Sardinia. You can only get there on foot (about 3 hours return from the Golgo plateau, with a booking); from the sea you admire it from the boat, without landing. Visitor numbers are capped.
The wildest and quietest of them all. Surrounded by a forest of holm oaks and myrtle running right down to the sea. Hardly any facilities — bring water and food. A primeval, extraordinary atmosphere.
A beach of white pebbles polished by the sea, with water of unreal clarity. Excellent for snorkelling. One of the most beautiful coves in the Gulf; in summer access is regulated, with a ticket from the Municipality of Baunei.
Less well known than the famous coves. Most people come by boat; on foot from Golgo it's only possible via a long, demanding hike, ideally with a guide. Those who make it are rewarded with silence and water they won't forget.
The harbour beach, convenient and with good facilities. Ideal for young children or for afternoons after your excursions.
The Grotte del Bue Marino (Bue Marino Caves) open directly onto the sea, a short distance from Cala Gonone. They were once the refuge of the Mediterranean monk seal, now gone from these shores. The caves extend for about 15 km of explored passages (the visitor route is about 900 metres), with underground lakes, stalactites and stalagmites of rare beauty.
The Gulf of Orosei is one of the finest hiking areas in Italy. The trails of the Supramonte descend from the inland mountains all the way down to the coves.
| Period | Sea | Boats to coves | Crowds | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May – June | 🌊 21°C | ✅ Running | 🟢 Low | ⭐ Prime time for hiking + sea |
| July | 🌊 25°C | ✅ Frequent | 🟡 Moderate | Excellent — book the coves ahead |
| August | 🌊 26°C | ✅ Crowded | 🔴 High | Limited-access coves fill up — book as soon as booking opens |
| September | 🌊 24°C | ✅ Running | 🟢 Low | ⭐ Perhaps the best month of all |
| October | 🌊 21°C | ⚠️ Reduced | 🟢 None | Hiking only — the boats have all but stopped |
We manage holiday homes in Cala Gonone, Orosei and Siniscola — the Gulf of Orosei right on your doorstep.
🏠 Where to stay in Cala Gonone 🔑 Own a home here?The easiest way to reach Cala Gonone is by car (there are also ARST buses from Nuoro and Dorgali, with a limited timetable) — it's one of our furthest destinations, but worth every kilometre. Book on Discover Cars →
About 110 km — 1 hr 30 min by car. The nearest airport, with flights from all over Europe. The route runs along the east coast, via Siniscola, Orosei and Dorgali.
About 220 km — 2 hr 30 min–3 hr by car. Plenty of low-cost flights. A fast road north via Nuoro, or the slower, more scenic SS125 Orientale Sarda.
About 175 km — over 2 hr 30 min by car. The main ferry port in northern Sardinia. Book your ferry →
About 180 km — 2 hr 30 min by car. A great choice if you're combining Cala Gonone with a stop in the north-west of the island.
About 25 km away — long sandy beaches, a medieval old town, local markets. An excellent alternative base for exploring the Gulf.
About 60 km to the north — La Caletta, the beaches of Santa Lucia, clear water and a quieter atmosphere.
The great karst plateau that rises above Cala Gonone — the starting point for hikes to Cala Goloritzé and Cala Luna.
