AFFITTASARDEGNA — CALA GONONE
Cala Gonone: the Gulf of Orosei,
its coves and the Bue Marino Caves
“The Gulf of Orosei is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Italy — more than 40 km of white cliffs plunging sheer into the sea, broken by coves you can only reach by boat or on foot. It is like nowhere else in Sardinia.”
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What Cala Gonone is like
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, 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.
The Gulf of Orosei marks the geographical edge of the area we cover — and every time we go, we understand why it's worth the journey.
The coves of the Gulf of Orosei
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.
Cala LunaBoat or hike only
The most famous and most photographed cove in the Gulf. Fine white sand, natural limestone arches, a cave behind the beach. Emerald-green water.
Cala GoloritzéLimited access + booking
A natural monument. The rock spire that drops into the sea is one of the symbols of Sardinia. You can only get there on foot, from the Golgo plateau (about 1 hr 30 min there, longer on the way back): boats are not allowed to land. Limited access with booking.
Cala SisineBoat or long hike only
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.
Cala MarioluBoat only
A seabed of white pebbles polished by the sea, water of unreal clarity. Excellent for snorkelling. One of the most beautiful coves in the Gulf.
Cala BiriolaBy boat or on a demanding hike
Less well known. Most people come by boat; on foot from Golgo it's only possible via a long, demanding hike, ideally with a guide. Almost always deserted. Those who make it are rewarded with silence and water they won't forget.
Cala Gonone beachIn the village
The harbour beach, convenient and with good facilities. Ideal for young children or for afternoons after your excursions.
The Bue Marino Caves
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, of which an equipped section can be visited with a guide, with underground lakes, stalactites and stalagmites of rare beauty.
- Access: by boat only, from Cala Gonone harbour
- Length of visit: about 1 hour, guided
- Booking: recommended in high season
- Combine: the trip to the caves is often paired with a visit to Cala Luna on the same day
- Best time: May–June or September, when the boats are less crowded
Hiking in the Gulf of Orosei
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.
- Trail to Cala Goloritzé — starts from Golgo, 3 hr return, moderate difficulty
- Trail to Cala Luna — from Cala Fuili, about 1 hr 30 min each way, proper gear required
- Gola di Gorropu (Gorropu gorge) — 20 km from Cala Gonone, one of the deepest canyons in Europe. A guide is recommended
- Trail to Cala Biriola — from Golgo, long and demanding, less busy: best with a guide
Golden rule: Never set off without plenty of water, proper hiking boots and up-to-date information on the trails. In summer, temperatures on the rocks exceed 35°C. Many local guides offer guided excursions from the harbour — recommended if you're not experienced.
When to come to Cala Gonone
| Period |
Sea |
Boats to the coves |
Crowds |
Tip |
| May–Jun |
🌊 21°C |
✅ Running |
🟢 Low |
⭐ Prime time for hiking + sea |
| July |
🌊 26°C |
✅ Frequent |
🟡 Moderate |
Excellent — book the coves ahead |
| August |
🌊 25–26°C |
✅ Crowded |
🔴 High |
Some coves have limited access: book early |
| September |
🌊 25°C |
✅ Running |
🟢 Low |
⭐ Perhaps the best month of all |
| October |
🌊 21°C |
⚠️ Reduced |
🟢 None |
Hiking only — the boats have all but stopped |
How to get to Cala Gonone
Cala Gonone is easy to reach by car — it's one of the most striking destinations in north-eastern Sardinia and worth every kilometre. To explore the coves and the surrounding area, a car is practically essential. Compare car hire on Discover Cars →
- From Olbia (OLB) — about 110 km, 1 hr 45 min by car. The nearest airport, with flights from all over Europe. A scenic route through Gallura and Barbagia.
- From Cagliari (CAG) — about 220 km, almost 3 hours by car.
- From Porto Torres — about 175 km, over 2 hr 30 min by car. The main ferry port in northern Sardinia.
- From Alghero (AHO) — 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.
What to see nearby
- Orosei — 20 km away, long sandy beaches, a medieval old town, local markets. An excellent alternative base.
- Siniscola — about 50 km to the north: La Caletta, the beaches of Santa Lucia, clear water and a quieter atmosphere.
- Supramonte di Dorgali — the great karst plateau above Cala Gonone, the starting point for hikes to Cala Luna and the Gola di Gorropu.
Own a home in Cala Gonone? We'll manage it for you, as we have since 2011.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you reach the coves of the Gulf of Orosei?
Most of the coves can only be reached by sea — by hire boat, dinghy or the boat services that leave Cala Gonone harbour every morning. Some (Cala Goloritzé, Cala Luna) can also be reached on foot via hiking trails from the Supramonte, with routes of 2–4 hours return; Cala Biriola only via a long, demanding hike, ideally with a guide.
Can you visit Cala Goloritzé without booking?
No. Cala Goloritzé has limited access — on foot only; from the sea you can only admire it. Booking is required and places sell out fast in July and August. Booking opens just a few days in advance (72 hours in 2025): in high season, book as soon as it opens. The system is run by the Municipality of Baunei.
Is Cala Gonone suitable for families with children?
Yes, with the right expectations. The village beach is perfect for young children. Boat trips to Cala Luna or the Bue Marino Caves are suitable for children from the age of 4–5. Hiking to the coves is demanding and not suitable for little ones.
How far is Cala Gonone from the airports?
The nearest airport is Olbia (OLB), about 110 km away — 1 hr 45 min by car. From Cagliari it's about 220 km (almost 3 hours), from Alghero about 180 km (2 hr 30 min). If you want to see both the north and the Gulf of Orosei, you need at least 10–14 days and a car of your own.
Do AffittaSardegna homes in Cala Gonone have air conditioning and Wi-Fi?
Each home's features (air conditioning, Wi-Fi, washing machine, terrace, parking space) are listed on its page. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll confirm the amenities of the homes available for your dates.
Geographic entities — Cala Gonone and the Gulf of Orosei:
Cala Gonone (40.2920°N, 9.6259°E) · Gulf of Orosei · Cala Luna · Cala Goloritzé · Cala Sisine · Cala Mariolu · Cala Biriola · Bue Marino Caves · Supramonte · Gola di Gorropu · Dorgali · Orosei · Siniscola · Province of Nuoro · Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu National Park · Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB, 110 km)
