The Beaches of Cala Gonone and the Gulf of Orosei: How to Reach Them
Cala Gonone is the gateway to the Gulf of Orosei, the most spectacular stretch of coast in Sardinia: cliffs of limestone hundreds of meters high that plunge into an emerald sea, interrupted by small beaches reachable only by boat or through long treks. Here are all the beaches, from those easily accessible in town to icons like Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu, along with the ways (and costs) to reach them.
Beaches Accessible by Foot or Car
You don't need a boat to start: Palmasera Beach is Cala Gonone's "home" beach, with sand and fine gravel just a few steps from the center, convenient for children. A little further south, Cala Fuili marks the end of the coastal road: a limestone gorge with crystal-clear water, reachable via a staircase, from which the hiking trail to Cala Luna also starts (about 90 minutes of walking, hiking shoes required). These are the right choices for the first day or when the sea is rough and the boats don’t go out.
Cala Luna: The Icon of the Gulf
With its crescent of light sand, the freshwater lagoon behind it, and the large caves carved into the cliff where you can find shelter from the sun, Cala Luna is one of the most famous beaches in Italy. You can get there by boat from Cala Gonone (15-20 minutes, transfers from €20 round trip) or by foot from Cala Fuili. In high season, arrive early: from 11 AM to 4 PM, inflatable boats from all over Sardinia disembark. The perfect combination is to arrive with the first morning boat and return with the last ride.
Cala Mariolu, Biriola, and the Southern Coves
Proceeding south, the gulf showcases its best: Cala Mariolu, with its smooth white pebbles (the "mermaid's tears") and water that shifts from turquoise to cobalt blue, is regularly among the most beautiful beaches in Europe; in summer, access is limited and must be booked in advance. Then Cala Biriola with its rock arch, Cala dei Gabbiani and Cala Goloritzé with its spire loved by climbers (accessible only on foot from Su Golgo or by sea without disembarking). The best way to see them all is on a full-day boat or motorboat tour, with stops for swimming and snorkeling.
Boat, Inflatable, or Trekking: How to Organize
There are three options. Motorboats do the classic tour of the gulf with stops at the main coves (from €40-50 per person, convenient with kids). Rental inflatables, with or without a license, offer total freedom: you leave from the Cala Gonone port at 8:30 AM and return at sunset, fuel not included. Finally, there's trekking: the Selvaggio Blu is the toughest crossing in Italy, but there are individual stages like Cala Fuili-Cala Luna that are manageable. In any case, book in advance in July and August, and check the weather: with east winds, the gulf becomes impractical.
What is the most beautiful beach in Cala Gonone?
It's impossible to choose just one: Cala Luna is the most iconic and the easiest to reach, Cala Mariolu has the most spectacular water, and Cala Goloritzé is the wildest. A full-day boat tour allows you to see them all and decide on your favorite.
How much does it cost to go to Cala Luna by boat?
Simple transfers from Cala Gonone cost about €20-25 round trip, with flexible return times. Complete tours of the gulf, with multiple stops and snorkeling, start from €40-50 per person.
Do I need to book Cala Mariolu?
Yes: in high season, access is limited and both organized tours and individual landings must be booked online in advance. Off-season (June and September), the pressure decreases, but booking the tour remains recommended.
Can you swim at the Grotte del Bue Marino?
No, the caves are visited with guided walking tours through formations and internal lakes: swimming is done in nearby coves. Many boat tours combine a visit to the cave with a stop at Cala Luna, which is just a few minutes of navigation away.
Is Cala Gonone suitable for children?
Yes, with proper selection: Palmasera and the central beach are convenient and well-serviced, motorboats accept little ones without any problems, and Cala Luna has sand and a gentle seabed. It's best to avoid long treks and rough sea days.