Cala Gonone: a must-see in Sardinia
Cala Gonone, after the tunnel, is an immediate wow effect!Discover a gem at the entrance of the Gulf of Orosei.
If you’ve never seen Cala Gonone, you can’t say you’ve been to Sardinia.
And if you have seen it… you know it is always a continuous discovery.
The sea of Cala Gonone
Hey you! Yes, I’m talking to you, finally you've made it here. I want to introduce you to one of the Sardinian wonders; maybe you already know it and think you have all the information, or perhaps it will be entirely new to you.
I’m sure I can surprise you with my words. But what am I rambling about with this premise? About the unique and inimitable CALA GONONE.
Nuraghe with a sea view
I know, I know, I can perfectly see that huge question mark over your head; let yourself be guided on this virtual adventure.
Cala Gonone is a beautiful seaside town in the heart of Sardinia, located in the municipality of Dorgali, in the province of Nuoro.
A place rich in historical references, as it was inhabited by the Nuragic civilization and later by the Roman and Byzantine settlements.
This splendid coastal town is located about 30 kilometers from the Archaeological Area of Tiscali.
However, its brightest gem remains the sea.
Water with sensational colors, from bright blue or light green like precious stones to the dark blue almost black of its depths.
The heat, the cold, WOW
Did you know that one of its characteristics was inaccessibility? Yes, that's right, a while ago the only way to reach Cala Gonone was by sea!
Thanks to various tunnels built into the local cliffs, access is now easier — excluding of course this magical invention of internet that allows you to see Cape Horn from your couch.
By traveling along the SS 125 Orientale Sarda near Dorgali, you'll find the detour that leads you through a tunnel into the incredible world of Cala Gonone.
Once you’ve left the last tunnel, a steep cliff will open before you overlooking the coast, where you'll catch a glimpse of the wonders that await you.
The WOW effect is guaranteed.
Another guaranteed WOW effect — with thrills — is the spectacle of the Bue Marino Caves. Inside the tunnels of the caves, you might feel cold — I shivered a bit, albeit pleasantly — because of the temperature shock you'll experience being inside the mountain.
Around you, you can listen to the sound of flowing water and see small drops that, falling from the ceiling, slowly create the wonders you can contemplate.
Equally important
To fully discover Cala Gonone and its secrets, I recommend starting with… a nice ice cream!
The waterfront is filled with artisan gelaterias that also produce special flavors like myrtle, s’aranzada, nougat, and other wonderful Sardinian flavors.
Equally essential are the amazing caves and fantastic beaches immersed in wild nature and surrounded by typical Sardinian plants.
I advise you to visit the numerous beaches with vividly colored, crystal clear water, and of course the caves, among which stands out the unforgettable Bue Marino Cave, a cave so famous that it represents Cala Gonone worldwide.
I happened to tell about my trip to Cala Gonone and I never imagined that the Bue Marino Caves were famous even in Japan!
Among the various beaches I mentioned earlier, one of the most famous is certainly Cala Luna, a cove about 7km long, where you will not find much sand, but rather a vastness of pebbles finely smoothed by the water.
The predominant color of the sea is green, intense as if it were a vast emerald.
We then went to Cala Goloritzè. The beach is famous for the stunning rock arch and the Spur, a limestone monolith about 140 meters high that towers over the small bay.
You can reach this beach by walking a path of about two kilometers starting from Baunei or you can rent a boat in Cala Gonone (as we did) and get there by sea.
What (not) to do in Cala Gonone
Absolutely do not do?
Don’t arrive in Cala Gonone without having booked your boat trip to see the Gulf of Orosei online!
Cala Gonone is a small town that hosts many tourists from April to October, reaching maximum density during the summer. Many companies offer boat trips, but the tourists… are more!
If you haven't booked your boat trip online in advance, you risk not finding a boat available, especially in July and August.
On YepSea.com you can choose different types of excursions like sailing trips, excursions with a visit to the Bue Marino Cave, or take advantage of boat rentals, even without a license, to visit the coast in complete autonomy.
What are you waiting for? I know I’ve already won you over, come visit us and don’t hesitate to book and purchase your trip in advance, ensuring that your unforgettable experience is guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best beaches to visit in Cala Gonone?
- The best beaches in Cala Gonone include Cala Luna, known for its smooth pebbles and emerald green sea, and Cala Goloritzè, famous for its rock arch and Spur. Both offer breathtaking views and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and relaxing.
- How can I visit the Bue Marino Caves?
- The Bue Marino Caves can be visited through boat excursions organized by local companies in Cala Gonone. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
- What can I do in Cala Gonone besides relax on the beach?
- Besides enjoying the beaches, you can explore the beautiful caves, hike the surrounding trails, or visit archaeological sites such as Nuraghe Osalla. Activities like snorkeling and kayaking are also very popular!
- What is the best time to visit Cala Gonone?
- The best time to visit Cala Gonone is from May to September when temperatures are warm and the sea is ideal for swimming. However, for a quieter visit, consider the months of May and September when there are fewer tourists.
- How to get to Cala Gonone?
- Cala Gonone is easily accessible by car along the SS 125 Orientale Sarda, following the signs for Dorgali. Alternatively, you can arrive by bus from Nuoro or Olbia, but driving offers greater flexibility to explore the area.
- Are there activities suitable for children in Cala Gonone?
- Yes, Cala Gonone offers various activities suitable for children, such as boat trips to the caves and beach days. Additionally, many beaches are equipped with facilities and play areas, making them suitable for families.
- What are the recommended restaurants in Cala Gonone?
- In Cala Gonone, you can enjoy Sardinian cuisine at restaurants like Il Pescatore and Ristorante Da Marco. Don’t forget to taste typical dishes like fresh fish and traditional Sardinian desserts like seadas.