Things to do in
Cala Gonone

Our most recommended things to do in Cala Gonone

From Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Cruise to Cala Goloritzè

1. From Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Cruise to Cala Goloritzè

Every day you can depart from the port at 9:00 10:00 11:00 and 12:00 for a beautiful excursion in the Gulf of Orosei , during the day there are three stops at the beach including a stop at the very famous Cala Luna beach. Leaving Cala Luna you will sail to Cala Mariolu considered the pearl of the gulf where our guests will stop for about 2 hours .On the way you will be offered a cool drink included in the price to cheer your stay on board . The next stop will be in the beach of Cala dei Sisine , we will then reach Cala Goloritzè protected natural park reachable only by land and you can take a beautiful souvenir photo in front of the natural arch. Between stops you can admire the whole picturesque landscape, we will also stop for photos at the pools of Venus and we will approach the cave of the Cormorants. You will depart from the last beach at approximately 17.30 p.m., and return to port at approximately 18.00 p.m. N.B. The later you leave, the fewer hours you will spend on the first beach you go to. Consequently, it will not be 8.5 hours but 7.5, 6.5 or 5.5 hours. 9.00 a.m. departure, 8.5 hours 10.00 a.m. departure, 7.5 hours 11.00 a.m. departure, 6.5 hours 12.00 a.m. departure, 5.5 hours punctuality is required, no refund in case of delay.

Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Dinghy Excursion with Skipper

2. Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Dinghy Excursion with Skipper

Every day we depart from the port of Cala Gonone at 9:00 am or 10:30 am for a beautiful dinghy excursion in the Gulf of Orosei.(12 people onthe boat). Our advice is to opt for the earliest departure so as to minimize the time of boarding and leaving the port, which is less busy at 9 am. The Captains, experienced guides who will give you a detailed and interesting explanation during the sailing, will take you to the most beautiful and picturesque beaches (you will see them all) : Cala Luna , Cala Sisine, Cala Biriola, Le Piscine di Venere, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Goloritzè. (During the beach stops it will not be possible to stay on board due to organizational needs of the Captain) . Leaving port, our captains will conduct a coastal navigation to allow you to admire up close the wonders of the stretch of coastline from Cala Gonone to Cala Goloritzè. During the navigation, our dinghies will be able to get close to many of the wonderful caves and inlets along the coast, such as Grotta dei Cormorani, Grotta Azzurra, the Cathedral and the Turquoise; in some you will also be able to swim inside. This will be followed by a stop at Cala Biriola, a delightful little beach with a pinkish color and emerald-colored water, and a leisurely swim at anchor in the heavenly, crystal-clear waters of the Piscine di Venere, continuing then to the wonderful Cala Goloritzè where you will make another stop for a swim very close to the natural arch adjacent to the beach. Back on board, the captain will set course for Cala Mariolu where you will make the longest stop of the day so you can eat, rest and bathe for about 2 1/2 hours (or more, particularly with the 9:00 a.m. departure). During lunch you can use the umbrellas (each 2 people) that you can ask the captain for before disembarking. In the afternoon you will resume sailing to reach the beautiful Cala Luna, which is even more pleasant in the afternoon as it is very crowded until 2 p.m. Here guests can stop for 2 hours for a refreshing swim. Return to port for this type of dinghy excursion is scheduled for 16:30 pm. N.B. if you start at 9.00 a.m. you will make 8,5 hours of excursion. If you start at 10.30 you will make 7 hours.

Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Day Trip by Boat with Swim Stops

3. Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Day Trip by Boat with Swim Stops

Discover the coves, caves, and beaches of the Gulf of Orosei on this boating day trip from Cala Gonone. Take in the views all the way up the coast until you reach Cala Goloritzè. Purchase drinks and tasty snacks onboard the comfortable boat.  Hop aboard a ship with plenty of deck space in the sun and a shaded and enclosed deck. Set sail from the port of Cala Gonone and make your way into the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Orosei.  Stop to soak up some sun and take a dip at the evocative beaches of Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu. Let your captain choose a third beach from Biriola, Cala Gabbiani or Cala Sisine depending on the weather and sea conditions of the day  Have the chance to extend your trip with a visit the Grotta del Bue Marino. Buy a ticket to enter this cave with colorful stalactites, stalagmites, and Neolithic wall carvings. Return to your starting point at the end of your cruise. 

Cala Gonone: Grotta Bue Marino & Cala Luna Beach Boat Tour

4. Cala Gonone: Grotta Bue Marino & Cala Luna Beach Boat Tour

Since the 1950s, Cala Gonone's main attraction was the Sea Ox Cave. Since then it has been admired by millions of tourists. The queen of this cave was indeed the "sea ox": this is what the popular imagination called the monk seal because of its awkward shape and mild behavior. Today visitors who come to the cave on our boats can access the southern branch and along an easy walkway find themselves admiring one of the most beautiful and famous caves in Italy. The tour inside takes about an hour during which expert guides are on hand to provide historical and scientific information about the cave and the fauna that inhabited it. At the end of the visit we will take you to discover the picturesque beach of Cala Luna. Considered the most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean. An 800-meter-long tongue of sand, a white crescent with six huge caves opening on the shore and in the background, as a crown, an oleander forest preceded by a freshwater pond. Nature protects the cove from the treacherous sirocco with a rock wall to the south. Through the oleander forest one can enter the "codula" for trails in an exciting trek through dense Mediterranean scrub inhabited by rare birds of prey, wild boar and wild goats. From Cala Luna in the afternoon a boat will sail every hour back to Cala Gonone, depending on the season from 15:30 to 18:30.

From Cala Gonone: Orosei Gulf Cruise with Stops

5. From Cala Gonone: Orosei Gulf Cruise with Stops

Experience the fantastic east coast of Sardinia, departing from Cala Gonone. On this tour on board a comfortable motorboat, perfect for a getaway from the routine, you will have all the comforts and facilities to enjoy the beauty of the area to the full. Stops will be made at the most famous beaches in the Gulf of Orosei, such as Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna and Cala Sisine And that's not all! Along the way, you will have the opportunity to admire fascinating caves and hidden corners, including the beautiful Cala Goloritzè. Your adventure will also be guided by an expert voice who will share interesting facts about the region in several languages. Enjoy an experience perfect for families and the little ones. Itinerary: - Departure from the port of Cala Gonone - Direction Cala Luna and optional stop at the Grotte del Bue Marino (those who visit the caves will have a reduced stop of about 1h in Cala Luna, while those who do not visit the caves will spend about 2h there) - Stop at Cala Luna - Stop at Cala Mariolu or Cala Gabbiani - Photo stop in front of Cala Goloritzè (access by sea is not possible, but for information you can access the beach only by land via trekking) - Stop at Cala Sisine - Return to port The itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions. The visit to the Bue Marino Caves is optional and tickets can be purchased autonomously, online or at the municipal ticket office before the departure of the motorboat (the time to be requested is the same as the departure of the motorboat). In this case, you will have to inform the guide that you have tickets for the guided tour of the Bue Marino Cave after you have booked, by promptly contacting our guide at the telephone number on the booking voucher. The Motorships are all safe, modern, elegant, spacious, comfortable boats, heated for low season voyages and cool and airy during summer sailings: - Length: 22 m - Width: 5,80 m - Room in the first deck with 100 seats on sofas, and organized tables for 4-6 people - Upper deck with other 80 seats - Bar organized and with free use

Cala Gonone: Cala Gonone Aquarium Entry Ticket

6. Cala Gonone: Cala Gonone Aquarium Entry Ticket

The modern structure of the Aquarium of Cala Gonone, set in a park of splendid Mediterranean scrub, awaits you between the pristine mountains of Supramonte and the fascinating scenery of the Gulf of Orosei to make you appreciate what happens when the mountain of Sardinia meets the sea! You will discover the marine habitats of the Mediterranean Sea, its most typical inhabitants and their curious adaptations to life! The Aquarium of Cala Gonone, inaugurated on 10 July 2010, aims to combine the educational and didactic aspect with entertainment and fun. The property is located in the seaside village of Cala Gonone and overlooks the Gulf of Orosei, surrounded by a large park of splendid Mediterranean scrub. The twenty-four exhibition tanks host animal and plant species typical of the Mediterranean Sea, the route ends with tanks dedicated to corals and colorful tropical species. Attached to the structure there is an outdoor play area dedicated to the world of sea turtles and a large parking area for buses and cars.

Cala Gonone: Guided Boat Tour to Cala Luna Beach

7. Cala Gonone: Guided Boat Tour to Cala Luna Beach

Discover the coast south of Cala Gonone, admiring the views until you reach Cala Luna. Aboard a ship with plenty of space on the sun deck and a shaded and closed deck. Set sail from the port of Cala Gonone and make your way through the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Orosei. Stop for sunbathing and take a dip in the picturesque beach of Cala Luna. considered the most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean. A tongue of sand 800 meters long, a white crescent moon with six huge caves that open on the shore and in the background, crown, an oleander forest preceded by a freshwater pond. Nature protects the inlet from the insidious sirocco with a rocky wall to the south. Through the oleander forest you can go into the "codula" for paths in an exciting trek in the dense Mediterranean scrub inhabited by rare birds of prey, wild boar, and wild goats. From Cala Luna in the afternoon will sail a boat every hour to return to Cala Gonone, depending on the season from 15:30 until 18:30.

Cala Gonone: Grotta del Bue Marino and Cala Luna Boat Tour

8. Cala Gonone: Grotta del Bue Marino and Cala Luna Boat Tour

-The Sea Ox Cave is part of a karst system that extends more than 70 km inland; its name derives from the nickname shepherds used to call the monk seal, "Su Oe 'e Mare," who used the cave for weaning their pups. The cave is divided into two branches, north and south, where the meeting of fresh water with sea water is clearly visible and the resurgences create spectacular reflections, even near the mouths of the entrance. The southern branch of the cave can be visited in the company of experienced guides who will take you along a path of about 800 meters, artificially lit and crossed by a wide wooden footbridge. After the visit inside the cave you will go with boat to the beach of cala luna -Cala Luna is one of the best known beaches in Sardinia. In the 1970s it was chosen as the main set of the famous film written and directed by Lina Wertmüller, "Swept away by an unusual fate in the blue August sea." The shoreline has a mixed bottom of sand and pebbles and 5 caves that can be reached on foot, often frequented by climbers or those seeking shade during the hot hours of the day. The beach can be reached on foot starting from Cala Fuili, the last beach in Cala Gonone that can be reached by car: trekkers can take advantage of the Taxi service, walking the path and returning by boat after spending the whole day on the beach.

Cala Gonone: Round Trip Boat to Cala Luna

9. Cala Gonone: Round Trip Boat to Cala Luna

If you have dreamed all year long of spending a day under the sun on a beach in Sardinia, our boat transfer from Cala Gonone to Cala Luna is perfect for you. With us you can enjoy a day on a sandy beach and have plenty of time to tan and swim in the crystal clear water of the bay. After a short ride aboard our flagship boat, we quickly reach one of the most iconic spots on the entire island, where you will find the perfect place to relax and take breathtaking photos. Our staggered return times also allow you to decide how long to stay on the beach, organizing your day in the Gulf of Orosei according to your plans and needs. We have three different departure times in the morning (10:00, 11:00 and 12:00) and four return times in the afternoon (12:30, 15:30, 16:30 and 17:30). This means that this activity can last from a minimum of 2½ hours up to a maximum of 7½ hours, so there is a lot of flexibility and allows you to stay in Cala Luna almost an entire day. The average duration indicated is about 4 hours, while the round trip takes about 30 minutes.

From Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Dinghy Trip

10. From Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Dinghy Trip

A unique experience, in contact with the natural beauties of the Gulf of Orosei, on the east coast of the Sardinian island. A mini rubber dinghy cruise that will not only make you admire the coast and the crystal clear waters, but you can explore them by diving in! You will discover seabeds of rare beauty through guided snorkeling experiences rich in underwater life. An expert guide will accompany you throughout the day, not only to lead you to the best places, but also to tell you anecdotes and curiosities. You will admire Cala Luna, Cala Goloritzè, the Venus Pools and much more. At the end of the day you will be offered an aperitif on board. There will really be nothing missing in this excursion that you will definitely never forget. Book with friends and relatives and fully live the east coast of Sardinia! Itinerary - Stop at the beach in Cala Luna (about an hour and a half) - Venus Pools and Inflatable Snorkeling Stop (about half an hour) - Passage in front of Cala Goloritzè (about half an hour) - Stop at the beach in Cala delle Sorgenti (about an hour and a half) - Stop at the beach in Cala Sisine for lunch, there is a restaurant and WC (about an hour and a half) - Stop at the beach at Caletta Zio Santoru (about an hour and a half) The itinerary may change at the discretion of the skipper due to weather and sea conditions. On board will be served an aperitif of: sweets, fruit, white wine and soft drinks dinghy maximum capacity: 12 people (skipper included)

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Insider Tips: Planning a trip to Cala Gonone

Claudia Tavani is the mastermind behind Strictly Sardinia, a Sardinia focused blog where she shares all her knowledge about her beloved island.

What should I do on my first trip to Cala Gonone?

If you are visiting Cala Gonone for the first time, definitely go on a boat tour along the Gulf of Orosei. There are daily departures from the tourist harbor and you have a choice of larger boats that offer a hop-on hop-off service and smaller (and faster) ones that work more like a guided tour. Different tours make different stops but they all allow time at the beach to relax and snorkel. Some tours also allow time to visit one of the many caves in the gulf, such as the Sea Oxen Grotto (Grotta del Bue Marino).

What are some hidden gems to see in Cala Gonone?

Most people who visit Cala Gonone head straight to the beach, but there's actually quite a bit to see inland. Drive past Dorgali - the main small town in the area - and head to Cedrino Lake where you can kayak all the way to Su Gologone Spring. You can also visit S'Ena 'e Thomes Giants' Tomb just outside Oliena, and the nearby Sa Sedda 'e Sos Carros nuragic ruins.

How much time should I spend in Cala Gonone?

Spend at least 3 days in Cala Gonone to appreciate everything that the Gulf of Orosei has to offer. You can do a boat tour on your first day, hike to Cala Luna beach on your second day and visit the nearby archeological sites on the third day. If you have more time, you can explore more beaches in the area or hit more hiking trails too.

What is the best way to get around Cala Gonone?

Cala Gonone is really small and you won't really need a car in town. If all you want to do is hang at the beach, you can simply hop on a boat. However, you really need a car (or at least a private transfer) to get to Cala Gonone. The closest airports are Cagliari Elmas and Olbia Costa Smeralda, but getting to Cala Gonone by bus would require several changes and it would be very time-consuming. Once there, a car will be essential if you want to explore further than the beaches.

What are the best months to visit Cala Gonone?

Cala Gonone is best enjoyed in the spring and summer months - from April to the very end of September. Visit in the spring and you will be able to enjoy the hikes in the area without the heat of the summer and you may be quite lucky to have days that are warm enough to go to the beach. Summer is the best time of year to swim and snorkel.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Cala Gonone?

The area of Cala Gonone is famous for the many pristine and secluded beaches. There are very few that can be accessed easily - the main beach in Cala Gonone, and Cala Fuili which can be reached by car and a quick hike. That's where the road literally ends, The trailhead to Cala Luna, the most famous beach in the area, is located just off Cala Fuili beach,

Where should I stay when I visit Cala Gonone?

Most people who visit Cala Gonone decide to stay in one of the small hotels, guest houses or holiday rentals in the village so that they can easily access restaurants and shops. However, you also have the option of sleeping in a more remote "agriturismo" - working farms that have rooms and offer traditional food too. The best ones are located around Dorgali, the main town in the area.

What are 4 best tips for a person traveling to Cala Gonone?

Bring a swimsuit - even if you are traveling to Cala Gonone in the spring or early fall, you may be blessed with gorgeous, sunny and warm days perfect for swimming. Just as well, bring your hiking shoes: one of the best experiences in Cala Gonone is the hike to Cala Luna. If you are prone to seasickness, bring some Dramamine and take it around 45 minutes before your boat tour departs. Finally, do not dismiss the inland attractions, especially if you want to get away from the crowded beaches.

What should people avoid doing in Cala Gonone?

The sand in the beaches near Cala Gonone is precious, but taking sand, pebbles and shells from Sardinia beaches is forbidden and if you are caught with it (they will check at the airport or at the harbor) you will be fined. Avoid wild camping. It may be tempting to place a tent and sleep on the beach, but it is actually forbidden in Sardinia.

What are your top 5 favourite GetYourGuide experiences in Cala Gonone?

Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Day Trip by Boat with Swim Stops

From Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Dinghy Trip

From Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Cruise to Cala Goloritzè

Cala Gonone: Cala Gonone Aquarium Entry Ticket

Exclusive dinghy with skipper

What is one thing that surprised you about Cala Gonone?

What you will love about Cala Gonone is the variety of activities on offer. Don't limit yourself to boat tours and beaches because there is so much more! Hikes archeological sites and rural experiences are definitely activities you should consider.

What is the best family-friendly thing to do in Cala Gonone?

Kids will definitely enjoy Cala Gonone Aquarium. It's open year-round and it's a fun place to visit for the family. If your children love swimming, they will definitely enjoy a boat tour too!

What is the best thing to do in Cagliari for solo travelers?

Solo travelers will definitely enjoy a boat tour to meet other people or to simply take in all the stunning views.

What is the best thing to do in Cala Gonone for couples?

For a private and romantic experience, rent a small zodiac. Pack some lunch and a cooler for a bottle of the best Sardinian vermentino, and enjoy exploring the coast at your own pace.

What are the best areas for outdoor activities around Cala Gonone?

Cala Gonone is a paradise for nature lovers. If you want to make the most of what the area has to offer, go on a hike. The hike to Cala Luna departs from Cala Fuili. The trail is easy to follow but the walk can be strenuous in bits. You can actually take a boat back to Cala Gonone if you visit in the peak months.

What are the best beaches around Cala Gonone?

Literally, every single beach near Cala Gonone is stunning. Many would tell you the best one is Cala Mariolu because of its unique sand (it's actually tiny white pebbles). However, Cala Luna is gorgeous too, with the caves along the shore; and Cala dei Gabbiani is another must-see. If you don't want to go on a boat tour, opt to visit Cala Fuili, which can be accessed by car and a short hike.

Other Sightseeing Options in Cala Gonone

Want to discover all there is to do in Cala Gonone? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Cala Gonone

Overall rating

4.3
(7 reviews)

Our trip was absolutely pleasant. We came in April, of course water was cold to swim but everything else went smooth, less tourist , we could access everything fast. We visited the Grottq del bue Marino which is just out of this world !! Really worth every penny. Cala luna was empty , so we could take pictures and just bath in the sun ❤️ our boat ride back was even smoother ❤️

Guide who listens to us and gives good advice Dream beaches and translucent water Discovery of beautiful caves accessible with the dinghy 3 stops to enjoy the beach and swimming Excursion in April, we felt alone in the world.

Very nice outing with a great skyper! Too bad, he didn't speak French...but nice...don't hesitate and the visit to the cave...sensational

We didn't have an aperitif even though it was planned. No stop at goloritze either

Awesome !! Magnificent excursion. Thank you so much!