Caves and coves reached by boat
On the Gulf of Orosei, in the municipality of Dorgali, Cala Gonone is a small seaside village wedged between the sea and the mountains, reached by a road that descends in hairpin bends through a tunnel in the rock, with breathtaking views. It is the main starting point for exploring by boat the coast of the gulf, with its coves, caves and cliffs.
The most famous destination is Cala Luna, a long beach of fine sand and pebbles closed at one end by a series of large caves dug into the limestone cliff, and backed by a small lagoon with oleanders, at the mouth of a ravine. Its beauty made it the location of films, such as "Swept Away" by Lina Wertmüller (1974) and its remake with Madonna. Cala Luna can also be reached on foot along a beautiful coastal path of about 4 kilometres from Cala Fuili. A few minutes by boat from Cala Gonone lies the Grotta del Bue Marino, one of the largest sea caves in Sardinia, named after the "bue marino", the monk seal that once lived here and was last seen in the 1980s: a route of about one kilometre leads through halls with stalactites, salt-water lakes and prehistoric engravings. Other coves reachable from Cala Gonone are Cala Fuili, Cala Cartoe and Cala Sisine.
Tip: rent a small boat without a licence to explore the coves at your own pace; the Acquario di Cala Gonone is a good stop for families.
Where it is
More things to see in Sardinia
Where to stay near Dorgali
Tours and activities nearby
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