Top 13 things to see and do in Cala Gonone

Cala Luna is a bay with 800 meters of fine sand and crystal clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving. Here, you can rest in one of its caves or, if you are a diving enthusiast, explore the wreck of the Nasello, a fishing boat that sank during World War II.

To visit Cala Luna you can choose to take a boat tour from Cala Gonone, which includes visits to other famous coves such as Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzé. We suggest two boat experiences, priced between 50€ and 80€ per person.

• Minicruise by motorboat from Cala Gonone with bathroom stops (book HERE)
• Day by motorboat from Cala Gonone with aperitif on board (book HERE)

Alternatively, it is possible to reach Cala Luna on foot by walking along a path of about 6 km starting from Cala Fuili, which can be covered in about 1 hour and 30 minutes

If you are in Cala Gonone, you cannot miss a boat ride among Sardinia's best-known coves, such as Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna, Cala Biriola and many others.

We suggest some excursions that will allow you to visit the most famous coves, with prices ranging from 25€ to 125€ per person:

• Minicruise by motorboat from Cala Gonone with bathroom stops (book HERE)
• Boat excursion with aperitif on board from Cala Gonone (book HERE)
• Minicruise by sailboat from Cala Gonone to the Gulf of Orosei (book HERE)

You can opt for half-day or full-day excursions, with bathroom stops and the possibility of an aperitif on board based on local products

The Sea Ox Caves, in the Gulf of Orosei, stretch for 15 kilometers (15 miles) and are named after the monk seal, once called "sea ox" because of its ox-like cry. Every year, the caves host the Cala Gonone Jazz Festival.

The entrance to the Caves is located three kilometers from Cala Luna. Inside, you can explore the south branch with stalactites, stalagmites and Neolithic rock carvings. The price of a guided tour of the Caves is 10€ for adults and 5€ for children.

The Caves are accessible daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and you can reach them from Cala Gonone with a boat ride priced 25€ per person that includes bathroom stops and an aperitif on board

In the Gulf of Orosei another renowned cove is Cala Fuili, characterized by white pebbles and turquoise waters. It is easily accessible by land from Cala Gonone and is one of the few beaches in the area that can be reached by car.

Cala Fuili is perfect for those who enjoy hiking, with trails leading to Cala Luna or the Bue Marino Caves. Alternatively, you can opt for boat tours from the ports of Arbatax, Cala Gonone, Orosei and Santa Maria Navarrese.

The beach is also famous for the Codula Fuili Canyon, just behind the cove, which is ideal for rock climbing, suitable even for beginners

TheCala Gonone Aquarium, opened in 2010, will let you explore the diverse marine habitats of the Mediterranean with its 26 display tanks, observing species such as jellyfish, snappers, dogfish sharks, trumpet fish, moray eels and many others.

The open sea tank, the largest, also houses a loggerhead turtle. There are also tanks dedicated to piranhas and fascinating species from tropical seas. You can finally end your visit by petting stingrays, urchins, starfish and hermit crabs in the touch tank.

The aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the ticket price is €12 for adults and €8 for children aged 4 to 12, while admission is free for children under 4

The Archaeological Museum of Dorgali tells the archaeological history of the area from the Neolithic to the modern age.

The museum is organized in three rooms, where you can find artifacts from archaeological excavations of the Bue Marino Caves, the village of Serra Orrios, and the Ispinigoli Cave. In addition, here you can visit the famous Nuraghe Mannu and the nuragic site of Tiscali.

The museum is open daily from 09:00 to 19:00 at a price of €3 per person for adults and €1.50 for children aged 6 to 13. Admission is free for children under 6 years old

Cala Mariolu, voted the most beautiful beach in Europe, is also known as "Is Puligi de Nie" (the snow fleas) for its distinctive pink and white pebbles. The beach is distinguished by its colorful hues and the high cliff that surrounds it.

Cala Mariolu's shallow waters are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. You can also spot dolphins offshore, and nearby you can explore the Grotta del Fico and several coves, including Cala Luna.

To reach Cala Mariolu by land requires a challenging trek from the Golgo plateau, recommended only for experienced hikers. The most convenient way to reach the cove is by sea, with aboat trip from Arbatax, Cala Gonone and Santa Maria Navarrese

Cala dei Gabbiani, named for the numerous seagulls that find shelter there at sunset, is located on the coast of Baunei and is very similar to nearby Cala Mariolu, thanks to its green and blue shaded waters and 500-meter-high rock walls.

At Cala dei Gabbiani beach you can swim, snorkel and dive to explore the seabed rich in marine life. The cove can be reached by boat or, for those who enjoy trekking, by an approximately 3-hour hike through the Ispuligidenie forest to the beach

Cala Goloritzé is a beach created in the 1960s by a landslide and is famous for its white sand and a 143-meter spire, ideal for sport climbing.

You can reach Cala Goloritzé by sea or via a path of about 3.5 km. The trail begins with a gentle climb, followed by a descent through the rugged Bacu Goloritzé landscape. The trail will take you directly to the beach in about an hour and a half. The return, due to the elevation gain, takes about two hours and is recommended for experienced hikers.

Access to the beach is limited and you must pay an entrance fee of 6€ per person