Again, a piece of paradise on earth.. a place of rock and crystal water
Cala Gonone is a little fishermen village located in the Gulf of Orosei. It looks over a stretch of cost where you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in the med. Some are wilder, such as Cala Luna & Cala Mariolu, others also suitable for families such Palmasera, or even Centrale. The nearest airport is Olbia.
Apart from the incredible beaches, it is also a great destination for those who love trekking or even free climbing and bungee jumping (not my case!). Su Gorroppu, S’Abba Durche, Cala Fuili – Cala Luna are all enchanting and very popular itineraries for the trekking lovers.
Finally, you can take a boat excursion to the grottoes of del Bue Marino or visit some of the nearby archaeological sites like Tiscali (yep…this is where your broadband name comes from!). To visit the Bue Marino’s grottoes you will need to visit the information point in Cala Gonone’s pier.
Actually I forgot the food! Superb! Do not miss the local gnocchi: “anzellottos”
Manu
Now, I can not wait to go there again !
March 21st, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Manu, great site we need some help… and if good will be coming back with photos and feedback for you. We’re a crowd of 9 – aged 24-27 going to Sardinia ‘because it looks great’. 24th -27th April fly into Olbia and need to decide where to go. This spot looks good from the photos- we want great (white sand, blue H2o!) beaches, snorkling, windsurf if possible, not stacks of people and somewhere cheap and comfortable to stay – like bungalows at a campsite. Any ideas as this spot looks good and not too far to drive (we’re hiring cars).. thanks guys
March 24th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Hi Leigh, great to hear from you.
If you are only staying in Sardinia just for a few days and you are passionate about surfing I would suggest you to go to Palau, instead of Cala Gonone, as it is much closer to Olbia (only 45 minutes drive). This area is absolutely stunning, but will not be busy and should not be too expensive at this time of the year. Nearby is Porto Pollo which is considered the “capital” of windsurf in Sardinia. There is a camping called “Isola dei Gabbiani” that should already be open:
Isola dei Gabbiani
Loc. Porto Pollo – Palau – Italy
info@isoladeigabbiani.it
Tel: 00390789704019
Sandy beaches: Punta Nera, Porto Liscia, Porto Rafael.
If you still want to go to Cala Gonone, you could try the camping villaggio Calagonone (info@campingcalagonone.it) but be aware that this is about 3 hours drive from Olbia and Cala Gonone is a better area for trekking than windsurfing.
Finally, for your info, average temperature in Sardinia in April is 20C.
Have a great time and let us know how it goes!!:-)
June 11th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Hi Manu,
I’m flying to Alguero at the beginning of July and am still undecided about which part of Sardinia to visit! I am drawn to Cala Ganone and the surrounding area… But I’m concerend that without a car it will be difficult to get around, especially to reach some of the beaches. We plan to get the bus out from Alguero to our chosen destination. My question is: do you recommend that we hire a car??? Cheers! Great site by the way.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Hi Emily,
thanks for your comment. Well to be totally honest with you I do think you need a car if you do not want to stay in a single place but move around. You can probably reach Cala Gonone by coach from Alghero but once in there you may not find bus connections to all the places you want to go to. If you stay in Cala Gonone village, you will find some bus connections but you will have to relay on their timings and public transport can be really frustrating in Sardinia.
hope this helps
Manuela
July 1st, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Hi Emily
Bus connections in Sardinia are a pain and don’t run frequently. You’ll most likely have to get a bus to Nuoro and change lines to Cala Gonone. It takes several hours by car to get to Cala Gonone from Alghero and by bus it will be even longer. Arst and Turmotravel are two of the companies.
As for once you’re in Cala Gonone, you can catch a boat to different beaches but a car would be far more convenient.
Hope that helps.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:05 pm
HI, Im flying into Olbia and staying at Cala Gonone – is it necessary to hire a car? Can I get public transport easily enough from the airport to Cala Gonone?
July 7th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Hi Sarah, I have never done it myself but there should be a bus at 08:42 – 11:42 – 13:27 – 15:27 .
Call 0039 0784 295030 or email info@olbiaturismo.it to double check. If you are happy to stay in Cala Gonone itself and you have a hotel nearby the beach you should be ok. Good luck
Manuela
July 18th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Hi Manu,
My girlfriend and I are considering extending a trip we have planned to Rome
and coming to the east coast of Sardinia. We are particularly interested in the
Golfu di Orosei. Maybe you will be able to answer a few questions I have.
We would like to camp, and stay a maximum of only 2 nights during mid September.
My first question: Is it possible to camp with your own tent in the National Reserve
of Golfu di Orosei e del Gennargentu (and not in a large resort-style camp place)?
I came accross a website that said it is allowed to camp overnight next to the hiking
trail that leads to Cala Goloritze (one of the beaches we would like to visit). And,
I have also seen images of tents right on the beach of Cala Mariolu (where we would
also like to go). Is this allowed? We are experienced backpack campers carrying little
equipment and would leave no trace. Might you know of any areas to camp like this?
Next, I was wondering how crowed those two beaches would be in
mid September, and how long you are allowed to stay. As they are only accessible
by foot or boat, we would also like to know if it is possible to rent our own
small boat from the nearest car-accessible town and take a boat to these
beaches, or if we need to join a boat tour (not our first choice). If so, would you know
of a good place to rent one, and how much it would cost? … and maybe
any documents we might need for the rental? And lastly, if independent camping is
not allowed anywhere in the area, if you would be able to recommend a nice campsite
for us that is not too full of motorhomes – that would be great !
Thank you so much. -B
August 3rd, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Hi Manuel,
Great site!! You seem to know your stuff, was hoping could help. Have a 3 night trip booked to Cala Gonone; flying to Olbia and staying in Hotel Blue Marino. We are really keen to hit the beaches, but specifically the exotic white sandy and crystal water ones! As we’re short for time which beaches you recomend to hit near Cala Gonone? Also do you think we should hire a car to get to these kind of beaches?? Would appreciate the advice. Thanks.
Rick
August 13th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Hi Rick,
Thank you for your kind comments. I hope my answer does not reach you too late (we were in Sardinia ourselves!).
I would suggest to visit Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu and Cala Sisine. You can not reach them easily by car, you will need to go by boat. You will find some going there daily from Cala Gonone. You will love them!!
Enjoy
Manu
August 14th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Hi Manu,
Thanks for the advice we shall definetely be visiting those beaches. I was hoping you could give some advice on activities and things in the area, both during the day and night. We’re a couple in our mid twenties but am looking to have a more romantic getaway. In the day are there any historical sites or activites that are a must to see or do? Also in terms of night life, I don’t suppose there would be many clubs there, but would be great if you recommend some reasonably priced restaurants and maybe a more relaxed type club. Thanks again Manu.
Rick
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Hi Rick,
Well lots to do around this area:
-Go and visit the Grottos of Bue Marino. They are a must and you can reach them by boat from Cala Gonone.
- If you like trekking visit “Su Gorroppu” also known as the Canyon of Europe! or you may want to visit the underground “village” of Tiscali. Yep! this is where the name of the well known broadband provider comes from!!
- A good restaurant is “il Pescatore” but it is expensive. You may want to ask the hotel to recommend you something else. Food is excellent in this area but I can not recall a specific restaurant right now. With regards to place to bar/pubs try “Il Gufo” on the Palamasera beach.
Hope this helps
Ciao
Manu
September 17th, 2008 at 12:23 am
I have 11 days that I would like to spend on Sardinia next July. We fly into Olbia and will rent a car. My first idea was to spend my entire time in Costa smeralda stay in a farmhouse near Archazena, now I have read about Cala Ganone and it seems it is far quiter and less expensive and better beaches than costa smeralda. Am I right??Any farm houses or cheap lodging in Cala Ganone for 2 guys?? GRAZIE
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Hi Petri,
Both areas are very nice but in my opinion the Costa Smeralda tends to be a little artificial, depending on where you are going, and surely more expensive. Farmhouses are not normally very close to the seaside, they are more likely to be in the countryside or mountains. You can try this one though: Agriturismo Canales (just google it). It is not far from Dorgali which is very beautiful and not far from Cala Gonone. I never been in there though.
Good luck!
October 15th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Hi Manu, first of all, great site! you surely know your stuff.
Well, I am going to Sardinia for my Honeymoon, at the end of October. We arrive at Cagliari and leave the Island from Alghero, we will have a Car.
I would like you to recommend me the best places to see for in a 1 week period. We are thinking on going to Cala Gonone for a couple of days, but we would like to know as much of the island as possible. We love scuba diving, treking, fishing…
If you can help me with some information I will be very thankful.
Cheers!
October 18th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Hi Mauricio,
Thanks for your comments. Are you only staying in Sardinia for a week? If you do and you arrive in Cagliari and depart from Alghero, it is not that much. I suppose that being your honeymoon you will want to relax a little bit as well! Bear in mind that although the weather may be still very pleasant compared to the British autumn, for many resorts the summer season has finished and you may not find places where to hire equipment for scuba diving etc..
Best to ask the hotels where you are staying about who is still open. If you like snorkelling and you have your own staff, you can try Cala Regina beach, nearby Cagliari.
From both Cala Gonone and Alghero you are normally able to take excursions to the grottos and do some snorkelling but again, end of October may be a problem. Ask your hotel if they can contact you somebody for you in advance. Trekking should be fine in Cala Gonone, take and excursion with a guide to su “Gorroppu” and to “Tiscali”. You will love those.
Good luck
Manuela
February 25th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Hi Mauela
We are planning a three week stay in Sardinia in September.
Although we know of Cala Gonone’s beauty we are told that it is difficult to get around from there…too remote. Someone recommended Cala Liberotto instead. Do you know any sites for good rentals. We need at least two bedrooms and maybe three.
thanks
m
February 27th, 2009 at 1:39 am
HI there
Just to fill in a few facts. We are looking to relax, sun and beach, good food but also some day trips …..the train ride, the nuraghi, a vineyard, a typical festival, the murals ….a combo trip.
thanks
Marguerite MAins
USA
March 5th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Hi Marguerite,
Yes true, Cala Liberotto is better connected and still very nice. A really fabulous beach there. When I stayed in Cala Liberotto I was camping (there is a good campsite)and I do not know personally any rentals so I do not feel like recommending you any in particular…sorry!
Anyway, lovely food in the area, for murales, do go to Orgosolo that has got some of the best. Everything you mentioned, you can find it nearby.
March 11th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Hi there,
Firstly, what a great website – really good advice!
Hopefully you can help, my boyfriend and I are thinking of going to Sardinia in mid September but we could do with some advice on where to go!
We are looking for a somewhere not very touristy where we can chill out and drink good wine and eat good food by the sea! We’d like to do some walking and possibly mountain biking and so we where looking at Cala Gonone.
We’re happy to hire a car to explore during the day but would like to be in walking distance of restaurants etc at night.
Any advice? Many thanks
March 18th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Hi Amy
Thanks for your comment. Cala Gonone is surely less touristy than most destinations in Sardinia with plenty of activities and walks for you to take during the day. There are some restaurants but not so many clubs or wild nightlife in the area…maybe this is why it is still not crowded with tourists! Good food, will not be a problem in the area though.
Also Santa Maria Navarrese, 60 km down the same coast is a pretty village where to spend your holiday and you will find everything you mentioned.
Ciao
Manuela
March 24th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Hi,
I have booked a flight to Olbia in July, hopefully staying for a week. I have rented an apartment on the north west coast. Do I have to rent a car? or is it possible to get round by bus/train Many thanks
Cat Townsend
March 25th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Hi Cat,
It really depends on where you are going exactly. Do you know already? You may well be able to do so but might need to take several buses.
Manu
March 27th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Hi
A very usefull site, we are a family of four staying in Cala Ganone in august, can we hire a Rib boat from here and should we book in advance.
many thanks
ciao
Neil
March 28th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Hi Neil,
Thanks for your comment. People normally book them on the day in Sardinia.
There use to be a place where you can hire them around the “Sos Dorroles” beach. It should still be working.
Enjoy and let us know how it goes!
Manu
March 30th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Hi Manuela
I am visiting Cala Gonone in June with my girlfriend and have found a few apartments that we are deciding between, and wondered if you’d be able to tell me how far walk they are from the town centre of Gonone / the harbour (is the centre the harbour??) as we’d like to be able to walk into town for restaurants etc in the evenings, and to get to the harbour for boat trips etc.
The first is described as being “1 minute walk from Palmasera beach”. Where is that?
The second is in the “Sos Dorroles” areas. Where is that?
Thanks for your help!
David
March 31st, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Hi David,
They are both beautiful beaches not far from the village but not at walking distance, I am afraid.
The Centrale Beach is at walking distance from Cala Gonone but off course it is not as good as the ones you mentioned. I would say you need to drive if you want to go to the village/harbour and stay nearby Sos Dorroles and Palmasera..
Hope this helps
Manuela
April 2nd, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Hello Mauela,
I am flying into Olbia on April 10th and leave on the 13th…really short trip.
I have never been to Sardinia before and wanted to check it out. I am traveling solo and just want to relax on a beautiful beach but also see and do and eat everything amazing that I can while there. I am staying in Cala di Volpe…hope that was a good idea. Either way any recommedations? I rented a car. Also do you know a nice place where I can horseback ride near there?
Many thanks!
Mia
April 6th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Hi Manuela,
First of all, congrats for the page. It’s a real relief to find this sort of information when you go to an unknown land!
A friend of mine and me are going to Sardinia at the end of this month and more or less we have a plan, but I would like to check with you first, in case we miss some unmissable spots
We’ve got a week, and we tought about spending the first 2 days in Cagliari (where we’re flying to), then rent a car, go to Portavesme through Villamassargia, take a ferry to Carloforte, stay there for a couple of days, and then go back to Cagliari following the south coast.
What do you reckon? Would you recommend a different route?
You might ask…what sort of holiday are we looking for? I guess we are not too demanding on that…but we’d like to avoid the over touristy areas. we are so excited about this trip
thanks a lot
lia
April 7th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Hi Lia,
It sounds like a good plan but do not take that road, it is a bit narrow and very dark at night. From Cagliari take the motorway 130 up to Iglesias and then the 126 to Portovesme.
It will not be busy at this time of the year so enjoy the south east coast! If you can do stop in Porto Pino, Tuerredda, Chia.
Ciao
Manu
April 7th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Hi Mia, such a short time!
Well, if you want to relax I would not go too far, it takes a bit to drive those roads on the coast.
Liscia Ruja and Liscia di Vacca are my suggested beaches. Let me know what you think when you are back.
I think you can do horseback rides around Olbia, there should be a couple of places there. There is also one in San Teodoro but maybe this is a bit far if you are only stay for a short break.
Have fun
Manuela