Coves by boat
From the port, boat or dinghy excursions explore the gulf, visiting the Bue Marino and Fico caves and the coves of Cala Luna, Cala Sisine, Cala Biriala, Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzè. Hikers can also reach Cala Luna on a path that starts at Cala Fuili; the route takes an hour and a half, up and down along the coast.
The caves and coves can be reached by boat on the Bue Marino Caves & Cala Luna Boat Tour from Cala Gonone.
The Grotte del Bue Marino
A guided excursion from Cala Gonone reaches the Grotte del Bue Marino, a forest of stalactites and stalagmites that holds an underground salt lake and was once the habitat of the monk seal. Its south branch can be visited along equipped, lit paths for about 900 m (3,000 ft); the visit is assisted by expert guides and lasts about an hour.
Not far from the caves, Cala Fuili is small and unspoilt, and you reach it by going down a stairway cut into the rock.
Beaches and the aquarium
Golden-sand beaches here include Cala Cartoe, Ziu Martine and Cala Osalla. Palmasera is the widest beach of Cala Gonone, and its shallow, gently sloping seabed makes it suitable for children.
The Cala Gonone aquarium, built in 2010, is the largest and most modern facility of its kind in Sardinia, with 24 display tanks.
Getting there and inland
Cala Gonone is reached along the state road, turning off towards Calagonone: just outside Dorgali, past a short tunnel, a winding descent leads down to the village. The resort is a base for nature and culture excursions in this part of the Nuoro area.
Further inland there are the Gorropu Canyon Guided Hike from Cala Gonone with Transfer and the Off-Road & Trekking Tour to Tiscali Village, Cala Gonone.
