Excursions in the
Most Beautiful Gulf
in the Mediterranean.

Sea cave · Cala Gonone

Bue Marino Caves

Access by sea · Guided visit · Departure from Cala Gonone Harbour

The Bue Marino Caves are a geological wonder located about 4 km from Cala Gonone harbour [citation:2]. They take their name from the monk seal (Monachus monachus) — the "sea ox" — which once found refuge in their waters [citation:6]. A labyrinth of chambers, ancient stalactites and stalagmites carved by water.

The cave walls are a silent stage where the history of Sardinia has unfolded, with rock carvings dating back to the Neolithic. Today, the caves are a sanctuary for a variety of bat species [citation:6]. The visitor route covers three branches, including the Bat Chamber and aragonite formations that create flower-like sculptures [citation:6].

• Access: boats from Cala Gonone · guided visit only
• Exploration: large chambers, narrow passages, unique rock formations
• Fun fact: once a refuge for the monk seal, today a bat habitat

Beach · ~9 km from Cala Gonone

Cala Luna

By sea · 2h trek from Cala Fuili · Boat transport from Cala Gonone

Cala Luna's movie-set scenery — shared with the territory of Dorgali — is a natural spectacle: from its limestone craters the sea seems enclosed as if in a bottle [citation:4]. Fine sand, caves forming natural frames, the scent of oleander and the Mediterranean sea appearing at dawn.

The bay of Cala Luna holds six small caves, and along the codula (gorge) wild oleander grows among the various species [citation:10]. Made famous by the 1974 film "Swept Away". In the Su Marinaiu cave, traces of early Eneolithic settlements have been found [citation:4].

• Distance: ~9 km south of Cala Gonone
• Access: boat · 2h trek from Cala Fuili
• Fun fact: Eneolithic archaeological finds in the Su Marinaiu cave

Beach · ~20 km from Cala Gonone

Cala Mariolu

By sea only · Boat from Cala Gonone

Cala Mariolu and its 'little sister' Cala dei Gabbiani, sheltered by a 500-metre cliff, are striking for the blue, emerald green and azure tones of the sea [citation:4]. Fine white sand fading into waters ranging from turquoise to deep blue.

The round white and pink pebbles mixed with the sand resemble snowflakes [citation:4]. The limestone cliffs shaped by wind and erosion create a dreamlike landscape, ideal for snorkelling in crystal-clear waters.

• Distance: ~20 km south of Cala Gonone
• Access: boat only, or hike from Cala Fuili
• Fun fact: the white and pink pebbles look like snowflakes

Beach · ~12 km from Cala Gonone

Cala Sisine

By sea or on foot · 12 km south of Cala Gonone · Final stage of the Selvaggio Blu

Cala Sisine appears at the end of an ancient riverbed lined with centuries-old trees: one of the most beautiful seaside spots with a striking mountain-like character [citation:4]. A kilometre of golden sand overlooked by majestic limestone walls and Mediterranean scrub.

This beach is also the finish point of the Selvaggio Blu trek [citation:3]. The turquoise, crystal-clear sea meets lush vegetation, creating a unique contrast between mountain and sea elements.

• Distance: ~12 km south of Cala Gonone
• Beach length: about 1 kilometre
• Fun fact: finish point of Europe's most difficult trek

UNESCO beach · ~10 km from Baunei

Cala Goloritze

Only by sea or trail from Baunei · UNESCO Heritage · National monument

The Goloritze needle — the limestone pinnacle towering 128 metres above the sea — is Sardinia's most photographed landmark [citation:4]. A natural monument and UNESCO World Heritage site, this beach is the result of a landslide that occurred in the 1960s [citation:5].

The clear, turquoise waters of Cala Goloritzè are fed by underwater springs, amid marble rocks shaped by time and lush vegetation. It is a haven for sport climbing enthusiasts [citation:4].

• Location: ~10 km south of Baunei (NU)
• Access by sea: boat from Cala Gonone (~40 min)
• Fun fact: formed by a landslide in the 1960s · underwater freshwater springs

Remote beach · Baunei (NU)

Cala Biriola

By sea or trail from Su Porteddu · Municipality of Baunei

Cala Biriola opens up at the end of a holm oak and juniper forest [citation:4]. Tall rock walls and limestone cliffs are reflected in deep turquoise waters. An ideal place for absolute silence and snorkelling.

Before reaching Cala Biriola by boat, you can dive into the Venus Pools, two natural pools of crystal-clear water famous throughout Sardinia [citation:4]. The beach can also be reached overland via a long trek through the forest.

• Municipality: Baunei (NU) · a few km south
• Access: on foot from Su Porteddu or by boat from Cala Gonone
• Fun fact: the famous Venus Pools are nearby

Limestone cave · Baunei (NU)

Fico Cave

By sea from Cala Gonone · Scenic coastal walk · Open to the public since 2003

The Grotta del Fico, discovered in 1957 by Jesuit speleologist Father Fureddu and opened to the public in 2003, is regarded as one of the finest and most important caves in all of Sardinia [citation:2]. A large limestone cave about 800 metres long, with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites grown over millennia.

Besides its wide variety of formations, the cave is particularly notable for the siphon connecting its interior to the open sea, once used by the monk seal to enter [citation:2]. One of the last refuges of monk seals in the Mediterranean [citation:7].

• Location: territory of Baunei (NU)
• Access: by sea from Cala Gonone or scenic coastal walk
• Fun fact: discovered in 1957 · open to the public since 2003 · one of the last refuges of the monk seal

Epic trek · 40 km · 5-6 days

Selvaggio Blu Trek

Italy's most challenging trek · No official trail markers · Created in 1987-1988

The Selvaggio Blu is considered one of the most challenging hiking experiences in Europe. 40 kilometres with no official markers, crossing the Golfo di Orosei National Park, with a total elevation gain of 2,500 metres [citation:3][citation:7].

Born from the idea of two friends, Mario Verin and Peppino Cicalò, between 1987 and 1988, the aim was to link ancient shepherd and charcoal-burner trails into a single route showcasing Sardinia's beauty [citation:3][citation:7]. The name "Selvaggio Blu" ("Wild Blue") evokes the sea route the trail constantly follows.

The route requires climbing experience, rope use and an excellent sense of orientation. The best season is spring or autumn [citation:7]. It is advisable to rely on local guides, who bring their historical and cultural knowledge of the area [citation:3].

• Length: about 40 km
• Duration: 5-6 days depending on pace
• Difficulty: extreme · climbing sections · exposed passages · rope use
• Recommended season: spring or autumn
• Municipal fee: about €30 per person