Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±

Trail to grotta del Bue Marino in Cala Gonone, Sardinia, Italy

elisalocci/Getty

Grotta del Bue Marino

Cala Gonone


It’s a scenic 40-minute hike from Cala Fuili, or a speedy boat ride from Cala Gonone, to this enchanting grotto. It was the last island refuge of the rare monk seal (‘bue marino’ or ‘sea ox’ as it was known by local fishers). The watery gallery is impressive, with shimmering light playing on the strange shapes and Neolithic petroglyphs within the cave. Guided visits take place up to seven times a day. In peak season you may need to book at the Cala Gonone portside kiosk for 'Comune di Dorgali'. Note: boat tickets do not include entry tickets to the cave, which must be paid in cash.


Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby Cala Gonone attractions

1. Cala Fuili

0.64 MILES

About 3.5km south of town (follow Viale del Bue Marino) is this captivating rocky inlet backed by a deep green valley. From here you can hike over the…

2. Nuraghe Mannu

0.86 MILES

To get an eagle-eye view over the coast, follow the signs off the Cala Gonone–Dorgali road to this nuraghe. After 3km the rocky track peters out at a wild…

3. Cala Luna

1.53 MILES

A favourite with rock climbers, this wildly beautiful crescent-shaped bay is backed by a lush ravine, framed by cave-pitted cliffs and pummelled by…

4. Spiaggia Sos Dorroles

1.78 MILES

About 1km south of Cala Gonone, backed by a striking yellow-orange rock wall, Spiaggia Sos Dorroles is one of the prettiest spots near town for splashing…

5. Spiaggia Palmasera

2.11 MILES

Just south of Cala Gonone, this narrow sandy strip is interrupted by rocky stretches (watch out for sea urchins).

6. Acquario di Cala Gonone

2.31 MILES

Check out the local marine life before taking the plunge at this shiny new aquarium, designed by architects Peter Chermayeff and Sebastiano Gaias. The 25…

7. Spiaggia Centrale

2.61 MILES

In town, the small shingle Spiaggia Centrale is good for a quick dip, though the finest beaches lie further south.

8. Museo Archeologico

3.59 MILES

This modest archaeology museum spells out the region’s past in artefacts, from pre-nuraghic to medieval times.