The Gulf of Orosei is one of the most popular destinations for sport lovers, but it is especially known for the beauty of its beaches, which have always been considered among the most beautiful and evocative in Italy. In fact, in 2023, the Baunei coastline was again recognised by the Italian Touring Club as the most beautiful in Italy in the Vele Blu classification.
The best way to explore the many unspoilt beaches and countless caves is to book a boat trip along the Gulf. It is possible to do this either by privately hiring a dinghy without the need for a licence, or with a skippper or boat that will tell you about the beaches you will see.
Should you decide to venture out into the Gulf by hiring a dinghy from Cala Gonone, we have prepared for you a small guide to all the beaches in the Gulf, which we hope will also be useful to prepare you for a skippered trip!
The first beach one encounters when leaving Cala Gonone is Cala Fuili. Easily accessible by car, it is also the beach from which the trekking paths to the Bue Marino Caves, to the Caletta di Tziu Santoru and to Cala Luna depart. At Cala Fuili it is not possible to get close enough to get passengers off the dinghy, but you can admire it from outside the buoys
Bue Marino Cave
Continuing south, the crystal-clear green water will take you to the famous Grotte del Bue Marino. The cave owes its name to the monk seal, also known as Bue Marino, who was present in the Gulf until the 1970s and used to take refuge in the caves to give birth to her pups.
The cave has two branches, one extending northwards, which can also be reached on foot, and the southern branch, which is open to tourists and can only be reached by sea. It is possible to visit the caves by boat, so it will not be possible to enter by hiring a dinghy or with private boats, but you can approach with a low motor at the quay and admire the cavern.
Caletta di Tziu Santoru
Continuing southwards, you will encounter the picturesque Caletta di Tziu Santoru. A small beach surrounded by rich Mediterranean vegetation, the cove offers an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Its turquoise waters and sandy seabed make it ideal for snorkelling and enjoying a refreshing swim. The beach is also popular because the water remains shallow for many metres from the shore, so it is ideal if you have children or people who feel more comfortable being able to touch the seabed. Surrounded by rich Mediterranean vegetation, the cove offers an intimate and romantic atmosphere.A few metres further on, you will also find the cove of Oddoana, which has a slightly higher but still sandy and crystal-clear seabed
Its turquoise waters and sandy seabed make it ideal for snorkelling and enjoying a refreshing swim. The beach is also popular because the water remains shallow for many metres from the shore, so it is ideal if you have children or people who feel more comfortable being able to touch the seabed. Surrounded by rich Mediterranean vegetation, the cove offers an intimate and romantic atmosphere.A few metres further on, you will also find snother beach: Caletta di Oddoana, which has a slightly higher but still sandy and crystal-clear seabed
Cala Luna
Continuing on, you arrive at Cala Luna, one of the most famous and spectacular beaches in the Gulf of Orosei. With its fine white sand, crystal-clear waters and imposing rock face that surrounds it, Cala Luna is a true natural wonder. You can land with your dinghy and spend time exploring the beach, snorkelling or simply enjoying the sun and sea. The main feature of the beach is the freshwater river coming from the gully, known as Codula di Cala Luna, but it is also known for its grottos where you can rest in the shade after a refreshing swim!
Cala Sisine
Continuing along the coast, you will arrive at Cala Sisine, another beautiful beach in the Gulf of Orosei. Surrounded by high cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation, this beach offers a wild and unspoilt environment. It has a sandy shore characterised by white pebbles, which accentuate the transparency of the water but also make it a little uncomfortable for walking – it is useful to go down with rock shoes to avoid having problems! Next to the beach you will also find some impressive grottos where you can snorkel
Cala Biriola
Further south you will find Cala Biriola, a small cove nestled among the rocks. This beach is famous for its small bays, but above all for its turquoise sea, its clear sand and the striking rock formations that surround it. It is ideal for a relaxing break, where you can admire the beautiful surroundings and snorkel among the many colourful fish that inhabit these waters.
Just beyond the beach you will also find a bay of a thousand colours that will enchant you. You can enter it slowly and carefully with the dinghy, leave it to the side and enjoy a swim!
Pool of Venus
The Pools of Venus are a real hidden treasure in the Gulf of Orosei. These natural pools are formed by granite rocks polished by the action of the sea, creating a series of shallow pools filled with crystal-clear water. This enchanting place is perfect for bathing, relaxing and enjoying the breathtaking beauty of its surroundings.
Cala Mariolu
One of the most iconic beaches in the Gulf of Orosei is Cala Mariolu.
The well-known beach owes its name to the Ponza fishermen who, when they went fishing, would leave their nets with fish on the beach. While fishing, the monk seal would break the nets to eat the freshly caught fish, hence the nickname o’mariuolo, which then gave the beach its name.
This corner of paradise is famous for its snow-white sand, hence another name for this little paradise ‘Ispuligidenie‘, literally ‘snow fleas’, but above all for its turquoise blue waters of a thousand shades of colour. The rocks emerging from the transparent waters create a unique and perfect setting for snorkelling. The wealth of marine fauna will make your encounter with the underwater world unforgettable.
Cala delle Sorgenti
Continuing along the coast, just before Cala Goloritzè, you will arrive at Cala delle Sorgenti, another pearl of the Gulf of Orosei. This beach is distinguished by its freshwater springs that gush from the sand and mix with the sea, creating a unique spectacle. Here you can enjoy a refreshing swim and admire the contrast between the transparent waters and the fresh waters of the springs.
Cala Goloritzè
Last but not least, we find Cala Goloritzè, its spire and arch together with its intense turquoise colour are on every postcard!
This beach has been declared a UNESCO heritage site and is undoubtedly one of the most precious gems of the Gulf of Orosei.
The beach can only be reached by a trekking path or swimming and is quite far from the buoys, but you can drop anchor off the beach and swim to the beach or swim under the arch.
The boat excursion in the Gulf of Orosei is a unique experience to do at least once during your stay in a Cala Gonone flat that will allow you to see most of the beaches that can be reached by the treks we have talked about in previous articles.
For any information or advice during your stay, do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to give you all the advice you need to embark on your boat tour and spend an unforgettable day
