This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Cala Gonone.
Cala Gonone (Dorgali), Sardinia, Italy, is located in the centre of the eastern coast of Sardinia, in amazing natural surroundings. Only half an hour's bus ride from Nuoro along the winding serpentines that take you over the mountains, once you enter the Parco Nazionale del Golfo di Orisei, your jaw is going to drop and stay open until the time you leave this area. Breathtaking turquoise waters, spectacular rock formations, sandy beaches, and traditional villages are what you can expect here.
The town of Cala Gonone itself is situated against a mountain backdrop that leaves just about enough space for a cosy little beach and a quaint, village-style town scattered along the side of the mountain, overlooking the magnificent bay. This is not your typical summer holiday resort. Although the hotels are plenty, they definitely have a more familiar feel to them and the party scene is replaced by some typical Sardinian bars that await tourists with some locally produced wine or mirto, the Sardinian liqueur produced from the berries of the myrtle plant, and restaurants where a real Italian mamma is going to prepare you the tastiest food combinations you can imagine.
At the moment, this area is most popular with climbers, as the rocky cliffs along the coastline are perfect for rock climbing. Although quite difficult to reach, if you are into hiking or just want to be truly amazed by the hidden beauties of nature, you should definitely not miss out on a day trip to Cala Goloritze, the beach with the pin stone. The pinnacle that is one hundred forty-three metres in height is a massive standing stone that dominates the a pristine cove, unspoilt by tourists because of the lack of easy accessibility. The most comfortable way to get here is to take the mini train from Gala Gonone to the guest house at the start of the hiking point and then walk over the mountain and down to the beach along the indicated trail. Calculate about three hours each way.
However, if you are in need of a more relaxing time, why not just ride your car or bike to Cala Luna, an impressive secluded beach south of Cala Gonone, from where you can easily access the Bue Marino Caves, a long line of limestone formations that continue for hundreds of metres along the shore?
Although your choices for hostels in Cala Gonone (Dorgali), Sardinia, Italy, are extremely limited, you will be spoilt with a wide range of friendly and not-so-expensive hotels. Make sure to go while it still has not been discovered by tourists to enjoy the charm of an authentic Sardinian town, which is definitely a piece of paradise on Earth.
Written by local enthusiast for Cala Gonone hostels
JudyM