Dorgali’s recreational beach is Cala Gonone
Il litorale di Cala Gonone
Dorgali has in its territory one of the most beautiful seaside resorts of Sardinia: Cala Gonone. The early founders of the village were the Nuragic settlers, as evidenced by the great number of archaeological remains, despite the erroneous belief that the village was founded by fishermen from the island of Ponza after World War II.
Inhabited in Roman times and during the Middle Ages, it was abandoned in the late Middle Ages because of the danger of pirate attacks from the sea. Since the 18th century, it has functioned as a harbor for small vessels exporting coal, lumber, wine, cheese, and minerals extracted in the mining town of Lula. After becoming a holiday destination for the people of Nuoro in the first half of the nineteenth century, it began its expansion. The area is dominated by the steep and wooded ridge of Mount Bardia, with the wall of lscrittioré called The Chair, one of the most famous climbing areas in Sardinia: there are dozens of climbing routes, with all levels of difficulties. In the vicinity, some paths lead through the forest to a large number of lookout points where it is possible to enjoy magnificent views.
In the middle of the Gulf of Orosei, Cala Gonone is a natural marine reserve. It extends from Sa Cala Cartoe to Pedra Longa of Baunei and represents the boundary of the sea of Supramonte and encompasses the magnificent beaches of Cala Luna, Cala Sisine, Cala Biriola, Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritze and the famous Grotta del Bue Marino. Since 2010, the Aquarium of Cala Gonone has invited visitors to experience the thrill of a stroll through displays of sharks, snappers, barracudas and piranhas. The seaside resort is reached by a tunnel dug near the SS125 Orientale Sarda crossing the saddle that separates Monte Bardia on the left (882 meters) and Monte Tului (915 meters) on the right.
