Cala Gonone
Golfo di Orosei — Cala Gonone · Porto di Cala Gonone
40°17.0'N 09°37.4'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 4–6m depth with 4:1 scope. If NE/Grecale forecast above F4, enter the marina or move south to the more protected coves of Bue Marino or Cala Luna. The eastern exposure is the key vulnerability.
About This Anchorage
Cala Gonone is the hub port for exploring the spectacular Gulf of Orosei — a 30nm stretch of limestone cliffs, sea caves (Grotta del Bue Marino), and pristine cove beaches accessible only by sea. The town has a small marina and ferry port serving the gulf's beaches. The anchorage in the main bay is usable in settled weather (summer Maestrale rarely affects the east coast), but exposed to NE (Grecale/Tramontana). The gulf south of Cala Gonone offers some of Italy's finest anchoring grounds: Cala Luna, Cala Biriola, Cala Mariolu — all accessible day anchorages with dramatic cliff scenery and crystal-clear water. No AMP restrictions apply in the main Gulf of Orosei waters (unlike some other Sardinian areas), but anchoring on Posidonia is nationally prohibited.
Protected From
W · NW · SW
Exposed To
E · NE · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Maximum stay
- 5 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No specific AMP permit required for the Gulf of Orosei main waters. Standard Italian maritime rules apply.
Restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia meadows (national prohibition). Standard 200m exclusion from the beach entrance in the Grotta del Bue Marino nature reserve area. Do not anchor in the ferry route south of the harbour.
Hazards
- !Grecale/Tramontana from NE: Direct exposure through the bay entrance; if forecast above F4, seek shelter in the marina or sail to a more protected cove
- !Sea caves and cliff falls: The limestone cliffs throughout the Gulf of Orosei are subject to rock falls; maintain 50m minimum clearance from cliff faces, especially after rainfall
- !Ferry traffic: The Cala Gonone–Cala Luna ferry runs multiple times daily in summer; maintain clear berth of the ferry route and harbour entrance
- !Shoaling beach approach: The bottom rises sharply within 100m of all gulf beaches — approach slowly under power and use depth sounder
Skipper's Tips
- →Cala Luna (10nm S by sea) is the highlight of the gulf — anchor in 5–12m on sand in the wide bay opposite the famous arched cave entrance; arrive before 10:00 for space
- →Cala Biriola and Cala Mariolu (further S, past Punta Ispuligi) require careful chart work among the limestone stacks but reward with extraordinary water colour and near-solitude outside peak season
- →The Grotta del Bue Marino (sea cave) can only be visited with the authorized boat tour from Cala Gonone — well worth the €15–20
- →The east coast of Sardinia is largely free of the Maestrale that dominates the west — summer sailing here is often calmer but watch the Grecale carefully
Facilities
Several restaurants in Cala Gonone village; try fresh-caught local seafood. The town has a supermarket and daily market.
Nearest provisions: Cala Gonone village (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September, October
The east coast enjoys more stable conditions than the west. May–October is the main season. July–August sees coastal ferry traffic and day-tripper boats. September–October offer the best combination of calm seas and fewer tourists.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In Sardinia, the Maestrale can build from calm to Force 8 while you sleep. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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