Where to Stay in the Gulf of Orosei, Italy 🇮🇹: Travel Guide to the Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to this rugged stretch of eastern Sardinia can feel overwhelming, but deciding where to stay in the Gulf of Orosei, Sardinia, is the first step to an unforgettable adventure. Having just explored its limestone cliffs and sapphire waters, I can tell you that the right base is crucial for accessing the iconic beaches and wild interior. This guide provides the essential, on-the-ground advice needed to choose the perfect spot for your vacation.

Best Hotels in the Gulf of Orosei🔥

• 💎 Luxury Hotel: Melalidone
• 🏨 4-Star: La Casa Gialla Cala Gonone 
  
• 🛏️ 3-Star: Casa Pilighitta
• 💸 Cheap: Smart Luxury Suites & Apartments
• 🏢 Apartment: Casa Orosei Mannu
• 👪 For Families: Nicchia Turchese
• 🏩 For Couples: Hotel Su Barchile

Quick Guide to the Best Areas 📃

1. Cala Gonone: The Gateway to the Supramonte Coast

Cala Gonone is the Gulf of Orosei’s primary tourist hub, a lively seaside town nestled at the foothills of the Supramonte massif along the east coast of Sardinia. Its extensive waterfront and bustling port make it the undeniable epicenter for boat excursions to the famous coves like Cala Goloritzé and Cala Sisine, which are otherwise hard to reach. If your main goal is to explore the beautiful beaches of the gulf with crystal clear water and maximum convenience, this is your place.

On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
The town’s lifeblood is the Port of Cala Gonone, where boats depart for Cala Luna and beyond. Stroll the Lungomare Palmasera in the evening to soak in the atmosphere, and consider a visit to the nearby national park or a short trip towards Olbia. For a taste of what’s to come, locals walk to the nearby Beach of Cala Fuili, a beautiful beach accessible by car, for a quick swim in crystal clear water. Arrive at the port before 9:00 AM in the high season to book your boat trip, as the best operators sell out quickly.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: The best and most plentiful options for boat trips to the famous beaches.
• Con: It’s the most crowded and tourist-focused town in the region. Solution: Stay on the quieter, hillier streets just back from the main waterfront.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for first-time visitors who want easy access to boat tours and amenities. Skip if you seek a quiet, authentic Sardinian village experience.

Best Hotels in Cala Gonone

💎 Luxury hotels

• Hotel Nuraghe Arvu — A stunning resort with a massive pool and beautiful gardens, offering a tranquil retreat just outside the town center.
• La Casa Gialla Cala Gonone — Features an infinity pool with breathtaking panoramic views over the entire Gulf of Orosei.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Sebastian House — A modern hotel with a large swimming pool and spacious rooms, known for its excellent service and abundant breakfast.
• Appartamento Picasso — Offers a prime location just steps from the beach and port, with exceptionally friendly staff.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Hotel Il Nuovo Gabbiano — A clean, simple, and modern hotel in the heart of town, perfect for a no-fuss stay.

2. Baunei: A Hiker’s Base in the Mountains

Perched high in the hills with breathtaking views over the coast and the waters of the Gulf of Orosei, Baunei offers a completely different atmosphere. This is a traditional Sardinian mountain village, serving as the gateway to the rugged Supramonte di Baunei highlands and the Gennargentu National Park. It’s the ultimate base for serious hikers and those who want to earn their beach time on the best beaches or a hike to Cala Goloritzè, making it perfect for a trip to Sardinia.

The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
From the main square, Piazza Indipendenza, you can get a stunning view of the coast and the valley below. The main draw is access to the Altopiano del Golgo (Golgo Plateau), the starting point for the famous trek to Cala Goloritzè. Locals love to cool off at As Piscinas, natural rock pools on the plateau, or at nearby Cala Moresca, after a hot day’s hike. Remember that the trek to Cala Goloritzè requires a permit, which must be booked online in advance, especially from June to September, when exploring the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu is most popular.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: Unparalleled access to some of Europe’s best hiking trails, including the Selvaggio Blu.
• Con: You are a significant drive away from the sea. Solution: Plan dedicated beach days and use Baunei as a base for inland and high-altitude exploration on other days.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for avid hikers and adventurous travelers. Skip if you want to be able to walk to a beach or prefer seaside promenades.

Best Hotels in Baunei

 💎Luxury hotels

• Orientale 205 Baunei — A modern and stylish apartment offering a private terrace with spectacular mountain views, perfect for a self-sufficient stay.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• B&B Steddueoro — A charming and authentic guesthouse praised for its exceptional hospitality and delicious homemade breakfast.
• Bia Maore — Offers beautifully designed rooms with incredible views and a terrace perfect for enjoying the mountain scenery.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Sa Scala Bed & Terrace — A simple, clean, and welcoming guesthouse in the heart of the village, ideal for a budget-conscious stay.

3. Santa Maria Navarrese: For Relaxed Southern Charm

At the southern end of the Gulf of Orosei, Santa Maria Navarrese is a relaxed and charming seaside resort. It feels more low-key and polished than Cala Gonone but still offers excellent access to the sea of the gulf and the stunning beaches along the eastern coast of the island. With its modern marina, pleasant spiaggia, and flat, walkable center, it’s a fantastic place to stay for couples and families.

Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
The town is centered around its main beach and the modern Porto Turistico, from which boat excursions depart to popular beaches like Cala di Cartoe or the beach of Cala Luna. Key landmarks include the ancient Church of Santa Maria di Navarra and the imposing Torre Spagnola (Spanish Tower) that watches over the bay. A local favorite is admiring the thousand-year-old olive trees in the town’s central park. Boat trips from here are often on smaller vessels, offering a more intimate experience than the larger boats from Cala Gonone, making it ideal for visitors exploring the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu National Park.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: A calmer, more refined atmosphere with great restaurants and a lovely town beach.
• Con: It’s further from the most famous northern coves like Cala Luna. Solution: Hire a private boat (a gommone) for the day to create your own itinerary.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for those seeking a relaxing beach vacation with easy access to boat tours but without the crowds of Cala Gonone. Skip if you’re a serious hiker wanting proximity to the main Supramonte trails.

Best Hotels in Santa Maria Navarrese

💎 Luxury hotels

• Lanthia Resort — A chic and stylish boutique hotel with a beautiful pool, lush gardens, and an acclaimed on-site restaurant.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Hotel Nascar — An elegant hotel right on the seafront, offering rooms with stunning views and direct access to a private beach area.
• Hotel Poesis — A highly-rated bed and breakfast offering immaculate rooms and a warm, personal welcome from the hosts.

4. Dorgali: The Hub for Culture and Crafts

Situated in the hills above Cala Gonone, Dorgali is a large, authentic town renowned for its artisan traditions. The vibe is that of a working Sardinian community, where you can explore culture, history, and craftsmanship just a short drive from the golfo di orosei and the beaches in the gulf along the east coast of the island. It’s a great place to stay for travelers visiting Sardinia who want a dose of local life alongside their beach excursions.

Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Explore the artisan shops along Corso Umberto, famous for leatherwork and intricate filigree jewelry. Dive into the region’s ancient history at the Museo Archeologico before venturing out to the impressive Grotta di Ispinigoli cave. For a true taste of the area, visit the Cantina Dorgali for a wine tasting of local Cannonau. Dorgali’s location on the SS125 scenic road makes it an excellent base for road trips along the coast, exploring the Gulf of Orosei, and accessing amenities for the Gulf of Orosei, as well as convenient rentals in Gulf of Orosei or vacation rentals in gulf nearby.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: A rich cultural experience with authentic food and crafts.
• Con: It is not on the coast and requires a 15-minute drive down a winding road to reach the sea at Cala Gonone. Solution: Enjoy the town’s atmosphere in the evenings and plan full-day trips to the coast.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for travelers interested in culture, history, and food who have a car. Skip if waking up to a sea view is your top priority.

Best Hotels in Dorgali

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Turismo Rurale Filieri — Provides an authentic Sardinian agriturismo experience with home-cooked meals and a rustic, tranquil setting.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Ghivine Albergo Diffuso  — A welcoming B&B in the heart of the old town, known for its friendly host and traditional atmosphere.

5. Orosei (Town): History by the River Delta

The historic town of Orosei, which gives the gulf its name, is set back slightly from the coast on the Cedrino river plain. It has a well-preserved medieval center and a less touristy, more traditional feel than the seaside resorts, reflecting the heart of Barbagia and the terra di centenari. Its location gives you easy access to the long, sandy beaches along the Tyrrhenian Sea and the northern part of the gulf.

On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
The heart of the town is the Piazza del Popolo, a perfect spot for a morning coffee. Explore the historic center’s labyrinthine streets and visit the Museo Don Nanni Guiso, which houses a collection of miniature theaters. The nearby Marina di Orosei is a 7km-long sandy beach that locals frequent for its space and simplicity, with popular amenities for the gulf and local bars and restaurants nearby. The town’s historic center is best explored in the late afternoon when the streets are cool and the locals are out, making it one of the top places to visit for those visiting Sardinia.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: Offers a more authentic, historic town experience and easy access to long, sandy beaches.
• Con: It lacks the dramatic cliff-backed scenery of the southern part of the gulf. Solution: Use Orosei as a base to enjoy the northern beaches and plan a day trip south for a boat tour from Cala Gonone.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for travelers seeking an authentic town atmosphere and those who prefer long, sandy beaches over small coves. Skip if your primary goal is to hike or see the iconic limestone coves.

Best Hotels in Orosei (Town)

💎 Luxury hotels

• Casa Vacanze Osala — Located just a short walk from the beautiful Osala beach, this holiday home offers self-catering apartments perfect for a relaxing seaside getaway.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Hotel Anticos Palathos — A charming hotel set in a 19th-century building in the historic center, featuring traditional decor and a lovely courtyard.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Domo Pro Vois — A simple, clean, and highly-rated B&B praised for its friendly hosts and convenient central location.

FAQ

What is the best base for exploring the beaches of the Gulf of Orosei?

Cala Gonone is the best and most convenient base for exploring the famous beaches of the Gulf of Orosei. Its large port offers the widest variety of boat tours and private boat rentals, providing direct access to iconic coves like Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Goloritzè.

What are the essential things to do in the Gulf of Orosei?

The most essential activity is taking a boat trip along the coast to visit the world-renowned beaches. Other key things to do in the Gulf of Orosei include hiking in the Supramonte mountains, especially the trail to Cala Goloritzè, exploring the nuragic village of Tiscali, and visiting the artisan towns of Dorgali and Baunei.

Do you need a car to visit the Gulf of Orosei?

While you can manage a trip focused solely on Cala Gonone and its boat tours without a car, renting one is highly recommended. A car gives you the freedom to explore the different towns like Baunei and Dorgali, reach trailheads for hiking, and visit inland cultural sites and wineries, providing a much richer experience of Sardinia.

How many days are needed to fully experience the Gulf of Orosei?

To fully experience the Gulf of Orosei, plan for a minimum of 4 to 5 days. This allows for at least one full-day boat trip, a day dedicated to hiking, and time to explore the charming inland towns and enjoy the local food and culture without rushing.

What is the best way to see famous coves like Cala Luna in the Gulf of Orosei?

The best and easiest way to see Cala Luna and other remote coves in the Gulf of Orosei is by boat. You can join a group tour or hire a self-drive inflatable boat (gommone) from the ports of Cala Gonone or Santa Maria Navarrese. While some beaches can be reached by strenuous hiking, the boat offers stunning vi