A Guide To Dorgali, Sardinia: 11 Best Things To Do

Dorgali is one of the Sardinian villages with the biggest surface (225 square kilometers!) and as such it has an incredible range of attractions that you can enjoy. Its territory stretches from the mountains in the hinterland to the beautiful coves of the Gulf of Orosei: this makes finding an activity that will suit your tastes extremely easy.

Hiking? Check. Lazy sunbathing at the beach? Check. Archeological sites? Check. Boat tour of the area? Yup, check.

The city of Dorgali in itself (and its Cala Gonone marine district) has lots of points of interest, churches, a museum, and even a small aquarium! And, let’s not forget that this is one of the most beautiful marine areas of Sardinia.

Curious to discover all the attractions in Dorgali and plan a memorable holiday? Continue reading!

A Short History Of Dorgali, Sardinia

Despite being a territory that hosted a constant flow of people during the centuries, Dorgali was never a theater for extraordinary events. It was however highly populated since prehistoric times, as the many findings and and nuraghe in the area show.

Its area was home to some flourishing villages during the Roman eras and to several Catholic monasteries during the Middle Ages: the religion’s importance and influence have survived the flow of time and is still an essential part of the daily life of locals.

Dorgali’s darkest era was undoubtedly the 17th century plague, which impacted the whole island and took its toll on this village as well: the population started to rise again only two centuries later.

The town had a marginal role during the two world wars, and started to develop its economy – basing it on tourism – from the 1950s onwards, especially thanks to the marvelous beaches of the area.

What To See And Do In Dorgali, Sardinia

As a village in and of itself, Dorgali doesn’t have so much to offer – though I recommend having a look around, as you can definitely get a glimpse of local life there; and you should also pop inside the local archeology museum.

On the other hand, in the surroundings you will find many interesting places to visit – natural sites, archeological sites, and gorgeous beaches.

Here are the places you should not miss.

Discover the local history in Dorgali Archeological Museum

Albeit small, the local Archeological Museum hosts a considerable number of relics, spacing from prehistoric to contemporary ones. There are three rooms that show, in chronological order, what happened in this part of the island throughout the centuries.

The relics you will see have been accurately chosen among all the findings. There’s also a huge presence of objects found in sites that are still open to the public. You will also see relics found in destroyed / hard to access places are less numerous. This has been done to encourage visitors to explore the area.

Hike all the way to Tiscali

Tiscali is one of the most interesting examples of nuragic civilizations in Sardinia. It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but worth it.

I recommend booking a tour with a guide, because it’s quite easy to get lost in the beautiful Sardinian mountains.

Besides, it’s not the easiest of hikes, so having an expert guide by your side will make the experience way more pleasant. You will explore the ancient roads where coal miners used to travel until you reach Tiscali.

You can book your guided hike to Tiscali here.

Check out my post A Guide To Nuraghe In Sardinia.

Kayak to Su Gologone

Su Gologone, in the territory of Oliena, is the source of Cedrino. This is a mountain river which became a lake following the construction of an artificial damn.

It’s a gorgeous place only a few kilometers away from the Lanaitto Valley, and close to other local landmarks such as S’Ena e Thomes and Sa Sedda e Sos Carros.

If you have a car, you can easily drive to Su Gologone. If you are feeling more adventurous, however, you should rent a kayak from the Agriturismo Canales and paddle all the way there.

The view of the canyon from the kayak is stunning, and the beauty of the water source will reward you of all your efforts!

Visit S’Abba Frisca Park Museum

You will find Dorgali Park Museum in old farmhouse. It isn’t Sardinia’s largest ethnographic museum, but it’s interesting.

There are trails inside that you can follow to learn more about Mediterranean vegetation, and a number of animals – wild and domestic – that live at the farm, which is thus the ideal place to visit if you are traveling with children. There is an on-site restaurant where you can also enjoy local specialties.

The site is open daily, but you must book your visit in advance. You can do so here.

Visit S’Ena e Thomes Giants’ Tombs

This is one of the best examples of Giants’t Tombs in Sardinia. Measuring over 10 meters (32.2 feet) in height and 7 tons in weight, it’s beautifully immersed in the countryside, in what actually is private land.

Archeological excavation found simple tools and tokens inside this tomb – a sign that the people of the time may not have had a precise hierarchic distinction and thought everyone was equal when facing death.

Take a look at Sa Sedda e Sos Carros

One of the most interesting and lesser visited sites in the area is Sa Sedda e Sos Carros – literally meaning “where the carts pass.”

You will find this prehistoric village in the Lanaitto Valley, in the Supramonte mountains about 45 minutes drive from Dorgali on the way to Oliena. It is is a nicely kept nuragic complex that dates from a time when the nuragic people already knew the use of metals.

The site was linked to the cult of water. The most interesting building is “the source” – a circular space made of squared blocks of limestone and basalt placed one next to the other.

On its walls you’ll be able to spot carved mouflon heads with a hole through which water would flow. The nearby structure was a pool used for ceremonial ablutions and religious rites all connected to the cult of water.

Visit the local artisans’ boutiques

Dorgali, like the vast majority of the cities in the area, is particularly proud of its crafts. A tour of the local boutiques isn’t just an optional activity, is something that will make your holiday really complete.

The most famous products in Dorgali are the ceramic artworks, from vases to mosaics. You can also buy the filigree jewels used for the production of the traditional Sardinian costumes’ buttons. If you are looking for some special souvenirs, why not try your luck here?

Visit Cala Gonone Aquarium

Like every island, Sardinia is proud of its sea and sea creatures. In this aquarium – located in Cala Gonone, Dorgali’s marine district – you can admire both local and exotic species divided into several tanks and educational itineraries.

It’s indeed a fun activity if you travel with your family or if you are simply an aquariums lover.

Book your visit at least two days in advance by sending an email ([email protected]).

See the Sea Oxen Grotto (Grotta del Bue Marino)

You will find this cave complex – among the most beautiful caves in Sardinia – close to Cala Gonone. You can only get there by boat. The Sea Oxen Grotto is one of the biggest in Europe. Despite the portion open to the public being much smaller, the whole cave system stretches out for more than 70 kilometers.

The cave was named by the fishermen who used to stock on fish in this place, where colonies of monk seals (called Sea Oxen because of their cry) would live and mate.

Unfortunately, the competition for the fish and the consequent killing of the animals brought the seals to the brink of extinction, but someone still believes they took shelter in the deeper portion of the cave system.

To visit the caves, you will have to hop on a boat in Cala Gonone. There are regular departures. You can also visit the grottoes as part of a guided tour around the Gulf of Orosei.

Make sure to also read my post A Guide To Visiting The Grotte Del Bue Marino.

Join a Gulf of Orosei boat tour

One of the best things to do in Dorgali is a boat tour to visit the many small coves in the Gulf of Orosei. You can only get to most of them by boat or on a long hike.

There are several cruises, of various sizes, that leave from Cala Gonone every day. You can book your tour via the many companies in Cala Gonone, or you can even rent your own dinghy and explore the sea on your own!

Alternatively, you can book this boat tour that departs from Cala Gonone that stops at the best beaches.

Discover the best beaches near Dorgali

Speaking about beaches, it comes with no surprise that Dorgali – or better, its marine district, Cala Gonone, has some of the best beaches in Sardinia. Let’s see the most famous ones.

Spiaggia Centrale

The most popular beach in Cala Gonone, the one right in the center of the village, it’s where the aristocrats used to go on holiday. You can still feel the importance of the place by simply looking at the view, and especially at the Liberty-style villas overlooking the beach.

And, as expected from the nobles’ favorite beach, the white sand and stunning emerald sea are simply perfect.

Cala Fuili

You can reach this beautiful cove via a staircase that goes through a forest: isn’t this already enough to make you daydream about a relaxing day there? The beach is small and secluded, the water not too deep.

It’s seriously the ideal place for an escape, away from everything and everyone, surrounded by nature and peace. And it’s one of the few beaches you can drive to.

Cala Luna

Cala Luna is an 800 meters (0.5 miles) long shoreline with crystal-clear, deep water. Snorkelers love going there. Together with Cala Goloritzé, locals consider it the symbol of the Gulf of Orosei.

Its surroundings are simply breathtaking: many climbing lovers go there, all year round, to enjoy their favorite sport on the tall rocks that encircle Cala Luna.

You can get to Cala Luna by boat from Cala Gonone or via a 6 km hike (12 there and back) that starts in Cala Fuili. The hike is for the most part moderate, but you will need water and food for the duration of the hike and it can be very hot in the summer months.

Make sure to read my post A Complete Guide To Cala Luna.

This guided hike to Cala Luna includes transportation from Dorgali.

Cala Cartoe

This beach is probably the best pick if you travel with kids. The water is in fact very shallow for several meters, and the whole beach is surrounded by Mediterranean trees and secular oaks, making it very safe for families who want to spend a peaceful day.

The parking is nearby, too, so you will not have to walk a lot under the sun to reach the actual beach.

Palmasera Beach

Palmasera beach is the right place for the ones who like to be a little more spoiled. You will find everything you need for the day. It has its own beach club and is very close to the village, so that you won’t feel stranded, ever.

You can rent a rubber dinghy, play in the small water park, or have fun with aqua scooters and kayaks. It’s the best place to spend a day if you get easily bored.

Sos Dorroles Beach

Sos Dorroles beach is a bit of a special place. Its sand is darker compared to the neighboring beaches and it is surrounded by orange-golden rocks that make for a unique scenery.

Scuba and snorkeling lovers particularly appreciate this beach which is close to Cala Fuili and Palmasera Beach.

Practical Guide ForYour Trip To Dorgali

How to get to Dorgali

You can get to Dorgali by bus, but you are definitely better off renting a car if you are planning to visit. This will allow you to make the most of its beautiful surroundings.

If you are driving from Olbia, you first need to take State Road SS 131 to Nuoro-Siniscola; then, at km 70, you have to change to SP 38 and, after 17 more kilometers, to SS 125 Orientale Sarda until you reach Dorgali.

From Cagliari, take SS 131 to Abbasanta, from where you will take SS 131 towards Nuoro. A sign will point you to Dorgali. Take SP 38 to SS 125 all the way to Dorgali.

Check out my post A Guide To Renting A Car In Sardinia.

Where to sleep in Dorgali

Dorgali is a rather small town, but there are some good accommodation options. The best ones are actually the local agriturismi, which are beautifully immersed in nature and offer some of the best food in the area. Alternatively, you can opt to stay in Dorgali marina – Cala Gonone – for options that are closer to the sea.

AGRITURISMO CANALES – My favorite agriturismo in Sardinia, Agriturismo Canales is actually a few kilometers outside Dorgali, completely immersed in nature and with breathtaking views of Lake Cedrino. Rooms are spacious and comfortable; the meals delicious and there is the possibility of renting kayaks to go all the way to Su Cologone.

B&B FRADAMA’ HOLIDAY – Located in a nice area of Dorgali, this Bed and Breakfast offers nice rooms, equipped with every comfort, and excellent breakfast service. Free WiFi and free parking are included. You will be staying at about 20 km from the beaches.

APPARTAMENTI SA CORTE – Every unit features free Wi-Fi, a microwave, a fridge, and everything else you might need from an apartment. The location is, according to previous guests, excellent. Free private parking is also available.

HOTEL VILLA GUSTUI MARIS – Located in Cala Gonone, this hotel features plain but spotless and very comfortable rooms, complete with gorgeous sea views. Free parking on site and a swimming pool make it a fabulous place to stay.

Dorgali is sort of a Sardinian Wonderland, with all the marvelous attractions. So, what are you waiting for? You’d better start planning your trip!

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