Grotta  del  Bue  Marino​

Latest page update: 13 March 2025
By: Dion Protani
The caves of the Grotta del Bue Marino are situated on Sardinia's eastern coast, part of the Orosei Gulf in the Province of Nuoro and belonging to the Comune of Dorgali.

The best way to reach the Grotta del Bue Marino is by a private boat excursion from the seaside town of Cala Gonone. The boat tours also make stops at the nearby Cala Luna and Cala Goloritzé​​.
Related links
Grotta del Bue Marino • Sardinia • Sea Cave
The Grotta del Bue Marino is a large cave located on the southern coast of Sardinia, near the town of Dorgali, in the Gulf of Orosei. The cave is famous for its impressive size, geological formations, and its historical significance. The name "Bue Marino" translates to "sea ox" in English, referring to the monk seals that once inhabited the cave, though they are no longer present today.

The cave is accessible by boat from the nearby beaches, and visitors can explore its vast chambers, which are filled with remarkable stalactites and stalagmites. The interior of the cave features several large rooms and a series of underground lakes, offering a fascinating glimpse into the natural processes that formed the cave over thousands of years. The acoustics inside are also striking, with the cave's natural formations creating an echo effect that adds to the atmosphere.
​
Nearby, the town of Dorgali provides services such as restaurants, accommodations, and shops. The surrounding area is known for its natural beauty, including beaches like Cala Luna and Cala Sisine, which are accessible by boat or hiking. Grotta del Bue Marino is a popular destination for visitors interested in Sardinia's natural history and underground landscapes.
Key features
  • Boat Tours: Visiting the Grotta del Bue Marino requires taking a boat tour from the nearby town of Cala Gonone or Marina di Orosei. The cave's entrance is accessible only by sea, and boat tours typically depart from the ports and coastlines in the area.
  • Cave Exploration: Once inside the cave, visitors can explore its magnificent interior, adorned with impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations. The cave's chambers are vast, and the tour guides will lead visitors through the most accessible areas.
  • Archeological Finds: Throughout history, the Grotta del Bue Marino served as a shelter for prehistoric human populations. Archaeological excavations have revealed artifacts and remains dating back to the Neolithic period.
  • Guided Tours: To protect the delicate ecosystem and preserve the cave's natural beauty, access to certain sections of the cave may be restricted. Therefore, visitors are required to take guided tours, led by experienced guides who provide information about the cave's geological and historical significance.
  • Photography: The Grotta del Bue Marino offers fantastic opportunities for photography, with its awe-inspiring rock formations and play of light and shadows.
  • Weather Considerations: Boat tours to the cave are weather-dependent, and it is advisable to check the weather conditions before planning a visit.
  • Accessibility: The Grotta del Bue Marino can be reached by boat from the ports of Cala Gonone or Marina di Orosei, both of which are accessible by car from major towns in Sardinia.
Grotta del Bue Marino
Comune: ​Dorgali

Province: Nuoro
​
Region: Sardinia

​​​Access: private boat/excursion

​Close by: ​Cala Fuili, Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu

Recommended accommodation: ​Hotel ​Nettuno (Cala Gonone)

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via  my Facebook and Instagram pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone.