Bue Marino Cave
The Bue Marino Caves are among the most captivating natural wonders on Sardinia’s eastern coast. Located in the Dorgali area, along the stunning Gulf of Orosei, the caves take their name from the Mediterranean monk seal — known in Sardinian as Su Oe ‘e Mare — which once inhabited these crystal-clear waters.
Extending for over 20 kilometers, the cave system is divided into three main branches: the South Branch (Ramo Sud), the North Branch (Ramo Nord), and the lesser-known Central Branch. Each section offers a unique underground landscape shaped by millennia of water and rock.
Inside the caves, archaeologists discovered mysterious anthropomorphic rock engravings, likely dating back to the Late Eneolithic period (2100–1800 BCE). Interpreted as ritualistic symbols or solar representations, they add a profound cultural layer to this already extraordinary site.
Popularized by Gianni Padoan’s children’s novel Tottoi, the Bue Marino Caves are a must-see destination for anyone visiting Cala Gonone and Dorgali.
This is the section open to the public and easily accessible by boat from the port of Cala Gonone. The guided tour follows a comfortable walkway for about one kilometer, leading through vast chambers adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and enchanting underground lakes.
The tour ends at the evocative “Seal Beach” (Spiaggia delle Foche), a magical point where freshwater springs meet the sea — once home to the monk seals.
The North Branch, formerly known as the “New Cave”, is a spectacular section of fossil passages and still-active galleries. Once open to tourists from the 1950s to the 1980s, it is currently awaiting full reopening. Highlights include the famed “Czechoslovakian Branch”, home to 42 underwater siphons and hidden lakes explored by speleologists.
The Central Branch is entirely underwater and accessible only to experienced cave divers. First explored in the 1970s by German diver Jochen Hasenmayer, it remains a fascinating subject of scientific research.
A Subterranean Giant
In recent decades, speleological expeditions have linked the Bue Marino system to the vast karst complex of Codula Ilune (including Su Molente, Monte Longos, and Su Palu), forming a massive 70-kilometer underground network — one of the largest in Italy.
Note:
Tickets do not include the boat ride from Cala Gonone harbor. Be sure to arrange your transport in advance with a local boat rental or shuttle service.
Grotta di Ispinigoli
Just a few kilometers from Dorgali lies one of Sardinia’s most spectacular inland caves: Grotta di Ispinigoli.
As you step inside, you’ll be struck by the awe-inspiring sight of its central chamber, home to one of Europe’s tallest known stalagmite columns — a 38-meter-high natural pillar that seems to fuse floor and ceiling in a single, monumental formation. The chamber itself is equally impressive: about 35 meters deep and up to 80 meters wide, with massive boulders at its base shaped by ancient geological forces.
Another striking feature is the “Abyss of the Virgins” — a 60-meter vertical shaft that connects Ispinigoli to the nearby San Giovanni Su Anzu cave system. According to legend, the abyss was used by the Phoenicians for ritual sacrifices. However, archaeological findings — including bones and artifacts — are now more commonly interpreted as Nuragic-era burial remains.
Though known to local shepherds for centuries, the cave was officially explored by speleologists in the 1950s. It opened to the public in 1974 and has since become a beloved highlight for visitors to Dorgali and Cala Gonone. The adjacent San Giovanni Su Anzu complex, rich in natural and archaeological value, remains closed to protect its integrity.
A Natural Stage
Throughout the year, Ispinigoli Cave hosts special evening events that take advantage of its unique natural acoustics. These include polyphonic choir performances, traditional Sardinian canto a tenore, and instrumental concerts — turning the cave into a magical and unforgettable experience.
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