Nuraghe Mannu

Cala Gonone


To get an eagle-eye view over the coast, follow the signs off the Cala Gonone–Dorgali road to this nuraghe. After 3km the rocky track peters out at a wild headland where you can see nearly the entire curve of the gulf. The location is idyllic, set above a lush gorge and with silver-grey blocks strewn beneath the olive trees. First inhabited around 1600 BC, the tower is a modest ruin, but you can still see niches in the central chamber.

The Romans took a shine to the nuraghe, and looking at the traces of former dwellings, you can contrast the geometric forms made by the Romans with the elliptical shapes made by their predecessors.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cala Gonone attractions

1. Cala Fuili

0.33 MILES

About 3.5km south of town (follow Viale del Bue Marino) is this captivating rocky inlet backed by a deep green valley. From here you can hike over the…

2. Grotta del Bue Marino

0.86 MILES

It’s a scenic 40-minute hike from Cala Fuili, or a speedy boat ride from Cala Gonone, to this enchanting grotto. It was the last island refuge of the rare…

3. Spiaggia Sos Dorroles

1.03 MILES

About 1km south of Cala Gonone, backed by a striking yellow-orange rock wall, Spiaggia Sos Dorroles is one of the prettiest spots near town for splashing…

4. Spiaggia Palmasera

1.35 MILES

Just south of Cala Gonone, this narrow sandy strip is interrupted by rocky stretches (watch out for sea urchins).

5. Acquario di Cala Gonone

1.55 MILES

Check out the local marine life before taking the plunge at this shiny new aquarium, designed by architects Peter Chermayeff and Sebastiano Gaias. The 25…

6. Spiaggia Centrale

1.86 MILES

In town, the small shingle Spiaggia Centrale is good for a quick dip, though the finest beaches lie further south.

7. Cala Luna

2.39 MILES

A favourite with rock climbers, this wildly beautiful crescent-shaped bay is backed by a lush ravine, framed by cave-pitted cliffs and pummelled by…

8. Museo Archeologico

2.81 MILES

This modest archaeology museum spells out the region’s past in artefacts, from pre-nuraghic to medieval times.

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      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Italy",
      "region": "Sardinia",
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