Unique Cala Goloritzé is one of Sardinia’s most famous beaches. After all, the setting of this small cove resembles as close to heaven as it can. It is a snow-white pebbly beach with breathtakingly Caribbean blue waters, surrounded by high cliffs, unique rock formations, and a lush oak forest. Therefore, it’s no wonder it was declared a National monument of Italy.
A favorite of locals and tourists, Cala Goloritzé, is one of the most photogenic spots on the island. You can often find it in the top lists of the most beautiful beaches in Italy and the world.
That’s why it can get very crowded during the entire season, July and August. Despite that fact, it is still worth visiting.
If you want to learn more about this magnificent jewel, stay with us.
It was formed in 1962 as a consequence of a landslide. It is not a sandy beach, as you may imagine. Instead of sand, you will find endless white pebbles that make it unparalleled. A 143-meters pinnacle rises above it like a beautiful church tower. And to the south, there is a rock arch that many enjoy climbing to dive in the transparent blue waters.
No wonder the beach is highly protected. Boats must stay 200 meters from the shore, and the area is regularly patrolled to ensure everyone respects that rule.
Water is immediately deep and incredibly transparent, thus making it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling.
One of the peculiarities of Cala Goloritzé is that spring water gets right onto the beach – from the rock formations around it – and in the water. So you can expect the sea to be colder than in other places in Sardinia. Furthermore, as there are lots of goats roaming around the area, it’s not uncommon to see them get down the beach and make their way to one of these sources to have a drink – despite the presence of many amazed tourists!
The symbol of Cala Goloritzé is Monte Caroddi and its Aguglia (literally “needle”), with its 143 meters. It is located on the southern side of the beach, where Eleonora’s falcons like to nest. This limestone needle is a favorite of climbers. So, if you are an experienced climber, enjoy the views.
Recently the municipality of Baunei, where Cala Goloritzé is located, has introduced an access fee for any visitor wishing to spend the day at the beach. This has been done to protect this natural wonder and to preserve it as it is.
Once you get to the beach, you will find the guardian working for the municipality issuing tickets, which are €6 for adults and €1 for children up to 10 years old.
There is no easy way to access it as you can’t get there by car. The only way to reach it is by boat or hiking.
If you can drive one, rent your rubber dinghy in Cala Gonone or Santa Maria Navarrese. Prices for a full-day rental (from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, by which you have to be back at the harbor) vary depending on the season and can be anything from €100 to €250 for the day, not including fuel. Having a boat with a shade or parasol for the peak hours would be best.
Organized boat tours
Boat services to Cala Goloritzé depart daily from Cala Gonone, Arbatax, and Santa Maria Navarrese – the latter being the closest access point. Remember that boats can’t moor within 300 meters from the shore, so they usually stop by for passengers to jump in the water and swim around before continuing to explore the gulf or – more seldom – charter passengers to shore on a row boat.
Here are some valuable data. The hiking trail is 3,5 km long (one way). This will take you about an hour and 20 minutes downhill and a little more. The altitude difference is about 470 meters. The hiking trail is complicated because the terrain can be tricky and slippery.
Here are a few more tips to make the most of your time at Cala Goloritzé.
There is no organized service at the beach. Therefore, you should bring anything you need for the day (food, umbrellas, etc.).
There are no trash cans at the beach. Therefore, you should bring all the garbage you produce during the day. Don’t steal sand or pebbles. The same applies to cigarette butts if you are a smoker.
Stealing sand, stones, and shells from Sardinian beaches is a crime, and if you are caught with you, you’ll get a fine.
Remember this, especially if you climb the rock to dive into the water.
As mountains surround Cala Goloritzé, the sun starts going down, and the beach gets in the shade as early as 4:00 pm, even in the peak months. Most people start leaving, fearing being stuck in the dark on the trail. The good news is that once you get on the central part of the trail, it will still be in full daylight so you can linger at the beach a bit longer.
The Gulf of Orosei, where Cala Goloritzé is located, is home to some of the most scenic beaches in Sardinia.
Two hundred meters north of it, you will find “Spiaggia delle Sorgenti’”(Springs Beach), where spring water gets onto the beach flowing between the rocks.
Further north, there are the gorgeous Cala Mariolu, Cala dei Gabbiani; Cala Biriola; Cala Sisine, and finally Cala Luna. There even are a few caves – namely the Grotta del Miracolo and Grotta del Bue Marino, once inhabited by monk seals.
Since this is a secluded beach, there is no accommodation in the approximate vicinity. However, Cala Gonone is the best place to stay to access Cala Mariolu by boat. Alternatively, you can also visit Santa Maria Navarrese.
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Featured photo: Stricktly Sardinia
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