Crowned by cliffs and evergreen oaks, the magnificent cove of Cala Goloritzé is a jewel of the Sardinian coast. A must-see during your stay on the island of Ogliastra.

If any bay deserves to be photographed in Sardaigne, it is surely the bay of Cala Goloritzé. Swimmers will delight in the beach of turquoise water, so crystalline that it has become legendary. The coastline presents original geological characteristics: red and pink sandstone cliffs tower over the sea on the cape of Monte Santo, and further along, one can make out a natural stone arch sculpted by erosion. Beyond, the needle of Mount Caroddi rises to 145 metres, drawing thrill-seekers to its viewpoints. In the background, pines, oaks and strawberry trees form a wild jungle feast for the eyes. A perfect harmony between the vegetable kingdom, the animal kingdom and the mineral realm! Offering beach time, mountain sports, hiking and falconry experiences, the cove of Cala Goloritzé is an attraction that must be seen during a couple's getaway or group trip to Sardaigne.

Echoes of the Past

The beach came into being in 1962 through marine erosion. The sandstone cliffs that protect the bay decomposed through contact with the waves; part of it collapsed, leaving behind an aggregate of white pebbles scattered along the shore. The bay of Cala Goloritzé has been declared a "natural monument" since 1995. The exceptional quality of the site certainly played a role in this designation. From Cape Santo Manto, rock formations of every shape dominate the bay, making it a natural jewel of the Gulf of Orosei.

An environmental association defended the restriction of motorised boat access to the beach. This measure was implemented in 2007 with the aim of reducing pollution and limiting the number of visitors. The association requests from tourists an entrance fee of 6 €, used to finance the upkeep and cleaning of the shoreline. For your information, the cove is an integral part of the natural park of the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu.

One of the Most Popular Beaches in Ogliastra

The bay of Cala Goloritzé is located in Baunei, in the historic region of Ogliastra, province of Nuoro. It appears every year in the rankings of the 10 best beaches in Italy established by the TripAdvisor community. Photography lovers will not be disappointed by visiting this masterpiece of nature to which no description could do justice. Starting from the Golgo plateau, expect approximately one and a half hours of hiking on foot before reaching the beach. Apart from coastal tourism, the chain of cliffs of Supramonte di Baunei attracts trekking and climbing enthusiasts. Up to 800 visitors to the cove during the summer season… This figure speaks for itself, illustrating the immense tourist potential of the island of Ogliastra.

Must-See Points of Interest

Numerous natural attractions are to be seen on the cove and in the surrounding area:

The Beach of Cala Goloritzé

The famous pebble beach measures 150 m long and 30 m wide. Kissed by a sea with transparent waters that advance deeply towards the shoreline, it has everything to satisfy the desires and fantasies of photographers. Here, vertiginous cliffs present themselves to the gaze, some rising more than 500 metres; there, karstic peaks surge in the middle of the waves. The tourists' favourite, however, is the charming natural stone arch, fashioned by water, erosion, wind and time. While swimming, one cannot help but admire the deposits of grey pebbles resting at the bottom of the turquoise water.

The Spring Beach

Three minutes' walk from the previous beach, you arrive at a miniature beach sheltered by breakwaters. Water trickles from cracks in the rocks before joining the sea, which is how the beach got its name.

The Stone Arch

A natural extension of the karstic peaks, this stone vault captivates many tourists. It is almost a crime not to photograph it.

Aguglia a Tramontana

The bay is dominated by a majestic limestone peak standing 180 metres high. Various hiking trails are available to reach the summit. The most popular route is called the "symphony of windmills"; it is the same route taken by Alessandro Gogna and Zanolla Manollo, the two first climbers to successfully scale the massif in 1981. You will note with pleasure that the peak Aguglia a Tramontana serves as a breeding and nesting site for birds of prey. Witnessing the flight of the golden eagle, the bearded vulture or Eleonora's falcon is a worthy reward that will make you forget the fatigue of trekking. This circuit is not for beginners, but is suited to trained trekkers.

When to Visit Cala Goloritzé?

Like Sardaigne, the bay of Cala Goloritzé enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate: dry summers and moderate winters. If swimming is your hobby, it is worth going between July and August. Otherwise, the best time to visit Cala Goloritzé is spring (April-May) or autumn (October). Tourists will not have to endure scorching heat. The typical species of Mediterranean scrubland flower again in the first days of spring, making the hike magical.

Cala Goloritzé is approximately 7 km from Baunei, on the road between Cala Gonone and Santa Maria Navarrese. Since the ban on motorised boats, which are accused of polluting the cove and marring its scenic integrity, the beach is mainly accessible on foot. Putting on your hiking boots, explore the high Golgo plateau and discover wild and untamed landscapes. A steep climb begins at Sella Salinas, followed by a descent into the Bacu Goloritzé valley. The whole route presents a 470-metre elevation change.

In the Surrounding Area…

The hike does not end at Cala Goloritzé; the cove is the starting point for new adventures in the heart of the Mediterranean wilderness. During a single excursion, you can combine Cala Goloritzé and Cala Mariolu, another gem of Sardaigne. Heading north, you will follow the coast of Cala dei Gabbiani and then continue to Cala Biriola, a lovely unspoiled bay located a few kilometres from the Pools of Venus. On the road between Baunei and Dorgali, Cala Luna is a must-visit stop, renowned for featuring some of the most beautiful and breathtaking panoramas of the Mediterranean. A tiring outing, but truly worth the effort!