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Rock arch and turquoise water at Cala Goloritzé
Beaches

Cala Goloritzé: Hiking to the Famous Cove

No beach in Sardinia appears on postcards as often as Cala Goloritzé: a narrow pebble beach framed by steep limestone cliffs and a striking rock arch – a UNESCO natural monument since 1995.

On foot or by boat

Cala Goloritzé cannot be reached by car. Two routes lead there: the hike from the Golgo plateau near Baunei takes around 1 to 1.5 hours each way, partly steep and strenuous in the midday heat. Alternatively, boats from Cala Gonone, Santa Maria Navarrese, or Arbatax take you straight there – more comfortable, but weather-dependent.

Access rules

Access is limited and requires a paid ticket (for the hiking trail across the Golgo plateau) to protect the natural landscape. Tickets are usually available on-site or online through the municipality of Baunei – booking ahead is worthwhile in high season.

Practical tip: Bring plenty of water for the hike – there's nowhere to buy any along the way. Wear sturdy shoes rather than sandals, as the trail is rocky in places.

What makes the cove special

The freestanding rock spire "Aguglia di Goloritzé" dominates the scenery and is popular with climbers. The water shifts from deep blue to bright turquoise, and the pebble beach is small – so it can get quite crowded around midday in high season.

Cala Goloritzé is at its best early in the morning, before the first boat tours arrive.