Hike to the spectacular Cala Goloritzé in Sardinia

Cala Goloritzé is one of the highlights of the Gulf of Orosei, a coastline blessed with an extraordinary abundance of spectacular coves – including Cala Biriola and Cala Luna, to name just two more of Sardinia’s dream beaches.
A white pebble beach meets a sea of almost fluorescent blue, framed by towering pinnacles of rugged limestone. It is nature at its most dramatic.
My eyes are captivated by the colors and shapes of this extraordinary landscape. From the shimmering sea and the natural rock arch of Arco di Goloritzé rising out of the water, my gaze travels upwards to the striking limestone pinnacle of L’Aguglia, also known as Carrot Rock. For experienced climbers (6b+), it offers a fascinating climbing challenge in a truly unique setting.

Cala Goloritzé lies along the wild, uninhabited stretch of coastline between Cala Gonone and Santa Maria Navarrese on Sardinia’s eastern coast. The cove can be reached either by joining an organized boat tour or by hiking down from the Su Golgo Plateau.
The starting point of the hike is accessible via a scenic road from Baunei. Initially, a series of tight hairpin bends climbs steeply above the village towards the edge of the plateau, where magnificent views open up across the Tortolì Plain and the Supramonte Mountains beyond. From there, the journey continues for approximately eight kilometers along a well-maintained road winding through Mediterranean scrub and rugged limestone hills.
Eventually, the paved road gives way to a gravel track. After a few minutes, turn right and follow the final few hundred meters to the parking area near Bar Porteddu.

The hike follows a relatively easy but initially exposed trail, climbing gently for a short distance to a mountain saddle before descending through ancient holm oak forests into the increasingly narrow Bacu Goloritzé gorge. After approximately 1.5 hours, the path reaches the coast. The real challenge comes on the return journey, when around 480 meters of elevation must be regained. Nevertheless, the hike is manageable even for families with younger children. And as an added incentive, a bar serving refreshing cold drinks awaits at the end of the trail.

At the end of the descent through the gorge, I find myself speechless as a breathtaking coastal panorama suddenly unfolds just above the beach. The sweeping view stretches across the entire Gulf of Orosei, far beyond Cala Gonone.
Down on the beach, an unusually colorful mix of visitors has gathered. Italian families who have tackled the hike in nothing more than flip-flops mingle with hikers – predominantly German and often rather overequipped for the trail – and climbers carrying varying amounts of gear, depending on their preferred climbing style.

Swimming in the sea feels every bit as wonderful as it looks – simply heavenly and unforgettable.

More Photos in the Sardinia Gallery.