Cala Goloritze beach in Sardinia

To reach the car park at the start of the walk:
- if you’re coming from the north, leave the SS 125 just before Baunei, heading towards Ristorante Golgo and Il rifugio (the road branches off to the left),
- if you are coming from the south, you will see signs for Golgo and Goloritze in the centre of the village (the road branches off to the right). After driving for about 8 kilometres, leave the tarmac road at a wooden signpost indicating Sas Piscinas, Voragine and Goloritze. The track ends after about one kilometre and leads to the Su Porteddu car park, which is also a campsite and a bar-restaurant.

(S/E) Head towards the nature warden’s kiosk, then go through the gate on the right and follow the well-marked path. Climb through the scrubland, then descend slightly to reach a viewpoint overlooking the coast.

(1) Begin the descent through sparse heath. Note a cave on the right which can serve as a shelter. Reach the lowest point of the valley. Old oak trees line the path. You’ll come to another cave on the right.

(2) Continue the descent, alternating between sections under the trees and open stretches. You’ll occasionally pass at the foot of cliffs and even under an arch. Ignore a path that climbs steeply to the left; carry on down to reach the picnic area beneath the cliff and the rock shelter.
Take the steps with wooden handrails to reach Cala Goloritze beach.

(3) Follow the same route in the opposite direction to return to the Su Porteddu car park (S/E).

- Bring suitable footwear for rocky terrain and plenty of water. A snorkel and mask are recommended.
- There’s no water, but caves can provide shelter.
- The number of people allowed access to the beach is limited to 250 per day (October 2021), which is a lot for such a small beach. In summer, it’s best to book and pay for access online (€6) via the Heart of Sardinia app a few days before your hike.
- The entrance kiosk opens at 7.30 am. You can buy your ticket there or have your e-booking checked. The rangers will check your footwear and give you advice on the walk.
- It’s essential to set off as soon as the barrier opens if you want to enjoy the beach for a while before it gets crowded.
- The road leading to the start of the walk begins in the village of Baunei. The first two kilometres of this road are very steep and feature a series of hairpin bends; long vehicles cannot access it. Near the start of the walk, the road is unpaved.

- This beach (unsupervised for swimming, but a nature warden is present) can be reached via the described path or by boat. However, boats do not moor there; they must remain 300 metres from the shore.
- The route described crosses a path that links Santa Maria Navarrese to Cala Gonone over several days.
- There are two campsites and a lodge near the start. The Su Porteddu campsite, bar and restaurant also serves as a car park for the start of the walk.
- At the start of the walk, the Golgo plateau offers some interesting sights.
(3) View of the Aguglia peak and its vertiginous climbing routes.