Cala Goloritzè is one of the most incredibly beautiful beaches in Italy and the entire world. Located on the island of Sardinia, in the Ogliastra area, 9 kilometers north of Baunei, it is a photogenic gem comprised of otherworldly emerald waters, romantic rock formations and pale sands. Added to this is the fact that it is located in a ravine and is unreachable by car or boat, closing it off from the outside world and making it seem even more like one has some how ended up in paradise on earth.
Elected a UNESCO site in 1995, it is officially recognised for its immense beauty and is one of the best places to go snorkeling in the country. If you are a beach-lover or an avid photographer, this beach really has to top the list of those to visit while exploring Italy.
Just find a holiday rental in Sardinia and visit this unbelievable gem for yourself.
Elected a UNESCO site in 1995, it is officially recognised for its immense beauty and is one of the best places to go snorkeling in the country. If you are a beach-lover or an avid photographer, this beach really has to top the list of those to visit while exploring Italy.
Just find a holiday rental in Sardinia and visit this unbelievable gem for yourself.
The only way to get to Cala Goloritzè is by foot, a hike that takes over an hour there and more back. However, it really is well worth the trek. It also isn't a terribly difficult walk but, rather, a relatively family-friendly hike along an old mule trail (but can be tough in the heat so travel light, cover up and bring water!), through a limestone canyon, past wooded areas, by caves and dramatic rock formations and, around fifteen minutes in, with glimpses of the amazing teal-coloured sea.
When you reach the beach Cala Goloritzè itself, you will find the small and perfectly formed last beachette of the gulf.
Enclosed by bizarre limestone formations along the cliffside, including the towering Monte Caroddi (or Aguglia), a 148m-high needle that is a favourite of climbers, is a pretty half-moon of pure white pebbles and sand, hugged by the astonishing hue of the sea.
When you reach the beach Cala Goloritzè itself, you will find the small and perfectly formed last beachette of the gulf.
Enclosed by bizarre limestone formations along the cliffside, including the towering Monte Caroddi (or Aguglia), a 148m-high needle that is a favourite of climbers, is a pretty half-moon of pure white pebbles and sand, hugged by the astonishing hue of the sea.
Interestingly, Cala Goloritzè was actually only created in 1962, after a landslide carved this extraordinary little beach out of the cliffside. Though the beach is rather famous, you will tend to find fewer tourists in the area, as a general rule, due to its location in the wilder and more rugged part of the island, which normally attracts mostly the adventurous types who are there for climbing, bouldering, sea kayaking and hiking. You will have to pay to use the beach after a decision by the Baunei District. Access costs 6 euros for adults and 1 euro for children under ten and is obligatory from 7.30am to 7pm but this shouldn't put you off too much when you consider that it is a National Italian Monument and this was partially motivated to preserve the environment and beauty of this gem.
One of the best beaches in Italy, this really is a must-see.
One of the best beaches in Italy, this really is a must-see.
Photo credits
Picture 1: delaere / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 2: Mentnafunangann / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: Yesuitus2001 / CC BY-SA 2.5
Picture 1: delaere / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 2: Mentnafunangann / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: Yesuitus2001 / CC BY-SA 2.5
