Cala Goloritzé: how to get there, booking and the trail

Cala Goloritzé is the most photographed beach in Ogliastra and one of the most famous in Italy: the white pebbles, the water shifting colour and the limestone pinnacle towering over it make an image you've already seen a thousand times. The real question, though, isn't what it's like — it's how you get there. And here you need two things many people discover too late: a booking and a pair of legs. I live in Ogliastra and I often explain it to my guests: here's everything you need to know to get there without a hitch.

How to get to Cala Goloritzé: on foot only

Let's start with the most misunderstood point: Cala Goloritzé can be reached on foot only. The trail starts at Su Porteddu, on the Golgo plateau, above Baunei.

And above all: the cove cannot be reached by sea. Unlike other coves in the Gulf of Orosei, here boats and dinghies can only pass offshore and admire it from a distance — docking and landing are not allowed. If you read about "boat trips to Cala Goloritzé", they mean the view from the sea, not landing. The only way to set foot on the beach is the trail.

The trail from Su Porteddu: how long and how hard

The trail is well marked and not technically difficult, but it shouldn't be underestimated. In short:

On the way there you descend towards the sea; it's on the way back that you feel the effort, because you have to climb all the elevation again. It's not a technical climb, but tackled without breaks and under the sun it can test you. My advice: bring plenty of water, closed shoes with good grip, and plan the climb back for late afternoon, when the gorge falls into shade and the heat eases. To place this among the area's other hikes, see the guide to trekking in Ogliastra.

Compulsory booking: how and when

Cala Goloritzé is capped: each day 250 people can enter, and booking is compulsory through the Heart of Sardinia app/website. The ticket costs 7 euros per person (free for children under 6 and for Baunei residents) and includes the trail, parking at Su Porteddu and beach access.

The upside of this cap is huge: the beach is never overcrowded and the experience stays wonderful even in August. The downside is that in high season places sell out fast. My tip as a local: book as soon as the dates open. Waiting up for midnight, when the newly bookable day is released, isn't over the top — often it's exactly what it takes not to be left out.

Parking, bar and phone signal at Su Porteddu

The starting point, Su Porteddu, has a free car park (parking is included in the ticket, you don't pay extra) and a bar where you can stock up before heading down or refuel on the way back. A practical warning that makes a difference: phone signal here is poor. Download the trail map in advance and arrange any meeting points before setting off, because on site you may have no coverage.

Drones at Cala Goloritzé

A frequent question among enthusiasts: yes, in general you can fly even in high season, but with clear rules. You cannot take off or land from the parking area or the beach, and flying over the beach is not allowed. The "no drone fly zone" signs found in the area can be misleading compared to the restrictions actually in force: the valid reference is always the ENAC rules and the d-flight app, which should be checked before every flight because they can change.

My advice: give it the whole day

Cala Goloritzé isn't a "quick stop" beach. Between the booking, the descent, the time to really enjoy it and the climb back, it's worth dedicating the whole day to it. Take it as a little adventure: set off in the morning without rushing, enjoy the beach in the central hours and climb back in the softer light of the afternoon.

From Villa Pelau it's one of the signature excursions to put on your plan: if you're deciding when to come to tackle it at its best, take a look at the guide on when to visit Ogliastra, and for the area's other beaches at the guide to Ogliastra's beaches.