Born of a 1962 landslide and a protected natural monument since 1995, Cala Goloritzé is the beach Sardinia decided to defend in earnest: no boats at anchor, no umbrellas, numbered entries. You arrive only on foot or by swimming, and precisely that effort guards the clearest water in the Gulf of Orosei, beneath the limestone needle of the Aguglia — one hundred and forty-three metres beloved by climbers across Europe.
What to see
The rock arch closing the cove to the south, the Aguglia towering like a bell tower, white pebbles and a sea shifting from turquoise to cobalt within ten strokes. Icy freshwater springs welling from the seabed complete its character: water for divers, not for wallowing.
Visiting
The trail starts from the Golgo plateau above Baunei: ninety minutes down through holm oaks and junipers, double the time (and sweat) back up. In season, access is capped with booking and ticket; boats must stay beyond the protection line, so swimmers arrive from the sea as well. Trekking shoes, plenty of water, no shade at noon.
Getting there
From Baunei climb to the Golgo by the mountain road; pay at the trailhead car park and set off. By sea, dinghies and charters from Santa Maria Navarrese or Arbatax reach the buoy line.
Our editors' tip
Leave the Golgo at seven: you will descend in the cool, have the cove nearly empty for two hours and climb out before the heat. Keep a dry swimsuit for arrival: the plunge after the walk, into that spring-fed water, is the true price of admission.