Welcome to Cala Goloritzè
Goloritzè.com was created to introduce you to one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean — and in the world. Cala Goloritzè is a truly unique beach, located in the Gulf of Orosei on the central-eastern coast of Sardinia.
Through photos, videos, and stories produced by us and shared by visitors, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the beauty, history, and hidden wonders of this magical corner of Sardinia.
Enjoy your visit!
For those renting a dinghy: keep at least 20 meters away from the floating rope that marks the swimming area. The seabed near the rope is quite deep, so use your full anchor line (usually 25–30 meters). Swim across the buoy line to enjoy a relaxing swim away from the boats. Never tie your boat to the boundary buoys — they are for delimitation only.
Known as *L’Aguglia*, this towering limestone pinnacle is one of the symbols of Cala Goloritzè, together with its natural arch. It is considered one of the most fascinating climbing routes in all of Europe, with several routes leading to its summit. Together with the surrounding spires, it creates the unmistakable skyline of Cala Goloritzè.
The Goloritzè Arch is a spectacular natural vault rising about 16 meters above the sea. You can swim beneath it or, for experienced divers, even jump from its upper edge — a breathtaking experience in crystal-clear water.
Cala Gonone (Dorgali)
Located in the heart of the Gulf of Orosei, Cala Gonone has long been the main port for excursions along the gulf. Cala Goloritzè lies about 12 nautical miles away and can be reached in around 35 minutes at 20 knots.
Departing from Cala Gonone offers a complete view of the Baunei coastline, with a succession of stunning beaches from Cala Fuili to Cala Goloritzè.
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Passenger ferry services
- Dinghy rentals (with or without skipper)
- Best panoramic view of the Gulf of Orosei
- Over 50 years of tourism experience, hotels, and restaurants
- Diving, snorkeling, trekking, biking, and climbing across the area
Santa Maria Navarrese (Baunei)
Santa Maria Navarrese is the seaside hamlet of Baunei, a municipality that administratively covers more than one-third of the Gulf of Orosei — from Capo Monte Santo to Cala Luna. This southern stretch is often referred to as the Costa di Baunei.
The port of Santa Maria Navarrese offers excellent ferry and charter services, some including onboard lunch. Cala Goloritzè is about 12 miles away (35 minutes at 20 knots). Baunei is also the ideal place to stay if you wish to reach Cala Goloritzè on foot, along trekking routes recently made safer by the municipality.
- Passenger ferry and charter services
- Dinghy rentals (with or without skipper)
- Best starting point for trekking to Sisine, Biriola, Mariolu, and Goloritzè
- More competitive prices compared to other ports
- Diving, snorkeling, trekking, biking, and climbing throughout the area
How the Beach Was Formed
Like many coves along the Costa di Baunei, Cala Goloritzè was formed by a landslide — but unlike the others, it is quite recent. In 1962, Sardinia experienced an exceptionally rainy year; underground karst waters flowing through the Bacu Goloritzè valley likely caused the collapse of the western rock wall, creating the beach as we see it today.
The Origin of the Name
The name *Goloritzè* likely comes from the Sardinian words colóvuru, caboru, or carhodu, meaning “snake” — a reference to the sinuous shape of the Aguglia, the tall limestone pinnacle near the beach. Before the beach existed, the area was simply known as the “Costa di Goloritzè”. The beach is also sometimes called “Spiaggia dell’Aguglia”.
Climbing Routes
The Aguglia is a legendary climbing destination in Sardinia. First climbed by the famous Italian climber Manolo, it now features more than ten long routes with difficulty levels ranging from 5c to 7a.
An Open-Sea Aquarium
The waters north of Cala Goloritzè are rich in marine life — particularly sea bream and other Sparidae species. During summer, they are so used to swimmers that they often eat bread directly from your hand. A true natural aquarium — come and see for yourself!
Freshwater Springs
While swimming at Cala Goloritzè, you may notice sudden drops in water temperature — sometimes up to 10°C colder. That’s because you’re swimming above an underwater freshwater spring. These karst springs come from deep inside the Supramonte mountains, and after heavy rains, they can even form underwater “volcanoes” of fresh water visible around the bay. The mix of cold springs and bright limestone creates the famous turquoise reflections of the Gulf of Orosei.