The spire over the sea and the path among the junipers
On the central-eastern coast of Sardinia, between Cala Gonone and Santa Maria Navarrese, the Gulf of Orosei is one of the most spectacular and unspoilt coastlines in the Mediterranean: about 40 kilometres of white limestone cliffs hundreds of metres high, falling sheer into a sea of incredible blue, without roads or buildings, interrupted by small coves of white pebbles and sand at the mouths of ancient ravines. It is part of the Gennargentu and Gulf of Orosei National Park.
The most famous and iconic is Cala Goloritzé, in the municipality of Baunei, a natural monument: a small beach of white pebbles at the foot of a spire of limestone about 143 metres high, the Aguglia, a famous destination for climbers, next to a natural arch in the rock, facing a sea of turquoise water. It can only be reached on foot, along a path of about 3.5 kilometres from the Su Porteddu plateau, which descends about 450 metres through a ravine among ancient junipers and holm oaks, in about an hour and a quarter; or by sea, but boats cannot land on the beach, which is protected. Access on foot is regulated and requires a ticket. Other famous coves of the gulf are Cala Mariolu, Cala Biriola, Cala dei Gabbiani and Cala Sisine.
Tip: the walk back up is hot and steep, bring plenty of water; boat tours from Santa Maria Navarrese and Cala Gonone visit the other coves.
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