The last beachette of the gulf, Cala Goloritzè rivals the best. At the southern end, bizarre limestone figures soar away from the cliffside. Among them is jaw-dropping Monte Caroddi or the Aguglia , a 148m-high needle of rock beloved of climbers. Follow the signs from the Cooperativa Goloritzè at the Golgo plateau and it’s a gentle 4.5km or about an hour’s walk down (and a slightly tougher 1½ hours back) to Cala Goloritzè.
Suitable for families, the easygoing hike along an old mule trail takes you through a beautiful limestone canyon shaded by juniper and holm oaks, passing cliffs honeycombed with caves, dramatic rock arches, overhangs and pinnacles en route.
After you’ve been walking for around 15 minutes you’ll get your first tantalising glimpses of the bay and a sea so blue it will make you gasp. Keep an eye out for a traditional sheepfold and the idiosyncratic spike of the Aguglia as you approach the bay. Steps lead down to the half-moon of bone-white pebbles; this is a perfect picnic spot. Bring along your bathers for a dip in the deliciously warm, astonishingly blue waters.
