Altopiano del Golgo (Baunei) - Image 1
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Golgo Plateau

4.7
·319 reviews·Baunei, Italy

A wild, untamed plateau in Sardinia, gateway to Europe's deepest chasm and some of the world's most beautiful beaches.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Spring / Early Autumn

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
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Altopiano del Golgo (Baunei) - Image 1

Golgo Plateau

Best Time

Late Spring / Early Autumn

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A wild, untamed plateau in Sardinia, gateway to Europe's deepest chasm and some of the world's most beautiful beaches.

4.7
(319 reviews)

"Wow! Nice drive and no, you don't need a range rover. This area were amazing. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Car Choice Matters

While some roads are rough, many visitors found smaller cars like Fiat Pandas perfectly fine.

🥾 Hike Smart

The trek to Cala Goloritzè is challenging, especially on the return. Wear good shoes and bring water.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Su Sterru Chasm

Su Sterru Chasm

Golgo Plateau

Europe's deepest single-span chasm, shrouded in mystery and legend. A truly awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Instagram
Cala Goloritzè

Cala Goloritzè

Baunei Coast

A world-renowned beach, often ranked among the most beautiful. Accessible by a scenic hike or boat trip.

TikTokInstagram
Cala Mariolu

Cala Mariolu

Golfo di Orosei

Voted one of Europe's most beautiful beaches, boasting pristine waters and striking white sand.

TikTok
Roaming Wildlife

Roaming Wildlife

Golgo Plateau

Encounter friendly donkeys, cows, and pigs freely roaming the plateau – a charming and unexpected delight.

Reddit+1
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Golgo Plateau

The Golgo Plateau offers a unique, wild experience. Be prepared for unpaved roads and potentially roaming animals like donkeys and cows. While some suggest a 4x4, many visitors report success with smaller cars, so check conditions before you go. Reddit+1

Accessing Coastal Gems

The plateau is a gateway to stunning beaches like Cala Goloritzè and Cala Mariolu. Access is often via a challenging hike or by boat. Booking for Cala Goloritzè might be required, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment. TikTokInstagram+1

Best Times

When
Late Spring / Early Autumn
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Summer Mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
End of Season
Why
More animals, fewer people
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you visited this beautiful island yet? 💙 ✨ One of the island’s most spectacular regions is the Coast of Baunei, a hidden gem on the eastern shore. This rugged coastline has some of the Mediterranean’s most pristine and unspoiled beaches 🌅 📽 @jemel734 & @gianfrenkofficial 📍 Sardinia, Italy #sardegnaitaly #sardinia #sardiniatravel #sardegna #sardiniaitaly #italy #italia #Summer
@beautifuldestinations
284.9K likes • 7.1M views

🚗 Car Choice Matters

While some roads are rough, many visitors found smaller cars like Fiat Pandas perfectly fine. Reddit

🥾 Hike Smart

The trek to Cala Goloritzè is challenging, especially on the return. Wear good shoes and bring water. TikTokInstagram

VanLife | Day 421 | Eletta spiaggia più bella d’Europa e seconda nel mondo, nel cuore del Golfo di Orosei c’é un paradiso terrestre che devi assolutamente scoprire. 📍 Come arrivarci? Hai due opzioni: 🚤 Via mare, godendoti il paesaggio mozzafiato della costa di Baunei. 🥾 Oppure, per i più avventurosi come me, un trekking di circa 4-5 ore A/R, parte del leggendario Selvaggio Blu. 👉 L’andata è una a...
@manfredi_rf
107.8K likes • 1.7M views
Los ging unsere Tour in dem malerischen Örtchen Baunei an der Ostküste der Insel. Von hier aus schlängelt man sich eine kleine Straße den Berg hinauf zum Plateau des Altopiano Del Golgo. Die Hochebene selbst ist schon ein absolutes Highlight der Strecke und bietet verschiedene Möglichkeiten für eine Übernachtung auf einem der dort ansässigen Agriturismo. 🏕️ In dem gesamten Gebiet leben unzählige ...
vanwelike
5.5K likes • 298.1K views

🚤 Boat Trip Option

Consider a boat tour to explore multiple coves and beaches along the coast. Instagram

🥕 Animal Feed

Bring carrots for the friendly donkeys and other animals you'll encounter! Reddit

The chasm of Golgo, “Su Sterru”, has always represented the unknown, and there are many legends around the mysterious chasm. Its vertiginous height of 270 metres makes su Sterru Europe's deepest single-span #chasm. Formed in the #heart of the Golgo #plateau. Baunei
bethsbeautyspot
3 likes • 159 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Car Choice Matters

While some roads are rough, many visitors found smaller cars like Fiat Pandas perfectly fine. Reddit

🥾 Hike Smart

The trek to Cala Goloritzè is challenging, especially on the return. Wear good shoes and bring water. TikTokInstagram

🚤 Boat Trip Option

Consider a boat tour to explore multiple coves and beaches along the coast. Instagram

🥕 Animal Feed

Bring carrots for the friendly donkeys and other animals you'll encounter! Reddit

📝 Book Ahead

For Cala Goloritzè, check if reservations are needed, especially during peak season. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(319 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Golgo Plateau's wild beauty and the unique experience of encountering roaming animals. The stunning beaches accessible from the plateau are a major draw, though the challenging hikes and sometimes unpaved roads require preparation. Some find the lack of clear signage a drawback, but the overall sentiment is one of awe and appreciation for this untamed Sardinian gem. Reddit+1

"How a beautiful and gorgeous place to recover from a hard hike! Unfortunately the church was closed. Please do not leave rubbish and respect the environment."

Barb 11

"All different kinds of roaming animals - which most love carotts..."

Reto Kohler Tamburini

"If your wondering wether you reached to national park or not, you probably are there already. No signs of information, misleading routes for hiking. Only for advanced hikers and if you have a range rover. The good thing, we saw donkeys"

Eli Jane

What People Like

Wild roaming animals
Stunning coastal access
Dramatic natural landscapes

What People Dislike

Challenging hikes
Unpaved roads
Lack of signage

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Golgo Plateau is typically accessed by car from Baunei. The roads can be unpaved and winding, but many visitors report successfully navigating them with standard cars, though a 4x4 might offer more comfort. Reddit+1

The drive involves some unpaved sections and can be steep. While some reviewers mention needing a Range Rover, others found smaller cars like a Fiat Panda to be perfectly adequate. It's advisable to check current road conditions. Reddit+1

Public transport options directly to the Golgo Plateau are limited. It's best to rent a car in Sardinia and drive from nearby towns like Baunei. TikTok

The primary access is via a road from Baunei, leading up to the plateau. This road also serves as a starting point for hikes to some of the famous beaches. Instagram

Some visitors have noted a lack of clear signage and information, especially for hiking routes. It's recommended to have a map or GPS device. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Golgo Plateau itself is generally free. However, there might be parking fees or access fees for specific beaches like Cala Goloritzè. TikTok

Yes, there is typically an entrance fee for Cala Goloritzè, which helps with its preservation. It's wise to check the latest pricing and booking requirements. TikTok

Reservations for Cala Goloritzè are often required, especially during peak season. You can usually book online in advance or check with local tourist information. TikTok

The Golgo Plateau is an open natural area and doesn't have set opening hours. However, access to specific beaches or facilities might be restricted by time. TikTok

While not always advertised on the plateau itself, many tour operators in Sardinia offer guided hikes or boat trips that include the Golgo Plateau and its surrounding attractions. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The plateau is known for its unique landscape, the Su Sterru chasm, and as a starting point for hikes to stunning beaches like Cala Goloritzè and Cala Mariolu. You can also enjoy the wild roaming animals. TikTokInstagram

The most famous beaches accessible from the plateau are Cala Goloritzè and Cala Mariolu, renowned for their crystal-clear waters and dramatic settings. TikTok+1

Absolutely! The beaches like Cala Goloritzè and Cala Mariolu offer incredible swimming and snorkeling opportunities in turquoise waters. TikTok

Facilities can be basic. There might be a refreshment point or agriturismo on the plateau, but it's best to come prepared with your own water and snacks. TikTokInstagram

You're likely to see donkeys, cows, and pigs roaming freely. They are generally friendly but should be observed from a respectful distance. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

The Su Sterru chasm offers dramatic shots, while the panoramic views of the coastline and the wild animals roaming the plateau are also highly photogenic. InstagramReddit

Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh but is great for capturing the vibrant blue of the sea. TikTok

Drones can offer stunning aerial perspectives of the coastline and plateau, but always check local regulations regarding drone usage in natural parks. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and the chasm, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions. TikTok

Specialized photography tours might be available, focusing on capturing the unique light and landscapes of the area. Inquire with local tour operators. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Golgo Plateau offers a unique adventure for families, especially the chance to see roaming animals like donkeys and cows up close. Bring carrots for a fun interaction! Reddit While the drive can be bumpy, many find it manageable with standard cars. The hikes to beaches like Cala Goloritzè are quite strenuous and may be too challenging for very young children, but the boat trip option provides a more accessible way to enjoy the stunning coastline. Instagram Pack plenty of water and snacks, as facilities can be limited. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Adventurers

For the adventurous, the Golgo Plateau is a dream. The trek to Cala Goloritzè is a highlight, offering stunning views and a sense of accomplishment. TikTokInstagram Be prepared for a challenging ascent on the way back. The plateau itself is a great base for exploring the rugged interior, with opportunities for off-road exploration if you have the right vehicle. Reddit Consider combining a hike with a boat tour to experience the full splendor of the Baunei Coast. Instagram

📸 Photographers

The Golgo Plateau is a photographer's paradise. Capture the dramatic Su Sterru chasm, the wild landscapes, and the charming roaming animals. InstagramReddit The golden hours offer magical light for both the plateau and the stunning beaches like Cala Goloritzè. TikTok Drones can provide incredible aerial shots, but always check regulations. TikTok Don't forget a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto for wildlife. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Wild Heart of Baunei: Golgo Plateau

The Golgo Plateau (Altopiano del Golgo) is a vast, rugged limestone plateau located above the town of Baunei in eastern Sardinia. It's a place where nature reigns supreme, characterized by its wild, untamed landscapes and a unique ecosystem. The plateau is famous for its roaming livestock, including donkeys, cows, and pigs, which add a charming, almost prehistoric feel to the environment. Visitors often describe the experience as stepping back in time, with a sense of profound natural beauty and tranquility. InstagramReddit

The plateau is also home to geological wonders, most notably Su Sterru, a dramatic chasm that plunges 270 meters, making it one of Europe's deepest single-span chasms. Legends and mysteries surround this natural formation, adding to its allure. The drive to the plateau itself is an adventure, often involving unpaved roads that wind through scenic, rugged terrain. While some may recommend a 4x4, many visitors have successfully navigated these roads with smaller, standard vehicles, highlighting the plateau's accessibility for the adventurous traveler. InstagramReddit

Gateway to Paradise: Beaches of the Baunei Coast

The Golgo Plateau serves as a crucial access point to some of Sardinia's most breathtaking coastal treasures, particularly along the Baunei Coast and within the Golfo di Orosei. Two of the most celebrated are Cala Goloritzè and Cala Mariolu. Cala Goloritzè, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famed for its iconic limestone pinnacle and impossibly clear turquoise waters. It consistently ranks among the world's most beautiful beaches. TikTok+1

Reaching these pristine shores typically involves either a challenging but rewarding trek from the plateau or a boat trip. The hike to Cala Goloritzè is approximately 3.5 km each way, with a significant elevation change, making it a strenuous endeavor, especially on the return journey. TikTokInstagram Boat tours offer a more relaxed way to experience the coastline, allowing visitors to hop between various coves and admire the dramatic cliffs from the sea. Booking for Cala Goloritzè is often mandatory, so planning ahead is essential to secure your spot and witness this Mediterranean paradise. TikTokInstagram

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