Do you like electric blue water and a little adventure? Well you’re going to love this one. Here’s my guide on how to get to Cala Coticcio in Sardinia. I went here with my husband on our family holiday this year and just loved it. It’s a little rugged and involves a hike to get there, but this guide will have you prepared to make the whole adventure run smoothly.
How To Get To Cala Coticcio In Sardinia – READ THIS FIRST
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FAQ for hiking to Cala Coticcio in Sardinia
Where is it located?
On the island of Caprera.
How long does it take to hike there?
About 45 minutes to 1 hour each way depending on your pace.
What skill level is required?
Intermediate – it’s not too difficult but there are two sections that are a little trickier.
What facilities are available?
None so you need to be prepared with your own snacks, drinks, and supplies.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes – I saw people hiking with kids and also while baby wearing kids. So yes, but of course it depends on your kids and only you can make that decision.
How much does it cost?
Free.
What type of hike is it?
Point to point on rocky terrain.
What should you bring with you?
- Comfortable shoes (sneakers are best. If you’re not a confident hiker, I recommend New Balance Minimus
) - A couple of liters of water
- Snacks (I always have a couple of these with me)
- Sun protection
- Lightweight towel
- Waterproof camera (I use this one and this floaty selfie stick)
- Snorkel gear if you want to snorkel
- Umbrella if you want shade
)
)
The sign at the start of the trail
How to use the ferry
To get to Cala Coticcio, first you need to get to the island of Caprera which is one of the islands in the Maddalena archipelago.
It’s really easy to get there using the ferry, especially if you stay where I have recommended below because it’s close to the port. You’ll be taking the ferry to La Maddalena then driving from there to Caprera.
First get your ticket from the booth in town at the Maddalena Lines ticket office on Piazza del Molo.
Bonus tip, if you buy your ticket the day prior you get a pretty good discount (at the time I got mine it was 30% cheaper!)
You can get a ticket for just yourself or with your car – but you need a car to visit this beach in particular.
They will tell you where to meet for your ferry and then you simply drive on once they tell you to.
The ride to La Maddalena is only about 15 minutes or so.
On the ferry
How to get to Caprera
Once you arrive at La Maddalena, you need to drive across the bridge to Caprera.
It’s quite easy and takes about 20 minutes to get to the start of the hike from La Maddalena port.
Before you drive off the boat, have your GPS set and ready to go so it’s a smooth transition.
First view of the water
Where to park
This is where you might need a little patience.
There’s no official parking lot or anything so parking for this hike is wherever you can find a spot on the side of the road.
It’s a bit rocky, so don’t go flying into an open spot (saw someone do this and they drove right into a rock.)
Also, it’s a popular hike so go early if you can and if not, just be prepared to park a little further away and walk to the start.
View of the parking on the side of the road
Where to find the trailhead
It’s easy to find the start of the hike because it’s clearly signed.
Look for the sign in the photo and follow the path behind it.
I read a couple of articles that said there was a guard stationed here and turned away anyone not wearing closed in shoes.
This wasn’t the case when I went – there was no guard, but it might be something to keep in mind. I wore sneakers just in case and think this hike is best in sneakers anyway.
The view from behind the sign at the start of the trail. You just follow the path.
What to expect on the hike
The hike itself is perhaps a little overhyped. I read a lot of reviews before going with words like ‘treacherous’ thrown around to describe it.
Of course it’s all subjective, but I wouldn’t go that far to say it’s treacherous.
The trail is rocky and every now and then you can step on a wobbly or loose rock, so just take it easy as you hike.
There are two tricky sections. One that’s just a little steep going down, but there are enough secure rocks to walk on that it’s not too slippery.
The other section that’s tricky is where you go down some narrow stairs but there is a rope to use, so it’s not too bad.
Other than that, it’s a fairly easy, well signed, and there’s room to step to the side to let others pass.
A look at the trail
Tricky section number 1
Tricky section number 2
What to expect at Cala Coticcio
ELECTRIC. BLUE. WATER.
It’s incredibly beautiful.
The color is just insane, the water is crystal clear, and it’s definitely worth the hike.
The beach area itself is quite small, so expect to just have a little spot and it may be a bit crowded if you’re visiting in summer. Again, going early will help you ensure you have a good spot.
I snorkeled all around the rocks and over to the other side where there is more room to hang out, so if it is a bit crowded at the main area when you get there, you could also walk over the rocks to the left and go further down.
Snorkeling wise, you’ll see some fish, sea urchins, cucumbers, and things like that but not a huge array of wildlife.
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Safety tips for hiking to Cala Coticcio
Sun protection is really important for this hike because it’s open to the elements and that summer sun hits hard. It’s also pretty open down at the beach area. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and bring snacks or lunch.
The hike is a bit rocky, so closed in shoes are best. If you’re not a confident hiker, I recommend the New Balance Minimus
because they’re lightweight and have good grip for any slippery sections.
As with any outdoor adventure, check the weather, stick to your limits, and use your best judgment.
You’ll probably see goats on the trail too
Where to stay in Sardinia
I stayed at the Grand Hotel Palau and completely recommend it.
It’s got everything you need for a comfortable stay, but the highlight was the balcony (perfect for watching the sunset with a drink), breakfast complete with fresh-made toasted sandwiches, and the location. Here you’ve got beaches, restaurants, and the ferry port all close by.
If it’s not your style, I recommend finding another place in Palau – I use Booking.com for finding accommodation when I am planning a trip and can always find a good deal there.
View from the lobby at Grand Hotel Palau
Other Italy travel guides:
- All The Details About How To Visit The Saturnia Hot Springs In Tuscany
- Cinque Terre Itinerary And How To Plan A Weekend Visit
- Maximize Your Visit With This Guided Tour Of The Colosseum In Rome
- What You Need To Know For The Tre Cime Hike And Caves
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Your posts are making me want to visit Italy for more than the Roman ruins. I love it.
So much more to see in Italy for sure!
Amazing read, the level of detail about this island featured here is unrivalled elsewhere online. Would love to link this article on my website, just emailed you!
Great writing!