La Maddalena Archipelago National Park · Limited spots, all summer
Hiking Cala Coticcio (Caprera): how to get there, trail and guide
Cala Coticcio is located on the island of Caprera, inside the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.
Access only with an authorized guide · Max 15 people per group · 4 groups a day
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All authorized dates
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All information
From connections to get to Caprera to the park regulations
A unique hiking experience among the scents of Mediterranean scrubland
Blue skies and pink rocks leading to the ‘natural pool’ of Cala Coticcio: turquoise water, fine sand and dreamlike views.
Cala Coticcio, also known as “the Tahiti of Sardinia”, is one of the most spectacular beaches in the La Maddalena Archipelago.
Why Cala Coticcio is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia
Cala Coticcio owes its fame to turquoise waters over shallow seabeds, forming what looks like a natural pool set among pink granite rocks and Mediterranean scrubland. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the La Maddalena Archipelago, but precisely because of its natural fragility, access today is regulated and limited.
Located on the island of Caprera, it can only be reached on foot via a demanding hike, or by sea during permitted periods. To preserve this natural paradise, access is regulated and managed by environmental guides registered with the National Park.
Cala Coticcio can only be visited with an authorized guide, with a maximum of 15 people per group. Our dates are those actually authorized by the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.
- Hike duration: 1h 50′ round trip
- Level: Hikers with sure footing – EE (Expert Hikers)
- Guide required: Yes, by National Park regulation
- Limited spots: max 60 people/day – 15 people per group.
- Cala Coticcio ticket: €3, paid to the Park via the PagoPa platform (the ticket is non-refundable in case of hike cancellation or cancellation by the customer). Children under 12 do not pay the ticket.
How to get to Cala Coticcio
To start the hike to Cala Coticcio, you need to reach Caprera by car, crossing the bridge that connects it to La Maddalena. The trail begins just before the Giuseppe Garibaldi Memorial Museum, where you can park while avoiding blocking the road. And of course, if you’re not already on the island, you’ll first need to reach La Maddalena by ferry from Palau.
The trail to Cala Coticcio: what to expect
The trail is scenic but demanding, winding through granite rocks, slippery sections and exposed slopes. For this reason, accompaniment by experienced guides is required. The final stretch involves a descent over rocks overlooking the cove, to be walked with caution.
Recommended gear: hiking shoes, backpack with water (at least 1.5 L), hat, sunscreen, swimsuit, towel and a mat. (On the beach, towels may only be left on top of a mat; beach umbrellas are not allowed.)
How much it costs
The hike with Viaggio in Sardegna — guides Sara Muggittu and Marco Bellu — costs €30 per person and includes the access ticket: we take care of it for you. (This price is Viaggio in Sardegna’s rate; other authorized guides may charge differently.)
The Park’s environmental ticket is €3 per person, included in the price above. Children under 12 do not pay the ticket.
How payment works
Payment is only made after your guide confirms availability. You must provide yur name an phone — required for the Park’s checks.
What you need to book
First name, last name and phone for each participant. Requests must be sent at least 7 days before your chosen date. Once approved your request, you’ll receive confirmation by email.
Ferries to La Maddalena
We recommend booking your ferry with DELCOMAR, which operates routes with schedules that fit our hikes. You can book online on their website or buy your ticket at the ferry terminal before boarding.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
About 3 km, with a total elevation gain of around 100 m, taking approximately 2 hours (round trip).
Yes, in 2026 access is still only allowed with an authorized environmental guide.
Yes. Access is limited by the National Park: a maximum of 15 people per group, 4 groups a day, for a total of 60 people per day.
The Park’s environmental ticket costs €3 per person (children under 12 don’t pay) and is included in the price of the hike with our guide, who takes care of it directly for you.
No, as this is a fully protected area, dogs and other animals are not allowed.
No, nothing can be left on the beach except a mat. This is to prevent sand from being carried away.
Parking is located just before the Giuseppe Garibaldi Memorial Museum, on the island of Caprera, where the trail begins. The road is narrow: park carefully and keep the road clear, to leave space for emergency vehicles if needed. The Park carries out checks and issues fines or tows cars that block the road.
Yes, but with restrictions: boats cannot approach the shore. Access by sea is regulated as well.
From late May to mid-October, ideally on weekdays to avoid crowds — not so much on the beach itself, but from bathers arriving by boat.
You can view the official regulations from the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park for the Cala Coticcio and Cala Brigantina trails here, in PDF: https://lamaddalenapark.iswebcloud.it/download/allegati/217/221571616132O__O1c_DISCIPLINARE_VISITE_GUIDATE_REV_CONSIGLIO.DOC.PDF.
Cala Brigantina is located in the same regulated area as Cala Coticcio, within the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, with a similar access permit. It’s a lesser-known destination with fewer authorized time slots available. If you’re considering this area, Cala Coticcio remains our main hike, with regular dates throughout the season.
Photogallery
Reviews
What people who’ve been say
The hike to Cala Coticcio beach was exceptional, not just for the amazing location (stunning sea), but also thanks to Sara (our guide), who gave us all the useful information right away and helped us discover this almost untouched area with her expertise, kindness and warmth. I’d recommend both the experience and the guide to anyone.
Andrea
I highly recommend the guide, not just because it’s required, but for the safety and the great info about the local nature.
Luca
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