MAP REFERENCE: Baunei
GRADE OF DIFFICULTY: E - Experienced Trekking
AVERAGE TREKKING TIME: 3h 30m (return)
LENGTH: 5km
HEIGHT DIFFERENCE: 300m
START POINT: Bar Su Portedu, Golgo
ARRIVAL POINT: Panoramic view point of Punta Salinas
INDICATIONS: No
PATH CONDITIONS: Rocky, open, shaded in parts
HOW TO GET THERE: From Tortoli take the main road SS125 north passing through Lotzorai continuing on the twisting ascent to the mountain town of Baunei. Continue through Baunei until the main church on the left hand side. Approx.100m on the right hand side after the church is the ascending road which takes you above the town. Follow the signs to Goloritzè and La Chiesa di San Pietro. It is well signposted. The road flattens out at the top and you continue for another 8km before arriving at the signposted turn for Su Portedu and Goloritzè. Turn right here and follow the wide trail for approx.1km before arriving at the parking area infront of bar Su Portedu. A small fee (€4) is required to park for one day.
THE TREK: From Su Porteddu take the path to Cala Goloritzè which begins to the left of the parking area. Ascend on the rocky trail for approx. 15mins until the path flattens out. The path levels off for about 150m and you find the trail to Punta Salinas on the right hand side before descending to Goloritzè. There is an excellent view of the sea and valley to your left before you swing around a rocky curve and arrive at the right hand trail recognised by a small rocky bridge formation on the trail itself. The right hand trail follows a rocky ascend for a few minutes before leveling out and going into a long horse-shoe curve that runs around a large rocky basin. After approx. 15mins you pass the old shepherd's hut on the left hand side and some impressive trees on the right. You then enter a wooded section. Continue until arriving at what is essentially the far end of the basin where you should find the small piles of rocks on the left hand side which marks the start of the rocky ascend that leads up and over the ridge. You arrive on the flat rocky top after approx. 45mins from your initial start at Su Porteddu. There is a fenced section more or less ahead of you and to the left. There will probably be noisy dogs on the other side of the fence. They are there as guard dogs and can be quite aggressive but they are separated from you by the fence and are also usually chained. Continue ahead across the open plain until you arrive on the wide dusty trail infront of you. Turn left and descend for approx. 20mins until turning right onto another wide, dusty trail that takes you up and eventually left along the tree-lined ridge that runs to Punta Salinas.
You arrive at an open area with dense vegetation ahead of you. Take the narrow left hand trail that runs through the vegetation, continue for approx. 5mins until the stone circle fireplace. The trail continues through the vegetation and you are directed by small red painted circles and small piles of rocks. Pay close attention for the following few hundred meters as many small trails cross each other. Although ultimately taking you in the general direction of Punta Salinas you can easily lose the little path. The final 100m takes you to two panoramic points and it is the second point that offers the most impressive views of Goloritzè and the coast running to the north (pictured). A short rocky scramble takes you to a small dusty platform that gives you a comfortable rest point although there are no barriers at the edge so BE CAREFUL!
Follow the same trail for the easiest return. An alternative trail zigzags down to the trail to Goloritzè and can be difficult to follow. If you take this trail to the beach you will have to walk the long ascend on the return which can be very tiring which is why we suggest to return on the same trail on which you came.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please be aware that since 2016 a charge of €6 (adult), €3 (child), is in place at the start of the trail. Refreshment point at the start, great coastal views on the way. Local wildlife includes cows, goats, donkeys, lizards, snakes.
ATTENTION: The final few hundred meters to Punta Salinas can be quite confusing so be sure to concentrate on the direction and trail on which you are walking. The trail to Goloritzè is very popular during the summer months so be prepared to have company particularly if you go to beach. There are no other refreshment points so take plenty of water for the return journey. Su Porteddu accommodates tents and mobile homes for a small fee (€8) per person, per night. There are toilet and washing facilities here aswell.
