Cala Coticcio – Tahiti
The origin of the name Tahiti is attributed to Fosco Quilici, the Italian documentary-maker, who upon reaching this wonderful inlet wrote: “We found shelter from the Mistral in a bay behind Caprera. We were left breathless by such beauty. The locals called it Coticciu, but to me it felt like being in Tahiti, in that French Polynesia I had loved so much.”
Cala Coticcio is a natural jewel that takes effort to reach, but rewards you with a crystal-clear sea of impossible hues.
The features of the beach
The cove is made up of two adjacent inlets separated by rocky formations; the main beach is about 40 metres of white sand mixed with small pebbles, with a gently sloping seabed, while the secondary cove (little Tahiti) is smaller and set among granite and junipers. The sea and the colours.
The crystal-clear sea of Cala Coticcio owes its fame to its incredible chromatic gradations: from intense turquoise to emerald green, to cobalt blue. The water’s transparency reaches exceptional levels, allowing you to observe the seabed down to 10-12 metres deep. The pale granite rocks surrounding the bay reflect the sunlight, amplifying the “natural pool” effect that earned the beach the nickname Tahiti.
How to reach Cala Coticcio.
There are two ways to reach Cala Coticcio.
The first is to arrive by sea through organised trips or by renting a boat. In this case bear in mind that the boat cannot approach the beach.
The second way is to go on foot along a fairly demanding path if you do not have a minimum of fitness.
Route details:
Distance: about 1.5 km one way
Walking time: 30 minutes there – 45 back
Difficulty: medium-high
Elevation gain: about 100 metres
We recommend wearing trekking shoes or closed footwear with good grip. Absolutely avoid flip-flops or open sandals.
As there are no kiosks and services, you must bring everything you need, including water, food and a mask.
Park protection and regulations
Cala Coticcio falls within the TA protected area of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, therefore to visit it you must be accompanied by authorised environmental guides.
Here you will find all the necessary information.
When to visit Cala Coticcio
The ideal season to visit this wild beach runs from May to October. June and September represent the perfect compromise between favourable weather conditions and fewer crowds.
Fauna and flora
Walking the path to Coticcio will immerse you in the heart of the National Park; you will observe numerous shrub and herbaceous species rarely found in other parts of Italy. First among them the endemic helichrysum (Helichrysum Italicum Microphyllum) whose scent fills the air on summer days, or rarer and more delicate plants such as Silene velutina. If you are lucky enough, you may also see the goats of Caprera, another wild species which, though imported centuries ago, lives in the wild among the island’s hills.
Meanwhile, when you dive into the turquoise waters of Tahiti you will discover that the seabeds are full of life: you can observe salema, saddled bream, sea bream and many other fish species.
Conclusion
Cala Coticcio is an essential stop for anyone visiting the La Maddalena Archipelago. The unique beauty of this bay justifies its international fame and the effort needed to reach it. Plan your visit in advance, especially in high season, booking the boat tour or contacting the guide a few days ahead.
Our advice is to stay in La Maddalena and book the guide for the first morning slot!
Do not forget: respect for the environment ensures that this paradise remains so for future generations. Enjoy your visit to Cala Coticcio!