Cala Coticcio by boat, the Caprera cove they call Tahiti, without walking.

Cala Coticcio is the best-known cove on Caprera, on the east coast of the island, with pale sand between granite rocks and water so clear that it is called Tahiti. Reaching it on foot is not free: the park restricts access along the path. The simple way to see it is by boat: the Maxi Tour by Elena Tour Navigazioni includes it, with swimming from the deck, on a day that also takes in Spargi and Santa Maria.

The route

The boat leaves Palau at 10:00, with check-in from 8:45 to 9:15 in front of the ferry terminal, and stops at La Maddalena, where you have a little time to see the centre and where those leaving from the island embark at 11:30. Then:

• Cala Corsara, on Spargi, with its four little white-sand beaches.
• The Spiaggia Rosa of Budelli, seen from the boat; you cannot go ashore.
• Cala Santa Maria, on the island of the same name, with a swimming stop.
• Cala Coticcio, on Caprera, with swimming from the boat.

The return to Palau, around 17:00, skirts the island of Santo Stefano and Capo d'Orso, where the bear-shaped rock that gives the headland its name stands.

Difference from the classic itinerary

The company's other itinerary, from May to October, swaps Cala Coticcio for Budelli's natural pools. The Maxi Tour only runs from June to September. If you are in doubt: the classic lets you swim in the Budelli channel, and the Maxi Tour adds the Caprera cove.

Price

The company publishes its seven-hour tours from €52.50 per person, with a reduction for children up to 10; confirm the exact price of the Maxi Tour for your date when you book. The landing contribution is paid separately: €5 from June to August and €2.50 in September, free up to age 6. Lunch is not included. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before and a refund if it is cancelled for bad weather.

Cala Coticcio on foot

If you prefer to walk, the Cala Coticcio path has limited access regulated by the National Park. Its website was not responding when we prepared this page: check at lamaddalenapark.it how to book and whether a guide is needed before you go.