World's 50 Best Beaches in 2025
Italy's Cala Goloritze Ranks Top among the World's 50 Best Beaches in 2025
The World's 50 Best Beaches platform, renowned for curating coastal destinations across the globe, has unveiled its anticipated 2025 rankings. This latest compilation celebrates the finest shores that blend natural beauty with pristine conditions. Claiming the coveted top spot this year is Italy’s Cala Goloritze, a striking Mediterranean gem. Let’s explore the key highlights and details that earned this idyllic haven global recognition.
About Cala Goloritze Beach
Tucked along the Baunei Coast on Sardinia’s eastern edge, this breathtaking cove stands apart from the island’s extensive 1,000-mile shoreline. Sardinia is dotted with countless scenic beaches. Among them, this secluded stretch in the Gulf of Orosei’s southern reaches offers a raw, untouched allure that few can rival.
Daily visitor numbers are capped at just 250 to preserve its delicate ecosystem. Yet, those who make the effort are rewarded with a scene born from nature’s drama. It includes towering limestone cliffs, crystalline waters, and a dramatic rock spire shaped by a 1960s landslide.
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Its striking natural features and ecological significance led to official recognition in the early 1990s. First declared a regional natural monument in 1993, it was further honoured with national monument status by 1995.
What Makes Cala Goloritze So Special
Along Sardinia’s Baunei Coast, where dramatic cliffs meet sapphire seas, one secluded cove rises above the rest for its exceptional character. Framed by a soaring 143-metre limestone pinnacle, the setting combines natural drama with serene clarity. Its waters are so pure they seem almost unreal. This rare harmony of elements sets the area apart, even amid a coastline renowned for its beauty.
Preservation remains at the heart of its allure. Stringent conservation policies include limiting footfall, banning motorised access, and barring boats from docking. All these have helped maintain the site’s pristine condition. No roads carve through its landscape, and no unchecked development mars its rugged charm.
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When judges unveiled the beach as the world’s finest, they reflected on how its unspoiled beauty evokes a powerful emotional response. They noted that whether one observes it from the cliffs above or stands at the water’s edge, the experience lingers.
Best Season to Visit
Travellers hoping to sidestep peak-season crowds would do well to look beyond July and August. These two months, though popular, often bring a surge of visitors that can overwhelm the serenity.
For a quieter experience without sacrificing sunshine, June and September offer the perfect compromise. These shoulder months balance mild weather with a calmer atmosphere, allowing the landscape to be appreciated in peace.
How to Reach Cala Goloritze
Getting to this remote coastal haven takes planning and a fair bit of determination. Its isolation isn’t accidental but a deliberate measure to preserve the purity of its setting. Unlike more accessible beaches, this stretch of Sardinian coastline offers no shortcuts.
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There are only two routes in: a challenging hike or a swim from the sea. Boats are allowed to approach, but only up to 200 metres from the shore. From there, it’s the swimmer’s effort that completes the journey. On land, the journey begins well before the trailhead.
Travellers must fly into either Olbia or Cagliari, followed by a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Sa Porteddu. That’s where the footpath begins, open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The beach itself closes promptly at 5 p.m.
Entry is limited and managed strictly. Advance online reservations are essential, as on-the-spot access can’t be guaranteed. The hike takes roughly 90 minutes each way, cutting through rugged terrain that mirrors the untamed character.
To reach the shoreline by water, rental services from Arbatax or Santa Maria Navarrese, both nearby ports, provide the most comfortable marine route. Even then, strict regulations prevent motorboat traffic from disturbing the last 200 metres.
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