sea beach
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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5 months ago
How to Visit Kotka Beach at Sundarbans
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a mangrove forest known for its rich biodiversity, unique ecosystem, and serene waterways. Among its many treasures is the Kotka Sea Beach, a tranquil coastal retreat where the forest meets the Bay of Bengal. Visiting this natural haven will let you witness the untouched beauty of the forest and the sea.
Location of Kotka Sea Beach
Kotka holds a special appeal for tourists among the many captivating spots in the Sundarbans. Located in the southeastern corner of the Sundarbans, Kotka Beach is around 90 km from Mongla Port in Khulna. It serves as the heart of the Sundarbans Eastern Sanctuary.
Renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere, Kotka offers a pristine beach and lush greenery. This picturesque destination allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the untouched wilderness of the Sundarbans, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
ead more: Lawachara National Park Travel Guide: Evergreen forest in northeastern Bangladesh
Ways to Reach Kotka Sea Beach from Dhaka: A Detailed Travel Guide
Dhaka to Bagerhat
By Air
The fastest route is a flight from Dhaka to Jashore Airport which takes around 45 minutes. Several flights operate daily, with costs ranging from 4000 to 5,250 BDT. It is a 3-4 hour journey from Jessore to Bagerhat by bus or car.
By Train
Alternatively, you can take a train from Dhaka’s Kamalapur Station to Khulna. The fares range from 625 to 2,200 BDT. The trip lasts around 8-10 hours, followed by a 1-2 hour journey by bus or car to Bagerhat.
By Bus
Direct buses from Dhaka to Bagerhat are available, costing between 650 and 700 BDT. The bus journey takes about 6-8 hours. There are also buses to Khulna from Gabtoli or Sayedabad with fares 650 to 1,600 BDT and a further 1-2 hour trip to Bagerhat.
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From Bagerhat to Kotka Sea Beach
To visit Kotka in the Sundarbans, permission from the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in Khulna is required. The main transport to Kotka is by water, usually via a launch. You can board a launch from Rupsa in Khulna or Mongla Port in Bagerhat.
Alternatively, boats can be rented from Morelganj or Sharankhola. Private motor launches, speedboats, and vessels are available. It is recommended to book through a local tour operator for guided services and permit arrangements.
Cost of Visiting Kotka
The daily travel fee for domestic tourists in the Sundarbans Sanctuary is BDT 150, and BDT 30 for students. Foreign tourists pay BDT 1,500. Outside the sanctuary, fees are BDT 70 for locals and BDT 20 for students.
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In Karamjal, the fee is BDT 20 for locals and BDT 300 for foreigners. Additional charges include BDT 500 per day for guides, BDT 300 for security, BDT 70 for launch crew, and BDT 200 for telecommunication. Video camera fees are BDT 200 for locals and BDT 300 for foreigners.
What to See and Do in Kotka Sea Beach
Wildlife Safari
Kotka is famous for its rich wildlife. You can also spot majestic herds of deer gracefully roaming the area. During the winter season, tiger paw prints become visible. Early morning safaris offer the chance to spot the Royal Bengal Tiger, monkeys, and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Bird Watching
Kotka has over 50 species of birds, including rare and migratory ones. All these together make Kotka a haven for bird lovers and photographers.
Read more: Manpura Island Travel Guide: Breathtaking Paradise in Southern Bangladesh
Trekking
The grassy meadows between Katka and Kachikhali (Tiger Point) offer scenic trekking routes for adventure seekers. It provides a closer look at the Sundarbans’ unique ecosystem.
Watchtower Visit
You can climb the watchtower for breathtaking panoramic views of the Sundarbans mangrove forest, Kotka Sea Beach, and the Bay of Bengal. This is an excellent spot for birdwatching and enjoying the sunset.
1 year ago
Best Hotels and Resorts in Kuakata
Kuakata, often referred to as the "Daughter of the Sea," is a picturesque coastal town nestled along the stunning shores of the Bay of Bengal in southern Bangladesh. Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and serene ambiance, Kuakata has earned its place as one of the country's most sought-after tourist destinations. Naturally, several staycations have been developed here to accommodate the influx of tourists in every season. Let’s take a look at the most renowned hotels and resorts in Kuakata to spend vacations.
Top Resorts and Hotels in Kuakata
Sikder Resort and Villas
Sikder Resort and Villas is one of the largest and most luxurious seafront resorts in Kuakata. The resort is situated opposite to the Eco Park. It is strategically positioned to provide easy access to the beach at any time of the day.
Sikder Resorts has three different accommodation options. Visitors can choose to stay either in the Lake View tower, the Villas, or the Sunrise and Sunset tower. If you don’t want to miss the sunrise and sunset Kuakata is so famous for, we suggest booking the Sunrise and Sunset Tower.
Currently, the resort is offering a monsoon special offer. Visitors can book from several options ranging from deluxe, superior, premier, and royal suites which cost 7590 BDT, 10,626 BDT, 12,144 BDT, and 34,155 BDT for two people per day. Services like buffet breakfast, swimming pool, jacuzzi, car parking, internet, and gym are complementary.
Read more: Khulna and Bagerhat Travel Guide: Best Places to See, Exciting Things to Do
Somudra Bari Resort, Kuakata
Somudra Bari Resort is situated in Kalapara, opposite the Sikder market. The resort is within walking distance from the Kuakata Sea beachfront. Somudra Bari can be a perfect accommodation choice for those looking for economic options.
The resort is situated right beside the lake which provides an exceptional view of the horizon from their lake view suites. Visitors can even go on a boat ride in the lake at an additional charge. There are two types of rooms for couples -/ Deluxe AC Lake View and Deluxe AC Garden View. Additionally, single rooms are also available. Services like buffet breakfast, in-room tea, and parking facilities come as complementary with the stay.
Last month, Somudra Bari was offering a 2-day 2-night stay package at 5,550 BDT for two. This month they are offering a 50% discount on all their rooms and services. Booking details are available on this resort's Facebook Page.
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Rose Valley Motel and Resort
Rose Valley Motel and Resort is situated on the Kuakata main road, a bit away from the sea beach. While it's not very far from the beaches, it brings a sense of calm and quietness all around as there aren’t bustling people everywhere.
The resort can be a perfect vacation accommodation for budget travellers. There are five different room options ranging from Luxury suite, Superior deluxe to VIP suite. The cost ranges between 2500 BDT to 6500 BDT per night for two.
Room services, parking facilities, and wife come as complementary with the stay. Visitors can dine in-resort or choose from the several local restaurants nearby.
Read more: Top 25 hotels in Asia, according to Tripadvisor
2 years ago
Most Popular Cox’s Bazar Beaches Considering Scenic Beauty and Recreation
Cox’s Bazar is a beautiful coastal town in Bangladesh. It is one of the longest sea beaches in Asia. Cox's Bazar has emerged as an attractive tourist destination by virtue of its enchanting natural beauty, sandy beaches, marine drive, hill tracts, local cuisine, as well as various activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, horse riding, etc. Cox’s Bazar boasts a variety of stunning beach areas. Let’s explore some of the most affordable sea beaches in Cox’s Bazar.
8 Popular Beaches in Cox’s Bazar
Patuartek Beach
Located in Cox's Bazar, Patuartek is a serene and peaceful beach that offers a unique experience to visitors. The beach offers a stunning view, with green hills on one side and a wide blue sea on the other.
2 years ago
Prevent further encroachments on Cox’s Bazar beach: High Court
The High Court (HC) on Wednesday ordered the authorities concerned to take necessary measures to prevent further encroachments on the Cox’s Bazar sea beach.
The HC bench of Justice JBM Hassan and Justice Razik-Al-Jalil passed the order exempting deputy commissioner of Cox's Bazar district Mamunur Rashid from contempt of court charge for failing to remove encroachments from the beach.
Cox's Bazar district Mamunur Rashid today submitted a report to the court, stating that 260 illegal establishments in Baliari and 417 in Sugandha Point of Cox's Bazar Beach have been evicted.
Following the report, the court disposed of the contempt of court charge.
Senior lawyer Momtaz Uddin Fakir appeared for the Deputy Commissioner in the court while senior advocate Manzil Morshed for the writ petitioner.
On August 25, HC summoned the deputy commissioner on contempt charge for failing to remove encroachments from the beach.
On June 7 in 2011, HC ordered the authorities concerned to remove all illegal establishments from Cox’s Bazar beach within 24 hours and halt further construction, following a writ petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB), an NGO.
On February 7 this year, HRPB president Manzil Morshed, a lawyer by profession, issued a contempt of court notice. As no action was taken even after the notice, a contempt plea was filed in the HC.
Read more: JS body suggests stern action to prevent illegal sand extraction in Cox's Bazar
3 years ago
Guliakhali Sea Beach declared as reserved tourism zone
Guliakhali Sea Beach, a little-known sea beach located at Sitakundu upazila in Chattogram, has been decalred as a reserved area for tourism.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism announced 259.10 acres of land of the beach under Khas Land Account-1 protected for tourism.
A notification signed by Deputy Secretary of the ministry Shyamoli Nobi was issued in this regard on Monday as per the President’s order.
Development of tourism in the beach area is being hampered and affected because of unplanned establishments and other projects, says the notification.
Also read: Security concern hits Cox’s Bazar tourism hard
3 years ago
Kuakata Sea Beach, Bangladesh: Magnificent sunrise, sunset views to remember
Kuakata is a scenic travel paradise in the southern part of Bangladesh, known as the "Sagar Kannya" which means “Daughter of Sea”. It is one of the most beautiful and captivating places for traveling and leisure travelers. Not just in the country, Kuakata is now known all over the world. Standing at the same place on the beach, anyone can see the sunrise and sunset. Kuakata has a wide reputation for breathtaking natural scenic beauty. Are you planning to go on a vacation to Sagar Kanya Kuakata? Here are some essential travel tips.
History and culture of Kuakata: Name and location
The name Kuakata is derived from the word 'Kuya,' which means "well" (water that comes from the ground). There is a popular belief that the Arakanese were driven out of Burma by the Mughal rulers around the 18th century, landed on Rangabali Island off the coast of the Bay of Bengal, and settled in what is now Kuakata.
There was a problem with drinking water then, so they dug a lot of wells here. Hence, the region was named Kuakata. However, it is a conventional idea, and found this information almost everywhere, including Wikipedia. However, this may not be fully accurate information.
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Kuakata is a location of pilgrimage for the Buddhist and Hindu communities. Countless devotees attend the holy Ras Purnima and Maghi Purnima festivals here. On this occasion, the pilgrims take a holy bath in the bay and also take part in the traditional fair.
Kuakata is located in Kalapara Upazila, Patuakhali District. It is situated in the southern part of Bangladesh, and it is about 320 kilometers (200mi) south of Dhaka and 70 kilometers away from Patuakhali district headquarter.
How to reach Kuakata?
You can go by road or by the river through the launch. But whatever the way you take, you will reach there by 9-10 am in the morning.
By road:
The distance by road from Dhaka to Kuakata is 380 km. From Dhaka several buses including Hanif Paribahan, Golden Line Paribahan, Survi Paribahan, Sakura Paribahan, Druti Paribahan go to Kuakata. Buses leave from Gabtoli bus stand for Kuakata. The fare of these buses is Tk. 800-1000 per person, while the AC bus fare is Tk. 1000+. The buses will drop you off near the beach, and you can walk to the beach. It takes about 13 hours to reach Kuakata by bus from Dhaka.
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However, many people choose to travel by launch to enjoy the beauty of the river and consider the comfort. But there is no launch going directly to Kuakata from Dhaka. So, you have to take a launch from Dhaka Sadarghat to Patuakhali or Barisal and from there take a bus to Kuakata.
4 years ago