Sardinia is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, just to the west of the Italian mainland. It is around an hour’s flight from Rome and has some of the best beaches in the world
A beach that “has a way of touching you emotionally” has been named the best in the world by a group of experts.
Each year The World’s 50 Best Beaches compiles a list of exactly that, asking 1,000 coastal aficionados for their view. This year a Sardinian wonderland has beened named the world’s best.
“Cala Goloritzé feels like more than just a beach – its raw beauty has a way of touching you emotionally the moment you lay eyes on it. Whether you’re looking down from the viewpoint above or standing at the shore with your feet in the water, the scene is truly breathtaking,” the list explains.
“While the entire Baunei Coast is stunning, Cala Goloritzé stands out, thanks in part to its dramatic 143-metre limestone pinnacle, reminiscent of something out of a cathedral. The water here is unbelievably clear and perfect for swimming, but what truly sets this beach apart are the strong conservation efforts that protect it.
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“Declared a natural monument in the 1990s, Cala Goloritzé remains remarkably preserved. Access is limited to those who hike in – with a restricted number of tickets sold daily – or to swimmers arriving from boats moored 200 metres away, behind a protective barrier that keeps the beach free from boat traffic. It’s the perfect blend of unspoiled natural beauty and a beach experience unlike any other.”
Another great quality of Cala Goloritzé is that it’s just a short three-hour hop from the UK. Though a little hard to reach after you’ve touched down, it is well worth the effort. Either a 90-minute hike over a 400m hill or a boat ride is required to access this beach, which was formed by a landslide in 1962. The view from the hills, where a 143-metre pinnacle overlooks the cove, is simply breathtaking. The beach itself is made up of small white pebbles and sand, and features a natural arch on the right side of the bay.
Once in Sardinia, you won’t be short of excellent beach options. With nearly 1,900km of coastline, Sardinia is home to over 200 beaches. Popular spots such as Poltu Biancu, La Pelosa, Punta Negra, and Rena Bianca are easily accessible and equally beautiful, all blessed with the same shimmering blue waters. Many of these secluded coves, accessible only by boat or challenging hiking trails, remain deserted most of the time.
Sardinia offers more than just stunning beaches, with attractions like Capo Caccia, a dramatic cliff that overlooks the sea and offers breathtaking views of the horizon. A lighthouse perches precariously on top, attracting cliff divers and snorkelers alike.
Neptune’s Grotto is perhaps the island’s most popular attraction, a stalactite cave only accessible at low tide. Discovered by fishermen in the 18th century, its entrance opens up to just 1m, making it inaccessible during high tide or rough seas.
Gennargentu National Park is another must-visit spot for adventurers, boasting numerous hiking trails and Sardinia’s highest peak, which offers captivating views of the island. As for accommodation, there are plenty of quaint villages and hamlets perfect for those seeking tranquillity.
The full list
- Cala Goloritze, Italy
- Entalula Beach, Philippines
- Bang Bao Beach, Thailand
- Fteri Beach, Greece
- PK 9 Beach, French Polynesia
- Canto de la Playa, Dominican Republic
- Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
- Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
- Ofu Beach, American Samoa
- Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos
- Turquoise Bay, Australia
- Boulders Beach, South Africa
- Pink Beach, Indonesia
- Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
- Detwah Lagoon, Yemen
- Voutoumi Beach, Greece
- One Foot Island, Cook Islands
- Playa de Rodas, Spain
- Playa Balandra, Mexico
- Pontal do Atalaia, Brazil
- Wharton Beach, Australia
- Cayo de Agua, Venezuela
- Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Island
- Cayo Zapatilla, Japan
- Baia do Sancho, Brazil
- Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
- Pulau Palambak, Indonesia
- Freedom Beach, Thailand
- The Baths, British Virgin Islands
- Anse Georgette, Seychelles
- Ffryes Beach, Antigua and Barbuda
- Grand Anse, Grenada
- Le Morne Beach, Mauritius
- Bahia de las Aguilas, Dominican Republic
- Meads Bay, Anguilla
- Porto Katsiki, Greece
- Nudey Beach, Australia
- Bon Bon Beach, Phillippines
- Saadiyat Beach, UAE
- Goyambokka Beach, Sri Lanka
- Playa Punta Uva, Costa Rica
- Siesta Beach, USA
- Paje Beach, Zanzibar
- Klein Bonaire Beach, Bonaire
- Cathedral Cove Beach, New Zealand
- Santa Giulia, France
- Gardner Bay, Equador
- Keem Beach, Ireland
- Kuramanthi Sand Bank, Maldives
- La Pelosa, Italy
