The Best Beach In The World Is This Crystal Clear, Awe-Inspiring Beauty In Sardinia, Italy

From the sandy shores of New England to the underrated gems of the Caribbean, the world has no shortage of amazing beaches. But of all these beaches, which one is certifiably the best? There has to be a best beach in the world, doesn't there? Well, low and behold, there is one, and it's smack in the middle of the Mediterranean on the beautiful island of Sardinia.

According to The World's 50 Best Beaches, the number one beach on earth is the Cala Goloritze in eastern Sardinia. They write, "Cala Goloritze 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." Created by a landslide in the 1950s and designated as a natural preserve in the 1990s, Cala Goloritze boasts beautiful, crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, towering limestone cliffs, and a stretch of blazing rosé sand perfect for sunbathing.

While the sheer beauty of the beach is enough to make it worthy of such an honor, the lengths the Sardinian government has gone to keep it an unspoiled gem are astonishing. Visitors are restricted to 250 per day, and boats are not allowed within 600 feet of the shore. This creates a quieter, safer atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.

It's no secret that Sardinia is a hotspot for thrilling outdoor Mediterranean adventures. And the journey to Cala Goloritze is an adventure on its own. Located on the Baunei Coast on the eastern side of Sardinia in the Golfo di Orosei, the beach is a very remote location. But that's all part of the allure. 

The best way to get to Cala Goloritze is to fly into either the airport in Olbia (in the north) or the one in Cagliari (in the south), the latter city being Sardinia's lively capital. You can get to either of these airports via connecting flights from major European cities like London, Madrid, or Rome. From Cagliari, rent a car and drive north on the SS125 for 2.5 hours until you reach the town of Baunei. From here, turn onto the winding switchbacks of the Ovile Bertarelli until you reach a place called San Porteddu. This is a campsite and parking area where you will pay for your entry ticket of €7 (around $8) per person for the day. You can also book in advance with Heart of Sardinia, which is highly recommended.

From San Porteddu it is a bit more than a 2-mile hike (one way) to the beach. This trip is of moderate difficulty and can take around 2 hours to complete; be sure to bring plenty of water and food with you when you go, as there are no amenities whatsoever on the beach. If you prefer to travel by boat, you can rent one at the nearby port towns of Cala Gonone or Santa Maria Navaresse. Just remember the 600-foot no-boat zone and you're good to go.

Once you arrive at the beach, you will be met with an absolutely stunning sight. The Punta Caroddi is a 469-foot limestone tower that stands above like a guardian sentinel. The surrounding cliffs encase the beach in a friendly hug, sheltering it from the outer sea. Thankfully, the waters of the Mediterranean are wonderfully calm, meaning that you will have more great days than not when visiting this amazing landmark.

Peak season for the Cala Goloritze is between July and August. The weather in Sardinia is notoriously hot in the summer months, and visitors flock to the beaches in order to cool down. Given the heat and the crowds in July and August, June and September are arguably the better months to go. The weather is still great for swimming, but there will be far fewer people to contend with. As such, you'll have a better chance of actually being one of the 250 people allowed to access the beach on any given day. 

Timing your trip to this Cala Goloritze is critical as well. Getting there earlier in the day will guarantee a more tranquil time as well as a better spot on the sand. When you leave, just make sure you don't bring any keepsake shells, sand, or rocks back with you, as this is against Sardinian law and could result in a hefty fine. Cala Goloritze is a beautiful place to visit. But you'll just have to come and see for yourself whether it truly deserves the title of best beach in the world.