This Beach in Italy Was Just Named Best in the World

As you start to finalize your plans for the year, you may want to leave room in your schedule for a trip to Italy—specifically, to Sardinia, where you’ll find the official best beach in the world. According to The World’s 50 Best Beaches, this prestigious title goes to Cala Goloritzé, a remote beach in the southern part of the Golfo di Orosei.

“While the entire Baunei Coast is stunning, Cala Goloritzé stands out, thanks in part to its dramatic 143-metre [469-foot] 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,” the site reads. It’s clean, the turquoise waters are divine, and boats have to stay at least 600 feet away, keeping the coast free of any traffic or excess noise.

The 50 Best Beaches list was put together by “judges, Beach Ambassadors, and [the] World’s 50 Beaches team.” The site notes that travel professionals are initially asked to vote on the beaches they think deserve recognition. The team then uses those numbers to choose the final ranking, although they also take into account other criteria, including calm waters, unique landscape, wildlife, crowds, and the untouched nature of the beach.

And it doesn’t get more pristine than Cala Goloritzé, where a limited number of admission tickets are sold each day. Travelers can book their €7 pass through Heart of Sardinia.

Those who are hiking down to the beach should be prepared for a trek—water, sunscreen, and walking shoes are highly recommended. The Baunei tourism board (Baunei is the closest town to the beach) notes that it’ll take around an hour and a half to reach the beach from the Su Porteddu campground, and it’s a two-hour journey back. If you’re on a boat, you’ll need to be able to swim the 600 feet from your watercraft to the shoreline.

The effort is worth it, though. When you reach Cala Goloritzé, you’ll be greeted by a stunning rock arch and the aforementioned limestone spire known as Punta Caroddi. If you visit during the high season (July and August), you’ll likely run into more people, so The World’s 50 Best Beaches suggests planning your trip for June or September. You’ll get fewer crowds and “excellent weather.” The average high in both June and September is around 78 degrees Fahrenheit—perfect for a refreshing post-hike swim in the crystal-clear waters.