How to visit Cala Goloritzè - The Ultimate Guide to the Best Beach in the World in 2025!
- Nicoletta Dasara
- May 4
- 8 min read
Updated: May 25
Before we get into this article, let’s take a moment to admire the above picture. Look at the incredible colors of the sea, ranging from bright green to sparkling blue. You may think this is photoshopped, but I swear these colors are real! Just look at how clear the water is, you could literally see the fish swimming meters below the surface. Look at the steep cliff, and that perfectly-shaped pinnacle, dramatically rising above the mesmerizing water. And yes, there is even an arch! Look at the sand, made of small perfectly white pebbles.
Is this paradise?!
For me, it is. I consider this place absolute perfection. It has everything I love: uncontaminated nature, beautiful mountains, unbelievably blue and clear waters.
This is Cala Goloritzè, and it’s my favorite place on Earth!
The first time I went to Cala Goloritzè, it was 2019 and I was on a boat tour with friends which took us to the most beautiful beaches along Sardinia’s Baunei coast. A year later, I had to return: this time, I hiked down to the beach. Then, I returned in 2021, and finally in 2022 with Reid, who finally experienced first-hand the beauty of Sardinia. And I’m hoping to go again in 2025!
Cala Goloritzè formed in the 1950s following a landslide which broke from the side of the cliff. So it’s a relatively young beach! The peak of its iconic 143m-high pinnacle, Punta Caroddi, has since been the target of many brave climbers. And in 2025, only 75 years later, Cala Goloritzè was named the best beach in the world by The World’s 50 Best Beaches. While I’m not surprised about the award (I’ve always been pretty damn sure Cala Goloritzè is among the best!), as a Sardinian I’m particularly proud and pleased about the recognition.
Have I convinced you? Are you booking your flights to Sardinia yet?! Very well!
In this article I’m going to explain everything you need to know about your visit to Cala Goloritzè.
How to visit the Most Beautiful Beach in the World: Cala Goloritzè
There are two ways to visit Cala Goloritzè: by hiking, or by boat.
Option 1: Hiking to Cala Goloritzè
So, here’s the trick. Cala Goloritzè is a protected natural area, designated as a natural monument in Sardinia. To preserve its natural environment (and its beauty), it is not possible to reach the beach by boat. So, the only way to access the beach itself is by hiking.
Fact sheet about the hike:
Distance: 3,6 km
Elevation gain: 513 m
Duration: 1-1.5 hrs to go down, 2 hrs to go up
Time: Trail on the way down is open year-round from 7:30am until 3pm. You can stay at the beach until 5pm.
Difficulty: Moderate
Important: YOU NEED TO BOOK YOUR ENTRANCE IN ADVANCE!
As of 2020, access to the beach is limited to max 250 people. So you need to book this in advance! It is possible to book your entrances only starting from the third day before the day on which you choose to make the hike.
You can book via different outlets:
Heart of Sardinia's App
Heart of Sardinia's Website (www.heartofsardinia.com)
via Baunei’s official telephone numbers via Whatsapp: you can find the phone numbers on Turismo Baunei’s website.
The entrance costs 7€ per person and is valid for 1 day.
The hike starts at Su Porteddu, which is a small camping area with a bar restaurant near Baunei. Parking is included in your entrance ticket for the beach. If you’re coming with a camper overnight, then the cost is 10€ (instead of 7€).
How to get to Su Porteddu:
By car:
If coming from Olbia (~2.5 hours): Go down Strada Statale 131 Diramazione Centrale Nuorese (SS131dcn) and then take the exit to Strada Statale 125 (SS125) until you arrive in Baunei. From here, take a left to Ovile Bertarelli which will take you directly to Su Porteddu.
If coming from Cagliari (also ~2.5 hours): Go up Strada Statale 125 (SS125) until you arrive in Baunei. From here, take a left to Ovile Bertarelli which will take you directly to Su Porteddu.
By bus:
Unfortunately there are no buses to Su Porteddu. You will need to catch a bus to Baunei (link to Sardinian bus company: https://www.arst.sardegna.it/ ), and then find a ride to Su Porteddu. Check out some transport options here: https://www.turismobaunei.eu/en/transfer-services
The hike to Cala Goloritzè
At the start of the hike, you will be requested to show your ticket entrance. And then it’s all downhill! You will go through a beautiful trail among the forest surrounded by incredible cliffs. At the beginning, you will only see the sea in the distance. But when you finally get a first glimpse of the beach… your jaw will drop.
The beach itself is actually quite small (hence why access is limited), and there’s barely any shade. There is a small cove where you can lay your towel for some natural shade. Alternatively, you can bring your own umbrella and set it up on the sand.
The sand is very special: it’s made of little white pebbles. This is from limestone, which is the same rock that makes up all the cliffs in the area. Limestone can be found pretty much all over Baunei’s coast.
That said, the sun can get intense, and these pebbles heat up quickly. Walking barefoot can be pretty uncomfortable, therefore I recommend you bring water shoes.
On the beach, you can:
Cliff-dive from atop one of the large boulders - it’s fun and safe!
Swim to the arch and take a moment to admire it from beneath
Go snorkeling in the crystal clear water - the waters here are home to many different types of fish! You can spot groupers, gilt heads and if you’re lucky even octopuses and starfish!
I DO NOT recommend in any way that you climb to the top of the arch and dive from there as IT IS DANGEROUS unless you’re an experienced diver. It’s a 15 meter dive (!!) and unfortunately, accidents have happened in the past.
When is the best time to go?
The trail to the beach is open year-round. The best months to visit are during the summer months (June - August) and shoulder season in May and September - October.
While you can certainly go in July and August, bear in mind that these are the most popular and crowded months in Sardinia. For this period, you should book well in advance. On top of that, these are the hottest months. So AVOID starting the hike after 10am as the sun will become very hot - the earlier you start the better. The message is the same for the return: I’d avoid attempting to go up any time before 3:00-3:30 as you will cook in the sun.
What to bring?
At the beach, there are no services. I repeat: there are NO SERVICES on the beach. No toilets, no kiosks for food or water, NOTHING. You’ll be literally immersed in uncontaminated nature. So make sure to bring supplies with you:
Must haves:
At a MINIMUM 2L per person to last the whole day. If you can bring more water, it’s recommended. Remember, you’ll need water for the way down, for your stay at the beach, AND for the way up.
Snacks and a panino to enjoy for lunch.
An umbrella to get some much-needed shade on the beach.
Decent hiking shoes - don’t underestimate the terrain - it can be arduous - not very flip-flop friendly.
Sunscreen
Nice to haves:
Water shoes or flip-flops for the pebbly beach
A game, a ball, or snorkeling gear to enjoy in the water.
Option 2: Visiting Cala Goloritzè by boat
The alternative and much easier way to see Cala Goloritzè is by boat. You won’t be able to access the beach, but it is much more convenient and comfortable and you’ll get to see the whole coast.
Based on where you’re lodging, there are three main points from which you will begin your boat trip: from Cala Gonone, Santa Maria Navarrese or Arbatax. There are many boat tours departing each day from each of these locations. Personally, I recommend starting in Cala Gonone - it’s the closest to the many beautiful beaches.
If you’re going during high season (July - August), I recommend you book your spot in advance. Here some companies that I’ve gone with and that I recommend:
Cala Gonone: Daymar
Santa Maria Navarrese: Nautica Sea Service
You can also go to the port a night before your trip to ask about availability.
You can either go on a shared day cruise, or rent a private boat:
Shared Day Cruise
This is a shared tour (normally up to 12 people) which will take you to the most iconic and beautiful beaches on the Baunei coast. These include not only Cala Goloritzè, but also several other amazing beaches such as Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna, and Cala dei Gabbiani. While Cala Goloritzè is in my opinion the most stunning, all of these calas are INCREDIBLE and absolutely a must see! Generally, boat tours start around 9am and return to the port at 5pm. Tip: When you book, make sure to check with the tour operator that Cala Goloritzè is included in the tour!
Some tour companies also offer optional to visit Grotte del Bue Marino or Grotta del Fico (these are at an extra fee).
Good to know:
Most companies do NOT include lunch nor water, so make sure to bring packed lunch and enough water with you.
Some companies offer snorkeling gear, but it’s good to always check with them directly.
Costs vary from 60€ to 80€ depending on the seasonality.
Private Boat
This is the best option if you want full control over your itinerary. You can rent a boat with a skipper (a much more expensive choice), or, if you’re confident navigating on your own, go without one. This way, you can choose to visit Cala Goloritzè along with a few other stops, or spend the entire day there - totally up to you!
When you arrive at Cala Goloritzè by boat, keep in mind that you won’t be able to dock directly at the beach. While it’s possible to swim there, boats are required to anchor at least 300 meters from the shore. Therefore, if you haven’t tested your long-distance swimming skills recently, I’d recommend swimming closer to the boat. That said, there's a good chance you’ll anchor near enough to swim to the iconic arch, which is super cool - when you swim below it, everything looks so magnificent! On the other hand, if you’re an avid swimmer, you can make your way to the beach from the boat.
Private boat rental prices range from €200 without skipper to €800 with skipper. Gas is not included in the rental price and must be paid separately at the end of your trip, based on how much you consumed.
Final notes on your visit
Cala Goloritzè is an incredible wonder of nature, and is part of a protected national park. This is Sardinia at its best - uncontaminated and wild, and anyone who has the chance is very lucky to experience it. But we also need to do everything in our power to preserve it!
Here’s a few reminders:
Don’t leave any garbage on the beach. There are no trash cans, so everything that comes with you, leaves with you.
Don’t take any sand with you. This is forbidden in Sardinia and you risk incurring hefty fines.
If you’re lucky, you may encounter some goats on the beach. How nice!
Bring enough water, especially if you’re hiking. I can’t stress this enough!
You’re at the best beach in the world - soak it all in and enjoy!
Have you been to Cala Goloritzè? Do you agree it is the best beach in the world? Let me know in the comments!
Planning your dream holiday in Sardinia and got questions about your itinerary? I can help you map it out - get in touch!
That water is beautiful!