Italy’s Cala Goloritzé crowned ‘world’s best beach’

A UNESCO-listed site, Sardinia’s Cala Goloritzé is renowned for its limestone cliffs, white pebbles and turquoise waters. 

“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,” judges wrote in their report.

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Besides a “dramatic 143-metre limestone pinnacle, reminiscent of something out of a cathedral” and “unbelievably clear” waters, the beach is “remarkably preserved” thanks to strong conservation efforts from local authorities, according to the report.

This makes it “the perfect blend of unspoiled natural beauty and a beach experience unlike any other,” judges added.

Goloritzé can only be accessed by 250 people per day, with visitors required to book their visit through the Heart of Sardinia app.

It was declared a Natural Italian Monument in 1995.

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Cala Goloritzé was followed by Entalula Beach in the Philippines and Thailand’s Bang Bao Beach in the world ranking. 

The top five was completed by Fteri Beach in Greece and PK 9 Beach in Fakarava, French Polynesia.

The annual ranking by The World’s 50 Best Beaches is determined by votes from more than 1,000 travel industry professionals, with locations evaluated based on eight different criteria: unique characteristics, wildlife, untouched nature, natural soundtrack, ease of water entry, calm conditions, lack of overcrowding and consistency of idyllic settings.

“When searching for the best beaches in the world, we always have to consider what actually makes a beach great,” Tine Holst, co-founder of The World’s 50 Best Beaches, told Forbes. 

“For our ambassadors, judges and the Beaches team, the answer often comes down to natural beauty, a sense of tranquility and places that spark an almost emotional response,” he added.