How to Get to Cala Goloritze – 2025’s #1 Best Beach in the World

If you’ve ever searched for the best beaches in the world, chances are you’ve seen a photo of Cala Goloritzé, which was named 2025’s #1 best beach in the World by a panel of beach experts, including myself! Ironically, I actually now live in the area of Sardinia, Italy where this beach is found, so I know first hand all of the information for seeing it, along with other, dare I say, better, beaches nearby!

Cala Goloritze is an impossibly beautiful turquoise-water cove tucked into the rugged cliffs of Sardinia’s Baunei coast, about 30 minutes from where I now call home! This UNESCO-protected beach isn’t just photogenic—it’s a reward for the adventurous traveler willing to hike or sail/swim to paradise. Spoiler alert: that’s the only way you can get there!

Don’t worry if you’re unable to hike or swim, I also have suggestions for similar, if not better beaches that are easier to get to! You can check them out at the end of this post or on my Ultimate Summer in Sardinia Guide!

Here’s everything you need to know about how to get to Cala Goloritze, plus tips to make the most of your visit!

PS: English is not widely spoken here, and things can be a bit difficult to plan/coordinate! If you’d like my help, I offer travel planning services and I also rent out my boat! Send me an email at info@mylifesamovie.com!

Why Cala Goloritze Is One of the Best Beaches in the World

Located in the Gulf of Orosei, along the Baunei Coast, Cala Goloritze is renowned for its clear waters, bright white limestone cliffs, and the dramatic limestone spire called Aguglia, which towers nearly 150 meters above the sea, and is a prime activity for courageous climbers.

Since it’s a protected beach, you won’t find beach bars, crowds, plastic loungers, or even a road to get there —just unspoiled nature. That’s part of what earns it a place on so many lists of the best beaches in the world.

Spoiler Alerts About Cala Goloritze

Since I’m a realist, and very honest, I do want to mention a few spoiler alerts in case you use this information to get there and have any disappointments! My main ones are:

• The hike is quite strenuous, and mostly an incline. Be well prepared to several hours of tough hiking
• Wear shoes with ankle support because the path is mostly unstable rocks
• Try to do the hike very early because it will get extremely hot, and be sure to have plenty of water
• There’s no toilets or places to buy water at the beach
• The actual beach is pretty small, and therefore usually crowded from June-September.
• Instead of sand, the beach is tiny pebbles, which are a bit painful, so consider water shoes
• The water is beautiful but usually pretty cold!

Getting There Option 1: Hike to Cala Goloritze

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The most common and allegedly rewarding way to reach this year’s best beach in the world; Cala Goloritze, is by foot. In fact, the hike to Cala Goloritze is one of the most popular ones in this area! Please be sure you have read my spoiler alerts above though!

Start Point: Su Porteddu, a paid parking area above Baunei.
Hike Distance: ~3.5 km (about 2.2 miles) one way
Time: 1.5 hours down, 2 hours back up (it’s steep!) Open from 8am to 2pm to hike in
Cost: Entry fee of €6 per person, reserve in advance online here: www.heartofsardinia.com/

What to Expect:
The hike takes you down a rocky, exposed trail that winds through Mediterranean scrub with sweeping views of the coastline. It’s not overly difficult, but it’s definitely a good workout—bring water, wear hiking shoes, and avoid the midday heat!

Once you arrive, you’ll descend a short wooden (slightly sketchy) staircase to the beach, where you can swim in water so clear it almost looks unreal!

Be sure to keep your ticket in a safe place, because they check it at the beach after the long hike!

Getting There Option 2: Boat and Swim to Cala Goloritze

You can’t dock directly on the beach (boats are required to anchor offshore), but visiting Cala Goloritze by sea is another unforgettable option. You’ll be able to pass by to see it on most of the typical boat tours of the Baunei Coast, but most don’t stop to let you swim to it unless it’s a private tour.

The swim distance is pretty far, likely around 20-30 minutes. You can bring a floatie, or even a paddle board to help you out!

If you’re interested in private boat tours to Cala Goloritze, please fill out the form above! I own a boat here and am offering custom tours with an experienced skipper this summer!

How to Get to Cala Goloritze by Boat:

• Take a boat tour from Santa Maria Navarrese, Cala Gonone, or Arbatax.
• Some tours offer a swim stop near the beach, but not enough time to actually go to it unless it’s a private tour
• You’ll need to swim 20-30 minutes to get to the actual beach
• If it’s crowded, sometimes it’s better to see it by boat!
• Book a tour in advance in summer, or email me to see if my boat is available! (info@mylifesamovie.com)  

Pro Tips for Visiting Cala Goloritze

• Arrive Early: Visitor numbers are capped at 250 people per day. Book your entry (for hiking) in advance during summer.
• Pack Light, But Smart: Bring reef-friendly sunscreen, water, and snacks. There are no services on the beach. You might also want to bring a dry change of clothes.
• Leave No Trace: Cala Goloritze is protected for a reason. Take everything you bring with you when you leave.
• Swim Shoes Help: The beach is mostly small white pebbles, which can get hot and slippery, and are pretty painful to walk on.
• Hike Farther: Don’t just stop at the main beach area when you arrive! Keep climbing over the rocks to the left and you’ll find several small covers with much less people.

Other Beaches to See on the Baunei Coast

The Baunei Coast has many beautiful beaches and coves, some I’d dare say are even better than Cala Goloritze! All are accessible the same way; either by hiking or by boat, and you can see most of them with a Baunei Coast boat tour.

Last year Cala Mariolu was named the #2 beach in the world, which is one of the beaches on this coast. There’s also Cala Gabbiano, and Cala Luna that are very beautiful! Here’s my travel tips for How to Get to Cala Mariolu!

If you don’t have time to do a boat tour or hike, there are plenty of stunning beaches that are accessible by car in this area! My favorites near where I live are Porto Frailis beach, Il Golfetto, and the large and sandy Cea Beach.

Find out more info on my Ultimate Summer in Sardinia Travel Guide!

Below are some affordable boat tours you can book (shared and private):

Best Things to do in Baunei, Tortoli, and Bari Sardo

If you’re looking for more things to do in the Blue Zone, I have a ton of suggestions on my Sardinia Travel Guide, but below is a quick overview!

• Come visit me at our vineyard for a wine tasting (Cantina Gebelias)
• Check out beaches like Cea Beach, Lido di Orri, Porto Frailis, and Bari Sardo
• Go to aperitivo at La Bitta, Aquachiara, Sunset, Ivy Beach, or Al Mare
• Have goats milk gelato in Baunei
• Eat traditional pasta dishes like culurgiones, malloredus, and fregola
• Check out the mountain town of Launusei

Final Thoughts

Cala Goloritze isn’t the easiest beach to reach—but that’s exactly what makes it so magical. Whether you hike in or sail along the coast, this slice of Sardinian coastline is proof that the best beaches in the world are often those you have to work for.

So pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to earn your spot on one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful shores.