Cala Goloritzé (Sardinia) wins World's 50 Best Beaches: first in the world by 2025

Sardinia opens and closes the ranking of the 50 most beautiful beaches in the world. Cala Goloritzé, a pearl on the east coast of the island, an expanse of smooth white pebbles and turquoise waters bubbling up from underwater springs, was voted the beach by the 'travel professionals' consulted by the US website 'The World's 50 Best Beaches' for the 2025 edition of its annual survey. It surpasses some of the world's most beautiful locations including the Philippines, Thailand, French Polynesia and the Seychelles. Another famous and much-loved Italian beach, also in Sardinia, appears in 50th place in the world ranking: La Pelosa di Stintino, in Sassarese.

Cala Goloritzé (access is allowed to a maximum of 250 people, entrance cost 7 euro last summer) can only be reached on foot via a fairly easy trekking route or by sea (it is forbidden to moor less than 300 metres from the shore): it won first place on the podium for 'its wild beauty' that 'has the power to excite from the very first sight. Whether one looks from above or stands on the seashore with one's feet in the water, the scenery is truly breathtaking,' reads the motivation. 'Although the entire Baunei coastline is stunning, Cala Goloritzé stands out, in part due to its spectacular 143-metre limestone pinnacle, reminiscent of a cathedral (visited year-round by climbing experts, ed. The water here is incredibly clear and perfect for swimming, but what really sets this beach apart are the great conservation efforts that protect it. Declared a natural monument in the 1990s, Cala Goloritzé remains extraordinarily preserved. It is the perfect combination of unspoilt natural beauty and an unparalleled bathing experience'.

Praise also for La Pelosa in Stintino: 'Known for its beautiful shallow turquoise waters, La Pelosa is often compared to tropical beaches, even though it is in the Mediterranean. The beach is protected by a shallow bay, which makes the waters calm and ideal for swimming and relaxing. Its unique location, with views of the Pelosa tower (16th century) and the small island of Piana, contributes to its unique charm.