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Cala Birìala, nestled in the picturesque province of Nuoro, Italy, has garnered attention as a premier destination for beach lovers seeking natural beauty and adventure. This stunning location is renowned for its captivating landscape, where turquoise waters embrace the sandy shores, all framed by majestic sandstone cliffs and a lush canopy of forest. As a result, Cala Birìala boasts an impressive rating of 4.8 stars from over 1,500 reviews, solidifying its position among the most beautiful beaches on the east coast of Sardinia.
Visitors to Cala Birìala often marvel at its pristine environment, making it a sanctuary for swimmers and sunbathers alike. Alexey Subach encapsulated its enchantment perfectly, declaring it “one of the best beaches in Sardinia.” Many share his sentiments, praising the clear waters that are perfect for swimming, offering both leisure and adventure amidst breathtaking views.
However, access to this gem comes with its challenges. The hiking trail leading to the beach demands a certain level of fitness and preparation. Reviewers like Anastasia Partsiankova emphasized the requirement for sturdy hiking shoes and a downloaded AllTrails map, as internet access is limited. This adventurous trek pays off significantly, with hikers rewarded for their efforts by stunning vistas and the serene beauty that awaits at the beach.
Cala Birìala is not for the faint-hearted; its trail conditions can be daunting, particularly for families with children or those with little hiking experience. However, for those prepared to embrace the challenge, the experience is nothing short of rewarding. The sense of achievement upon reaching the beach coupled with the sight of its untouched beauty creates a memory that lingers long after one leaves. Visitors like Farzad Parikhani note that the trail's beauty comes with risks, thus promoting responsible trekking to ensure safety and enjoyment.
For those looking for a quieter retreat, it is worthwhile to note that Cala Birìala can become quite busy during high season. Lorna J cautions that while the beach is stunning, the influx of tourists may detract from its tranquil allure. Timing your visit is just as important as preparing for the hike, especially for those seeking an intimate experience alongside nature.
Accessible only by boat or via an arduous hike, Cala Birìala is truly a hidden paradise. George Popescu and Nikola Karakóová have both remarked on the unique accessibility of the beach, reinforcing the allure of reaching it through a nature-filled journey. It's a place that marries the thrill of adventure with exceptional natural beauty, deeply resonating with those who appreciate the raw elegance of Sardinian landscapes.
In conclusion, Cala Birìala stands out as a remarkable destination for those wishing to immerse themselves in one of the world’s most stunning beachscapes. Visitors will find a perfect blend of challenge and beauty, where the journey to the beach is as rewarding as the destination itself. For those equipped with the right mindset and preparation, Cala Birìala promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Sardinia.
“ It’s an outstanding beach - one of the best ones in Sardinia and probably in top 0.01% of the beaches in the world. It’s so beautiful to swim around and watch the wall composed of trees, rock, sand and other naturally formed beauties. If you step on the beach you need to pay but you can just swim around for free. Anchoring on a dinghy is medium difficulty and possible even without much experience. The beach is not super crowded as large commercial boats don’t stop here. I definitely recommend this one to stop at if you rent a dinghy or are on a boat ”
“ Gorgeous, my favourite along this stretch just because the water is so clear and beautiful. Busy- high season would be unpleasant in terms of tourists ”
“ Please note that the trail to get to the beach will be hard and even dangerous for beginners. Impossible with kids or dogs, also you’ll need hiking shoes. If you’re good at hiking then it’s a trail with a great views and you should try it, but still note that there are pretty tough parts of the trail Download a map, there’ll be no internet. Also it’s better to use AllTrails map rather than the default route from the Organic Maps. ”
“ Stunning beach and look offs! We did the hike and I will say this was very strenuous for us, two people of average fitness. I now have a headache. You must download the map off of the All Trails app as there won’t be internet access and it’s easy to take a wrong turn. There are some parts of the hike that are quite daunting, like steep wooden ladders with big vertical drops. Not for those who have a fear of heights. Took us about 1.5-2hrs each way. The beach itself is so beautiful, with small and smooth white pebble rocks. Water shoes are ideal but not necessary. The water is unreal and the surrounding cliffs also look amazing. Seeing the cliffs and water from the hike down was awesome, but I would take a boat if I went again. ”
“ I hiked here solo in mid-September 2025 and there is no question on how beautiful the scenery and the beach is. Absolutely stunning. That being said, the trail can be seriously dangerous and life threatening if you go unprepared. Without the below, I wouldn’t attempt it: - downloaded map from AllTrails. You will most probably get lost without the AllTrails map as the path literally disappears at specific spots. (you can only download if you have a subscription. Without downloading you can’t follow the map as you will lose reception on the trail) - proper hiking shoes with good grip If you don’t have the above, try other beaches trails which are just as beautiful or even more, like Cala Luna, Mariolou, or Goloritze. It takes nearly 1.5 hours to get to Cala Biriala from the car park in Ololbisi trekking service and 1.5 hours to come back up. ”