Beaches of Sardinia, or spiagge della Sardegna (we hope this is right, Italian is a very hard language to learn), is a topic so influential that some travelers plan their entire vacation around it. Sardinia is a combination of many worlds, even beach-wise: Here, you can find Blue Lagoon-esque hideaways with the finest white sand and cerulean water, long stretches of crowded beaches of the Miami-family where the holidaymakers are packed like sardines, and shores with rocky Thailand-adjacent landscapes.
To make your trip to Sardinia easier, we decided to take upon ourselves this mammoth of a goal — to explore as many of Sardinian beaches as humanly possible and give you the result of our findings. Without further ado, this is our exhaustive guide to the best beaches of Sardinia, Italy.
We love to be efficient with our advice: Not only are we about to give you the most fleshed-out and trusted list of the best beaches on this magical island, but we also pepper in tips on where to stay in Sardinia throughout the article. You can call it killing two birds with one stone, or, in this particular case, feeding two flamingoes with one sardine (the saying might work, at least in some capacity). Enjoy!
Is North or South Sardinia better for beaches?
Before we dive into our Sardinian beach bonanza, we feel it’s fitting to get a few commonplace characteristics out of the way:
- South Sardinia is where most of the best beaches of the island are located: They’re all incredibly beautiful, with great infrastructure, easy access, and high-ranking resorts. As a matter of fact, a huge chunk of the beaches mentioned below are south-bound, and grouped together near two main coastal areas of Villasimius and Costa Rei.
- North Sardinian beaches are more “rocky” and aren’t that fit for lazy days spent by the water. They are more suited for adventurers at heart, with plenty of islands calling your name to come and explore their shores (boat tours are perfect just for this occasion, we suggest you check them out).
- East Sardinia is in a class all by itself: The beaches here are a few of the hardest to reach. High and rocky cliffs have made it their lifelong purpose to guard their hidden virgin coves from any human intervention: They kind of succeeded, since there are still plenty of visitors that come to the little desolate beach heavens each day, but, thankfully, in much smaller numbers. To reach the elusive beaches, you can either embark on an arduous hiking journey, or rent a dinghy in one of the nearest ports. The easiest option of them all — booking a boat tour — seems to be the fan favorite in East Sardinia!
What are the best beaches in Sardinia: North or South? We’ve narrowed down our list to these two options based on the knowledge we picked up during our last journey — not all beaches in Sardinia (even if they are, in fact, Blue Flag beaches) are nice and pretty. Shocker, we know!
Let us give you an example: It’s another day of our Sardinian beach extravaganza, we’re in East Sardinia, near the village of San Vito. There are quite a few beaches here — they are all wide, long, with crystal-clear water, free parking, and almost no tourists. But they do not hit the spot — the greyish- and reddish-hued sand isn’t evocative of the magic you have to feel to enjoy your time at the beach. Call us crazy, but we need to be inspired by a place to put it on our list, and beaches of Sardinian East and West (with a few exceptions, keep reading till the end to find out which) don’t really cut it.
One thing you absolutely must consider for your beach vacation on the island is renting a car in Sardinia. That is, if you want to explore quite a few of the beaches on the island: Even confined to just South or North, you cannot always rely on Sardinian public transport. The timetables aren’t always suitable for a relaxing day at the beach, the weather will make you go crazy while waiting for your bus under the scorching sun, and the overall feeling of being put in constraints (dramatic, we know) when using public transport isn’t something we wish for your holiday in Sardinia. Rent that car: It’s easy, not that expensive, and gives you full freedom of movement.
Personally, we rented our trusted four-wheeled friend through DiscoverCars. You can read our detailed experience and tips on renting a car on the island here.
Now, let’s try and decide where the best beaches in Sardinia are: North or South? Word of advice: First, pick your favorite beach based on the characteristics listed, and only after that look into its location on the island. Lead with your heart, not the mind!
Tuerredda Beach — most popular beach in the south
Personal beach score: 8/10
One of the best beaches in the verdant Sardinia South, Tuerredda Beach is the destination cherished among both locals and tourists. Visitors of the area who have the ambitions of experiencing their own version of la dolce vita flock to the beach as soon as the weather turns the corner from winter months: Once it’s warm enough to sit on the sand without freezing your butt off, the shorefront becomes the ultimate meeting ground for holidaymakers.
Tuerredda Beach is one of the most sought-after beaches of Sardinia as a whole, as some travelers go out of their way to make the trek to the island’s southern region even if they’re based in the north. It’s no wonder the beach is so popular: It occupies quite a big territory, and the stretch of off-white coarse sand is beautifully combined with the clearest turquoise water you could ever imagine. The descent into the sea is nice and gentle, which is perfect for beachgoers with toddlers and the holidaymakers who cannot swim. The area is also lined with occasional shrubbery (with a nice-smelling pops of juniper trees here and there), creating perfect shaded oases for people who didn’t bring their own umbrellas (and who don’t want to splurge on renting one).
Tuerredda Beach sits a little away from the nearest settlements, which means that renting a car to reach it is non-negotiable. The destination is easily accessible from Cagliari — it’s just an hour-long drive along the picturesque South-Sardinian coast. But don’t let the promise of isolation from civilization scare you away: You won’t go hungry or thirsty while at the beach, as Tuerredda is clad with its very own beach club and cafe.
Now, some practical info you must know before making your pilgrimage to Tuerredda Beach:
- There’s a limit on the amount of people who can visit the beach daily: 1100 available spots (of which 729 are for the free portion of the beach, and 371 for beach establishments (Poseidon/Mediterranean Tropic)). You can check the daily up-to-date numbers on the official Tuerredda Beach website;
- Because of the limit, try to come here in the mornings to guarantee a spot, especially during peak tourist season. However, when we went to Tuerredda Beach during our last Sardinia adventure, there were still 30 slots available, even though we managed to reach the beach only at 4 p.m.;
- You cannot book a spot online for the free portion of the beach (the “wild” part that has no sun loungers or umbrellas provided), but you can call the beach club and they will hold a lounger for you (this option is not free, obviously);
- There are free restrooms at the beach, but the nicer ones have a fee of €1;
- Sun loungers at the beach club here are pretty wildly priced: €30–50 a day, even though the “paying customers” do not arrive earlier than lunchtime, which seems to be quite a waste of resources, to say the least;
- You can rent an umbrella for €10 a pop (or you can bring your own, saving yourself quite a significant amount of money);
- Parking at Tuerredda Beach is steep to say the least: You will have to pay €10/day (€6 after 3 p.m.) to leave your car at the parking lot closest to the beach.
Where to stay near Tuerredda Beach:
- Acquamaris Tuerredda (from €90 per night) — even though we mentioned the remoteness allure of Tuerredda Beach that comes with a lack of available accommodations in the area, this quaint B&B is the exception to the rule. Located within a 6-minute drive from the beach, this place combines the best characteristics of bucolic Sardinia (think lush green garden, occasional sheep herds, and farm-to-table breakfasts) with its coastal counterparts. Acquamaris Tuerredda is a perfect setting for a relaxing getaway!
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Tuerredda Beach |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ it’s free |
— despite the daily limit, it gets really crowded |
Side note: If you find yourself “locked out” of Tuerredda Beach due to the daily limit, do not get discouraged right away, as there are a few other beach options located nearby that aren’t in any way less exciting than Tuerredda (plus, they don’t apply the quota range). Get ready, as they’re next in line of our list of best beaches of Sardinia!
Su Giudeu Beach — best beach near Cagliari
Personal beach score: 9/10
One of the strongest contenders for the top title of Cagliari best beaches, Su Giudeu Beach is certainly a wild card. No, we don’t mean that its enigmatic nature makes it change drastically throughout the year (although strong winds do change up the scenery by molding vast sand dunes that surround the beach to their liking), the focus is on the word “wild” here. The super long stretch of sand (especially in morning hours, when there’s nobody here) looks pleasantly untouched by humans: A couple of kiosks, small beach clubs, a few rental huts, — other than that, the beach looks like a place from The Blue Lagoon!
Even though Su Giudeu Beach is a popular destination in South Sardinia and fills up fast during summer months, there’s still always a place for you to put down your towel (the beach is that vast, we promise). The water here is absolutely marvelous: It stays shallow for dozens of feet, so much so that you can walk to a small inlet that is hanging out not too far from the shore (climb to the top for unparalleled views of the beach). Still, there are some areas of deep water, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. The sand is a soft golden color, the texture reminding that of a luxury scrub.
Side note: Speaking of scrubs and other coarse-adjacent sensations, make sure to monitor the weather before you start planning your day at Su Giudeu Beach. Why? Well, occasional strong winds not only bring pleasure to kite surfing enthusiasts, but they also make for a not-so-enjoyable time of having to deal with the feeling of sand hitting you non-stop on every non-covered place of your body.
Another notable feature of Su Giudeu Beach is its entry walkway: There is a wooden pathway leading you from the nearest parking lot to the beach. The length of the path is around 600 meters, but it will feel longer if you’re trying to push a stroller, for example. Still, the trouble is all worth it: As soon as you see the crystal-clear water of this Sardinian paradise, all your troubles will wash away in an instant!
Side note: The walkway leads you along a pungent-smelling lagoon (all that stagnant water and heat do not mix well, let us tell you), so prepare some sort of face cover if you’re sensitive to bad odors. A possibility to witness flamingoes that sometimes frequent the shallow smelly waters makes up for the whole experience (unless there are no flamingoes, and your nose went through this horrific ordeal for the sight of a few seagulls).
And now for the more number-oriented stats on Su Giudeu Beach:
- Parking at Su Giudeu Beach costs €5-€10 per day, depending on the closeness of the parking lot to the beach. However, last time we were here, we managed to score a free parking space! We will not confuse you with directions: You can find the spot here;
- Beach clubs at Su Giudeu offer a combo of two beach chairs and an umbrella for a “humble” price that varies between €25-40, depending on the season (and the row);
- There aren’t many places on the beach where you can satisfy your hunger, but a couple of kiosks do offer sandwiches (a €5 panini is the golden standard, which is a pretty fair price all things considering);
- As for other rental activities, all the usuals can be found here (canoes and the like). You can rent a paddleboard (like we did) for €15 per hour;
- There are almost no restrooms here! The few free porta potties at the beach can be padlocked, leaving you to scramble in panic for a place to answer nature’s call. They say that a working restroom can be found at the entrance (it costs €0,50), but we had no such luck: Thankfully, we didn’t stay here long enough to actually having to use one;
- Note that during peak tourist season there are plenty of merchants walking back and forth at the beach, set on making a sale by any means necessary. Unless you yourself want a keepsake (a bracelet, a bandana, a towel, you name it), we encourage you to be firm in saying no — it will save you energy.
Where to stay near Su Giudeu Beach:
Here, the question of where to stay in Sardinia can be solved way easier than at the aforementioned Tuerredda Beach, since the beach is technically a part of the Setti Ballas settlement. Granted, the civilization is right around the corner, and that means plenty of hotel options, of which we highlight this particular establishment:
- 4* Hotel Aquadulci (from €150 a night) — a nice and tranquil resort right by the beach (expect a three-minute walk from the hotel to the shoreline) that offers unparalleled service and ambiance. Free parking and breakfast buffet are simply cherries on top of the luxury experience!
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Su Giudeu Beach |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ it’s free |
— can get a tad crowded |
Spiaggia di Cala Cipolla
Personal beach score: 8/10
Located within walking distance from the aforementioned Su Giudeu Beach, Cala Cipolla is a true hidden gem of the whole area. Nestled between two tall hills (one of which is crowned with a lighthouse that doubles as a five-star hotel, keep reading for the deets), this cove is a perfect alternative to Su Giudeu on a windy day. Even when the waves are tall at the nearby beaches, here, at Cala Cipolla, you can enjoy calm sea and clear water!
Spiaggia di Cala Cipolla is a diamond in the rough: Small, rocky, and harder (but still manageable) to reach (you have to walk for five minutes or so from the parking lot closest to Su Giudeu (remember the rates can be quite astonishing)), it encapsulates every traveler’s dream of stumbling upon a true local secret. The beach is tiny compared to its neighbor, and it also looks more rugged, with soft white sand interspersed by both sharp and slippery rocks.
However, the wild state that the beach is in is the very thing that draws holidaymakers here: A line of pine trees standing on guard of the shoreline is a usual site where locals set up camp, and small coves formed between rock formations are perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts.
Note that there is virtually no infrastructure at the beach: Bring everything with you, but also don’t forget to pack it out when you leave. Let’s keep human intervention at Cala Cipolla to a minimum!
Where to stay near Spiaggia di Cala Cipolla:
- 5* Faro Capo Spartivento (from €600 a night) — a splurge, we know, but this five-star hotel is like no other: It gives you an opportunity to stay inside a working lighthouse! With grand furnishings, top-notch service, and superb location, we can’t think of a better stay to treat yourself with while in Sardinia.
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Spiaggia di Cala Cipolla |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ it’s free |
— can still get a tad crowded due to its small size |
Spiaggia di Sa Perda Longa
Personal beach score: 8/10
In general, the part of Sardinia we’ve been focusing on so far (Setti Ballas, Chia) is a rich basin for one-of-a-kind spectacular beaches: From bigger ones, like Tuerredda Beach, to Spiaggia di Sa Perda Longa, — every turn of the winding coastal road opens up onto some never-before-seen dream of every beachgoer!
Located in-between Tuerredda Beach and Spiaggia di Cala Cipolla lies Spiaggia di Sa Perda Longa — the self-proclaimed ground zero of ultimate beach experiences! This crescent-shaped tiny beach is bookended by giant rocks, with a small coarse sanded shore hidden beneath an apron of rocky land below.
The beach has managed to stay in the most pristine shape possible: The water is azure blue and as clear as it can get, the Mediterranean shrubs line the rugged path down from a small roadside parking lot (there aren’t many spots there, so make sure to come early). The stretch of sand stays hardly occupied even during peak tourist season, which is the biggest pro on the list of Spiaggia di Sa Perda Longa.
Forget about the embarrassment of riches while staying at Spiaggia di Sa Perda Longa: There are no bars, no restrooms, no changing rooms; you name it — they don’t have it! Still, it’s the perfect destination for travelers who appreciate nature first and foremost, and not necessarily the facilities provided.
The accommodation options in the general area of the beach are mostly villas, but the trek from Tuerredda isn’t particularly challenging (we lose the term “trek” loosely, since you cannot explore this desolate Sardinian beach without a four-wheeled companion), so feel free to rent the place “up stream”.
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Spiaggia di Sa Perda Longa |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ it’s free |
— you have to walk down a rugged path to get down to the beach |
Spiaggia La Pelosa — “picture-perfect” beach in the north
Personal beach score: 5/10
Moving on to the Province of Sassari, set in the North-West Sardinia, — arguably the most beautiful part of Sardinia, in our humble opinion. It’s here that the most hyped up beach of the area — Spiaggia La Pelosa — sits waiting for hordes of daily visitors: And trust us, it gets the most traffic out of any Sardinian beach we explored, hands down!
La Pelosa’s beauty is truly unmatched: The incredibly fine white sand, cerulean shallow water, and wind-sculpted scrub-covered landscapes make for an envy-inducing social media post. Add to that the intriguing sight of Torre della Pelosa — a small island with the remnants of a stone tower in the middle — and you’ve got yourself an all-encompassing experience (untouched nature, enthralling beauty, and rich history are the characteristics we’re usually looking for in destinations).
However, even despite La Pelosa’s recognized accolades, we came to the conclusion that the beach is just too overrated: What we read about it online and what we saw with our own eyes were two different pictures. The major part in our judgement played the apparent overcrowding of the beach (even though it has a daily limit, just like Tuerredda Beach). The views were marvelous, but hard to enjoy with giant gaggles of children with their parents in tow splashing in the shallow waters (and the sea level is really low — swimming here proves to be an unenjoyable venture).
Side note: Because of the significant annual influx of tourists and measures taken to make money off of beach visitors, we do not recommend driving all the way out to Spiaggia La Pelosa if you have a base in South Sardinia. A road trip spanning 5-6 hours isn’t the effort needed to reach this particular beach; unless you, like us, set out to visit as many Sardinia beaches as possible.
If, however, you do decide that visiting La Pelosa is a non-negotiable part of your Sardinia itinerary, then you should probably know the following facts:
- The beach isn’t free, and you have to make your reservation (that costs €3,50 per person) online well in advance (we made it 15 days prior, just to be sure), especially during peak tourist season. There’s a daily quota for beach visitors that tops off at 1500 people a day. We believe that for such a moderate-sized beach, this number is too high, but the corporate greed that hides behind nature conservation efforts would say otherwise;
- Parking is also, you’ve guessed it, not free (we did, however, struck gold on a free spot that we will share with you further down). There are lots that take the usual €6-€10 a day, and then there are those with pay and display options that charge you with €2/hour (total rip-off, if you ask us). Always be prepared for something to go wrong with the parking meter: Most of them work only through a special app you have to download (good luck doing that with unstable service), or only take cash (make sure to always have coins and small bills on hand, you never know when you might need cash in Sardinia);
- During our last beach outing at La Pelosa, we found a free parking lot — La Pelosa Parcheggio Libero. It’s a little further away from the beach than the other ones, but walking sounds fine when you know you’re saving money, doesn’t it?
- You cannot put your own towel on the sand here — you need to purchase a special mat (€5) in order to be able to lie down at La Pelosa. The reasoning behind this is that the fine sand on the beach is so precious that they don’t want you carrying it away trapped on your towel. Yes, it is as crazy as it sounds, but remember: It’s illegal to take sand or rocks with you at any beach in Sardinia, so try and look for some other keepsake to bring from your trip;
- If you want to relax on the beach in comfort, renting a couple of sun loungers and an umbrella will also prove to be an expensive endeavor (somewhere between €30 and €50). The relentless sun during summer months will have you spending even more for a chance to sit in the shade;
- There seems to be a whole fleet of workers at La Pelosa whose sole purpose is to give you a fine. The reasons for that are plenty: They like to prey on parking issues and on beach etiquette (damn those beach mats). Try to follow the rules so as not to get a hefty fine while trying to relax on this beautiful beach.
Where to stay near Spiaggia La Pelosa:
Side note: The area is so popular with tourists that hotels and villas close to the beach are booked up a year (!) in advance. Keep this in mind when planning your trip!
- 3* Park Hotel Asinara (from €120 per night) — located a little ways away from La Pelosa (accommodations closest to the beach are mostly private villas), the hotel offers a free shuttle to this tourist fever dream. The hotel itself is a marvel dressed in Mediterranean style choices. The addition of an outdoor pool and olive trees makes you want to stay here longer, without actually leaving the hotel grounds for some overrated beach.
- 3* Ancóramare (from €100 per night) — a trusty hotel option for when you want to relax before and after your beach adventures. It’s everything a hotel hopes to be: A clean and pleasant respite for weary travelers. Rooms with balcony views prove to be a sell-out hit, so get them while they’re hot!
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Spiaggia La Pelosa |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ beautiful scenery and stunning views |
— way too overcrowded |
Side note: There aren’t any walls that separate La Pelosa from the adjoining Spiaggia del Gabbiano (wink, wink). If you’re not keen on breaking the law by wading through water to sneak into La Pelosa for free, you can just stay at Spiaggia del Gabbiano. It’s a free beach with just as nice a view, so you won’t really miss out on anything. Note that it is quite rocky in some parts, especially where you enter the water, so be careful.
Le Saline Beach — free alternative to La Pelosa
Personal beach score: 7/10
While not exactly topping the list of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, Le Saline can still be considered one of the best beaches in Sardinia North. It’s a super long stretch of sand that is usually divided into few parts (it’s that big, trust us).
Most often coined as a free alternative to La Pelosa, we feel the need to clarify that this is as wild as a beach can get: You will get what feels like miles of unkept white pebble “sand” (that is a leap and a half from the usual white sand beaches of the North) mauled by heaps of dried seaweed (you can imagine the odor). However, in contrast to the infamous La Pelosa, there’s virtually zero chance that you will feel suffocated by a crowd at Le Saline: It will take thousands upon thousands of beachgoers to fully fill up the area.
We feel the need to highlight two parts of Le Saline:
- The first, set right at the beginning (near Parcheggio Spiaggia Le Saline — a giant parking lot with great pothole-less drive-up pavement) is characterized by grey-ish looking extremely coarse sand (it’s not really sand per se, just small quartz pebbles that most resemble giant rice grains). The beach isn’t exactly pristine: Algae and seaweed are common visitors of the shoreline (we came here in August and it was a real problem, to tell you the truth). Still, the water tends to be clear and calm. A road from the parking lot lies adjacent to a dried out salt lake (hence the name), which can also emanate a not-so-pleasant smell, especially in hotter months (but that a lot of unique bird species, like flamingoes, usually call home). The beach is family-friendly; plus, there’s an area equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas (you will pay around €20-30 for two sun loungers and an umbrella: Steep, but cheaper than La Pelosa’s amenities);
- The third zone, also called Ezzi Mannu, is the part of the beach most removed from the main road: You will have to endure the last stretch of bumpy dirt road (700 meters or so) in order to reach it. It’s also free, like its counterpart above, and so is the nearest parking lot, which is a rare occurrence for Sardinian beaches. Here, the beach tends to look more put together: There is a bar where you can get a refreshment and a snack. Locals love to occupy the beach because it has the bare minimum necessities, the water is clean and not very shallow: You can actually swim here. Plus, when the wind is particularly strong, many surfing and kite surfing enthusiasts set up shop at Le Saline: Come here and enjoy the show!
Side note: If you fall into the category of adrenaline junkies that love water sports, you can always look at the live webcam set up at Le Saline: That way, you can judge whether the waves are big enough to drive out here.
Where to stay near Le Saline:
- Agriturismo al Riparo dai Venti (from €90 a night) — a spectacular farm stay option that combines in equal parts a countryside getaway and a seafront destination. A beautiful garden and a traditional Italian breakfast will be the cherry on top of your time here.
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Le Saline Beach |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ it’s free |
— the beach isn’t well-kept |
Spiaggia di Porto Giunco — best for families
Personal beach score: 8/10
Turning our attention back to the best beaches in South Sardinia: Spiaggia di Porto Giunco is a spectacular waterfront that carries a few of the most important accolades. It’s arguably the best beach in Sardinia for families, as well as one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in Sardinia.
To be frank, if you’re planning a sojourn in Sardinia while on a family vacation, you won’t find a better destination than Porto Guinco Beach. The incredibly soft white sand paired with azure sea water are the things that will make every beachgoer fall in love with this place. What’s more, a tall hill with an ancient tower on top sits just to the right of the beach. From up there, you can witness a breathtaking view overlooking the whole area: The beach, the lagoon (where we actually saw a few flamingoes, which was a highlight of our trip, truly!), and the picturesque bay on the other side of the cape.
A couple of things to keep in mind: This part of the island is not sheltered from the wind much, so come September it might be too windy for a beach day at Porto Giunco. Plus, every beachgoer’s nemesis in the face of seaweed can sometimes drop by at the beach, making for a pretty “pungent” stay.
Spiaggia di Porto Giunco facts to keep in mind:
- Parking at the lot closest to the beach costs €5/a day, although we did find a free parking spot here. Again, you will have to walk more from this spot to the beach (it will take under 10 minutes at a leisurely pace), but what’s a scrooge to do when there’s opportunity to save money! Plus, you might need the extra cash — a simple bottle of water at the beach bar will cost you almost €2 (!);
- Save the coins to use the beach amenities — showers and restrooms cost somewhere between €0,50 and €1;
- A couple of sun loungers and an umbrella at the beach club will cost you anywhere from €30 and €50. The prices are steep, but it’s Sardinia: Let’s just say, it wasn’t the same rip-off as those mats at La Pelosa (we’re still fuming about this rule, as you might have gathered).
Where to stay near Spiaggia di Porto Giunco:
Side note: Because the beach isn’t isolated from the nearest settlements, it’s considered one of the best places to stay in Sardinia for families. The variety of accommodation options is truly mind-boggling:
- 2* Porto Giunco Residence (from €100 a night) — set almost smack dab on the beach (it takes approximately three minutes to get from your room to the beach), this hotel is a treat for sore eyes: Spacious and clean, the rooms are just Italian enough to make you feel welcome!
- 4* Stella Maris Hotel (from €170 a night) — set in Villasimius, the hotel boasts colorful rooms and state-of-the-art facilities. It’s actually a beachfront hotel, but the beach it “fronts” isn’t Porto Giunco: A 10-minute car ride will take you to the white-sanded destination in question.
- 5* Pullman Almar Timi Ama Resort & Spa (from €350 a night) — Both posh&exuberant and clean&tasteful, this five-star hotel is the ultimate destination, granted an expensive one. The facilities and the levels of service completely make up for the high price tag: You won’t regret splurging on a stay here.
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Spiaggia di Porto Giunco |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ it’s free |
— the amenities are overpriced |
Spiaggia di Is Arutas — best rice beach in Sardinia
Personal beach score: 9/10
Let’s take a detour to one of the best beaches in West Sardinia — Is Arutas. Located near the enchanting city of Oristano, Is Arutas is the first answer that pops up when you search for the ultimate rice beach in Sardinia.
Here, the quatrz pebbles create the most convincing “rice” effect we’ve seen in Sardinia: A mix of white, pink, brown, yellow, and even green quartz creates an enchanting sight, one you can look at and admire for quite a long time.
The aquamarine color of the water can also be attributed to the precious beach material: Just make sure to be careful when entering the water, as the descent is quite abrupt. Once in the water though, make sure to dive in deep: Is Arutas is one of the best locations for snorkeling in Sardinia.
Side note: When driving to Is Arutas from the town of Bosa, your GPS will give you two road options. Make sure to pick the one that isn’t a dirt road; otherwise, it will take you twice as long to reach the beach.
Is Arutas Beach details you need to know before you go:
- There are a couple of parking options: Depending on the length of your stay, you can choose one that costs €2/hour or one that costs €10 for a whole day. The parking lot is huge, so there’s always an open spot to find, no matter the time of day or season;
- Curiously enough, there aren’t any beach chairs or umbrellas available for rent. You can only buy an umbrella for €15, which is still something;
- There are free showers, and a restroom visit will cost you €1 (if you buy something from the beach bar, then it’s free);
- Is Arutas volunteers are pretty set on enforcing the main rule of the beach: Do not take any of the “sand” with you if you don’t want a hefty fine;
- There is Is Arutas Camping right by the beach: Perfect for the outdoorsmen at heart!
Where to stay near Is Arutas:
- 3* B&B Rita E Renzo (from €50 a night) — a family-run (and thus incredibly homey) bed & breakfast that will make you feel like you belong. Set in a countryside, the accommodation is just isolated enough to make you excited every time you see the water!
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Is Arutas |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ it’s free |
— almost no infrastructure |
Spiaggia di Mugoni — best beach near Alghero
Personal beach score: 7/10
Because we believe that Alghero is one of the best places in Sardinia to start your relationship with the island, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to pay a visit to Spiaggia di Mugoni. The beach is set amongst the area’s most exciting landmarks: Neptune’s Grotto (an enchanting cave with the low-hanging stalactites), Porto Conte (a wildlife park), and many others (the entire coastline is peppered with awe-striking viewpoints, caves, and hiking trails).
Spiaggia di Mugoni is a simple beach, suited to an ordinary traveler. A narrow strip of dark beige sand is separated from the parking lot by towering pine trees (props to the trees for providing free shade, other Sardinian beaches could never!). The water is emerald green, and gets deep fast, so keep your little ones close if you’re coming here with children.
Because the beach isn’t that popular with tourists, the limited space is enough for the holidaymakers that do get out to see the spectacular view (imagine a bay-style beach that is guarded by forests and rolling hills on either side): It’s never too crowded, upkeeping a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
While Spiaggia di Mugoni can be considered a “wild” beach by some, you will still need to carry cash in order to use the basic amenities:
- Parking situation at Spiaggia di Mugoni is pretty similar to the beaches we’ve already mentioned: You can either choose the option that costs €1,50/hour or the one where you pay €12 for an entire day;
- A single beach chair here will cost you €8, and an umbrella — €7. A front row setup (the nicest one) will set you back €21 — again, a pretty affordable option after the crazy pricing of the aforementioned beaches;
- Restrooms and showers are €1 (bring coins!);
- Bars and restaurants on site provide quite a bevvy of snacks: A panini and a refreshing drink are the perfect pick-me-up after a day spent in the sun;
- There are plenty of fun rentals available: Boats, kayaks, paddleboards, — you name it, they have it!
Where to stay near Spiaggia di Mugoni:
- 4* Hotel Corte Rosada Resort & Spa (from €250 a night) — have you seen The Menu (2022)? The hotel has a dining hall with the same floor-to-ceiling windows for walls, but the vibe is much more pleasant (and you won’t get killed here, UNLESS you order a cheeseburger, — Come on, a burger?! We’re in Italy!). All in all, the facilities of the hotel are almost as great as the views, — and that’s saying a lot!
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Spiaggia di Mugoni |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ it’s free |
— not a standard “white sand, blue sea” type beach |
Spiaggia di Maria Pia
Personal beach score: 6/10
Set right over the hill from Spiaggia di Mugoni, Maria Pia is even closer to the wonderful town of Alghero. Despite the location, the beach seems to never be overcrowded: The “wild” zone, the one with almost zero amenities, is vast enough to help you avoid the feeling of being packed like a sardine in a can (we wish we could say the same about La Pelosa, which was personally the biggest let down of our entire trip).
Maria Pia has the most beautiful sand: It’s almost sparkling, silver-hued, and very fine. The water is always clear and calm, inviting you for a refreshing swim. The rolling sand dunes and occasional pine trees add to the allure of this less-than-popular beach.
Side note: Maria Pia is perfect for watching the sun set over the hills, with reflections of the last dripping-yolk sunrays on the water mirroring the grandiose show in the sky.
Here is some intel on Maria Pia that we’ve managed to gather:
- There are a few free parking spots nearby, but unless you come super early, you will have to resort to the paid ones: €1,50/hour or €10/day;
- A couple of sun loungers and an umbrella will cost you anywhere from €20 to €40;
- The bigger part of the beach, the “wild” part, has almost zero infrastructure.
Where to stay near Spiaggia di Maria Pia:
- 3* Casa Vacanze Cau (from €90 a night) — fully furnished colorful apartments (some with balconies). The beach is mere 700 meters away, which is all you can ask for if you plan on spending most of the day at Maria Pia.
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Spiaggia di Maria Pia |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ it’s free |
— almost no infrastructure |
Spiaggia di Mari Pintau — best pebble beach in Sardinia
Personal beach score: 7/10
A strong contender on the list of the best beaches in Sardinia near Cagliari (after all, it’s the closest one to the city on our checklist), Spiaggia di Mari Pintau is as raw a beauty as a beach can get. Mari Pintau, which translates to Painted Sea, is a fitting name for the destination: It’s a crescent-shaped beach that is surrounded by rolling green hills with a view to boot (the water looks particularly scrumptious and luxe when there are a couple of yachts anchored by the shore). That’s a painting if we say so ourselves!
Mari Pintau is a unique beach to Sardinia, which has long been considered an island of white and golden sand beaches, due to the quite sizeable pebbles that make up its shore. You have to keep in mind that walking on these pebbles can be quite uncomfortable, so pack a pair of water shoes if you’ve got them (or succumb to the painful foot massage).
The upside to Mari Pintau’s divisive ground material is that the beach is a proud owner of some of the clearest water we’ve seen in Sardinia: Pebbles, unlike sand, don’t muddle up the water too much, as it so often happens by noon at some of the most beautiful sand beaches of the island.
Overall, the beach has quite a laid-back atmosphere: We would imagine it not being crowded even on the weekends (it does have the chillest vibe compared only to that of the turtle from Finding Nemo). Come here for the views, stay for the ambiance!
Some practical info on Spiaggia di Mari Pintau:
- The beach has a small free parking lot by the main road (from the looks of it, it can accommodate 15-20 cars, max), so come here early to grab a spot (there are no paid parking options available);
- There is an organized beach club area, where a couple of sun loungers and an umbrella will set you back around €30;
- Because the pebbles of the beach are quite large, it’s really uncomfortable to lie down on just a towel, Thankfully, there’s an option to rent a single sun lounger for €6, which is pretty nice when you don’t want to spend a lot but still want to be comfortable;
- The usual beach facilities aren’t that expensive either (however it would be nice if they were free, just saying): A shower costs €1, while a trip to the restroom costs €2;
- There are plenty of fun activities you can take part in: A paddleboard will cost you €10/hour, while a kayak will set you back €20/hour;
- A beach bar at Mari Pintau has a pretty nice range of drinks and light snacks: Head on over there if you’re feeling particularly parched.
Where to stay near Spiaggia di Mari Pintau:
- 3* Il Monastero (from €140 a night) — set inside a renovated monastery (hence the name), this hotel offers a truly heavenly experience. A stunning tropical swimming pool will make up for the days when you don’t feel like leaving the hotel premises to go to the beach (although transfers to Mari Pintau and other gems of South Sardinia are available).
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Spiaggia di Mari Pintau |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ it’s free |
— small parking lot |
Spiaggia di Porto Istana — best beach near Olbia
Personal beach score: 7/10
Spiaggia di Porto Istana is one of the best beaches in Sardinia located near Olbia: It’s a small but mighty beach with clear turquoise water, fine white sand, and an unmatched view of Isola di Tavolara — an island with an imposing mountain sitting on top of it.
Side note: If you want to experience the enchanting Tavolara Island up close and personal, we encourage you to book a tour. Worth every penny, in our opinion!
Getting back to the beach of Porto Istana: It’s a nice destination if you’re ever in the area. But it does have a few downsides: The thin stretch of incredibly soft frosted sand is interspersed by big rock formations, so you have to be very careful when wading through water. What’s more, Porto Istana tends to get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season, so we would advise you come here early in the morning to enjoy the pristine beauty of the beach in a relative “pristine” state.
There’s not really much to add here, except for a few stats you need to know about Spiaggia di Porto Istana:
- Parking at the nearest parking lot is €1,50/hour, however you can find a free parking spot further away from the beach (we were too tired to drive around looking for one);
- A couple of beach chairs and an umbrella will cost you anywhere between €30 and €40, which is outrageous considering the size of the beach (but understandable when you take into account its proximity to Olbia);
- A trip to the restroom is €1;
- The bar on site is a great place to fuel up for a full day of swimming and tanning.
Where to stay near Spiaggia di Porto Istana:
- 3* White Sand Residence (from €110 a night) — a peaceful yet fully functional aparthotel. You can see its bright red roof and a giant pool adjacent to the building from space (or at least when you look at the map of the area on Google Maps). Fully furnished apartments are spacious and airy, and the close proximity to the beach drives the point of it being the best hotel by Porto Istana home.
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Spiaggia di Porto Istana |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ it’s free |
— can get too crowded |
Spiaggia Solanas — best beach according to us
Personal beach score: 10/10
We know we’re jumping back and forth between the two contrasting sides of the island: That is because we personally feel that it’s really hard to choose whether to set up camp in either North or South Sardinia (driving around the entire island in search of the best beaches in Sardinia, Italy is an activity not for the faint-hearted: Trust us, the experience has changed us forever).
So, in lieu of trying not to be too monotonous (beaches of the same areas tend to be quite uniform in their characteristics), let’s get back to one of the best beaches in Sardinia near Cagliari — Spiaggia Solanas. Hands down, our favorite beach of the bunch! A long stretch of golden (and slightly coarse) sand runs parallel to the most azure water we’ve ever witnessed here, and the bookends of hills and dunes make for a great chance to explore the local flora and fauna.
Side note: Speaking of nature, Solanas is among the few beaches in Sardinia where you can clearly see schools of fish glimmering in the sunlight right by the edge of the water. Bring a mask if you have one and dive in: Solanas is a popular destination for snorkeling! Keep in mind though that the water gets deep fast at Solanas, so it might not be the best location for an outing with small children.
To us, this hidden gem of a beach was the culmination of everything we like about spending the time by the water: Being both idyllic and calm (it’s never too crowded, despite being perfect in almost every way), it’s not too isolated from the civilized world. In our minds, Solanas is a happy medium between the best beaches of LA and Sydney. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunset!
Side note: If in the general area, stop here and climb a short path to a unique viewpoint that overlooks the entirety of the beach and the adjacent picturesque grounds.
As with the other beaches, Spiaggia Solanas has all the same shenanigans going for it:
- A giant parking lot behind Solanas is completely free, which is a huge plus;
- A beach club on site offers sunbed and umbrella rentals: You will have to shell out somewhere between €30 and €40 for a couple of loungers and an umbrella;
- If you’re not a fan of food and beverage options that are usually provided at beach bars, we encourage you to make a little detour into the village the beach sits adjacent to: There, you can find a supermarket and a few pizza places that will certainly hit the spot if you’re hangry. You’re in Italy, after all!
Where to stay near Spiaggia Solanas:
- 3* Hotel Solanas (from €170 a night) — a hotel with great location and service that is set within a mere 5-minute walk from the beach. A giant pool will save the day when it’s too windy to swim in the ocean, and the restaurant on site will make you not want to venture out in search of dinner options. Whatever you need (even if it’s just an umbrella for the beach), the helpful hotel staff will find it in a heartbeat.
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Spiaggia Solanas |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ it’s free |
— overpriced beach rental options |
Spiaggia di Campus — another decent beach with free parking
Personal beach score: 7/10
A lesser-known beach that is still worthy of the place on the list of the best beaches in Sardinia, Italy, Spiaggia di Campus is located not that far from Solanas. It’s actually one of the bigger beaches of the area, so it rarely gets filled to the brim.
Side note: Despite what the name might suggest, camping is prohibited at the beach, but you’re welcome to spend an entire day relaxing on the shore.
Campus Beach has a coarse golden sand (which we actually prefer to the extra fine sand of other beaches: It’s easier to wash off and you don’t end up with sand particles in every crevasse of your body) and clear blue water. Every possible thing you need to have a good time at the beach, it’s right here!
Some more deets on Spiaggia di Campus:
- The parking is free;
- The beach club (the one that doesn’t belong to any of the waterfront hotels and where any visitor can actually use the resources provided) has an umbrella/lounger service: The price for two sunbeds and an umbrella will vary anywhere between €30 and €50;
- You can rent a kayak or a paddle boat for €20/hour;
- Restrooms and showers at the beach will cost you anywhere from €1 to €2;
- There’s a beach bar on site.
Where to stay in Spiaggia di Campus:
- 4* Hotel & Residence Cormoran (from €280 a night) — a hotel that’s got a major part of Campus Beach for its guests. It’s a convivial gathering place for tourists and locals alike: The grand rooms and exuberantly tasteful decor make for a robust stay, fit for Royals!
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Spiaggia di Campus |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ it’s free |
— can get too crowded |
Spiaggia Sant'Elmo & Spiaggia di Cala Monte Turno — best beaches of Costa Rei
It’s often insinuated that the best beaches in Sardinia are all set in the province of Costa Rei (at least after the world-renowned Costa Smeralda Sardinia). It’s hard to completely agree with the sentiment: After we went total Beast Mode during our latest trip to Sardinia and explored a fair number of beaches in different parts of the island, we believe that every beach in Sardinia is the “best” in one way or another. There are some misses, as expected, but the beaches we’ve gathered on our list are all worthy of your time and attention.
That’s where Spiaggia Sant'Elmo and Spiaggia di Cala Monte Turno come into play — set on a sun-splashed wild coast of Costa Rei, they’re both pleasant enough to make you want to explore both of them, in succession (thankfully, they’re located within a 20-minute walking distance of one another).
- Note that parking at both Spiaggia Sant'Elmo and Spiaggia di Cala Monte Turno costs the same: €5 for half a day / €10 for a full day;
- Both beaches are equipped with a bar for all of your refreshment needs.
Spiaggia Sant'Elmo
Personal beach score: 8/10
Spiaggia Sant’Elmo is a beautiful narrow beach: It’s not small per se, because the length of it is quite significant. The beach is a hoot for adults and kids alike, as the water is pretty shallow and there are plenty of areas by the rocks perfect for snorkeling: Lots of fish and other sea creatures inhabit the area.
Speaking of rocks, the beach is mostly coarse greyish sand with giant rock formations reminiscent of those most widespread in the the Seychelles. It’s a nice beach, never too crowded: Maybe the lack of large groups of beachgoers can be explained by the size of the parking lot, as it is quite small.
Spiaggia di Cala Monte Turno
Personal beach score: 8/10
Compared to its neighbor, Spiaggia di Cala Monte Turno has a larger parking lot: Consequently, it’s more popular with visitors. It’s also long, but wider, and can fit the increased demand. Even though you have to drive on a dirt road to reach the beach, it’s the smoothest dirt road we’ve ever experienced, so your vehicle won’t have any problems driving on it. Other than that, the beach is quite similar to Spiaggia Sant’Elmo, in the light of both of them being very pleasant and inviting.
Where to stay near Spiaggia Sant'Elmo & Spiaggia di Cala Monte Turno:
- 4* Cala Sinzias Resort (from €160 a night) — a perfect all-inclusive resort in the area: From the terrific food to evening entertainment and cozy suites, you are guaranteed a stay of the lifetime!
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Spiaggia Sant'Elmo & Spiaggia di Cala Monte Turno |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ they’re free |
— expensive parking |
Spiaggia di Simius — best beach in Villasimius
Personal beach score: 8/10
Set not too far from the aforementioned Porto Giunco, Spiaggia di Simius looks quite similar to its neighbor, earning its rightful place on our list of the best beaches in Sardinia, Italy. The beach is both long and wide, with ample space for hordes of visitors it sees every day.
Spiaggia di Simius is a postcard-worthy beach: Super clear azure water paired with a stretch of soft golden sand and low rolling dunes are a sight for the ages. The water is shallow enough for little kids to wade through, which makes the beach perfect for families.
A few of the Spiaggia di Simius details that you need to know before you go:
- The most reasonably priced parking can be found near Spiaggia di Simius: It’s only €5/day! What’s more, there’s free parking available at the lot named Parcheggio Comunale: You can even park campervans here, which is a rare occurrence near the waterfront in Sardinia. You will have to walk a little longer (10 minutes or so) from the lot to the beach though, which is pretty expected, since it’s free parking;
- Tbeach club at Simius rents out loungers and umbrellas (be warned, not for cheap, the savings stop at parking): A couple of beach chairs and an umbrella will cost you anywhere between €30 and €50;
- Shower service and restrooms are €0,50 each.
Where to stay in Spiaggia di Simius:
- 4* Hotel Simius Playa (from €400 a night) — beautiful upscale hotel with top-notch service to boot. It is quite pricey, but the accommodation options are as classy as they’re advertised. Treat yourself to a fantastic stay here, you deserve it!
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Spiaggia di Simius |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ it’s free |
— beach facilities are a little too pricey for our liking |
Golfo di Orosei beaches — most beautiful on the island
Personal beach score: 7/10
Both the most beautiful beaches in the Sardinian East (we couldn’t write the article without mentioning these gems, even though they’re located in neither South or North of Sardinia) and the beaches that are hardest to reach on the island, Golfo di Orosei beaches sit in the whole other category than the rest.
What do all the Golfo di Orosei beaches have in common? Their intrinsic look: They are small beaches sitting underneath giant rocky cliffs, with nothing but the open water in front of them. They can be accessed by either hiking to them (the option for more physically fit travelers, as the paths are quite hard to walk on) or by renting a boat (keep reading for options).
These are a few of our favorite Golfo di Orosei beaches (there are more, but these ones we consider to be the best):
- Cala Goloritzé — entry costs €6 per person; can be reached by trekking down from the parking lot (or with a boat tour, if you don’t mind the price). Be prepared that the hike one-way will take you about an hour or so. A beautiful natural stone arch at Cala Goloritzé is worth all the trouble though! There’s daily visitor limit of 250 people.
- Cala dei Gabbiani — also known as Seagull Cove, this spectacular beach really is home to quite a few of fun inhabitants: You can witness lots of bird footprints in the sand early in the mornings, and then go for a swim in the water full of fish and other marine life. Cala dei Gabbiani is accessible by boat.
- Cala Mariolu — arguably the most popular beach of Golfo di Orosei: Every boat tour makes a stop in its waters. You can hike out here, but the trek is too arduous: We wouldn’t recommend doing it under the relentless Sardinian sun. Though terribly beautiful, we couldn’t shake off the feeling that the beach looks like the setting of Old movie (2021). We all know how things turned out there (watch the trailer if you’ve missed it)! All kidding aside, Cala Mariolu, though hard to reach, can become quite crowded (they say there’s a limit of 650 people per day, which is a lot for such a small beach).
- Cala Luna — both reachable by a boat or by your own two feet, the beach is a worthy destination if you’re in the area. Clad with five (!) small caves waiting to be explored, Cala Luna is a dream of every person with a social media presence: The amount of content you can shoot here is out of this world!
- Cala Fuili — the only beach on the list that is easily accessible: A place where you leave your car (along the road, make sure that you don’t park on the lines, or you’ll get a ticket) is set not too far from Cala Fuili, and the trek down to the beach is short and manageable (granted you consider more than 150 stairs manageable). Because of that, the beach becomes overcrowded easily, so come early in the morning or late in the afternoon (after 4 p.m.) to have the place to yourself. All in all, the beach is something out of a fairytale: Emerald water, golden sand, grand rock formations, — we get the appeal!
You can either rent a boat from Porto di Cala Gonone (prices start at €50 and up, depending on the itinerary) or from Santa Maria Navarrese (prices start at €70 and up), depending on where your base is.
Side note: Personally, we chose this boat tour during our last trip to Sardinia, but it fell through due to the weather (August is no joke here, it’s either extremely hot or storming like crazy). Well, you know what they say, — there’s always next time!
Where to stay near Golfo di Orosei beaches:
- 3* Locanda Su Recreu (Cala Gonone, from €70 a night) — perfect location, great cozy rooms, and quintessential Sardinian vibes, — this hotel is a great base for your hidden beaches itinerary.
- 3* Hotel Nicoletta (Santa Maria Navarrese, from €90 a night) — the hotel’s garden alone made us feel like we’re in Call me by your name (2017): Relaxed, happy, and madly in love with the Sardinian surroundings. Clean rooms, welcoming common areas, and great service make a stay at Nicoletta an unforgettable one!
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Golfo di Orosei beaches |
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Pros |
Cons |
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+ mostly free |
— very hard to reach |
Map of beaches in Sardinia
If your head is spinning from the range of beach choices we’ve given you in this very article and you have no idea where to start planning your itinerary, fret not: We’ve arranged a handy map of the best beaches in Sardinia that you can access right here.
With its help, you can plan your beach detours based on the area you stay in on your Sardinia vacation. Driving to some popular landmark on the island and see that you’re close to the coast? Consult this trusty map and go take a refreshing dip in the cerulean water!
Best beaches in Sardinia: in conclusion
We understand that we failed you a little in answering the question of which part of Sardinia has the best beaches. Truthfully, we believe that there is no answer: Each part of the island has what one could call some of the best beaches in Sardinia, Italy.
We are open to hearing your opinion though: What Sardinian beach would you return to again and again, without growing tired of it? Leave your own experiences and the possible questions you might have in the comments down below.