The Most Beautiful Beaches in Sardinia
Sardinia rightly counts as one of the most beach-rich islands in the Mediterranean – from Caribbean-looking coves to sand dunes stretching for kilometres. An overview of the best-known destinations, sorted by region.
Northwest: Around Stintino
Spiaggia della Pelosa is considered by many to be the island's most beautiful beach: Caribbean-style turquoise water, fine white sand, and a view of the offshore Torre della Pelosa. Popular accordingly – if you want peace and quiet, come early or in the shoulder season.
East: Golfo di Orosei
The steep coastline of the Golfo di Orosei is home to some of the island's most spectacular coves, most reachable only by boat or on foot:
- Cala Goloritzé – a UNESCO natural monument with a striking rock arch.
- Cala Mariolu – round white pebbles and emerald-green water.
- Cala Luna – caves and Mediterranean scrubland, also reachable by boat or hiking trail.
- Cala Sisine – secluded at the end of a gorge.
Northeast: San Teodoro & Costa Smeralda
- La Cinta – around five kilometres of wide sandy beach at San Teodoro, with a flamingo lagoon behind it.
- Cala Brandinchi – also called "little Tahiti", flat turquoise water, ideal for families.
- Spiaggia del Principe – fine pink-tinged sand on the upscale Costa Smeralda.
- S'Isuledda near Puntaldia – Caribbean-looking, fine sand.
- Isola dei Gabbiani near Palau – not a classic swimming beach, but one of the best kite- and windsurfing spots in Europe.
West: Sinis Peninsula
Is Arutas is a one-of-a-kind spot: the "sand" is made of tiny, rice-grain-shaped quartz pebbles instead of ordinary sand – so taking any home as a souvenir is strongly discouraged (it's now banned and checked).
Southwest
- Chia – dune landscape, turquoise water, and a historic watchtower.
- Tuerredda – small cove with an offshore islet, family-friendly.
- Piscinas on the Costa Verde – spectacular shifting dunes, wild and pristine.
- Cala Domestica – a former mining cove near Iglesias, surrounded by tall cliffs.
Southeast & South
- Costa Rei – kilometres of fine sandy beach with gently sloping water.
- Porto Giunco near Villasimius – between the sea and a salt lake, often with flamingos.
- Spiaggia del Poetto near Cagliari – eight kilometres of city beach with good infrastructure, ideal if you're based in the capital.