Sardinia Beaches: Where to Go, What to See & Insider Travel Tips

Benvenuti to Sardinia, the island paradise of the Mediterranean! If you’re dreaming of pristine waters, soft white sands, and rugged coastlines untouched by mass tourism, Sardinia’s beaches will leave you breathless.
 

From the gl

amour of the Costa Smeralda to the wild charm of the Gulf of Orosei, Sardinia offers a diverse beach experience for every traveler—be it luxury, adventure, or pure relaxation.

Join me, your local-style travel guide, as we explore the top beaches in Sardinia, how to get to them, where to stay, and what makes each stretch of coast so unique.

📍 Where Is Sardinia?

🏝 Location: Mediterranean Sea, west of mainland Italy

🇮🇹 Region: Autonomous region of Italy

✈️ Major Airports: Cagliari (south), Olbia (northeast), Alghero (northwest)

Sardinia is Italy’s second-largest island, but don’t confuse it with Sicily! It has its own language, cuisine, and history—and over 2,000 kilometers of coastline.

🏆 Top 12 Must-See Beaches in Sardinia

Let’s dive into the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, categorized by region.

1. La Pelosa Beach – Stintino (Northwest)

🌊 Famous for: Shallow, Caribbean-like turquoise waters

🏖 Ideal for: Families, photographers

📸 Highlights: Torre della Pelosa, white sands, calm lagoons

Tip: Entry is limited during peak season—book your visit in advance!

2. Cala Goloritzé – Gulf of Orosei (East)

🏞 A UNESCO-protected natural monument

🥾 Reachable by: 1.5-hour hike or by boat

🤿 Best for: Snorkelers, hikers, nature lovers

Fun fact: The limestone arch and turquoise sea here are among the most photographed spots in Sardinia!

3. Spiaggia di Tuerredda – South Coast

🌅 Calm, turquoise waters protected by a natural bay

🚣 Activities: Kayaking, SUP, sunbathing

🏖 Nearby beaches: Su Giudeu and Chia Beach

Tip: Arrive early—parking is limited and this beach gets popular quickly!

4. Costa Smeralda Beaches – Northeast Sardinia

💎 Region known for luxury and emerald waters

🌟 Top beaches: Spiaggia del Principe, Capriccioli, Romazzino

🛥 Frequented by: Celebrities, yacht owners, stylish travelers

Don’t miss: Porto Cervo, a glamorous resort town nearby.

5. Cala Mariolu – Gulf of Orosei

🏝 Pebbled beach with glass-clear water

🐟 Excellent snorkeling and diving spot

🚤 Best accessed via boat from Cala Gonone

Legend: Its name comes from “mariolo” (thief), referring to seals that stole fishermen's catch.

6. Poetto Beach – Cagliari (South)

🏙 Urban beach stretching 8 km

🍹 Beach bars, restaurants, and rentals

🧒 Family-friendly with shallow entry

Pro tip: Stay in Cagliari and walk or cycle to Poetto for a relaxing day by the sea.

7. Cala Luna – Orosei Coast

🥾 Accessed by hike or boat

🏞 Stunning cliffs and caves ideal for exploring

🌳 Surrounded by oleander bushes and limestone rock

Romantic alert: This is one of Sardinia’s most cinematic beaches!

8. Is Arutas – Sinis Peninsula (West)

🏖 Known for its unique quartz sand (pink, white, and green)

🤿 Popular for snorkeling and nature photography

🌬 Windsurfing and kitesurfing are common here

Don’t take the sand! It’s protected, and fines are steep.

9. Cala Brandinchi – San Teodoro (Northeast)

Nicknamed “Little Tahiti” for its colors and vibe

🧺 Great for picnics and families

🐚 Shallow turquoise lagoon and white sand

10. Porto Giunco – Villasimius (Southeast)

🐦 Birdwatchers’ haven near a pink flamingo lagoon

🏖 Long sandy beach with calm waters

🛶 Rentals available: pedal boats, SUP boards, canoes

11. Punta Molentis – Villasimius

🪨 Nestled between granite rocks and clear water

🌅 Perfect at sunrise or sunset

🚗 Limited parking—arrive early or visit off-season

12. Liscia Ruja – Costa Smeralda

💆‍♀️ Long, uncrowded beach for relaxation

🏄‍♂️ Ideal for paddleboarding and peaceful swims

🌲 Surrounded by fragrant Mediterranean scrub

📆 Best Time to Visit Sardinia’s Beaches

Pro tip: If you prefer tranquility, visit in late May or September.

🚗 Getting Around Sardinia

Car rental is the best way to explore hidden beaches

Boat tours run from major ports like Cala Gonone, Palau, and La Maddalena

Public transport is limited in rural areas but decent between cities

🏨 Where to Stay Near Sardinia’s Top Beaches

💎 Luxury

Petra Segreta Resort & Spa – Olbia

Hotel Cala di Volpe – Costa Smeralda

🌴 Mid-range

Hotel Su Gologone – Near Orosei

Sardegna Hotel – Cagliari

🏠 Budget

Agriturismo stays in the countryside

Guesthouses in Santa Teresa Gallura, Alghero, or Villasimius

🍝 What to Eat Near the Beach

Sardinia’s cuisine is just as spectacular as its beaches. Try these local specialties:

Fregola con arselle – Sardinian couscous with clams

Spaghetti alla bottarga – Pasta with salted fish roe

Seadas – Fried cheese pastry drizzled with honey

Mirto – A local liqueur made from myrtle berries

Beach towns offer trattorias and sea-view restaurants—perfect for sunset dining.

🧳 What to Pack for Sardinia Beaches

Reef-safe sunscreen

Snorkeling gear

Beach shoes (some beaches are rocky)

Lightweight towel

Hat and reusable water bottle

Light jacket (evenings can be breezy)

📸 Best Photo Spots

La Pelosa from above the watchtower

Cala Goloritzé from the hiking trail

Sunset at Tuerredda

Drone shots over Costa Smeralda coves

Quartz sands of Is Arutas

🧠 Fun Facts About Sardinia Beaches

Sardinia has over 200 beaches—many still undeveloped!

The waters here are among the cleanest in Europe.

Many beaches are part of protected marine areas.

Pink Beach of Budelli (closed to preserve its unique color) is world-famous for its rare sand hue.

🌿 Environmental Responsibility

Help keep Sardinia beautiful by:

Not taking sand or shells (illegal on many beaches)

Using reef-safe sunscreen

Avoiding plastic bottles—use a reusable one

Respecting signage, especially in marine parks

💬 What Visitors Say

“Sardinia’s beaches are better than the Maldives! The water was unreal.”
— Emma, UK

“La Pelosa was like a dream. So blue, so shallow—it felt surreal.”
— Roberto, Italy

“Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzé are magical. Worth the hike!”
— Jan, Germany

🧭 Suggested Itineraries

🏖 3-Day Beach Getaway

Day 1: Cala Brandinchi + San Teodoro town

Day 2: Cala Mariolu by boat

Day 3: La Pelosa + Alghero Old Town

🏝 7-Day Sardinia Beach Tour

Costa Smeralda (2 nights)

Gulf of Orosei (2 nights)

Villasimius/Poetto (2 nights)

Sinis Peninsula (1 night)

✨ Why You Should Visit Sardinia Beaches

Sardinia isn’t just a beach destination—it’s a journey into raw natural beauty, island charm, and a slower pace of life. Each cove, each grain of sand, tells a story of ancient lands, pristine waters, and timeless escapes.

Whether you're snorkeling in Cala Luna, sipping wine in Costa Smeralda, or catching sunset over Tuerredda, one thing is certain—Sardinia’s beaches will capture your heart.