Discover Sardinia's Top Beaches

Sardinia's beaches, with their natural beauty and Phoenician history, are the island's main attractions. The beaches, often surrounded by hills, dunes, and cliffs, are mostly free and less commercialized than those on mainland Italy. Even during peak season, secluded spots can be found. Here's a guide to some of the best beaches in Sardinia for your next vacation.

1. Costa Sud

The Costa Sud, southwest of Cagliari, features hidden sandy beaches like Porto Campana, known for water sports and family-friendly shallow waters. Nearby Spiaggia Sa Colonia and Spiaggia Su Portu offer tranquil spots, while Tuerredda Beach near Chia is perfect for swimmers with its clear, multi-hued waters. Chia itself provides various water activities and is accessible from Cagliari, with luxurious stays like the Faro Capo Spartivento hotel.

2. Maddalena Islands

The Maddalena Islands, known for their pink sand and emerald waters, are accessible by ferry from Palau. The islands offer secluded beaches and historical sites like Giuseppe Garibaldi's home. Most beaches are undeveloped, so bring your own supplies.

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3. Capo Testa

Capo Testa and Santa Teresa Gallura boast public beaches with emerald waters and scenic rock formations. The area includes several Blue Flag beaches, such as Rena Bianca, known for its shallow waters and family-friendly environment.

4. Costa Smeralda

The luxurious Costa Smeralda offers stunning beaches like Spiaggia del Principe, surrounded by cliffs. While many beaches are private, there are public options like Cala Granu and Grande Pevero, with fine sand and juniper surroundings. Cannigione offers a more affordable alternative to Porto Cervo.

5. Costa Verde

The wild Costa Verde features long stretches of golden sand and towering dunes, such as those at Scivu Beach and Spiaggia di Piscinas. Cala Domestica is a scenic cove popular with scuba divers.

6. Cala Goloritzè & the Golfo di Orosei

Cala Goloritzè is a Natural Monument with a protected beach, accessible only by a challenging trail. Other beautiful beaches like Cala Mariolu and Cala Luna can be reached by boat tours from Cala Gonone.

7. Costa Rei

The Costa Rei offers long sandy beaches backed by olive and almond groves. Villasimius is the main tourist hub, with stunning beaches like Porto Giunco, known for its white sand and pink flamingoes.

8. Cala Brandinchi and San Teodoro

Cala Brandinchi, dubbed Sardinia's Tahiti, features white sand and shallow waters. San Teodoro is a popular resort area with several beautiful beaches, including Lu Impostu and La Cinta.

9. Capo Comino

Capo Comino Beach is family-friendly with a long stretch of sand and clear waters. The beach offers amenities and space for privacy, backed by high dunes and a lighthouse.

10. La Pelosa

La Pelosa, near Stintino, is known for its shallow, iridescent waters. Due to overcrowding, reservations are required, and there are restrictions in place.

11. Is Arutas and the Sinis Peninsula

Is Arutas beach on the Sinis Peninsula is unique for its colorful quartz sand. The area is a Marine Protected Area with long beaches and popular surfing spots.

12. Poetto

Poetto beach in Cagliari is a lively 8-kilometer stretch with white sand and shallow waters, backed by food kiosks and water sports facilities.

Explore more of Sardinia's attractions and find the best places to stay on tripates.com, including top-rated hotels and resorts. For beachgoers on the mainland, discover the best beaches in Italy and Tuscany's attractions.