THE BEST BEACHES IN SARDINIA
For many travellers, a holiday in Sardinia begins with the sea. The island attracts visitors from around the world with clear water, long sandy beaches, hidden coves and dramatically different coastlines.
Sardinia's sea changes character from one area to another: granite bays in the north-east, limestone cliffs along the Baunei Coast, long southern beaches and wilder stretches facing the open sea in the west. This variety is what makes exploring the island's coastline so rewarding.
From north to south, here are some of the best beaches in Sardinia to add to your trip.
BEST BEACHES IN THE LA MADDALENA ARCHIPELAGO
Start in the north, inside the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. One of its most famous places is the Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli. Its distinctive pink sand is created by tiny fragments of shells, coral and other marine material. The beach lies within a strictly protected area designed to preserve its fragile ecosystem.
Also worth discovering are Cala Corsara on Spargi, a beautiful bay with fine pale sand and transparent water, and Cala Coticcio on Caprera, often compared to a tropical cove because of its granite rocks and turquoise sea. Access rules can apply in protected areas, so always check current regulations before visiting.
BEACHES NOT TO MISS IN OGLIASTRA
Moving south along Sardinia's east coast, Cala Biriala is one of the most striking coves on the Baunei Coast. Surrounded by high limestone cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation, it is reached mainly by sea and offers clear water in a dramatic natural setting.
Nearby, Cala Luna is a sweep of sand framed by limestone cliffs and large caves that provide shade in the warmer months. Travelling by boat along the Baunei Coast also gives you the chance to see the Piscine di Venere, known for intensely blue and transparent water.
Another essential stop is Cala Goloritzè, one of Sardinia's most iconic beaches. The cove is famous for its limestone arch, white pebbles and the Aguglia pinnacle rising above the coast. It can be reached on foot via a hiking trail, while boats can approach the protected waters offshore in accordance with local rules.
One way to explore this coastline is with Luuxya Charter, which offers private yacht tours along the Baunei Coast, visiting some of its best-known coves and swimming spots in a more relaxed setting.
BEACHES TO SEE IN SOUTHERN SARDINIA
On the south-east coast, Cala Pira is a sheltered bay with fine pale sand, turquoise water and Mediterranean vegetation. Its compact size and natural setting make it one of the most attractive stops around Castiadas and Villasimius.
Farther west, the spectacular Porto Pino dunes create one of southern Sardinia's most distinctive landscapes, with high white-sand dunes stretching behind the coastline.
Tuerredda, near Teulada, is another of the south's best-known beaches. Golden sand and usually calm, shallow water make it popular with both swimmers and families, while the clear sea is well suited to snorkelling.
BEAUTIFUL BEACHES ON SARDINIA'S WEST COAST
The final part of this journey follows Sardinia's west coast, where the landscape is often more exposed and wild.
One of the most distinctive beaches is Torre dei Corsari, known for its sweeping golden dunes and open coastline. The name comes from the seventeenth-century coastal tower that stands above the bay.
San Giovanni di Sinis combines a beautiful coastal setting with one of Sardinia's most important archaeological landscapes: the ancient site of Tharros lies just nearby, making it easy to combine a beach stop with history.
Whether you prefer sheltered coves, long sandy beaches or dramatic cliffs, Sardinia offers a coastline that changes constantly from one region to the next. Choose fewer places, stay longer and let each stretch of coast become part of the journey.
