Basaura Beach

Basaura Beach near Arbatax has medium-grained sand ranging from very pale grey to white and clear water that shifts from turquoise to blue in the sunlight. The setting still feels relatively natural and the beach is also known as Airport Beach because the Tortolì airport runway ends nearby. It is fairly wide, often sheltered from the wind and moderately busy in summer. The seabed becomes deep quite quickly, which can be good for snorkelling but makes the beach less suitable for very young children or inexperienced swimmers.

Basaura combines a relatively relaxed setting with useful seasonal services. A beach kiosk offers food and drinks, a pine grove behind the shore provides some shade, and beach equipment can usually be rented locally. Its location only a few minutes from Tortolì also means that hotels, B&Bs, holiday apartments, restaurants and other services are close at hand.

To reach Basaura Beach, follow the SS125 towards Tortolì/Arbatax, then turn onto Via San Gemiliano and follow signs for “Sos Flores” or Tortolì airport. Parking is close to the beach and access takes only a few minutes on foot. Basaura is a good choice if you want a more natural-looking beach without being far from town services.

Close to Basaura is the long beach of San Gemiliano, known for pale sand and a generally shallow seabed. Around Arbatax, another worthwhile stop is Cala Moresca, a scenic rocky cove. Travelling with a dog? Zaccurru beach, in the Basaura area not far from the airport, includes a dog-friendly section.