La Spiaggetta Beach – Cardedu

Along the stunning 8km coastline of the Cardedu marina – one of the longest on the island – you'll find a slice of paradise. It's not overly large, but it's perfect for relaxation, rarely crowded, and full of surprises. This is La Spiaggetta. And the water? Like almost all the beaches in Ogliastra, the key word is 'limpid'. Crystal-clear and clean, it reflects the sun's rays, shifting from emerald to turquoise in a flash... a delight for the eyes and a dream for photographers.

The seabed begins with smooth, round pebbles, perfectly shaped by the action of water and wind. As you venture into deeper water, these give way to soft sand. This makes it ideal for anyone wishing to grab a mask, snorkel, and fins for an underwater adventure. All around, the green of the Mediterranean maquis adds the final brushstrokes to this spectacular scene.

From the town centre of Cardedu, head in the direction of “Buon Cammino”, then continue following the signs for Marina di Cardedu. The beach is located after Museddu beach, at the southern end of the rocky coastline of this Ogliastra town.

On the beach, you can rent pedalos or jet skis. The fact that this beautiful place has some wild sections – with alternating trees and rocks – also makes it very interesting for hiking. There are several options for booking a scenic rocky walk, of varying difficulty, starting from or ending at this beautiful Ogliastra beach. You can also have an unforgettable experience visiting it by kayak. Thanks to the favourable winds that blow on certain days during the summer season, La Spiaggetta is also a popular destination for diving, surfing, and kitesurfing enthusiasts.

The town of Cardedu, not far from the beach, offers numerous possibilities. In the area, there are several restaurants where you can taste the delicacies of Ogliastra, a region famous for the longevity of its people. You'll also find agriturismos where you can enjoy unspoiled nature, refined hotels offering pampering stays, guest houses, bars, and cafés. It is not too far from Tortolì, which offers other beautiful gems, and other key points of interest in the area.

Among the most beautiful nearby spots, it's impossible not to mention the stunning beach of Su Sirboni. It has no facilities – a drawback or a gem, depending on what you're looking for – but it is a masterpiece of serenity and quiet, a place to forget your worries and focus completely on yourself. Also very close is Museddu beach, one of the longest in the area and considered Cardedu's main beach. Here too, pebbles often give way to fine, pure white sand. In contrast to La Spiaggetta, which is often uncrowded, Museddu beach can be very busy, even in the off-season.

Fun Facts about Cardedu

It is the youngest municipality in the entire Ogliastra region. Its name, Cardedu, has peculiar origins: it seems to derive from 'cardo' (thistle), as the plain was rich in this plant before its current use. The hills around the Ogliastra town are home to numerous nuraghi, stone towers with a circular base that narrow towards the top, and Domus de Janas, small caves carved into rock faces – believed to be the ancient homes of fairies or witches. The sacred well known as Su Presoneddu, in the locality of Cucuddadas, is also very famous.