Dive into this list of the best beaches in Sardinia, Italy.
Whatever you’re looking for on a good vacation, Sardinia offers it — amazing food, exciting nightlife, breathtaking scenery, historic sites, adventurous hiking trails, and, of course, beautiful beaches! Sardinia’s 2,000-kilometer coastline is lined with both coarse and fine sand beaches, secluded coves, and pristine turquoise waters. So it’s no wonder why the island has several gorgeous spiagge (beaches).
To help you decide which beach to visit, I found the most popular Sardinia beaches. After hours of research and reading reviews, I came up with this quick guide.
The list comprises the best beaches on each side of the island – north, east, south, and west. If you haven’t decided where to stay in Sardinia yet, let this guide help you.
Each item on the list is also the best at something, may it be for swimming, snorkeling, island-hopping, hiking, etc. — proving that Sardinia really has it all!
Beautiful Beaches of the North
1. Spiaggia Rena Bianca: Best for Swimming
Located in the province of Olbia-Tempio, Spiaggia Rena Bianca is the main beach of Santa Teresa di Gallura. Its 200-meter stretch of pale fine sand offers views of Corsica’s white cliffs to the north.
The waters of Rena Bianca may be some of the clearest and shallowest in Sardinia, making it perfect for swimming. Aside from excellent bathing conditions, the beach also features high-quality tourism facilities and gives importance to sustainability.
Sun loungers and umbrellas, pedal boats, and canoes are available for rent.
Northeast Sardinia Beaches
2. Spiaggia del Principe, Costa Smeralda: Best for Celebrity Spotting
Spiaggia del Principe is called “The Beach of the Prince” because it is the favorite of Prince Karim Aga Khan, founder of Costa Smeralda.
This white sand beach in Arzachena is one of the best on the Emerald Coast. Spiaggia del Principe is surrounded by Mediterranean scrub, big rocks, and crystal blue waters that are ideal for snorkeling.
It’s no wonder why Spiaggia del Principe is frequented by the rich and famous. Take note, though, that the area is jammed with Italian vacationers in July and August. I suggest you avoid these months if you prefer lesser crowds and cheaper rates.
3. La Maddalena Archipelago: Best for Island-Hopping
If island-hopping is your thing, then you should not miss the La Maddalena islands. This archipelago in Sardinia’s legendary emerald green waters is known for its interesting history and spectacular landscapes.
Perhaps the most notable beach in La Maddalena is the Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach). This protected natural treasure is located on the southeast shore of Budelli Island. Very tiny grains of coral and shells give the beach its fabled color.
The pink sand remarkably compliments the blues of the sea and the greens of the surrounding junipers. It is definitely a sight to behold.
4. Cala Brandinchi: Best for Enjoying Exotic Vibes
Thanks to its exotic vibe, Cala Brandinchi in San Teodoro is often hailed as “Sardinia’s Tahiti”. Surrounded by pine woods, junipers, and wild lilies, its glowing shore is reminiscent of the Polynesian island.
The fine white sand and shallow crystal clear sea make Cala Brandinchi a good choice for swimming. It is especially beautiful during the low-tide season when the coastline’s captivating greenery becomes more noticeable.
There is also a small cement quay where boats can dock.
Beautiful Beaches of the East
5. Cala Mariolu: Best for Snorkeling
Cala Mariolu is a horseshoe-shaped cove north of Cala Goloritze. The beach of Cala Mariolu is surrounded by limestone cliffs, cream-colored pebbles, and coarse white sand.
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, this cove offers transparent waters perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
The cove is quite isolated. It is only accessible via boat and has no hotels or accommodations nearby. This also means lesser crowds.
6. Cala Goloritze: Best for Hiking
Declared as an Italian National Monument in 1995, Cala Goloritze in Baunei is one of the most scenic spots on the Mediterranean Sea. Located south of the Gulf of Orosei, this beach is a challenge to get to.
Boats can’t land on this protected natural monument, so one must hike through a steep trail from the top of the plateau to the beach. But once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a magnificent sight. The beach is surrounded by white pebbles and pink rocks that seem to float in the crystal blue sea.
Beautiful Beaches of the South
7. Chia: Best for Families
If you’re looking for a beach with enticing views on the south, Chia is the place to be. You can spot pink flamingos on the lagoon behind the beach, too!
To see the beach from a different angle, climb Chia’s Spanish watchtower and look down on the beauty of its beach.
One of the best beaches in Chia is Su Giudeu Beach. It’s a long beach with golden sands and clear blue waters.
8. Spiaggia di Tuerredda: Best Fine White Sand Beach
Spiaggia di Tuerredda is an unusual V-shaped beach in Teulada. This 500-meter coast is best known for its fine white sand. The colors of its waters range from turquoise to emerald green to deep blue.
Spiaggia di Tuerredda’s transparent waters comparable to the Caribbean beaches are ideal for snorkeling, too.
Beautiful Beaches of the West
9. Is Arutas: Best for Escapists
Located in Cabras, Is Arutas is known as the “beach of the rice grains” because of its tiny grain-like quartz particles. These grains of sand vary in color, from white to pink, light green, and other pastel colors.
The beach is extra beautiful on sunny days when the grains reflect the sun’s rays against the backdrop of its transparent waters, great for sunbathing and surfing.
10. La Pelosa: Best Iconic Beach
Spiaggia La Pelosa is only 2 kilometers away from Stintino on the northwest coast of Sardinia. Situated at the base of Capo Falcone, this beach is best known for its iconic Catalan-Aragonese watchtower built in 1578 and its surrounding sand dunes.
Its soft sand is incredibly white and its turquoise water shallow and transparent. Bear in mind that this beach is especially busy in July and August. It may be packed, but it’s definitely worth a visit!
