Sardinia, the Italian island located in the Mediterranean Sea, is characterised by a mountainous and barren inland landscape and 2,000 km of coastline lapped by crystal-clear waters.
The colours of the sea take on hues ranging from blue to emerald green and the coastline is in places sandy and in some places with rocks and reefs that tempt you to dive in.
In summer it is one of the most popular holiday destinations thanks to its beaches that are considered among the most beautiful in the world.
Here are the ones not to be missed!
Beach | Locality, Province | Type |
|---|---|---|
Gulf of Orosei, Nuoro | sand | |
San Teodoro, Sassari | sand | |
Baunei, Nuoro | white pebbles and rocks | |
Baunei, Nuoro | rocks and pebbles | |
Stintino, Sassari | sand | |
Castiadas, Cagliari | sand | |
La Maddalena, Sassari | Sand and rocks | |
La Maddalena, Sassari | Pink sand | |
Santa Teresa di Gallura, Sassari | white sand | |
Posada, Nuoro | sand | |
Arzachena, Olbia-Tempio | sand | |
Villasimius, Cagliari | sand | |
Teulada, Cagliari | sand | |
Castiadas, Cagliari | sand | |
Chia, Cagliari | sand | |
Villasimius, Cagliari | sand | |
Santa Teresa di Gallura, Sassari | sand and pebbles | |
Island of Caprera, Olbia-Tempio | sand and rocks | |
Sinnai, Cagliari | golden sand | |
Buggerru, Carbonia-Iglesias | sand |
Map and photos of beaches
Cala Luna, Gulf of Orosei, Nuoro 
Cala Goloritzè, Baunei, Nuoro 
Cala Mariolu, Baunei, Nuoro 
La Pelosa, Stintino, Sassari 
Porto Giunco, Villasimius, Cagliari 
Tuerredda, Teulada, Cagliari 
Santa Giusta, Castiadas, Cagliari 
Capo Carbonara, Punta Molentis (Cala Caterina), Villasimius, Cagliari 
Photos by Raffaelino
Cala Spinosa, Santa Teresa di Gallura, Sassari 
Photos by pjt56
Cala Domestica, Buggerru, Carbonia-Iglesias 
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1 - Cala Luna
In the centre of the east coast of Sardinia, wedged between Barbagia and Ogliastra, lies one of Sardinia's most beautiful beaches: Cala Luna.
Its wild appearance is characterised by steep cliffs that create a shady and wide inlet, rich in natural caves.
The sand is golden, the seabed sloping and the sea blue and transparent, making it ideal for sports fishing.
SEE ALSO: Cala Luna beach in Sardinia: info, pictures and how to get there
Where it is located: Gulf of Orosei, Province of Nuoro, from which it is 87 km (2 h 30 by car) away. East coast of Sardinia, not far from Arbatax (56 km) and Cala Gonone (59 km) - Get directions.
How to get there: The easiest way to get there is by sea aboard private boats or boats with departures from Cala Gonone, Santa Maria Navarrese, La Caletta or Arbatax (sailing time 15 to 20 minutes).
Alternatively, the beach can be reached by a 1.5/2-hour trek starting from Cala Fuili or Buchiarta, which can be challenging if you are not trained. It cannot be reached by car or bus.Type: golden sand
Where to stay nearby: Hotels and b&b from €55.00 per room
2 - Cala Brandinchi
Photo by Ramon Espiña Fernand.... Nicknamed'little Tahiti' by some, Cala Brandinchi is an exotic, lush beach characterised by fine white sand, a transparent sea and enchanting vegetation.
During the summer season, the beach is equipped and it is possible to rent canoes, dinghies, kayaks and pedal boats in addition to umbrellas and sunbeds.
SEE ALSO: Cala Brandinchi in Sardinia: info, images and how to get there
Where it is located: north-eastern side of the island, 9 km from San Teodoro.
How to get there: to reach the beach, take the SS125 north towards Capo Coda Cavallo. The last few metres are on a dirt road and you leave your car at Salina Bamba from where you continue on foot for a few metres. Get directions
Type: white sand
Where to stay in the area: Hotels and b&b from €50.00 per room
3 - Cala Goloritzè
One of the most photographed beaches in Ogliastra, wedged between the sea and the mountains, characterised by transparent seabeds and a shore of tiny white pebbles and rocks that make it unique.
The water here is quite cold because several currents flow in from the nearby river, and it is an unspoilt place with no services or amenities, but for this very reason it is a magical place.
SEE ALSO: Cala Goloritzè, Sardinia: how to get there, useful info and pictures
Where is located: central-east coast, province of Nuoro, municipality of Baunei
How to get there: it cannot be reached by car, but only by sea or on foot. In the first case, boats must be without engines when they are 300 metres from the shore. Alternatively, a trek can be made starting from Su Porteddu of medium difficulty (duration 1½ hours to descend and 2 to ascend). Get directions
Type: white pebbles and rocks
Where to stay in the area: Hotels and b&b from €59.00 per room
4 - Cala Mariolu
Another corner of paradise in the heart of the Gulf of Orosei is Cala Mariolu also known as Is Pulige de Nie (snow fleas).
In fact, the beach is characterised by tiny white pebbles reminiscent of snow and the coastline is lapped by blue, green and azure waters.
The only point accessible by land by trekking is Punta Ispuligi, once a jetty for loading coal; basically, however, the beach is reached by sea.
Where it is located: municipality of Baunei, central eastern coast.
How to get there: it can be reached mainly by sea with boats leaving from Arbatax or Santa Maria Navarrese (time: 15/20 minutes). On foot, there is a 6 km trek (about 3 hours each way), but it is demanding and poorly signposted. Get directions
Type: rocks and white pebbles
Where to stay in the area: Hotels and b&b from €59.00 per room
5 - La Pelosa
This beach in Sardinia is located in the Gulf of Asinara and is one of the most beautiful in Europe thanks to its shallow waters and fine sand that invite you to experience the sea like a swimming pool.
Protected by the stacks of Capo Falcone, Isola Piana and Asinara, this place is always sheltered and the water is never rough, but the currents constantly change the appearance of the sandy shore, making it a different beach every little while.
Also in front of the lido, which includes both an equipped and a free part, is the famous Aragonese tower, symbol of this place, which can be reached on foot through the Pelosetta cove.
Where is located: north-western tip of Sardinia, municipality of Stintino
How to get there: it is only 4 km from Stintino and can be reached by car in 10 minutes.
From Sassari drive 25 km on the SS131 in the direction of Porto Torres and take the exit for road 34 (takes about 45 minutes). Get directionsTypology: white sand
Where to stay nearby: Hotels and b&b from €58.00 per room
6 - Scoglio di Peppino
Photo by Alex10. Among the most beautiful beaches on the south-east coast of Sardinia is this place characterised by a large rock near the lido that resembles a large turtle.
Scoglio Peppino is a granite rock located on the long coastline of Costa Rei and rises from the sea to form a beautiful natural pool characterised by shallow waters, clear sand and clear sea.
This stretch is not equipped and it is necessary to have the necessary equipment for a day at the beach.
Where is located: southeast part of the island, municipality of Castiadas
How to get there: from Castiadas it is 12 km away, about 13 minutes by car; it can be reached by driving along the SP18 Castiadas-Villasimius towards Costa Rei. From Santa Giusta, continue on foot, walking through the Mediterranean maquis for a few minutes. Get directions
Type: white sand and large rocks
Where to stay in the area: Hotels and b&b from €52.00 per room
7 - Punta Tegge
Located on the island of La Maddalena in the north of Sardinia, the small beach of Punta Tegge is characterised by light-coloured, coarse-grained sand and distinctive flat pink rocks emerging from the water.
The transparent, fish-filled seabed has a turquoise colour and, being shallow, is ideal for relaxing.
The beach is equipped and also has a large car park.
Where it is located: south-west of La Maddalena
How to get there: it is reached from the town of La Maddalena by following the SP114 in 14 minutes by car (2.5 km) Get directions
Type: white sand and pink rocks
Where to stay nearby: Hotels and b&b from €60.00 per room
8 - Pink Beach of Budelli
Photo by trevis_lu. The island of Budelli, accessible by sea from La Maddalena and Sardinia, boasts 12 km of beautiful coastline ideal for those who love the sea and beaches.
The attraction of this archipelago is the Rosa di Budelli beach characterised by pink sand due to the presence of coral and shells, washed by turquoise and transparent waters.
Unfortunately, due to continuous vandalism, the Maddalena Park management has had to close access, so it is only possible to see it from the boat, swim in the surrounding waters but not set foot on it.
Where it is located: in Cala di Roto, south-east of the island of Budelli; part of the La Maddalena Archipelago.
How to get there: it can be reached by public or private boats leaving from Porto Palau, near Olbia, from the Costa Smeralda or from La Maddalena, the nearest port to reach it (25 minutes by boat). Access by land is no longer permitted.
Typology: Pink sand
Where to stay nearby: Hotels and b&b from €60.00 per room
9 - La Rena Bianca
Photo by Or kriminal. La Rena Bianca is the town beach of Santa Teresa di Gallura, 700 metres long and characterised by shallow waters, soft white sand that takes on pink reflections due to the presence of corals. Set among the cliffs, it is protected from the westerly winds and is reached by a 300-metre flight of steps. The lido is equipped and is loved by children and divers alike.
Where is it located: municipality of Santa Teresa di Gallura, north-eastern part of Sardinia
How to get there: it is a 10-minute walk from the town centre or alternatively if you are arriving from other locations by car to the car park 300 metres from the beach. Get directions
Type: white and pink sand
Where to stay nearby: Hotels and b&b from €59.00 per room
10 - Su Tiriarzu
Su Tiriarzu is a long beach just a short distance from Posada, set in a splendid natural context characterised by a rocky outcrop and the Fava castle rising above the beach.
The sand is light, fine and lapped by turquoise waters and the area is equipped and is alsoideal for surfing, snorkelling and diving as the wind often blows here and the seabed is rich in fish.
Where is located: north-east coast of Sardinia, municipality of Posada
How to get there: it is 3 km from Posada; it is a 5-minute drive from the town or a 30-minute walk. Get directions
Type: light sand
Where to stay nearby: Hotels and b&b from €50.00 per room
11 - Prince's Beach
Photo by Silvia Franceschetti. So called because it is considered the favourite of the Aga Khan, Principe Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Emerald Coast.
Bordered by rocks and the typical Mediterranean maquis that surround it, it is characterised by fine white sand and a crystal-clear sea since the seabed is made of sand and granite.
Where is located: north-eastern tip of Sardinia, municipality of Arzachena
How to get there: it is 18 km from Arzachena. It can be reached by car as far as the municipality of Romazzino, where you can park in a dead-end street and then walk for 10 minutes. Get directions
Type: white sand
Where to stay nearby: Hotels and b&b from €68.00 per room
12 - Porto Giunco
Among the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia is Porto Giunco near Villasimius; its peculiarity is that it is located at the foot of a promontory on which an ancient Spanish tower stands.
The beach, which is very wide, is characterised by white sand with pink highlights and is washed by clear waters that turn blue as you move further away from the coast.
The beach is equipped and some areas are owned exclusively by resorts and hotels.
Where it is located: south-eastern part of Sardinia, municipality of Villasimius, province of Cagliari.
How to get there: from Villasimius it takes 10 minutes by car, driving along the sea and following the signs for Stagno di Notteri; once you have parked your car, cross a wooden footbridge that runs along the pond and leads to the sea. Get directions
Type: light sand
Where to stay in the area: Hotels and b&b from €55.00 per room
13 - Tuerredda
In an inlet overlooking a blue sea and surrounded by Mediterranean scrub, Turredda beach is a long stretch of fine white sand.
Not far from the coast there is a small island on which an ancient tower stands and it is pleasant to reach it by swimming.
The beach, ideal for those who want to relax, spend a day at the beach and go swimming, is well equipped and also suitable for families with children.
Where is located: south-west of the island, province of Cagliari, municipality of Teulada. It is 22 km from Teulada and 7.5 km from Chia.
How to get there: from Teulada you can reach it by car along the SS195 towards Pula, from Chia you can take the 129 bus that takes 30 minutes. Get directions
Type: white sand
Where to stay nearby: Hotels and b&b from €57.00 per room
14 - Santa Giusta
Characterised by light-coloured sand mixed with gravel and a Caribbean sea, Santa Giusta beach is one of the most famous in the Costa Rei area.
Nearby is the Peppino rock and the beach is equipped and suitable for everyone as it has several facilities, including a large car park for campers.
Where is located: south-east coast, municipality of Castiadas
How to get there: It is easily reached by car from Villasimius in 20 minutes and from Costa Rei in 5 minutes. Get directions
Type: White sand
Where to stay nearby: Hotels and b&b from €52.00 per room
15 - Su Giudeu
Photo by Carlo Pelagalli. The large and spacious beach of Su Giudeu is the continuation of another very beautiful beach in the same bay, S'aqua Durci, from which it is separated by a cliff.
This shoreline is characterised by soft, white sand and is enhanced by the presence of the Su Giudeu rock, a small island in front of the beach that can be reached on foot when the tide is low.
The beach alternates between free stretches and equipped areas and is popular with families with children and divers.
Where it is located: south-western part of Sardinia, province of Cagliari, hamlet of the municipality of Domus de Maria
How to get there: it is 10 km/13 minutes by car from Domus Maria. It can be reached quickly by car from the hamlet, or from Chia in 7 minutes or from Cagliari in 1 hour. Bus line 129 connects all these locations. Get directions
Typology: white sand
Where to stay nearby: Hotels and b&b from €59.00 per room
16 - Punta Molentis, Villasimius
Photos by Raffaelino. Belonging to the Marine Protected Area of Capo Carbonara, Punta Molentis beach is characterised by an arched shape bordering an area of fine white sand with pink highlights.
On the left-hand side, there are rocks and on the right-hand side clusters of hollow rocks.
Everywhere, the coast is washed by clear waters with shades ranging from emerald green to blue.
There are facilities and a refreshment point on the beach.
Where is located: extreme south-eastern tip of Sardinia, municipality of Villasimius
How to get there: it is 6 km from Villasimius. It can be reached in 16 minutes by car from here or from Cagliari in 1 hour 15 minutes. Get directions
Type: white sand
Where to stay nearby: Hotels and b&b from €55.00 per room
17 - Cala Spinosa, Santa Teresa di Gallura
Photo by pjt56. In the municipality of Santa Teresa di Gallura, a beautiful beach to visit is Cala Spinosa, characterised by a rocky cove formed by granite rocks and coarse-grained sand, pebbles and stones.
The beach is lapped by clear water and a seabed rich in fish and marine fauna.
Being totally free and with no services, this beach is little frequented even during the summer months.
Where is it located: north-east of Sardinia, Capo Testa locality in the municipality of Santa Teresa di Gallura in the province of Olbia Tempio.
How to get there: You get there by taking the SP90 towards Capo Testa and it takes about 7 minutes by car from Santa Teresa and 1 hour 30 from Olbia. Get directions
Type: sand and pebbles
Where to stay nearby: Hotels and b&b from €59.00 per room
18 - Cala Coticcio
Photo by Martina Shalipour Jafari. Cala Coticcio is one of the most beautiful beaches on Caprera, an island belonging to the Maddalena Archipelago in the north east of Sardinia.
It is characterised by fine white sand, a transparent blue sea and pinkish rocks surrounding the bay.
Under environmental protection, its seabed is a veritable aquarium with many species of fish and starfish.
Where is located: La Maddalena archipelago, north-eastern Sardinia
How to get there: by sea with a private boat or tour of the archipelago or by land by trekking for about 1 hour along a challenging path through rocks and shrubs (trainers and plenty of water recommended). Get directions
Type: white sand and rocks
Where to stay nearby: Hotels and B&Bs from €60.00 per room
19 - Solanas
Not far from Cagliari, this beach is a marine paradise characterised by the rich vegetation surrounding the golden sandy shore.
The seabed is sloping and the water takes on hues ranging from deep blue to emerald green.
There isalso a refreshment area on the beach and it is possible to rent the necessary equipment for a day of relaxation.
Where is located: southeast coast of Sardinia, province of Cagliari, municipality of Sinnai
How to get there: From Villasimius, it is 25 minutes by car (15 km) or 40 minutes by bus (line 135). From the Sardinian capital, however, it is 48 km. Get directions
Type: Golden sand
Where to stay nearby: Hotels and b&b from €58.00 per room
20 - Cala Domestica
The beach of Cala Domestica is characterised by stretches of sand of various colours (golden, white, amber) that are soft and compact and by dense Mediterranean scrub.
The sea, with deep waters even if the seabed slopes gently, is turquoise, and high cliffs at the edge of the lido make this an enchanting place.
Cala Domestica is equipped and there is also a campsite in the area.
Where is located: south-west coast, municipality of Buggerru (province of Carbonia Iglesias)
How to get there: it is 8 km/11 minutes by car from Buggerru. You have to follow Provincial Road 83 and at km 19 follow the fork on the right that leads to the rest area. Get directions
Type: white, golden and amber sand
Where to stay nearby: Hotels and b&b from €53.00 per room
Haven't booked yet? Plan your trip to Sardinia: flights, hotels and tours
Sardinia is a rather large island that can be reached by plane or ship. There are 3 main airports: Cagliari "Elmas", Olbia "Costa Smeralda", Alghero "Fertilia".
The ports where ships arrive from Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples or Bastia are the port of Cagliari, Olbia - Golfo Aranci and Arbatax.
The inland road network is quite good, however, there is no railway network while it is possible to take buses to the main cities.
To visit the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, it is indispensable to have your own car or to rent one.
If you decide to spend a holiday on the island, you can choose from various accommodations (camping, bungalows, farmhouses, flats or resorts) depending on your budget.
Cheap flights: from €85.00 - see offers
Where to stay: Hotels and b&b's from €55.00 per room
Card, tickets and recommended tours:
