Winter is almost over and we are already thinking about our summer holidays. What is a better way to spend your warm season discovering and enjoying the best beaches in Sardinia?
While with so many things to do we have already said that a holiday in Sardinia shouldn’t be limited to its coastline, we can’t deny that in summer going to the beach is inevitable.
Whether you are with your family, with kids, a couple, or a group of friends, in Sardinia you will find fantastic beaches, bays, and sea resorts for every type of summer holiday.
Given the unorganized public transport, apart from the Poetto beach in Cagliari, most if not all the other best beaches in Sardinia need a car to be reached. Just like for many other Sardinia highlights and landmarks, you will need to rent a car to better explore the coast.
Best beaches in Sardinia map
Top Sardinia Beaches in Oristano Province
San Giovanni di Sinis, one of the best beaches in Sardinia Oristano province
One of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia and one of my favorites, San Giovanni is in the Sinis Peninsula, near Cabras in Oristano province, one of Sardinia’s prettiest towns. This is possibly the most turquoise water you’ve ever seen. The beach is sandy and rocky, the view stunning. Great for adults and kids.
San Giovanni di Sinis beach is along Sardinia’s western coast, with great food, fascinating traditional festivals and archaeological sites to visit. One of the best and closest is Tharros, a Punic, Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine ancient city. The ruins are extremely fascinating and by climbing the tower you will have a fantastic view of the Peninsula surrounded by its clear waters.
Is Arutas
The sand of Is Arutas, one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia’s Oristano province, looks like rice grains. Its pink, green and white quartz pebbles give this seashore the characteristic look that makes it one of the most famous beaches in Sardinia.
The water here gets deep pretty quickly, so probably it’s more recommended to more experienced swimmers and not children. The seabed is fantastic, so if you like snorkeling, you will love it.
When it’s windy, it’s the place for kite surfing and windsurfing. Not far is a parking lot, a bar and a camping site.
Mari Ermi
Mari Ermi is another beach near Cabras in the Oristano Gulf and is stunning. Definitely one of the best beaches in Sardinia.
Within the fine golden sand, small pebbles give this beach on Sardinia’s west coast a gorgeous white-pink color. The seabed becomes deep gradually, so it’s safe also for kids.
Mari Ermi is nestled between high dunes, marine vegetation and a large pond with several water birds. Among these, try to spot the beautiful pink flamingos.
In front of Mari Ermi, you will see the Malu Entu island, famous for its marine turtles and a seabed rich in ancient shipwrecks.
Nearby you can find camping sites, a parking lot and snack bars.
Maimoni, one of the favorite and best Sardinia beaches
Maimoni is another wonderful beach along the Cabras coastline. Here, you will enjoy some two km of light sandy beach with the white and pink quartz stones typical of the area. The name of this beach originates from the Phoenician god of rain and water, apparently linked to the nearby San Salvatore village where the little church was built on top of a pagan site.
This beach, too, is part of the protected marine area of the Sinis peninsula. The water is of gorgeous turquoise and the mistral wind makes it a favorite spot for kite and windsurfing. The sea gets deep gradually so it’s safe also for children, but definitely be careful when it’s windy and the sea rough.
S’Archittu, one of the off-the-beaten-path Sardinia beaches
S’Archittu small sea resort is part of the Marina di Cuglieri area in Oristano province and one of the best beaches in Sardinia for children. It’s also along the western coast and you can actually choose between two small beaches plus a rocky section.
The seafront boulevard runs all along the main beach. Once you get to the end, take the narrow paved path towards the rocks and you will see a white calcareous arch. You can either go down the stairs and relax on the small beach in front of the arch and swim to the rocks or keep going and reach the top of the arch. From here, you can descend to the base of the arch and directly swim there.
Watch out for two things: descending from the top to the base of the arch is very uneven, rugged and at times slippery; the water there is very deep, almost 10 meters, so swim only if you are very confident. Last but definitely not least, never ever swim there when the sea is rough. Too many people challenged the sea and lost their lives or got injured. Even if you are an experienced swimmer, the rough sea makes it extra dangerous as it will hit you against the rocks and there’s nothing you can really do.
Bosa
Bosa has been named one of Italy’s prettiest towns. It’s a lovely seafaring hamlet with a nearby beach that you can’t miss if you are in Sardinia in summer.
Bosa sea resort includes also a wonderful natural pool called Cane Malu. Here you can plunge from the rock and have a peaceful swim or even just a walk if it’s winter and the weather is not ideal.
Be careful not to swim there when the sea is rough, it’s pretty dangerous. Also pay attention to the seabed, especially where it’s not deep. It’s very slippery and there are sea urchins. While they are endangered so we hope to see them re-populating, if you step on them their thorns will definitely not make you happy.
Putzu Idu, one of the best Sardinia beaches for kids
Putzu Idu is possibly one of the best beaches in Sardinia for families with children. The sea is not deep at all and for a long distance, it stays below knee level. A paradise for kids who want to play in the water the whole day, make a castle, and learn to swim.
The sand is candid white and soft and the beach is protected from the strong wind.
In Putzu Idu both kids and parents don’t need to extra worry as the sea really seems like a kids’ swimming pool.
From Putzu Idu beach you can also rent a boat to reach the nearby Mal di Ventre island.
Sa Mesa Longa
Nestled in the northern edge of the Sinis, in the province of Oristano, there is a beach with a limestone ‘long table’ that protects a stretch of beach and sea.
Set between the cliffs of Capo Mannu and the coast of Su Pallosu, it owes its name to a natural sandstone barrier that is a few tens of meters from the shore and completely isolates it from the mistral waves, creating an authentic natural pool.
Located in the territory of San Vero Milis village like Putzu Idu, Sa Mesa Longa is quite family-friendly and offers a long stretch of shore, making it a nice spot to share space with other beach-goers.
Even though detached from the beach itself, the limestone table is easy to reach swimming and you can sit on it and enjoy the sun and the beach from there for a while. Obviously paying attention to slippery parts and sharp stones that could hurt your feet!
Su Pallosu
Voted the best among Oristano beaches and one of the most beautiful along the Sardinia coast, Su Pallosu is another pearl of the Sinis Peninsula and its protected marine area.
Located on the northern edge of the peninsula, here lives a feline colony. The cats are taken care of and you can even take a guided tour to visit them.
The beach is made of golden-amber sand, and the water is clear and of a gorgeous blue-green hue. Here the sea is not too deep and on one side you can swim in natural pools nestled between the rocks.
Nearby are a parking lot, a bar, and a restaurant.
Top Sardinia Beaches in Sassari Province
La Pelosa and the other beaches near Stintino
Here you are in one of north Sardinia beaches and the northern edge towards L’Asinara National Park. Stintino beach is one of its pearls, especially its beach La Pelosa.
La Pelosa beach is perfect for families with kids because its turquoise sea remains low for some ten meters. The sand is thin and candid white. Nearby there is also La Pelosetta, a small beach framed by a small rocky island.
From Stintino you can see and take a boat to visit L’Asinara National Park.
As it’s Sardinia’s northern thin edge, Stintino is lapped by the sea all around. Its western coast is tall and rugged, featuring several coves and intimate spaces. On the eastern side are La Pelosa beach and a landscape of rocks and natural ponds perfect for wildlife spotting.
Baja Sardinia and Arzachena
Among the most famous northeastern Sardinia beaches are for sure those around Baja Sardinia and Arzachena. This is the famous Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) in northern Sardinia, the VIP area of tourist villages and expensive yachts.
Baja Sardinia is on the northern coast, while Arzachena town is more inland but close to several beaches.
Some of the beaches near Baja Sardinia you don’t want to miss are Cala Battistoni for its fine and candid white sand, Cala Bitta, perfect for families with children for its low seabed, and the wonderful La Pitrizza beach.
If you are traveling to Sardinia with your pets, check out the dog-friendly beach of Lu Postu located some 5 km from Baja Sardina.
In the Arzachena territory, you can visit the two beautiful beaches of Capriccioli and Liscia Ruja.
Porto Cervo
Luxury hotels, some of the best beaches in Sardinia and a breathtaking natural landscape are what attract tourists and VIPs from all over the world to the Emerald Coast.
Porto Cervo is a small seaside resort part of Arzachena municipality. The most famous town and beach symbol of the Costa Smeralda, in summer Porto Cervo is packed with celebrities gathered for parties and sports events.
Truth be said, here you are not going to find the “real Sardinia” and its traditions. For sure you will see a beautiful coastline, crystal clear waters, expensive hotels and restaurants, and everything you can ask for when it comes to beach entertainment and outdoor activities. This is the place for a fantastic Sardinia beach holiday.
Porto Rotondo
Among the best beaches in Sardinia near Olbia we can’t mention Porto Rotondo in the northern Gallura region. Together with Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo beach is one of the most famous summer tourist ports for international travelers to Sardinia.
Not far from Golfo Aranci, Palau and Arzachena, Porto Rotondo has a large and well-equipped port with a capacity of some 800 boats.
More than a relaxed Sardinia holiday, you go to Porto Rotondo if you want exciting nightlife, luxury hotels and expensive shopping.
Porto Istana
Among Sardinia beaches in Olbia, impossible not to mention Porto Istana. Soft sand and gorgeous shimmering hues of the sea are what attract visitors to one of the favorite beaches near Olbia.
Porto Istana is a bay that offers several beaches, so you can choose the one that best fits you and your friends or family.
A rugged coast framed with Mediterranean vegetation, cliffs and marbles, here it’s a great place for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing when it’s windy.
This part of the Sardinian coast is very well organized so you can find all the beach equipment you need as well as great Sardinia boutique beach hotels.
Cala Budoni
Fine sand and crystal waters are what you will find in Budoni. A seafaring town between Gallura and Baronia regions along Sardinia’s northeastern coast, Budoni is surrounded by beautiful beaches and intimate coves.
If you are exploring these beaches in north Sardinia, don’t miss Cala Budoni. With fine and bright sand and a seabed that’s not too deep, this is a great place to stay in Sardinia for families with kids.
Cala Budoni is also well-equipped with eateries, bars, hotels, and camping sites and you can also rent beach gear. It’s great also for lovers of water sports such as diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing.
What makes Sardinia family holidays fascinating is exploring its beaches. The surroundings of Budoni will enchant you with its pine groves, ponds, and local wildlife.
If you want to discover other beaches around Budoni, go to Baia Sant’Anna for a deep seabed and Cala Ottiolu for a different landscape of small candid white dunes.
San Teodoro
Exclusive town in the northern Gallura region, San Teodoro is surrounded by some of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Sardinia.
Some of the beaches and intimate inlets you shouldn’t miss in this part of Sardinia’s northeastern coast are Cala Brandinchi, Lu Impostu, Cala Ginepro and Coda Cavallo with a great view of Tavolara.
A beautiful place to visit on Sardinia’s northeast coast is also the nearby San Teodoro lagoon, great for walking and spotting the local wildlife including the pink flamingos.
History lovers and foodies don’t need to worry, here there is something for everybody. You can discover the archaeological sites around San Teodoro village and the cuisine of Gallura is delicious from the first course right to the dessert.
La Maddalena Beaches
Impossible mentioning the best beaches in Sardinia and forget about the fantastic coastline of La Maddalena. This is an archipelago and most of its 60 little islands boast dreamlike beaches.
Once in La Maddalena, the biggest of the islands, go around to explore all the other parts of this paradise. Discover places like Isola di Santo Stefano, Isola Spargi, and the gorgeous pink beach of Budelli.
A naval base until not long ago, La Maddalena archipelago is also known for its Caprera island, where the Italian military leader Giuseppe Garibaldi spent the last 26 years of his life and is now buried.
Top Sardinia beaches in the Cagliari metropolitan area
Poetto
This is the 8-km-long Cagliari beach. This beautiful and diverse piece of the south Sardinia coast runs through Cagliari and Quartu Sant’Elena, a nearby town.
One of the top things to do in Cagliari especially in summer but not only, but Poetto beach is also well-equipped and offers different types of leisure time.
Easy to reach from the city center, it runs all throughout up to the Parco Molentargius where you can see the pink flamingos.
Whether you want to swim, relax, take a walk, engage in sports activities, or enjoy a seafood meal or an aperitif, this beach in Cagliari covers it. The beauty of Poetto beach is that it’s a great place also on your summer nights when you can enjoy concerts, live music, an al-fresco dinner, or one of the main local initiatives.
Best beaches in the Sud Sardegna province
Piscinas
Part of the Costa Verde (Green Coast), this is Sardinia’s desert. The beach of Piscinas is made of large dunes all over its length.
These tall dunes constantly shaped by the wind run from the inland to the blue sea and are surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation such as lentisk, juniper and olive trees. If you are looking for Sardinia sandy beaches, Piscinas is a great option.
You will love exploring Piscinas seabed for its historical relics and the local fish. While wandering the beach and the nearby area you might encounter the Sardinian deer and see some turtle eggs. Visit also the Piscinas river and don’t be scared by its red-ish color: it comes from the dismissed local mines.
This is a pretty well-equipped beach on Sardinia’s southwest coast and you will find a hotel, a bar, a restaurant and a parking lot.
Buggerru
Buggerru is a former mining village and its beach is very close. This strand of southwestern Sardinia coast has soft sand and a multi-hued transparent sea.
Alongside the beach, the old tunnel used for the train to carry the load extracted from the mines and the old port are a tourist attraction and an interesting historical site. This is a perfect place to enjoy some relaxing beach time as well as exploring Sardinia’s recent history.
You can also discover the natural places surrounding Buggerru such as the other beaches and coves of the Green Coast such as the gorgeous Cala Domestica, and enjoy trekking and mountain bike excursions.
Other Sardinia attractions close to Buggerru are the cliff, beach and cave of Scoglio di Pan di Zucchero, and the cliff of Capo Pecora. These beaches of south Sardinia and their inland surroundings are perfect for nature lovers.
Chia
One of the most popular south Sardinia beaches, Chia is in Domus De Maria town along the southwestern coast.
Chia beach in Sardinia is actually a group of beaches around the ancient Phoenician Chia town directly connected with the more important Nora. Today is one of the most important archaeological sites in Sardinia, alongside Tharros, also a Phoenician, later Roman town but located in the Sinis Peninsula.
Some of the most popular Chia beaches are Su Giudeu, Cala Cipolla, Spiaggia Sa Colonia, the scenic Cala del Morto and Porto Campana.
Chia is a great destination for trekking, diving, and also a beach for families since the waters get deep gradually.
Villasimius
Villasimius is one of the most famous and best beaches in south Sardinia. Actually, also Villasimius is an area where you can find more than one beach.
These beaches near Cagliari are covered with fine and clear sand and the sea is of a crystal clear light blue.
Some of the favorite beaches around Villasimius on Sardinia’s southern coast are Porto Giunco, Punta Molentis, Porto Sa Ruxi, Simius and Spiaggia di Campo.
Porto Giunco is a true paradise on Earth. The Mediterranean vegetation all around gives it a unique scent and the sense of being enshrined in a magical place. A great beach if you like snorkeling and also surfing when it’s windy. Nearby is also a parking lot, a hotel, a bar and a snack point.
Punta Molentis also is just gorgeous. With an alternation of sandy and rocky spaces and a clear sea, you will feel as if at the Caribbean.
Best Beaches in Sardinia Nuoro Province
Orosei
Orosei is a nice town close to a long beach in Nuoro province. Its gulf and the Gennargentu mountain range are part of a natural park. In the region is also the sinuous Cedrino river. Orosei is famous also for its marble.
Orosei coastline is about 20 km, so you will find several sandy beaches, more secluded coves, as well as cliffs.
The main beach and the closest to the town is Marina di Orosei. Five kilometers of beautiful sand where you can choose your perfect spot, secluded inlet and piece of beach to spread out your towel, place your beach umbrella and enjoy a day of sunbathing and swimming.
Cala Liberotto
Cala Liberotto is a fantastic beach in the Orosei Gulf. Emerald water and golden thick sand are the features of this beautiful beach on Sardinia’s coastline.
What makes Cala Liberotto one of the favorite beaches on Sardinia’s east coast is also its natural surroundings. From the shore, you can see and reach three large rocks, while on the back there is Sos Alinos pond. Framed by canes and agave, it’s the perfect haven and shelter for water birds especially when they nest.
There are so many things you can do in Cala Liberotto. A great place for scuba diving, when it’s windy it’s a favorite destination for windsurfers. While you will hardly resist swimming and sunbathing, especially in summer, don’t miss a walk around this paradise cove.
The intoxicating smell of juniper, myrtle and Mediterranean vegetation will make exploring the local nature of hills, dunes, palm trees and other inlets and beaches an unforgettable trip.
Cala Gonone
Cala Gonone is a gorgeous cove that includes several beaches part of the Gulf of Orosei and a fraction of Dorgali municipality.
Nestled between the peaks of the Supramonte mountain range and a crystal clear sea, Cala Gonone offers breathtaking views and is known as one of the most scenic and best beaches in Sardinia.
The scenic cliffs of calcareous rocks plummet into a turquoise sea, making the area perfect for postcard pictures, hiking, and trekking as well as a relaxing spot also for families with kids.
Nearby are also the spectacular Grotte del Bue Marino (Sea Oxen Grottoes), which you can reach by boat.
Cala Goloritzé
Cala Goloritzé is a wonderful cove along the rugged and harsh coastline of Baunei in the fascinating Ogliastra, Nuoro area.
Here you will love swimming in the clear turquoise sea surrounded by rocks shaped by the waters throughout the centuries. This is a truly charming inlet that you will often see in the pictures as a symbol of Sardinia and one of its iconic places.
This is hands-down one of the favorite and most famous Sardinia beaches, but totally a place for the adventurous traveler. In fact, you can reach Sardinia’s Cala Goloritzé either by trekking through the Supramonte mountain (long but not so difficult) or by boat. If you decide to go by boat, you can take it from Cala Gonone in Dorgali, Arbatax, or Santa Maria Navarrese in Tortolì municipality.
I suggest going by boat also because they arrange tours to the main coves and natural pools of the Baunei area.
