If there’s one place in Italy that consistently lives up to the hype when it comes to the sea, it’s Sardinia. The best beaches in Sardinia range from quartz coves on the west coast to pale, shallow bays in the north-east, all with that ridiculously clear Mediterranean water.
Best beaches in Sardinia by region
Cala Brandinchi, San Teodoro
Near San Teodoro in the northeast, Cala Brandinchi is sometimes nicknamed “Little Tahiti” for its pale sand and shallow, calm waters. The gradual seabed makes it one of the best beaches for families with younger children.
It’s about 30 minutes south of Olbia airport by car, with regulated parking in peak months.
La Pelosa, Stintino
La Pelosa regularly appears in rankings of the nicest beaches in Sardinia thanks to its shallow, transparent water and almost white sand. The sea here stays waist-deep for quite a distance, which explains why families gravitate towards it in summer.
Across the water, you’ll see the 16th-century Torre della Pelosa watchtower, a reminder of the island’s Spanish past, and there are a few 1-euro house schemes not too far away.
There’s a capped-entry system in high season to protect the dunes, and you’ll need to book online in advance.
Spiaggia del Principe, Costa Smeralda
On the luxury hotspot of Costa Smeralda in North-East, Spiaggia del Principe is often cited as a contender for the best beach Sardinia has to offer. A curved bay, edged with smooth granite rocks, gives the water its emerald hue, especially on calm days.
Access involves a short walk from the car park in Romazzio, and in July and August, it fills up early. Olbia airport is around 40 minutes away, so it’s an easy base if you’re flying in.
Cala Coticcio, La Maddalena Archipelago
Cala Coticcio is located on Caprera Island in the Northern La Maddalena Archipelago, a protected marine area. The water clarity here is remarkable, with rocky seabeds that attract snorkellers rather than casual paddlers.
You can reach it by boat or via a guided hike, which helps keep numbers down. Ferries run from Palau to La Maddalena, then it’s a drive across the bridge to Caprera.
Is Arutas, Sinis Peninsula
Is Arutas stands out among the best Sardinia beaches because of its unusual quartz sand, made up of tiny, rounded grains that resemble rice. The colours shift from white to pale pink and green depending on the minerals. The west coast here feels more exposed, and the sea can be rougher.
It’s less developed than the Costa Smeralda, with basic facilities in summer. Expect roughly 1.5 hours by car from Cagliari.
Cala Goloritzé, Gulf of Orosei
Cala Goloritzé in East Sardinia is one of the most photographed spots on the island and was crowned the most beautiful beach in the world in 2025. It features a limestone pinnacle rising above a small crescent of pale pebbles. It’s part of the Gulf of Orosei, a stretch of coast lined with dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. This is the wilder face of the best beaches in Sardinia.
Access is on foot via a marked trail from the Su Porteddu plateau in Baunei, with a daily visitor limit in place.
Cala Mariolu, Gulf of Orosei
Just along the same coast, Cala Mariolu has a shoreline made up of tiny white and pink pebbles. The water shifts between turquoise and deep blue depending on the light, and visibility is excellent for snorkelling along the rocks.
Most people arrive by boat from Cala Gonone, although experienced hikers tackle it on foot. Cala Gonone is around 15 minutes from Dorgali by car.
Spiaggia del Poetto, Cagliari
Poetto runs for about 8 kilometres along the edge of Cagliari in the south, making it one of the longest urban beaches in Sardinia. It’s a working beach for locals, with cycling lanes, chioschi (beach bars), and watersports clubs dotted along the promenade. It also holds one of Sardinia's 49 blue flags.
It’s easy to reach by bus from central Cagliari, and you can walk straight onto the sand without worrying about hiking boots or boat transfers.
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