Pastel-colored sands, dunes that look like hills, and coves accessible only by sea: no, it's not a tropical dream. It happens in Sardinia, where the coastline shifts in the space of a just few kilometres.
This guide features 15 iconic beaches in Sardinia, with concrete information on how to get there, when to go, and what rules to follow. The goal is to choose wisely based on the season, avoid surprises with reservations and tickets, and plan an itinerary that truly makes a difference.
Coves for explorers: Gulf of Orosei and the northeastern archipelagos
Limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and limited access: here, nature dictates the pace, and silence is more important than amenities.
The Gulf of Orosei and the La Maddalena Archipelago contain some of the Mediterranean's most iconic landscapes. The bays are small, nestled in the rocks, with water that changes colour with every metre.
Often, they can only be reached by sea or along sunny paths, so it's important to plan your time, reserve a spot, and bring water supplies.
Cala Mariolu (Baunei)
A crescent of tiny, light-colored pebbles, clear water up to the first few meters, and sheer limestone cliffs enclosing the bay. It can be reached by boat from the tourist ports of Cala Gonone, Arbatax, or Santa Maria Navarrese.
The beach remains largely free and unspoiled, with few seasonal amenities: it's a good idea to bring provisions and sunscreen.
Cala Goloritzé (Baunei)
Ranked the most beautiful beach in the world, the spire of Monte Caroddi dominates a shore of pale pebbles where the water is refreshed by underwater springs.
Access on foot starts from the Su Golgo plateau: about an hour and a half's walk, with reservations and mandatory tickets. Alternatively, you can arrive by boat, but disembarking is not permitted.
Cala Luna (between Dorgali and Baunei)
A valley opening onto the sea, with deep caves like natural porticoes and coarse-grained golden sand. It can be reached by boat from Cala Gonone or via the trail along the Codula di Luna.
Pink Beach, Budelli (La Maddalena Archipelago)
An icon that today is admired, not trampled: the pink hue comes from microscopic fragments of coral and shells.
The beach is off-limits; it can be viewed from the internal paths or during authorised boat tours.
Coticcio Cove, Caprera
Two tiny coves separated by pink granite rocks, the water is still and clear as a swimming pool. Access by foot takes about 40 minutes over rocks and scrub; in high season, access is by guide and reservation only. Alternatively, small boat tours allow you to stop offshore.
Great, easy beaches: families, relaxation, and services
Wide beaches, shallow waters, kiosks and nearby parking: designed for slow, hassle-free days.
The northern and eastern coasts offer beaches perfect for those travelling with children or those who prefer comfort and stability. Accessibility is the key here: soft sand, shallow water for dozens of meters, beach clubs, and shade in the pine forest.
La Pelosa, Stintino
A favourite of TripAdvisor, the white sand and shallow waters offer light hues for hundreds of metres, with the Aragonese tower opposite and Asinara in the background.
In summer, access is limited, requiring reservations and tickets, and a towel or mat under your towel is required to protect the sand.
Rena Bianca, Santa Teresa Gallura
A city beach with astonishing clarity, pale sand with pink hues, and a gently sloping seabed. A path leads to the Longonsardo Tower for a panoramic view of the bay and, on clear days, the cliffs of Corsica.
Cala Brandinchi, Capo Coda Cavallo (San Teodoro)
Shallow water for long stretches, a pale sandy bottom, and a pine forest behind it offering natural shade. The beach is part of the Tavolara Marine Protected Area and is equipped with kiosks and rentals.
Access may be restricted during high season: it's best to arrive early or plan for June and September.
Cala Sinzias, Castiadas – Costa Rei
Nearly two kilometres of golden sand, backed by eucalyptus and pine trees that bring coolness to the shore. The beach is wide, and the feeling of space persists even during peak periods. Serpentara Island can be glimpsed on the horizon.
Postcards of the Costa Smeralda
The myth of the Aga Khan, fragrant scrubland and pink granite: where luxury is the sea.
Between Olbia, Arzachena, and San Teodoro, the Costa Smeralda alternates beach clubs and secluded coves. Even where the spotlight is on, the water quality remains the true distinguishing feature.
Prince's Beach, Arzachena
According to tradition, it was Prince Karim Aga Khan's favourite. Its striking crescent shape, pale sand, pink granite outcrops, and emerald-green waters make it a striking spot.
Wild South and West: Dunes, Quartz and Lagoons
Wide landscapes, a prevailing wind, and mining scenery: here, Sardinia changes pace.
From the Cagliari area westward, the landscape becomes more open and wild. The beaches are often long and less urbanised, with dunes shaped by the mistral wind, and small islands just a short distance away.
Su Giudeu, Chia (Domus de Maria)
A wide beach with dunes dotted with wind-twisted junipers and a small island in front, accessible at low tide or with a short swim.
The water is clear and generally shallow, making it popular with those travelling with children.
Tuerredda, Teulada
A perfect curve along a scenic road with panoramic views. Fine, clear sand, water shimmering from turquoise to green, with the small island of Tuerredda directly opposite, accessible only by swimming if you're well-trained.
In summer, access is limited, with reservations required. One section is equipped with facilities, while the rest is free but very popular.
Is Arutas, Sinis Peninsula (Cabras)
Here, the "sand" is made of grains of quartz smoothed by time, ranging from white to pale pink to light green. The water is a deep green, and the seabed quickly deepens; when the wind blows, the waves attract surfers.
The area is protected: it is forbidden to remove or remove quartz. Not far away, the ancient city of Tharros bears witness to the area's long history.
Piscinas, Costa Verde (Arbus)
Some of Europe's highest dunes stretch for hundreds of metres inland, facing an often rough and cold sea that delights wave-seekers.
Abandoned mining structures dot the horizon, and at sunset, the landscape glows with orange hues.
When to go and how to get around
The right months, easy travel, and realistic itineraries: this is how you avoid a race against time.
For the most famous beaches—such as La Pelosa, Tuerredda, Cala Brandinchi, or Porto Giunco—the best times are generally late May-June and then September-early October: the sea is pleasant, access restrictions work but with more manageable numbers, and the heat isn't extreme.
The coves accessible by hiking, such as Cala Goloritzé, are much more accessible outside the peak months of July and August.
- The main airports are Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero; for those travelling with a car, the most popular ports are Olbia, Golfo Aranci, Porto Torres, and Cagliari.
- On such a large island, a car or motorcycle remains the most practical option: they allow you to change beaches depending on the wind and stop at scenic overlooks.
- In areas like the Gulf of Orosei or the La Maddalena Archipelago, boat trips are recommended to reach the most spectacular coves.
For a week, it's best to focus on one major area: the northeast (Olbia, Costa Smeralda, the archipelago) or the south (Chia, Teulada, Villasimius).
For two weeks, you can combine a stretch of coast with the hinterland: Barbagia, the towns of Nuoro and Orgosolo, the Su Nuraxi nuragic complex in Barumini, the mines of Sulcis, or cities like Alghero, Bosa, and Cagliari.
Flavours that complete the journey
Sea and mountains on a plate: different traditions that coexist on the same table.
Along the coast, fish and seafood dominate: fregola with clams, grilled sea bream and sea bass, and mullet roe from Cabras.
Further inland—and often by the sea—you'll find roasted porceddu, sheep's or goat's cheeses, and the culurgiones of Ogliastra, stuffed with potatoes, mint, and cheese.
Crunchy carasau bread and local wines like Cannonau, Vermentino, and Carignano del Sulcis tie it all together with simplicity.
Rules, reservations and best practices
Fragile environments, simple gestures: this is how we leave the sea as it is, or almost.
Many beaches are located in protected areas or subject to seasonal restrictions. Informing yourself beforehand can help you avoid fines and disappointment on the spot. Some key tips can help you plan smoothly and minimise the impact.
- Restricted access:
- La Pelosa (reservation and ticket with mattress required)
- Cala Goloritzé (trekking with reservation and ticket required; boats only offshore)
- Tuerredda (limited access in summer)
- Cala Coticcio (guided access and reservation required in summer)
- Cala Brandinchi during peak weeks.
- Prohibitions to be aware of: Spiaggia Rosa in Budelli is not accessible; at Is Arutas, it is forbidden to collect quartz grains.
- Planning: Choosing early morning or shoulder-month times reduces queues and crowds; bring water, food, and sunscreen where services are not guaranteed.
Golden rule: take only photographs and leave the place as you found it. This is the most effective way to find the same colours on your next visit.
Stay inspired for your travels in Italy —get our weekly newsletter for the latest travel, legal, and lifestyle news.
