Best beaches in Sardinia

Sardinia's coastline features diverse geological formations, from the quartz grains of Is Arutas to the granite cliffs of the Gulf of Orosei. This selection spans the island, including the protected pink sands of Budelli and the shallow, transparent waters of Stintino. Many locations, such as Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzé, are accessible only by boat or via coastal hiking trails through the Supramonte massif. Southern destinations like Su Giudeu offer expansive dunes and lagoons frequently inhabited by pink flamingos.

Best Beaches in Sardinia — Map

Vitor Paço / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

La Pelosa

Located in Stintino, this beach is known for shallow turquoise water and views of a 16th-century Aragonese tower. Access is regulated via a mandatory reservation system and the use of beach mats is required to preserve the sand.

Niko Koriko / CC-BY-SA

B

Cala Mariolu

Pebble beach featuring emerald green water and a unique mix of pink and white pebbles with sand. Access is available via a challenging hiking trail or by boat.

trevis_lu / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Spiaggia Rosa

Located on Budelli Island, this beach is famous for sand tinted pink by microscopic shell fragments. To preserve the ecosystem, landing on the beach or swimming in its waters is strictly prohibited; it can only be viewed from offshore.

Mentnafunangann / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Cala Goloritzé

Cala Goloritzé is a beach that is located in the town of Baunei, in the southern part of the Gulf of Orosei, in Ogliastra, Sardinia.

Alice Malosti / CC-BY-SA

E

Cala Luna

A crescent-shaped beach in the Gulf of Orosei featuring six large limestone caves and a freshwater lagoon. It is accessible via boat from Cala Gonone or a four-kilometer hiking trail through the coastal macchia.

Ramon Espiña Fernand… / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Cala Brandinchi

Known for its exceptionally shallow, clear water and white sand dunes, this beach is bordered by a pine forest and a lagoon. It is located near San Teodoro on the northeast coast.

ManuelM / Public domain

G

Spiaggia di Is Arutas

Often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, particularly due to its sand in various colors, including pink, green and white.

H

Spiaggia Cala Coticcio

A narrow cove on Caprera Island framed by pink granite rocks. Part of the Maddalena Archipelago National Park, it is accessible via a steep trekking path or by boat.

//www.flickr.com/photos/56960748@N08/579… / CC BY 2.0

I

Porto Giunco Beach

Situated in Villasimius, this beach lies between the sea and the Notteri lagoon, where pink flamingos nest. A 16th-century Spanish watchtower sits on the promontory overlooking the bay.

Carlo Pelagalli / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Li Cossi

Set within a natural amphitheater of wind-carved granite in Costa Paradiso. The beach is reached via a 10-minute coastal path and features a small river that flows into the sea.

Teo Scoparo / CC-BY-SA

K

Punta Molentis

A narrow strip of sand in the Capo Carbonara protected area with sea on both sides. The name refers to the donkeys once used to transport granite from the local quarries.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

L

Su Giudeu

Located in Chia, this beach is characterized by high sand dunes and a nearby islet accessible by wading through shallow water during low tide.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

M

Cala Cipolla

A sheltered cove surrounded by granite rocks and ancient juniper trees. It marks the beginning of the coastal trail leading to the Capo Spartivento lighthouse.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

N

Prima Spiaggia di Porto Pino

The main beach of Porto Pino, distinguished by its proximity to Aleppo pine forests and massive white sand dunes that reach heights of 30 meters.

André Silva / CC-BY-SA

O

Spiaggia del Principe - Poltu di li cogghj

A heart-shaped bay on the Costa Smeralda named after Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. The beach is divided into two parts by a central cluster of granite rocks.

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