Sardinia has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and after spending a few weeks exploring the island, I can tell you the variety is what makes this place so special. In this guide, I’m sharing the best beaches we visited across the island, organized by region so you can plan around where you’re staying.
When people ask me about the best beaches in Sardinia, I have the hardest time narrowing them down because there are stunning beaches seemingly everywhere. From the windswept western shores near Alghero to the towering limestone cliffs along the Baunei Coast, every stretch of coastline feels like a new landscape entirely. Some beaches are long and family-friendly, others are wild, boat-only calas with water so clear it barely looks real.
The northeast, especially the Costa Smeralda (my personal favorite), is famous for turquoise water, glamorous seaside towns, and incredible boat days. The east is rugged and dramatic. The northwest blends beaches with history and a slower pace of life.
So, read on for everything you need to know to visit our favorite beaches on the island. These are the beaches we’d go back to, with honest takes and the access details I wish I’d had before our trip.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Sardinia:
Costa Smeralda
- Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel ($$$$), for my top luxury pick and a prime base for Porto Cervo and beach hopping
- CPH, Pevero Hotel ($$$), for the best relaxed resort with easy access to Costa Smeralda beaches
- Hotel Capriccioli ($$), for the best budget beachfront hotel, steps from Capriccioli Beach
- Cala Granu 2 Bedroom Villa with Pool (Where We Stayed), for a great villa, five-minute walk to the beach with garden views and a shared pool in Porto Cervo
- 2 Bedroom Stone Villa in Liscia di Vacca, for a bright, modern design minutes from Porto Cervo with a seasonal pool
Baunei Coast
- Su Gologone Experience Hotel ($$), for the best immersive hotel in Sardinia, plus an ideal base for Golfo di Orosei day trips
- Hotel L’Oasi ($$), for the best budget hotel near Cala Gonone boat departures
- Hotel Barbagia ($), for the best countryside budget resort with a quieter inland setting
- 1 Bedroom with Panoramic Sea Views in Cala Gonone, for a stunning hilltop apartment walkable to the port and restaurants
- 2 Bedroom Seafront Condo in Cala Gonone, for a stay right on the water with a veranda and a two-minute walk to boat departures
Alghero
- Villa Las Tronas ($$$), for the best luxury hotel close to Alghero’s historic center
- Hotel Domomea ($$), for the best boutique hotel near the citadel
- Hotel Catalunya ($$), for the best modern design hotel with a central Alghero base
- 1 Bedroom with Sea View Terrace & Parking (Where We Stayed), for a bright apartment with a sea-view terrace, steps from the historic center and waterfront
- 2 Bedroom Suite in Alghero’s Historic Center, for a renovated stone apartment in the old town with exposed tuff walls and a loft bedroom
Things to Do
- La Maddalena Archipelago Sailboat Tour (Small Group, Full Day), for an intimate sailing day through the islands with a calmer pace and fewer people onboard
- La Maddalena Archipelago Private Tour with Skipper, for a private, skipper-led day tailored to your pace
- Gulf of Orosei Dinghy Cruise with Swim Stops (Small Group), for a small-group outing from Cala Gonone with multiple swim stops along the coast
- Cala Gonone Dinghy Rental (No Boat License Required), for renting your own dinghy and exploring the Gulf of Orosei independently
Travel Tips
- Rent a Car to Explore Sardinia — The best way to experience Sardinia is by driving yourself. We book our rental cars in Europe through Discover Cars, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Driving in Sardinia is straightforward once you’re outside the cities, and having a car makes reaching the best beaches much easier. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
- Get Cell Data Before You Arrive — The easiest way to navigate Sardinia is with reliable cell data. We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs for all international travel and recommend installing your eSIM before arrival so maps, ride-sharing, and directions work the moment you land. Pre-Purchase your Holafly eSIM here.
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
If you’re planning a Sardinia trip, I recommend starting with my 10-day Sardinia itinerary. The route covers the northern half of the island and links Costa Smeralda, the Baunei Coast, and Alghero into one well-paced trip. My guide on where to stay in Sardinia breaks down the best towns and curated hotels by region. For a deeper dive into the northeast, my Costa Smeralda travel guide covers beaches, boat trips, and planning tips along the Emerald Coast (including La Maddalena and San Pantaleo). Lastly, my La Pelosa beach guide details how to reserve your spot.
Best Beaches in Sardinia by Region
Travel Tips for Getting Around Sardinia
Rent a Car
A rental car is the best way to explore Sardinia’s beaches, countryside, and small towns. Many of the best spots aren’t easily reached by public transport, so having your own car gives you the most flexibility. Reserve your rental car in advance, especially during high season (June to August), because rentals book out fast and prices increase.
Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car in Sardinia is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
Double-Check the Roads and Distances
Sardinia’s roads can be narrow and winding once you’re off the main routes. Check your route ahead of time and allow extra time for travel, especially along the east coast.
You’ll Want Cell Data in Sardinia
Navigating Sardinia is easy, but easiest when you have data. Holafly’s eSIM worked great for us while we were there, and I’d recommend purchasing your data plan and installing your eSIM before arrival.
Cell Data Travel Tip: Read my Holafly review, which covers why I think they are the best eSIM for Europe.
Download Google Maps Offline
Even with cell data, I recommend downloading Google Maps offline for Sardinia. Before your trip, open Google Maps, search for Sardinia, and tap “Download offline map.” You’ll still have access to turn-by-turn navigation and saved places without service.
Editor’s Note: The Best Beaches in Sardinia
I’ve organized the best beaches in Sardinia by region so you can plan around where you’re based. From the turquoise coves of the Costa Smeralda to the rugged Baunei coastline, here’s a look at the beaches that stood out most from our time on the island.
Costa Smeralda (North-East Sardinia)
Spiaggia del Principe
Often topping lists as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Spiaggia del Principe is a curved bay enclosed by smooth granite headlands and dense Mediterranean maquis. The charm here comes from its natural beauty, not a luxury image. Soft white sand meets incredibly clear aqua water, with some of the best visibility on the island.
We spent a whole morning at this beach, just enamored with the water. This is the one I’d choose to set up for a few hours and bring a picnic lunch. Just bring your own shade or pay a fee for one of the lido chairs.
A favorite of Arab Prince Aga Khan since the 1960s, Spiaggia del Principe is popular with Italian vacationers and travelers looking for a less built-up pocket of Costa Smeralda. The beach can get very busy during peak summer, so arrive early in the morning.
How to Get There
Spiaggia del Principe is best reached by car or taxi. Head 35 minutes north of Olbia via the SP94, and paid parking is available. From there, a 10-minute walk along a marked path brings you to the beach.
Capriccioli Beach
Crystal-clear shallow waters make Capriccioli an ideal spot for families and snorkelers. Several small coves divided by rocky granite outcrops are lined with fine, light sand, and the water visibility is excellent for spotting small fish. Beach clubs, cafes, and sunbeds are all available, and the beach is sheltered, so Capriccioli is a great choice when other nearby beaches are windy.
How to Get There
Take the SP94 north, 30 minutes from Olbia or 15 minutes south from Porto Cervo. Paid parking is available. During summer, the 5303 bus runs from Porto Cervo to beaches in the Costa Smeralda area, including Capriccioli.
Grande Pevero Beach
Grande Pevero is a half-moon bay with soft white sand, gently sloping into calm blue water. Mediterranean greenery and lagoons frame the beach on either side. Yachts often anchor offshore, and even on windier days, the water stays calm. We came in one late morning and found it easy to park and walk in. Amenities are limited to one seasonal restaurant, so plan accordingly.
How to Get There
Take the SP59 ten minutes from Porto Cervo. Paid parking is available, with a 10-minute walk from the lot.
Gulf of Orosei — Baunei / Dorgali Coast (East Sardinia)
Cala Luna
Backed by dramatic limestone cliffs and large natural caves that provide shade during the hottest hours, Cala Luna has been featured as a film set thanks to its one-of-a-kind beauty. The shore mixes golden sand with small pebbles, and the water is clear with a deeper blue tone than beaches in Sardinia’s north. The setting feels adventurous and remote, even though Cala Luna is one of the most famous beaches on the east coast.
Beyond swimming and sunbathing, hikers and kayakers also love this beach. Calm mornings are best, as afternoon winds can roughen the sea. A few seasonal refreshment stalls are available, but the beach remains largely undeveloped.
How to Get There
Cala Luna is usually reached by boat from Cala Gonone or Santa Maria Navarrese. Experienced hikers can also access the beach on foot via a demanding trail from Cala Fuili, though this route is not recommended during the hottest summer months.
Cala Mariolu
Cala Mariolu is famous for its tiny white pebbles that reflect sunlight and give the sea an almost unreal brightness. Locals call the beach “Is Pulige de Nie,” which translates to “the snowflakes.” The number of boats per day is capped, but the beach can still fill up by 9 am during peak season. Towering cliffs surround the cove, and the feeling of seclusion is incredible.
Because of the boat limits, visits are typically scheduled for about an hour. There are no facilities, so bring water and food for the trip.
How to Get There
Cala Mariolu is only accessible by boat from Cala Gonone, Arbatax, or Santa Maria Navarrese, or by a strenuous hike that requires skilled hiking and abseiling experience.
Cala Goloritzè
You can’t write a guide to the best Sardinia beaches without including Cala Goloritzè. A protected natural monument, Cala Goloritzè is known for its bright white pebbled shore, towering limestone arch, and dramatic cliffs. The appeal here is all about nature, rather than beach bars or sunbeds. The light is most beautiful in the morning and late afternoon, and there are no facilities at all.
How to Get There
Cala Goloritzé is a protected beach, reachable only by private boat (no commercial boats are permitted) or via a demanding hike from the Su Porteddu Car Park. The trailhead is on the Golgo Plateau above Baunei. Visits must be booked online in advance with a small fee via the Heart of Sardinia website.
Travel Tip: How to Visit the Beaches of Baunei
I have an entire guide on how to visit the Baunei coastline. In short, you have three choices:
- Join a small group boat tour
- Hire your own dinghy (most don’t require a boat license)
- Hire a boat/dinghy with a skipper (What I Did)
All three depend entirely on your budget: boat tours typically run $70–100 per person, whereas a private boat without a skipper is $250–300 for the day and $600+ with one. I rented a dinghy with a skipper for the day from Cala Gonone Rental, which gave me full control without worrying about the boat or sticking to a schedule. I’d also recommend this small group tour as a great option. The two most popular bigger group tours are this 8-hour tour and this one.
San Teodoro Area (North-East Sardinia)
Cala Brandinchi
Often nicknamed “Little Tahiti” for its bright sand and shallow, crystal-clear water, Cala Brandinchi is one of my favorite beaches in Sardinia. The knee-deep sea is ideal for inflatables and families with young kids, and the water is gentle and calm.
Cala Brandinchi is one of the most famous beaches in northern Sardinia. The scenery features a limestone massif rising above the horizon and a pond that is home to pink flamingoes for much of the year. Visitor numbers are limited to around 1,500 per day to preserve the beach, and reservations can be made through the San Teodoro reservations website. Parking, toilets, and beach bars are all available.
How to Get There
Cala Brandinchi is about a 15-minute drive north along the SS125 from San Teodoro. Seasonal buses run during the summer months. Reserve in advance, especially during high season, as daily visitor numbers are capped.
La Cinta
Another favorite among visitors, La Cinta stretches 5 km along the coast just outside San Teodoro. Dunes and a lagoon sit on one side, shallow turquoise water on the other, and the beach is wide enough that it rarely feels too crowded.
Calm mornings are perfect for swimming and families, while afternoons bring wind for kitesurfers and windsurfers. Bars, sunbed rentals, and water sports centers are available and spread along the beach.
How to Get There
A 5-minute drive from central San Teodoro, paid parking is available. Local buses also run frequently.
La Maddalena Archipelago (North Sardinia)
Cala Soraya (Spargi Island)
A small, sheltered cove on Spargi Island, Cala Soraya has fine sand and very calm, shallow water. The atmosphere is relaxed and gentle, and the cove is a popular swimming stop on boat itineraries. Water clarity is excellent, and the protected waters without strong currents make Cala Soraya a good choice for families.
How to Get There
Cala Soraya is accessible only by boat, either on an organized tour or via private charter or rental from Palau or La Maddalena. Take the SS125 45 minutes from Olbia to Palau, where boat tours run daily in summer.
Cala Corsara (Spargi Island)
On the uninhabited island of Spargi, this crescent-shaped bay is surrounded by large granite rocks shaped by wind and sea. No buildings or development, just light blue water, pale sand, and dramatic natural scenery. Cala Corsara is one of the best beaches in the La Maddalena Archipelago.
Swimming conditions are mostly calm, but there are no facilities or shade, so plan ahead with snacks, plenty of water, and sun protection.
How to Get There
Cala Corsara is accessible only by boat, with most tours departing from Palau or La Maddalena. Take the SS125 45 minutes from Olbia to Palau.
Cala Napoletana (Caprera Island)
A peaceful cove with jewel-toned water and rugged surroundings, Cala Napoletana has a mix of small pebbles, smooth stones, and sand. Granite boulders and Mediterranean vegetation give the beach a wild, undeveloped feel compared to the more popular spots on the archipelago. The rocky seabed attracts fish and makes for interesting snorkeling. Cala Napoletana is the kind of place that’s ideal for couples and independent explorers who prefer quiet nature over busy beach clubs.
How to Get There
You can arrive by boat, though organized tours don’t typically stop here. Rent a zodiac or charter a boat with a skipper for the day. Alternatively, hike to the beach along a 2 km route starting from the Giuseppe Garibaldi Memorial – Arbuticci Fort.
Spiaggia Testa del Polpo (La Maddalena Island)
Named after the smooth granite rock formations that resemble an octopus, Spiaggia Testa del Polpo is a little different from Sardinia’s typical sandy shores. Small coves with patches of sand sit among flat rock slabs, and the water is calm, shallow, and very clear. The beach has a relaxed, informal feel without large developments.
Snorkelers enjoy exploring around the rocks, where small fish tend to gather. The beach is very popular during summer, so expect to walk 10–15 minutes from the car park during busy periods.
How to Get There
Take a 20-minute ferry from Palau to La Maddalena, then drive or take a taxi toward the Isola Giardinelli area. The last section of road is rough and full of potholes, so park before the final stretch and walk the remaining 15 minutes.
Piscine Naturali di Budelli
Not technically a beach, but I had to include Piscine Naturali di Budelli. These calm marine pools are framed by pink-hued granite rock, and the crystal-clear turquoise water is home to small fish and diverse marine life. The nearby pink beach is closed to visitors to protect the ecosystem.
Access is only by boat. Tours depart from Palau, La Maddalena, or Cannigione, and visits are typically part of a full-day archipelago excursion. The boat-only access means this is best for travelers who enjoy a bit of planning and want a spectacular day on the water.
How to Get There
Organized boat tours depart from Palau, La Maddalena, or Cannigione. Visits are usually part of all-day archipelago excursions.
Travel Tip: How to Visit the Beaches of La Maddalena
Renting a boat or hopping on a tour that departs from Palau is the best way to see multiple beaches and coves on the archipelago. We chose to rent a small inflatable boat from MD Service Palau, selecting this Marlin 630, which was the largest model available that didn’t require a boating license. There are also excellent guided excursions that cover the same iconic islands and include stops at highlights like the famous Blue Pool:
- Best Budget Tour: Bigger Group Tour, Full Day and Every Island
- Best Small Group: Full Day Sailboat, Small Group Tour
- Best Private Tour: La Maddalena Archipelago Private Tour with Skipper
See my guide to visiting the La Maddalena Archipelago for everything you need to know!
Costa del Rei (South-East Sardinia)
Spiaggia di Cala Pira
Tucked between Villasimius and Sant’Elmo on the Costa del Rei, Spiaggia di Cala Pira is one of the best coves in southeastern Sardinia. Fine white sand and sparkling turquoise water make this a popular spot in summer, especially for families. The shallow sea is ideal for kids, and rocky areas along the edges are perfect for snorkeling.
How to Get There
Best reached by car. Take the SP18 south from Costa Rei or north from Villasimius. The sign for Cala Pira is small, so keep a lookout.
Cagliari & South Sardinia
Spiaggia del Poetto
If you’re staying in Cagliari, Poetto Beach is the city’s main beach and popular through the warmer months. Stretching 9 km, Poetto is one of the longest beaches in Sardinia, with plenty of space even in summer. The deep blue waters attract windsurfers and sailors year-round.
A dedicated path and bike lane along the beachfront make Poetto a great spot for running or cycling, too. Umbrella and sunbed rentals, restaurants, gelaterias, and showers are all available.
How to Get There
The PF and PQ line buses run from Cagliari city center to Poetto Beach, about 20 minutes.
Cala Sinzias
Surrounded by eucalyptus and Mediterranean scrub, Cala Sinzias has clear blue waters and is popular with both locals and visitors. The beach stretches for 2 km, so finding a spot is easy even in peak summer. Umbrella and sunbed rentals, bars, kiosks, and kayak hire are all available, and some sections offer wheelchair access. Not far from Cala Pira, you could combine both beaches in a day with a rental car.
How to Get There
Best reached by car. Take the SP18 south from Costa Rei for 15 minutes or the SP19 from Villasimius for about 20 minutes. The Linea 101 bus from Cagliari also makes a day trip possible.
Sinis Peninsula – Oristano Area (West Sardinia)
Is Arutas Beach (Cabras)
On Sardinia’s west coast, Is Arutas Beach is surrounded by flat farmland and lagoons often home to pink flamingos. Instead of fine sand, the shores are made of rough white and pink quartz that resembles tiny rice grains. The clear aqua sea and rocky backdrops make Is Arutas a great photography spot. The water drops off more steeply than most Sardinian beaches, so this one is better suited to confident swimmers and snorkelers. Sunbed and umbrella rentals, small eateries, and paid parking are available nearby.
How to Get There
Accessible by car via the SS131 and local roads from Oristano or Cabras.
North-West Sardinia
Spiaggia La Pelosa (Stintino)
Spiaggia La Pelosa near Stintino is one of Sardinia’s most iconic beaches. The powder-white sand and shallow, crystal-clear water have earned La Pelosa a spot on top-50 best beaches in the world lists. I’m glad we saved our final beach day in Sardinia for this one. Framed by the historic Caletta della Torre watchtower, La Pelosa is a dream for swimming, relaxed sunbathing, and families.
During summer (mid-May to mid-October), access is regulated with a mandatory online reservation and a small entry fee. You can book through the official Spiaggia La Pelosa website. Beach towels aren’t permitted on the sand; you’ll need a beach mat. We rented a chair and umbrella from Ristorante Bar La Pelosetta at the nearby Spiaggia della Pelosetta, and loved it.
How to Get There
Follow the SP42 north from Alghero for an hour, or take the local buses from Stintino.
Sardinia Beaches FAQ
Do You Need Reservations for Beaches in Sardinia?
In peak season, a few of Sardinia’s most famous beaches limit daily visitors and require an online reservation (sometimes with a small fee) to protect the coastline. In this guide, Cala Brandinchi (San Teodoro) and Spiaggia La Pelosa (Stintino) are the two biggest ones to plan ahead for. Both have official booking links in their sections above. Cala Goloritzè also requires advance online booking. For everything else, arriving early is the best strategy during summer weekends.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
