preloadRows of white umbrellas casting shadows on the shore where the turquoise sea meets the sand.

The island of Sardinia is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations in the summer months, which means discovering the best beaches in Sardinia is at the top of many travellers’ bucket lists. Here you’ll find beaches in the northern and southern parts of the island, with options ranging from quiet coves perfect for swimming to wild, wavy waters ideal for surfing.

There’s one crucially important thing to remember on Sardinia’s beaches: do not take natural souvenirs like shells, rocks or even sand; you’ll be subject to a fine. Wherever you go in Sardinia, you’ll find beaches with stunning landscapes, soft sand and picturesque, clear waters.


The best Sardinian beaches on the map:

My favourites: The 10 best beaches in Sardinia

With almost 1,200 miles of coastline, it’s no surprise that Sardinia offers a wide variety of beaches. The northern and eastern beaches tend to be rockier and more hidden, while the southern beaches are longer and feature super soft sand.

The best approach is to fly to Cagliari and hire a car there to explore the best beaches on a road trip around the island.

1. Cala Coticcio

Cala Napoletana, beautiful bay in Caprera, La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, Sardinia, Italy

If you're looking for beaches near Palau in Sardinia, you shouldn't miss the Maddalena Archipelago off the northeastern coast. Spiaggia di Cala Coticcio, one of the best beaches in Sardinia, lies on the island of Caprera.

It’s often compared to the South Pacific thanks to its powder-white sand and turquoise water. But arriving in paradise doesn’t come easily, as Cala Coticcio is also one of the most protected Sardinian beaches. Only 60 visitors are allowed per day, and you must be accompanied by a guide.

To get there, hire a car, and drive up to the Garibaldi Museum. From there, you’ll hike to the beach with your guide. The hike takes about an hour, so proper shoes are a must. The path is relatively steep, but worth it. Cala Coticcio is a true dream beach.

Important: Towels and parasols are prohibited at this beach.

2. Spiaggia del Principe

A secluded beach with a small white sand shore by the tranquil turquoise sea.

Looking for the best beaches on Costa Smeralda in Sardinia? Along the coast between Palau and Olbia, you’ll find emerald water, soft sand, and lush Mediterranean greenery.

One of Sardinia's most popular beaches is Spiaggia del Principe, named after a prince. Celebrities love the area, and the beach itself is unspoiled and stunning.

From the car park, it’s a 10-minute walk to the water. The path isn’t steep, but good shoes are still recommended. Once at the beach, you’ll find crystal-clear sea that's great for snorkelling, and has white sand and rocks that shimmer pink in the light.

3. Capriccioli 

A family of 5 whooping with joy on the beach. A road trip to the coast, especially enjoyed by the youngest boy and mother. Arms raised and laughing, the youngest boy is laid back on the legs of his father. Oldest son looks amused by the scene.

Another great beach on Costa Smeralda is Capriccioli Beach. Just a mile and a half from Spiaggia del Principe, you can visit both in a single day.

Expect fine white sand, green vegetation offering shade, and clear water. This beach is perfect for families, as the sea is shallow and is manned by lifeguards.

Getting there by car is easiest, though parking fees are relatively high. Entry to the beach is free, and while there is a café, you can pack a picnic to save money.

4. Cala Brandinchi

A long stretch of fine white sand beach with clear, calm turquoise water under a cloudless sky.

Have you ever wanted to visit Tahiti? Well, at Cala Brandinchi, you can hardly tell the difference. In fact, it’s often called ‘Little Tahiti’. Visiting this paradise is also easier than some of the other top Sardinian beaches. You can either park at the beach or take a beach shuttle from San Teodoro.

Upon leaving the car park, you will be greeted with an incredible view. Think crystal-clear, shallow water, picturesque islands offshore, and a lush pine forest behind you.

Only 1,500 visitors are allowed per day. Arrive early in the morning to secure your spot in paradise.

5. Cala Goloritzé 

A small white sand beach with turquoise waters along boulders and a cliff topped with an imposing pointed rock.

Cala Goloritzé is another one of Sardinia’s beaches that can truly be described as wild. To keep it that way, it’s protected, and only 250 visitors are allowed per day.

Once you’ve booked your spot, you’ll need to hike through the Supramonte mountain range. Cala Goloritzé is a National Monument after all, so it's worth the effort. The trail is fairly steep and takes about 1.5 hours from the car park to the beach.

But once you arrive, you'll realise that every step was worth it: a cove of almost otherworldly beauty awaits. Expect crystal-clear water fed by submerged karst springs and a beach made of shimmering white pebbles.

Right next to it are marble cliffs, including Monte Caroddi’s famous pinnacle and a natural stone arch. Climbing and cliff diving are absolutely allowed here!

A few more sandy spots to add to your list

6. Spiaggia di Punta Molentis

Happy young woman with arm around boyfriend holding snorkel and scuba mask enjoying sunny day at beach

Punta Molentis is located near Villasimius and is part of the Capo Carbonara marine protected area. The beach consists of several coves that are accessible from the car park. Some have pebbles, while others have soft sand.

The sandy coves are more popular, but if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, stick to the pebble beaches.

Interestingly, Punta Molentis gets its name from the donkeys once used to quarry granite here. There are no donkeys left, but you can now go diving and look for fish underwater.

The coves are well sheltered, making this area ideal for snorkelling or paddleboarding, and the water is calm and clear.

There’s also a small restaurant and paddle boat hire on-site. The daily visitor cap is 600 people.

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Best for

Snorkellers & peace seekers
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Beach amenities

Restaurant, paddle boat hire & toilets
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Costs

€1, reservation via Villasimius Srl

7. Spiaggia di Porto Giunco

A woman leaning on a hammock stands along a shed with sunbeds and a wooden table on a relaxing white sand beach.

Porto Giunco Beach is one of the most popular beaches in southwestern Sardinia, and it’s quite large. That’s a good thing, because with great beauty comes great popularity, but you’ll still find a spot here even in peak season.

Here you’ll also find the usual suspects: white, almost pink sand, azure clear water and even flamingos. Yes, you read that right: Porto Giunco is famous for its nearby flamingo-inhabited lagoon.

It’s also part of the Capo Carbonara marine protected area, making it a favourite among divers and snorkellers. Windsurfers will also find great conditions here. Conveniently, wooden boardwalks offer a quick path from the car park to the beach.

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Best for

Birdwatchers & surfers
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Beach amenities 

Snack bars, umbrella & boat hire
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Costs

None

8. Spiaggia di Tuerredda

Succulent plants with thick leaves growing on a sandy beach with a view of a wooded island of the coast.

Spiaggia di Tuerredda is a true all-rounder and perfect for a day trip from Cagliari.

The beach is a bit wild and incredibly beautiful, yet you’ll still find everything you need for a relaxing beach day in Sardinia. The water is shallow at first and great for little swimmers, but farther out, it’s also perfect for snorkelling. Looking for a sporty challenge? Swim out to the Tuerredda islet.

This beach allows a maximum of 1,100 visitors per day. You don’t have to book in advance, but the website shows live visitor numbers. There are two beach clubs where you can hire loungers, umbrellas, and boats. You’ll also find cafés, showers, and lifeguards.

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Best for

A great beach for everyone
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Stay in

Hotels in Chia
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Beach amenities

Cafés, boat hire, lifeguards
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Costs

None

9. Is Arutas

A rocky white fine sand beach with crystalline turquoise calm water.

Is Arutas is one of the best beaches on Sardinia’s west coast. It lies on the Sinis Peninsula in the Gulf of Oristano. One of the main things that makes it special is its remote location. The best way to reach it is by car hire or with the 430 bus from Oristano.

Sadly, even here you won’t find solitude in summer. The beach is only about 500 yards long and extremely popular. Instead of sand, it’s made of tiny quartz grains that shimmer white, green, and pink.

If you're looking for some underwater adventures, this is the perfect spot: the seabed drops steeply, making it great for snorkelling or cliff jumping.

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Best for

Nature lovers
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Beach amenities 

Snack bars, toilets & showers
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Costs

None


10. La Pelosa Beach

A medieval tower emerges on a rocky outcrop above the sea, and people swim on the surrounding turquoise water.

Back in the north of Sardinia, you can’t skip La Pelosa Beach. A tiny gem just over 300 yards wide, it has everything a sun-worshipper could want.

I probably don’t need to mention the turquoise water and white sand, that’s a given for Sardinian beaches. But you can also count on a steady breeze, making La Pelosa a favourite for water sports. You’ll find diving centres nearby as well if you want to explore the underwater world.

You can drive and park near the beach or take the shuttle from Stintino. Like others, La Pelosa is a protected beach. Entry is limited to 1,500 visitors per day, reservation required.

Are beaches in Sardinia subject to fees?

Yes, you read that correctly. Some beaches in Sardinia charge an entrance fee, and not just for using sun loungers or umbrellas. Some even require advance reservations, as daily visitor numbers are limited. These restrictions usually apply only during the summer months, from June to September.

About the author

Annika ZiehenAnnika is an author, foodie and diver. Originally from Germany, Annika now travels the world, constantly on the lookout for the tastiest plate of noodles, and either frog fish or sharks. She writes about her experiences above & below the water surface on her blogs The Midnight Blue Elephant and The Very Hungry Mermaid. Follow her on Instagram for more travel inspiration.

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