Sardinia has hundreds of beaches, and picking the right ones felt impossible to me at first.
I spent weeks going through forums, travel blogs, and local guides before I finally had a list I trusted.
That’s exactly why I put this together.
In this post, I’m sharing 53 beaches in Sardinia that are genuinely worth your time, what makes each one special, and tips to plan your visit the right way.
I did the research. You just have to show up.
Why Sardinia Beaches Are Worth Your Time
Sardinia sits in the heart of the Mediterranean, and its coastline is genuinely hard to match anywhere in Europe.
Over 1,800 kilometers of shoreline means you get white sand coves, rocky bays, shallow lagoons, and sea caves, all on one island.
The water is clean. The sand is soft. The variety is real.
I’ve seen granite cliffs in the north, long flat shores in the west, and dramatic hidden coves along the east coast.
Some beaches take five minutes to reach. Others need a hike or a boat. Every region feels completely different.
50+ Must-Visit Beaches in Sardinia: Your Complete Guide
From hidden coves to famous shorelines, here are the 53 best beaches in Sardinia worth adding to your list.
1. Spiaggia del Principe, Costa Smeralda
Known as the “Prince’s Beach,” this spot has fine white sand and clear, calm water. It’s one of the most well-known beaches on the island.
Prince Karim Aga Khan reportedly loved this spot, and one visit makes it easy to understand why.
2. Capriccioli, Costa Smeralda
A smaller, more relaxed bay with rock formations and calm water. It’s a favorite for snorkeling and quieter days.
The rocks just below the surface make it one of the better spots for underwater exploration in Costa Smeralda.
3. Liscia Ruja, Arzachena
One of the longest stretches of sand in Costa Smeralda. The water is warm and the shore is wide and open.
The size of the beach means it handles summer crowds better than most spots in the area.
4. Romazzino, Costa Smeralda
A quiet, sandy bay with turquoise water. Often rated one of the best spots in all of Sardinia.
The pine trees lining the back of the beach give it a sheltered, private feel that’s hard to find elsewhere.
5. Cala di Volpe, Arzachena
A sheltered, shallow bay with calm water. Good for families and easy to spend a full day at.
The bay curves in a way that blocks wind and keeps the surface of the water consistently flat and clear.
6. Spiaggia di Petra Ruja, Baja Sardinia
A small beach framed by striking red granite rocks. The water is clear and the setting is dramatic.
The red rock formations glow in the late afternoon sun, making it a great spot to stay past midday.
7. Cala Granu, Porto Cervo
A calm, sheltered cove near Porto Cervo. The water is clear and ideal for a quiet swim away from crowds.
It’s a short drive from the marina, making it an easy stop if you’re already spending time in Porto Cervo.
8. Spiaggia del Relitto, La Maddalena
Named after a sunken ship nearby. The water is clear and the setting is unlike most beaches you’ll visit.
Snorkelers often come here specifically to see the wreck below the surface.
9. Cala Francese, Caprera
A peaceful beach on Caprera island with fine white sand. The water is calm and shallow near the shore.
It’s one of those spots that feels like you have it all to yourself.
10. Spiaggia dei Cento Cannoni, Caprera
A long, sandy beach on Caprera with calm water. It sits close to a historic fort from the 1800s.
The mix of history and shoreline makes this one worth the extra stop.
11. Cala di Murtoli, Santa Teresa Gallura
A private, peaceful cove backed by hills and rocks. The water is a deep, clear blue.
The surrounding landscape makes it feel completely cut off from the rest of the world.
12. Spiaggia di Punta Rossa, Santa Teresa
A small beach with red rock cliffs and clear water. One of the more striking spots in the north.
The red and blue contrast makes it look almost unreal on a sunny day.
13. Cala Spinosa, Santa Teresa Gallura
A rocky cove with clear water and a rugged feel. You’ll need to hike a short distance to reach it.
That short walk keeps the crowds away and makes the reward feel earned.
14. Rena Majore, Santa Teresa
A wide, sandy beach in a sheltered bay. The water is calm and the sand is soft and fine.
It’s one of the more family-friendly options in the Santa Teresa area.
15. Spiaggia di Cala Lunga, Caprera
A long, sandy bay on Caprera island with calm, shallow water. One of the more peaceful spots in the area.
The lack of facilities here keeps the atmosphere quiet and relaxed.
16. Spiaggia di Punta Pollo, Palau
A small, rocky beach near Palau with good views across to the La Maddalena islands.
On a clear day, the view across the water is genuinely hard to beat.
17. Spiaggia di Porto Pollo, Palau
A windy beach popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers. The lagoon-like setting makes it look different from most others.
Even if you’re not there to surf, watching the action on the water is entertaining.
18. Spiaggia delle Saline, Stintino
One of the most photographed beaches in Sardinia. The shallow water shifts from white to bright blue near the shore.
Arrive early because parking fills up fast, especially in peak summer months.
19. Cala Goloritzé, Baunei
Only reachable by boat or a long hike. A large natural arch above the beach makes it a real landmark.
It was declared a natural monument by the Italian government, and it’s easy to see why.
20. Cala Mariolu, Baunei
A popular east coast beach with white pebbles and clear water. Best reached by boat from Arbatax or Cala Gonone.
The pebbles underfoot feel smooth and the water visibility here is exceptional.
21. Cala Biriola, Baunei
A secluded cove with calm water and dramatic cliffs above. Quieter than its neighbors and worth the effort.
Most visitors skip it, which means you’ll often have the shore almost to yourself.
22. Cala Sisine, Baunei
A wide beach at the base of a deep canyon. The water is clear and the scenery is impressive.
The canyon walls rising on either side give this beach a setting unlike anything else on the island.
23. Cala Luna, Dorgali
A large beach surrounded by high cliffs and sea caves. Reachable by boat or a multi-hour trail.
The sea caves along the edges are worth exploring if you have a kayak or a small boat.
24. Cala Fuili, Dorgali
A small, rocky beach near Cala Gonone. It’s a short walk from town and a good spot for snorkeling.
The rocky floor and clear water make it one of the better snorkeling spots on the east coast.
25. Spiaggia di Capo Comino, Orosei
A long, sandy beach backed by juniper trees. The water is shallow and calm close to the shore.
The tree cover nearby gives you a natural shaded area to rest between swims.
26. Oasi Bidderosa, Orosei
A protected natural area with five small beaches. Access is limited, which keeps the crowds away.
You’ll need to book an entry in advance during the summer months.
27. Cala Osalla, Santa Maria Navarrese
A sheltered cove with fine sand and clear water. There’s a small bar nearby for a break between swims.
The surrounding pine trees provide good shade on hot afternoons.
28. Cala Ginepro, Ogliastra
A quiet beach surrounded by juniper trees. The water is clear and the atmosphere is calm and low-key.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend a whole day without feeling like you’re missing anything.
29. Spiaggia di Porto Pino, Sant’Anna Arresi
A wide, sandy beach with dunes and clear water. One of the longest stretches of sand in southern Sardinia.
The dunes behind the beach are protected and add to the wild, open feel of the place.
30. Spiaggia di Is Solinas, Teulada
A long sandy beach near Teulada. It borders a military zone, so access can be limited at certain times.
When it is open, the beach is wide, quiet, and far less crowded than most southern spots.
31. Spiaggia di Chia, Domus de Maria
A well-known beach in the south with soft sand and dunes. A Spanish-era tower overlooks the bay.
The area around Chia has several beaches close together, making it easy to hop between spots.
32. Spiaggia di Su Giudeu, Chia
A wide, sandy beach near Chia with calm water. It’s backed by dunes and a shallow lagoon.
Flamingos are sometimes spotted in the lagoon behind the beach during the cooler months.
33. Spiaggia di Tuerredda, Teulada
Often listed among the top beaches in Sardinia. The water is shallow, clear, and a bright shade of blue.
A small island just offshore makes it a popular spot for swimmers and snorkelers.
34. Spiaggia di Cala Cipolla, Chia
A smaller beach near Chia with clear water and rocky headlands. A short walk from the main Chia beach.
The rocks on either side create a natural shelter that keeps the water calm most of the day.
35. Punta Molentis, Villasimius
A peninsula-shaped beach with calm water on both sides. The sand is soft and the setting is hard to beat.
You can walk between the two sides of the beach and get a completely different view each time.
36. Porto Sa Ruxi, Villasimius
A sheltered beach near Villasimius with fine sand and clear, shallow water. A good pick for families.
The gradual drop-off into the water makes it safe and comfortable for kids.
37. Spiaggia di Cala Sinzias, Costa Rei
A wide, sandy beach on the Costa Rei coast. The water is clear and the shore is long and open.
There are a few beach bars and sun lounger rentals available during summer.
38. Spiaggia di Piscadeddus, Villasimius
A small, rocky beach near Villasimius with calm water. Quieter than the larger beaches in the area.
The rocky bottom makes it a decent spot for snorkeling around the edges.
39. Spiaggia di Putzu Idu, San Vero Milis
A wide, sandy beach on the west coast with shallow, warm water. Popular with local families.
The calm conditions and flat shore make it one of the easiest beaches to spend a full day at.
40. Spiaggia di Is Arutas, Cabras
Known for its quartz sand that looks like tiny white pebbles. The water is clear and the setting is distinct. Note that removing sand from this beach is illegal and strictly enforced.
41. Spiaggia di Mari Ermi, Cabras
Another quartz-sand beach near Cabras. Smaller than Is Arutas but just as clear and worth the trip.
It tends to be slightly less crowded, which makes it a better option on busy summer days.
42. Spiaggia di Torregrande, Oristano
A long, flat beach near Oristano. Easy to reach and ideal for a relaxed day by the water.
It’s one of the most accessible beaches on the west coast and has good facilities nearby.
43. Spiaggia di Santa Caterina di Pittinuri, Narbolia
A beach near the natural arch of S’Archittu. Good sand, clear water, and a scenic rock backdrop.
The nearby arch is one of the most photographed natural features on the west coast.
44. Spiaggia di Bosa Marina, Bosa
A sandy beach in the small town of Bosa Marina. The colorful hilltop town behind it makes a great backdrop.
After a day at the beach, the town itself is well worth a walk around.
45. Cala Domestica, Buggerru
A sheltered cove inside a deep inlet with calm water and sandy shores. The cliffs around it are high and dramatic.
Old mining tunnels from the area’s industrial past are still visible nearby.
46. Spiaggia di Masua, Buggerru
A wide beach near an old mining site. The Pan di Zucchero sea stack rises just off the shore.
It’s one of the most visually striking beach settings in the whole of Sardinia.
47. Cala Funtana Meiga, Iglesias
A quiet beach in a pine-backed bay. The water is calm and the atmosphere is relaxed.
It’s not well known outside the local area, which makes it a good find for anyone looking to avoid crowds.
48. Spiaggia di Capo Malfatano, Carbonia
A wide, open beach near Carbonia with fine sand and clear water. Backed by low hills and scrubland.
The remote setting means it stays quieter than most beaches in the south.
49. Spiaggia di Cala Lunga, Sant’Antioco
A calm beach on the island of Sant’Antioco. The water is clear and the shore is sandy and quiet.
The island itself has a lot of history, making it worth spending more than just one day here.
50. Spiaggia Sottotorre, Calasetta
A beach in Calasetta on Sant’Antioco island. An old tower above the shore gives this spot real character.
The town of Calasetta nearby is small and easy to walk around after a day on the sand.
51. La Bobba, Carloforte, San Pietro Island
A sandy beach in the town of Carloforte on San Pietro Island. The water is clear and the area is calm and low-key.
The island has a distinct Ligurian culture that makes the whole trip feel different from mainland Sardinia.
52. Spiaggia di Cala Brandinchi, San Teodoro
Often called “Little Tahiti” for its clear, shallow water and white sand. One of the most popular beaches in northeast Sardinia.
Get there early in summer because the car park fills up well before midday.
53. La Cinta, San Teodoro
A long, narrow sandy strip between the sea and a lagoon. Very popular in summer and easy to reach by car.
The lagoon side is calmer and shallower, making it a good spot for young kids.
Tips for Visiting Sardinia Beaches
A little planning goes a long way when you’re visiting Sardinia’s coastline.
- Go early: Popular beaches fill up fast in July and August. Arrive by 9 AM to get the best spots.
- Rent a car: Many beaches aren’t reachable by public transport. Your own vehicle makes all the difference.
- Bring cash: Some parking areas and beach bars don’t take cards. Stock up before heading to remote spots.
- Pack light: A small bag, reef-safe sunscreen, and water are all you need. Less is more in the heat.
- Book boat trips early: Cala Goloritzé and Cala Luna fill up fast. Book a few days ahead in high season.
Use these tips before your trip and you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches on the day.
Conclusion
Sardinia’s beaches are worth every bit of planning. I put this list together so you stop second-guessing and start booking.
From the rocky coves of the north to the long sandy shores of the south, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
Pick your region. Plan your days. Go.
Found this helpful? Drop a comment below and tell me which beach you’re visiting first. Share this post with someone who needs it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular beach in Sardinia?
Spiaggia del Principe in Costa Smeralda is the most visited beach on the island.
When is the best time to visit beaches in Sardinia?
Late May, June, and early September offer warm water with fewer crowds.
Are beaches in Sardinia free to access?
Most are free, but some charge for parking or require an entry permit.
Do I need a boat to reach Cala Goloritzé?
A boat is easiest, but you can hike in. The trail takes about two to three hours each way.
Is the water in Sardinia safe for swimming?
Yes, most beaches have clean, calm water safe for swimming and snorkeling.
