9 Most Beautiful Beaches in Sardinia You Must Visit

Cala Goloritze - one of the best beaches in Sardinia

Long, lazy days spent sunbathing on the beach with your favorite book in one hand and a refreshing drink in your other hand, the breeze in your hair, warm and crystal-clear waters perfect for a swim, fun water sports, and most important of all, not a worry in sight.

Well, what else could anyone want during a lovely summer holiday?

Located south of Corsica, Sardinia is a dream Mediterranean destination boasting more than 1.800 km of pristine coastline. It is a land where history, natural wonders, stunning beaches, local traditions, and colorful villages intertwine, creating the unique island we know today.

Sardinia has something beautiful to offer each of its visitors, from archaeological sites and lakes to waterfalls, mountains, festivals, delicious cuisine, and wines, as well as the opportunity to meet kind and welcoming locals.

Here you will see some of the most transparent and turquoise waters in the Mediterranean, creating the impression of a tropical vacation spent on an island in the Caribbean. The sand is fine and pearly white and there are also numerous caves for you to discover during your holiday.

Due to its breathtaking beauty, it’s no wonder that Sardinia is not only one of the most famous summer holiday destinations but also an exquisite sailing choice, where you can visit some of the most prestigious marinas like Marina di Porto Cervo, Marina di Olbia, Marina di Porto Rotondo or Marina dell’Orso, just to mention a few.

If you’re visiting this lovely island and planning to explore its coastline by boat, make sure to stop by some of the most beautiful marinas in Sardinia.

Let’s now take a look at the best beaches in Sardinia and what makes them unique:

1. Spiaggia del Principe

Spiaggia del Principe Beach

If you plan to lavish yourself during your next holiday in Sardinia and you love the finer things in life, Spiaggia del Principe is the perfect choice for you!

The rugged coastline and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea are the backdrop of this stunning beach, and here you will find numerous luxurious hotels and fine dining restaurants.

Located on the northeastern part of Sardinia (Comune of Arzachena), the beach is also known as Portu Li Coggi but it got its name after Aga Khan, a wealthy sultan (thus the name “Prince’s Beach”) who put Costa Smeralda into the spotlight and assisted with its development, making it become in the 1960s a popular destination for rich and famous people.

Spiaggia del Principe has a crescent shape, crystal-clear waters, and soft, white sand; the waters are shallow, calm, and perfect for swimming as well as snorkeling. This is also a great place to spot some marine wildlife close to the shore.

As the surrounding coast is covered with lush vegetation, after some time frolicking in the sea and sunbathing on the beach, you could go for a hike and discover different locations where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings and the coastline.

If you prefer to stay close to Spiaggia del Principe while visiting Sardinia and want to splurge, you can book a room at a luxury resort like Hotel Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda.

You can also find more accessible accommodation options like Residenza Capriccioli.

2. Golfo di Orosei

Golfo di Orosei
Golfo di Orosei

Situated in the Province of Nuoro, in the eastern part of Sardinia, Golfo di Orosei is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, where you will be mesmerized by the turquoise sea, the surrounding cliffs dotted with greenery, and the contrasting white sand.

The views are breathtaking and you will remember them forever. Visiting the beaches in the Golfo di Orosei can be done by boat and sometimes by foot.

The boat tours depart from the town of Cala Gonone and travel to Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna, and Cala Goloritzé.

3. Cala Mariolu

Cala Mariolu Beach

Cala Mariolu is among the most famous beaches in Sardinia. Its crystal-clear waters vary from aquamarine to green and then to a deeper, darker blue, shining like precious gems under the sunlight. Its name comes from the monk seals that used to steal the catch from the local fisherman. The word “mariolo” means thief in Neapolitan.

The beach is covered with small, rounded pebbles shaped by the waves over time, and limestone cliffs offer shade all around.

Due to its translucent waters, Cala Mariolu is an ideal place for snorkeling and diving, as the sea is calm and has shallow parts which are perfect if you travel with children. While visiting the beach, you may also spot dolphins, peregrine falcons, golden eagles and the Eleonora’s falcon (Falco eleonorae).

There are many others activities that you can enjoy at the beach like sailing and kayaking, or if you prefer, you can go for a hike in the Baunei forest and spend some time observing the birds.

Nearby, there are a few stands from where you can buy drinks, but there are no cafes or restaurants along the beachfront, therefore it would be a great idea to bring with you sandwiches, fresh fruits, maybe a salad and store them in a cooling box so you can enjoy them throughout the day.

You can reach Cala Mariolu by boat from Cala Gonone, Santa Maria Navarrese, or, if you are a hiking enthusiast, you can follow the trail from Piredda in Altopiano del Golgo; please consider that the hike will take you around 6 hours to complete and reach the beach and it is physically demanding. Thorough experience and great physical condition are required as well as enough supplies.

4. Cala Luna

Cala Luna Beach

Cala Luna Beach is the kind of location that gets mentioned in travel blogs, making readers wonder if such beauty is real.

The waters are azure and cobalt blue, the sand is pearly white and fine and there are nearby limestone caves formed in the cliffs, from where you can take some of the best Instagram pictures. Lush greenery surrounds the beach, creating a lovely contrast with the light-colored cliffs.
Another charming spot that you can see on the southern part of the beach is a freshwater lake encircled by oleander trees.

The nearby caves also offer shade, which is perfect when the temperature rises. The sea is calm and clear, making it perfect for snorkeling on a hot summer day and has shallow patches, therefore it’s an ideal place for children and elderly people.

While visiting Cala Luna, you can rent sunbeds and enjoy some refreshments from the local cafe-bar.

If you enjoy hiking, you can follow a trail from Cala di Fuili and it will take you around 2 hours to reach the beach (5.5 km each way). The difficulty of the hike is moderate, but make sure to arrive at the beach early, so you can avoid the scorching temperatures especially in August. Along the way there will be some slippery rocks and you will need adequate shoes with a good grip.

5. Cala Goloritzé

Cala Goloritze Beach

The stunning Cala Goloritzé beach was formed after a landslide that occurred in 1962. Nowadays, it is one of the most beautiful and well-known locations in Golfo di Orosei.

It is easily recognizable due to its 143-meter-tall limestone spire that towers above a nearby cove. The color of the water ranges from a very light blue to green and a darker blue and it is exceptionally clear, great for swimming and snorkeling. If you are an active person, you can also go trekking or rock climbing while visiting the beach and spot some beautiful birds along the way.

The beach is protected, meaning boats are not allowed to approach it at a distance of less than 200 meters from the shore; the distance is marked with a rope line with buoys.

You can reach Cala Goloritzé by renting a boat, taking a boat tour, or hiking, which takes around 1,5 hours.

Make sure to bring with you plenty of water and snacks, beach towels, an umbrella, and water shoes because there are some very slippery rocks in the sea.

You can find quite a few affordable accommodation options if you would like to book a room in advance, like Le Residenze di Golfo di Orosei, Domo Peonia (close to the center), or a one-bedroom house like Residenza Sardinia Orosei.

If you have the opportunity during your trip to Sardinia, you should visit Parco Nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu, the largest national park of Sardinia. It was established in 1998 and it encompasses the Supramonte plateau along with the breathtaking coastline, including the Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzé beaches.

6. Spiaggia Della Pelosa

La Pelosa Beach

Spiaggia Della Pelosa, also known as La Pelosa Beach, is located near Stintino, in the Province of Sassari, on the northwestern coast of Sardinia.

La Pelosa Beach is an amazing location to spend a long summer day and enjoy la dolce vita. Here, the white sand contrasts with the azure sea. Seen from above, the colors of the water seem weaved as a gradient pattern, ranging from turquoise with a few emerald patches and then slowly getting mixed with the rich cobalt, where the sea gets deeper.

While looking around, you will notice in the distance a watchtower that many centuries ago was used to protect the coastline against invaders and pirates. The tower was built on its little island, in the middle of the sea.

As this beach is famous and many people want to visit it, it is mandatory to make a reservation in advance if you plan to go to La Pelosa Beach during the high season months (June-September). The cost is around €3.50 per person and you can make your booking on their official website.

The website will begin accepting reservations on May 13, 2025. Children under the age of 12 years old won’t need a reservation.

To protect the beach and preserve its environment, regulations have been imposed.

The maximum number of people allowed to visit La Pelosa Beach daily is 1500. You need to buy a straw beach mat and use it, as it traps less sand than a regular beach towel.

Straw mats are mandatory and if a visitor does not comply with the rule, they can receive a fine.

You must be respectful of the environment and not litter, so the beach can remain clean and, it is not allowed to bring any seashells, sand, or rocks back with you when leaving.

Dogs are not allowed on the beach and, smoking should only be done in designated areas.

Being respectful and complying with the regulations will ensure that this wonderful location will be visited and enjoyed by future generations.

If you choose to stay close to Spiaggia della Pelosa, there are some lovely options like the La Pergola Appartments, Residence Hotel La Pelosetta, or Capo Falcone Charming Appartments.

7. Cala Brandinchi

Cala Brandinchi Beach

Located near San Teodoro in the province of Olbia, on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, Cala Brandinchi is a slice of Tahitian paradise known as “Litte Tahiti” due to its resemblance to the French Polynesian beaches.

Shaped like a crescent moon, the cove has white and soft sands, and the water is incredibly beautiful, crystal-clear, and translucent. You’ll notice the incredible turquoise color shift into emerald and indigo as well as the coastline surrounded by trees and lush greenery.

The beach is perfect for families and children, and it is a great place to swim, snorkel, enjoy water sports (kayaking, paddle boarding), lie under the Sardinian sun, and go for a stroll along the shore.

Cala Brandinchi is part of the Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area which means that there is plenty of wonderful sea life to admire during snorkeling as well as beautiful and healthy corals, making it a joy for any nature lover.

Also, as part of the Capo Coda Cavallo peninsula, you can discover the trails and enjoy the amazing views of the sea at your own pace.

There is a parking lot (2.5 euro per hour in high season), a few places where you can buy snacks, ice cream, and drinks as well as bathroom facilities with showers, so you’ll have everything you would need for a fun day in the sun. You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas.

This beach is served by the Beach Bus shuttle service, with a stop at the entrance to the parking lot.

During the high season, you need to make a reservation in advance; please find their website along with the necessary information here.

Regarding the accommodation options, there are many nearby choices like Villa Salina, Villa Brandina, Cala Paradiso Residence, and many others.

8. Spiaggia di Maria Pia

Maria Pia Beach

Spiaggia di Maria Pia is located near Alghero, in the Province of Sassari, on the northwestern coast of Sardinia.

La Spiaggia di Maria Pia is a natural beauty stretching along 1200 meters, a place where you will see dunes, a pine forest that offers cooling shade during the hot summer days, and a lagoon called Stagno di Calich, where migratory birds make a stop.

It’s a great place to swim, go for a walk on the beach, spend some family time, play with the kids, go for a jog in the morning, or simply, relax in the sun. You should bring with you a pair of water shoes, as there are some rocky patches scattered around the sea floor.

Here you will find a few snack bars, restaurants and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas; the beach is also accessible to people who use a wheelchair, as there is a wooden path. The beach also has ample parking space, but make sure to arrive earlier in the day because it fills up quickly during the high season.

Don’t miss out on the wonderful nearby attractions like the Coral Museum (Museo del Corallo), the Capo Caccia Lighthouse, Neptune’s Grotto, the Archaeological Museum of Alghero and many others!

If you want to stay close to Spiaggia di Maria Pia, you can book a room at one of the nearby hotels like Nautika Suites, La Villetta, or Residence Oasis.

9. Spiaggia di Scoglio di Peppino

Scoglio di Peppino Beach

Spiaggia di Scoglio di Peppino is located near Castiadas in the province of Caglari, on the Southeastern part of Sardinia.

This little beach stretches along 120 meters and its name translates to “Peppino’s Rock”, where a large rock made of granite is one of the highlights of this beautiful place. The rock has the shape of a whale and it’s about 30 meters long.

If you want to, you can easily reach the rock and take some lovely panoramic pictures from there.

Scoglio di Peppino is a great place to relax, swim, sunbathe and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas as well as canoes or pedal boats.

Close to the beach, you can find a few bars where you can enjoy a refreshing drink, a lovely pasta dish, and some gelato to finish your meal.

Another great addition to the beach is the wooden pathway, making it accessible to wheelchair users.

There are some charming accommodation options near Spiaggia di Scoglio di Peppino for you to choose from like the IGV Club Santagiusta, La Villa del Re Hotel, Alma Resort, and others.

A day at the beach brings joy, fulfillment, and happiness to the soul and the waves wash away any worry and sorrow.

Sardinia is a wonderful summer destination for any beach lover who wants to discover unique places and create everlasting memories with friends and family.

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