Each coast has its own character: the south has pale sand and shallow water, the east coast pebble coves beneath cliffs, the north pink granite and islands, the west huge dunes and quartz beaches. The golden rule is to check the wind: with the mistral head south and east, with the sirocco north and west.
Which beach today? Live wind and waves
Cagliari and the South
- Poetto
Cagliari's city beach: 8 km of sand from the Devil's Saddle to Quartu. - Simius, Villasimius
Pale sand and shallow water, great for families. - Porto Giunco
Between the sea and a lagoon, below a Spanish watchtower. - Punta Molentis
Two coves either side of an isthmus; access limited in summer. - Costa Rei, Cala Sinzias
Long beaches and turquoise water, ideal with children. - Chia, Su Giudeu
Golden dunes and an islet you can wade to in calm sea. - Tuerredda
A horseshoe bay with an islet: the postcard of the southern coast.
Sulcis Iglesiente
- Porto Pino
Snow-white dunes and pinewoods in the Sulcis. - Cala Domestica
A sandy inlet between two cliffs, near the old mines.
Costa Verde and Marmilla
- Piscinas
Dunes tens of metres high and an endless, quiet beach.
Oristano, Sinis and Bosa
- Is Arutas
White, pink and green quartz grains. Don't take them home. - Bosa Marina
Bosa's beach at the mouth of the Temo river.
Nuoro and Barbagia
- Cala Luna
Caves and oleanders, by boat from Cala Gonone or on foot.
Ogliastra
- Cala Goloritzé
White pebbles and a limestone spire: on foot only, limited access. - Cala Mariolu
White and pink pebbles, by boat from Santa Maria Navarrese or Arbatax. - Rocce Rosse, Arbatax
Red porphyry rocks next to the harbour.
Gallura and the Costa Smeralda
- Rena Bianca, Santa Teresa
White sand in town, with Corsica on the horizon. - Capriccioli
Small coves between granite and junipers on the Costa Smeralda. - Liscia Ruja
The longest beach on the Costa Smeralda. - Cala Coticcio, Caprera
Limited access, with a guide or by boat. - Cala Brandinchi
Very shallow water and pinewood near San Teodoro. - La Cinta
Five kilometres of sand between sea and lagoon.
Sassari, Alghero and the North-West
- La Pelosa, Stintino
Shallow, crystal-clear water facing Asinara; booking required in summer. - Le Bombarde, Alghero
A favourite on the Coral Riviera.
FAQ
Can I take sand from Sardinian beaches?
No. Removing sand, pebbles and shells is illegal in Sardinia and fines are high; airport checks regularly seize them.
Which beaches have limited access?
In summer some fragile beaches require booking or a ticket, including La Pelosa at Stintino, Cala Goloritzé, Cala Coticcio on Caprera and Punta Molentis. Rules change every year, so check before you go.
Where to go when the mistral blows?
With the north-westerly mistral the sea is rough on the west and north coasts: choose the south and east, such as Villasimius, Costa Rei, Chia and Ogliastra.
Beaches on the map
Boat trips and beach tours
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