I’m Gianluca – a Sardinian traveler from Cagliari. Since I was little, I have been curious about geography and exploration. I dreamed of discovering Sardinia as a child and as I grew up I managed to fulfill my wish. Up to now I can say I have seen almost all of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia.
It’s really difficult to find a corner of this island that is new to me. The areas I frequent the most, which are my favorites, are the Ogliastra province (both seaside and inland) and the Maddalena Archipelago. Wherever you go in Sardinia, you will find heavenly places that are all different from each other!
10 Best Beaches in Sardinia: From Cala Goloritze to Cala Luna
It’s precisely this diversity that makes the beaches of Sardinia the most unique in the world. Sardinia is like a mini continent because it offers a huge variety of landscapes: from the granite rocks of Gallura, to the coastal caves of Costa di Baunei, passing through the dunes of Sulcis Iglesiente and Costa Verde, to arrive at the white beaches of Sinis Peninsula. So, without further ado, here are the 10 most beautiful beaches of Sardinia:
1. Cala Goloritze
Cala Goloritze is perhaps the most beautiful beach in all of Sardinia. This UNESCO-listed site is characterized by two natural monuments: a rock arch and spire. Additionally, it boasts stunning limestone cliffs and perfectly turquoise waters that make for a spectacular summer environment. The surrounding area is relatively untouched as well, with no roads leading directly to the beach. Instead, a scenic path takes you to its white sands.
This isolation has helped preserve its natural charm, making it a popular destination for beach-lovers and hikers alike. Visitors often trek there from nearby towns like Baunei and Santa Maria Navarrese, both of which serve as great bases for trips to Cala Goloritze. The trails offer an immersive experience of Sardinia’s rugged terrain, passing through lush Mediterranean vegetation and offering panoramic views of the coastline.
2. Cala Mariolu
Cala Mariolu is a must-visit destination of Sardinia, known for its unique setting and natural beauty. This remote beach, located on the Gulf of Orosei on the island’s eastern coast, is a paradise for both nature enthusiasts and sun-seekers. Its appeal lies in the remarkable white and pink pebbles that carpet the shore, the towering limestone rocks that enclose the bay and the crystal-clear waters that glisten under the Mediterranean sun!
The pebbles of Cala Mariolu create a distinct character, offering a soothing contrast to typical sandy beaches. The polished, multicolored stones create a picturesque mosaic and are perfect for sunbathing. The surrounding cliffs are not only stunning to behold but also provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving, with caves and tunnels to explore.
Accessing Cala Mariolu is an adventure in itself. Most visitors opt to reach the beach via boat tours departing from nearby towns like Cala Gonone and Santa Maria Navarrese. These boat trips offer a fun-filled journey along the rugged coastline and the chance to admire Cala Mariolu’s striking rock formations from a distance on the sea. Alternatively adventurous hikers can embark on a challenging trek to reach this secluded paradise.
3. Pools of Venus (Piscine di Venere)
Mother Nature has outdone herself at the Pools of Venus and painted a sea with incredible shades! What sets this place apart is its natural rock pools, created by centuries of wave erosion, which provide safe and tranquil swimming spots. These pools are nestled among towering cliffs, offering a sense of seclusion that beach enthusiasts will adore. The waters are remarkably transparent, making them ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
While Piscine di Venere doesn’t offer a traditional sandy beach, the allure of its pristine waters and rock formations more than compensates. Visitors can easily spend several hours or an entire day here, exploring the pools and reveling in the tranquility of this natural paradise. Reaching the beach is possible via organized boat trips or by trekking through a path.
4. Cala Coticcio
Cala Coticcio is a small cove of fine white sand and crystalline sea, surrounded by pink granite rocks and typical Mediterranean shrub, creating paradise on Earth! Situated on the island of Caprera in the Maddalena Archipelago, travelers make the journey here to soak up the wonderful landscapes and seascapes on offer. The water’s azure hues are so vivid that they appear surreal and the beach is aptly named “Tahiti” because of this.
Surrounding Cala Coticcio, the town of La Maddalena offers a gateway to the beach – with boat tours departing from the town’s harbor. The islands in the area are known for their rich marine life, making it an ideal location for snorkeling enthusiasts. To reach Cala Coticcio, visitors can take a ferry from Palau to La Maddalena and then arrange their own boat tours.
5. Cala Corsara, Granara & Soraya
These three beaches located close to each other share a common thread of raw natural beauty with their golden sands, clear waters and dramatic landscapes. Nestled on the island of Spargi in the Maddalena Archipelago, they offer unparalleled charm. Cala Corsara – a slice of paradise – is a cove defined by powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters and granite rocks.
The nearby Cala Granara is just as impressive, characterized by its unique pink sands. Crushed coral and shells give it this distinctive hue. It’s an eco-protected gem with limited access which helps to preserve its pristine beauty. Cala Soraya, on the other hand, is backed by two windswept dunes and surrounded by striking granite formations.. The tranquil waters and untouched environment make it a serene haven for those seeking solitude.
6. Spiaggia La Pelosa
The most Caribbean of all the beaches on this list is La Pelosa. Located in northwest Sardinia, the beach is known for its clear, crystalline waters. Its beauty lies in its picturesque white sands which gently slope into the shallow, turquoise sea – making it a perfect destination for families!
The striking feature of La Pelosa is the medieval watchtower of Torre della Pelosa that rises from a small islet, providing a unique backdrop. The tower can be reached by a sandbar, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this stunning setting. The nearby town of Stintino, just a short drive from the beach, offers amenities including restaurants and accommodations. Travelers can savor fresh seafood dishes and explore the town’s culture.
To reach Spiaggia La Pelosa, you can fly into Alghero’s airport, which is 45 kilometers away, and then drive to Stintino. From there, it’s a short journey to the beach. Due to its popularity, it’s advisable to arrive early in the day during peak tourist season to secure a spot. To explore Sardinia’s beautiful beaches independently, you can rent a vehicle from Only Sardinia Autonoleggio. Here is the website: www.only-sardinia.com.
7. Spiaggia Rosa
Spiaggia Rosa is closed to the public for environmental protection reasons and can only be admired from a distance on a walkway, but rest assured it’s definitely worth a visit even without taking a swim! This is one of only a few beaches in the world to boast pink sand, making it truly unique.
8. Cala Brandinchi
Cala Brandinchi, or “Little Tahiti”, is a small piece of paradise on the northeastern coast of the island. This picturesque beach boasts powdery white sands and clear, shallow waters, resembling a tropical oasis. Its gentle slope makes it family-friendly and snorkelers adore the abundant marine life beneath the surface. The surrounding landscape is characterized by fragrant juniper trees and sand dunes, adding to the beach’s natural allure.
Nearby, the town of San Teodoro offers fantastic amenities and a little taste of Sardinian culture. To reach Cala Brandinchi, you can fly into Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, then drive or take a short bus ride. This beach is a serene retreat for those seeking relaxation in a typically Mediterranean setting.
9. Cala Luna
Cala Luna is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia and its popularity (on Instagram especially) is a testament to this fact. This mesmerizing paradise located on the east coast of Sardinia is known for its raw natural beauty, dramatic limestone cliffs and pristine waters.
The hallmark of Cala Luna is its crescent-shaped shoreline, after which it’s named (Cala Luna translates to “Moon Cove”). It features fine white sand, which contrasts strikingly with the towering limestone cliffs and emerald waters. The beach’s landscape is surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, providing a rich tapestry of colors and aromas wafting in the air.
Cala Luna is particularly appreciated by outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, as it can be reached via a boat ride from the town of Cala Gonone or through a trek along the Supramonte mountains. The hiking route offers epic vistas of the rugged Sardinian coast, and its unique flora and fauna.
The beach itself boasts clear, shallow waters, perfect for swimming – making it a favorite among families. Visitors can explore the numerous sea caves dotting the shoreline as well, each with its own mystique and amazing photo-ops. While Cala Luna maintains a pristine and untouched aura, it does offer some facilities – including a small beach bar, and rental options for umbrellas and sunbeds during the peak summer season.
10. Spiaggia di Tuerredda
Spiaggia di Tuerredda is a postcard-perfect beach located in southern Sardinia. This idyllic stretch of coastline is celebrated for its soft, golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters – making it a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. Tuerredda offers a tranquil setting with nearby amenities, and opportunities for snorkeling and swimming. Visitors can easily access this coastal gem which is within driving distance of Chia.
My Favorite Beach Area in Sardinia: Porto della Madonna
Among these beautiful beaches of Sardinia, I don’t have a favorite one but I would like to make a special mention of Porto della Madonna in the Maddalena Archipelago. Although it can’t be defined as a beach, this stretch of sea with shallow waters enclosed between the islets of Santa Maria, Razzoli and Budelli is simply heavenly! Here you can find natural swimming pools featuring incredible colors – a hotspot for boat tours.
Tips for Visiting the Most Beautiful Beaches of Sardinia
- Know Where the Best Beach Resorts are Located: For lovers of beach resorts, Sardinia has many fantastic properties on offer which you can book for your holiday including: Resort Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & SPA, Forte Village Resort, Baglioni Resort Sardinia and Hotel Romazzino.
- Don’t Limit Yourself Only to the Beaches Accessible by Car: My main advice is to not limit yourself to visiting the beaches that are easily reachable by car because in Sardinia the most beautiful beaches are the most difficult to reach – i.e. those that can only be accessed by trekking or those that can only reached by boat, often located on smaller islands.
- Follow me on Instagram for More Tips: If you would like to get more information and inspiration on the most beautiful beaches to visit in Sardinia, be sure to follow me on Instagram: @gianlucanonnis_. I share photos/videos from a combination of popular spots and hidden gems!