Sardinia beaches
San Giovanni, rocks and sand alternate
The beaches on Sardinia are as varied in their diversity as the entire landscape of the island.
There are kilometre-long stretches with wonderful fine sand as well as rugged cliffs and round-washed rocks. So there is something for every taste.
You can find a comprehensive overview and detailed descriptions of the individual beaches in “Beaches of Sardinia” by Michele Cavallaro.
In principle, all beaches are freely accessible. Sometimes, however, the hinterland is so obstructed by campsites or holiday resorts that it is difficult to find your way to the sea.
At Capo Testa
Especially in high season, a parking fee is charged at the most beautiful beaches. In return, most beaches are kept clean by the local communities.
The water is also very clear everywhere, algae and jellyfish are extremely rare.
It’s best to buy a parasol on the spot.
I have not had good experiences in Sardinia with the beach tents that are so popular with many tourists. They provide relatively little shade and offer a large surface for the often very strong wind to attack.
Nudism is not officially allowed in Sardinia, and it is rare to see ladies sunbathing topless. Under no circumstances should a woman leave the beach “topless”, e.g. to quickly buy an ice cream.
Near Orosei and on the Sinis peninsula, some small unofficial nudist beaches have established themselves, but it is questionable how long these will be tolerated.
Attention: Taking away sand, stones, shells, etc. has been strictly forbidden for several years and is punishable by severe fines!
North coast
Cala Corsara
In Gallura, a large part of the coast is characterised by granite rocks that reach into the sea and have been shaped by wind and water.
This is also where Sardinia’s most expensive holiday paradise is located – the Costa Smeralda.
Although the landscape is extremely fascinating, this part of the Sardinian coastline is only suitable to a limited extent for families with small children. There are sandy bays of different lengths between the rocks – but they are quite crowded in the high season.
For diving and snorkelling, on the other hand, you will find the best conditions here.
Some of the most beautiful beaches are on the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago.
Coast near Palau
Popular with surfers are the beaches between Capo Testa and Palau, with Porto Puddu being surfing centre.
To the northwest is Costa Paradiso – a holiday resort with villas and hotels. Further towards Porto Torres are beautiful wide sandy beaches, whose hinterland is still relatively undeveloped.
In general, the northwest coast is almost constantly exposed to strong winds. What is a blessing for surfers can quickly become an annoying problem for families with children. In that case, the beaches on the east coast are preferable.
East coast
La Caletta, shallow water and a kilometre-long sandy beach
South of Olbia are the resorts of San Teodoro and Budoni, which are particularly popular with German tourists. Both offer the finest sandy beaches.
Further south, an almost 20 km long sandy beach begins at Posada, which is only interrupted by small rocks at the harbour of La Caletta.
From Santa Lucia on, rocky coasts and smaller sandy beaches follow. Then a rutted dust track leads to Berchida beach. There, only a few parasol and surfboard rentals await – and a kilometre-long sandy beach.
In high season, it gets really crowded here.
Near Orosei there are a few short sandy beaches, then the coast becomes steeper and finally rises up to 400 metres vertically out of the sea, interrupted by small bays, such as the famous Cala di Luna.
All these fantastic bays can only be reached on foot or by boat.
At the Costa Rei (“King’s Coast”)
As it continues, the coast becomes flatter again. The beaches of Ogliastra consist almost entirely of sand. The longest sandy beach begins at Santa Maria Navarrese and extends to Arbatax.
From Capo Ferrato, the Costa Rei (“King’s Coast”) stretches for about 10 km – a magnificent, wide beach with the finest sand. The hinterland is built up with holiday homes, but even in high season the beach is not yet overcrowded.
South coast
Costa del Sud, Spiaggia di Tuerredda
In the vicinity of Villasimius – and then further towards Cagliari – there are several sandy bays interrupted by rocks.
It gets very crowded here in summer and at weekends, because many inhabitants of Cagliari come for swimming.
At the gates of the capital, there is an 8 km long sandy beach near Poetto.
The highlight of the area, however, is the Costa del Sud in the southwest of the island with fantastic dune beaches.
The most popular area here is the bay “Baia Chia”, where several sandy beaches line up.
Further west, the coast becomes craggier. Up to Porto di Teulada, there are continually smaller sandy beaches. To the west of the restricted area at Capo Teulada are the white dune beaches of Porto Pino.
West coast
The lonely dune beaches of the Costa Verde
The west coast is by far not as touristically developed as, for example, the east coast. The southern section in particular is still mostly, to a great extent quiet.
South of Marina di Arbus, the Costa Verde stretches along with its sand dunes up to 30 metres high – for me, the most scenic coast of the entire island. However, the journey there is quite arduous.
Another highlight is the Sinis Peninsula. Here, the beaches are partly made of coarse-grained quartz sand that shines dazzlingly white in the sun.
Further north, there are hardly any bathing beaches until Alghero. From there, a wonderful sandy beach stretches to Fertilia.
Towards the north, the cliffs at Capo Caccia follow. After that, there are always sandy stretches.