Framed by rugged granite rock formations, luscious green scrub and pristine waters, the island of Sardinia is the second largest in the Mediterranean after Sicily. Its unspoiled nature is unrivalled and offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Offering long stretches of white sand, sparkling clear waters and hidden coves, Sardinia is an unmissable destination for the beach-loving traveller. An excellent way of getting around the island is by hiring a car, there is also a slow train that takes you around the island and a bus service through most towns. Here, we invite you to explore a selection of the best beaches in Sardinia, how to get to them, and what activities you can enjoy whilst there.

The coast of Baunei: A nature-lover’s paradise

Located on the east coast of the island and stretching over the Gulf of Orosei, the beaches on this part of Sardinia are peppered with rugged coves with turquoise waters. It’s easy to see how some of the best Italian beaches can be found in Sardinia when you visit this area. Many of the beaches here are only accessible by boat or by hiking routes. There are many boat rental companies offering tours to the coves or you could get your sailor’s hat on and hire a boat yourself. You can rent boats in Cala Gonone and Santa Maria Navarrese and explore the coastline on your own or with a guided tour. All the beaches on this stretch of coastline are stunning from Cala Biriala to Cala Goloritze but we have picked out two of the best:

Cala luna: Unspoiled beauty

Wild and natural, this beach is framed by rocky cliff edges and dotted with shady caves. It’s perfect for those travellers who love to do underwater fishing or simply bathe in the azure waters. The beach can be reached by boat or by trekking.

Cala Mariolu: A land of sparkling sands

With snowflake pebbles and emerald-green waters this beach is only accessible by trekking through wild Mediterranean scrub, perfect for the more adventurous traveller. Make sure to take some good walking shoes and prepare for awesome panoramic views.

Mediterranean nature: Take a hike to secret beaches

The Baunei coastline is also home to the National Park of the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu, one of three national parks in Sardinia. Many of the hiking trails take you up rugged cliff edges and down to concealed coves, offering unforgettable views, and beautiful scenery. There are many rock-climbing options available for the more fearless traveller, with towering cliffs overlooking the sea, certainly not suitable for the faint of heart.

Costa Smeralda: Glitz and glamour at your fingertips

With Caribbean-like landscapes and crystalline waters dotted with yachts and fishing boats, the Costa Smeralda offers some of the top beaches in Sardinia. Located between the bay of Arzachena and the Gulf of Cugnana, this 10 km stretch ranks as one of the best places to stay in Sardinia, with a wide variety of accommodation, great local cuisine, and mesmerizing beaches. The nearest airport is in Olbia and there are trains and buses that leave from there to the main towns. Here are two of the best beaches on the Costa Smeralda Sardinia:

La Cinta beach: A bird-watching paradise

This beach is one of the longest on the island with sparkling waters and fine white sand dunes located just 5k from San Teodoro town. Its proximity to the San Teodoro Lagoon makes this a lively area for biodiversity, and a stunning natural oasis, which includes pink flamingos. There are guided tours by foot or by bike around this area of natural beauty, excellent for bird enthusiasts!

Cala Corsara: A tropical paradise with a hidden treasure

Located on Spargi island, this cove is surrounded by lush vegetation, sprinkled with pink granitic rocks and is only reachable by boat. On the seabed lies the Spargi shipwreck, a Roman ship dating back to 120 BC and an unmissable site for divers.

Costa Rei: water sports and gorgeous beaches

Situated on the southeast of the island, Costa Rei is an hour drive from Cagliari and is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, from windsurfing to kayaking, the sporty traveller will be sure to find something to keep them entertained. The area also offers some of the most beautiful Sardinian beaches:

Santa Giusta beach: A Mediterranean delight.

This beach is great for families as you can park relatively near, and the warm waters are shallow. The beach gives access to Peppino’s Rock, a megalithic rock formation surrounded by pools of water, popular with tourists and locals alike, and is widely considered one of the nicest beaches in Sardinia.

Monte Turno: Snorkelling heaven

With pristine shallow waters, white sand and interesting rock formations, exploring this beach is a great way to spend a day in Sardinia. There is a parking a short distance from the beach itself or there is a bus service from the charming little fishing village of Sant’Elmo. This beach is great for snorkelling and, if you are lucky, dolphin spotting!

And if you have a stopover in Rome Fiumicino on your way to the beautiful beaches of Sardinia, remember to buy the duty-free sunscreens available in the Aelia Duty Free stores, for flawless protection.

Whether you are a thrill-seeking traveller who loves water sports and hiking or prefer to lounge on a white sand beach overlooking azure waters, you are sure to be charmed by what Sardinia has to offer. It’s simply bellissima!

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