Best Beaches In Sardinia from North to South

As Italians and avid sailors, we proudly declare Sardinia as one of our greatest treasures. This captivating island boasts an unparalleled allure, offering a cornucopia of breathtaking vistas to satisfy even the most discerning travelers.

The Costa Smeralda stands out for its opulent hideaways and the enchanting isles of the Maddalena Archipelago, rendering it an idyllic haven for sailing holidays. 

Yet, the splendor of Sardinia extends far beyond its famed coastline. From the rugged charms of the central to the untamed beauty of the southern shores, each region offers a tapestry of natural wonders waiting to be explored. These lesser-known gems promise serenity and seclusion, perfect for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Embark on an unforgettable journey as we unveil our curated list of Sardinia's finest beaches, categorized by their captivating locales in the North, Center, and South. Prepare to be spellbound by the sheer magnificence of Sardinia's coastal wonders as you set sail on your dream holiday!

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Best Beaches In Northern Sardinia

• Cala Coticcio, Caprera Island

• Spiaggia Rosa, Budelli Island

• Spiaggia del Grande Pevero, Porto Cervo

• Cala Corsara, Spargi Island

Best Beaches in Central Sardinia 

• Cala Mariolu, Baunei

• Cala Goloritzè, Baunei

• Cala Luna, Nuoro

• San Giovanni di Sinis beach, Oristano

Best Beaches in Southern Sardinia

• Cala Domestica, Buggerru

• Porto Giunco, Villasimius

• Porto Flavia, Carbonaia Iglesias

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Best Beaches In Northern Sardinia

Cala Coticcio, Caprera Island

We start our list with the incomparable beauty of Costa Smeralda, located on the northern coast of Sardinia. This area extends from West to East but the main attraction here is the Maddalena Archipelago, a paradise for private boat holidays because you can hop from one marvelous beach to another in a matter of minutes.

The numerous islands offer plenty of natural bays to swim in, but there are certainly some beaches that deserve a place on the podium. One of these is Cala Coticcio, on the northeast coast of Caprera Island; this narrow bay is protected on the sides by rocky cliffs, and presents very clear and turquoise waters that gave it the title of “Italian Tahiti”. 

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Spiaggia Rosa, Budelli Island

Not far from the aforementioned beach, on the northernmost island of the Maddalena archipelago, Budelli Island lays one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The name of this beach translates into Pink Beach, and for a reason: the sand is composed of little fragments of corals, shells, and granitic rocks, and has a beautiful pink color due to the presence of a microorganism that populates the seabed and has an important role in the life of Posidonia (seagrass).

Irregular moorings caused the seagrass to decrease and the pink color to fade but thanks to new rules for the environmental protection of the archipelago, you can now enjoy the beautiful shades and waters of this unique bay. 

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Spiaggia del Grande Pevero, Porto Cervo

Another must-see location of Costa Smeralda, located not far from the exclusive and luxurious town of Porto Cervo. We are talking about Grande Pevero Beach, a half-moon-shaped bay of fine white sand and turquoise waters surrounded by pink granitic rock, typical of the area; the vegetation is rich in juniper bushes that release an amazing scent, whilst the shallow waters make it a safe place for swimming with kids.

The best part of this beach is that it is located at a short distance from other beautiful bays, so you can take advantage of the freedom of being on a private boat to visit other paradisiac beaches such as Cala di Volpe, Liscia Ruja, or Petra Bianca. 

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Cala Corsara, Spargi Island

We make a return to the Maddalena Archipelago to visit a real gem located on Spargi Island: Cala Corsara. The name translates into “Pirate Bay” because this was once a popular pirate hideout; well, we can’t blame them! The island was awarded the most beautiful Italian beach in 2016 by Forbes.

The only way to get to Cala Corsara is by boat, preferably a private one that allows you to travel according to your needs and timings. Here, you will find wild nature, granitic rocks, and emerald waters that merge and create beautiful color contrasts altogether, for a unique day of pure relaxation! Snorkeling and diving lovers will also love this place: on the seabed of Cala Corsara lays an ancient Roman shipwreck dating back to the 2nd Century B.C. Take a deep dive to explore its remains! 

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Best Beaches in Central Sardinia

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Cala Mariolu, Baunei

We sail down to the central part of Sardinia’s east coast to visit the beauties of the Baunei’s territory, in the Gulf of Orosei: the first stop is the private and enchanting Cala Mariolu, surrounded by high cliffs and wild vegetation. The bay is very difficult to reach on foot but perfect for a private boat; the colors of the water go from deep blue to emerald and turquoise, and the bay is home to various animal species including dolphins; an exploration with goggles and fins is therefore mandatory!

The erosive action of the sea also formed caves in the cliffs that can be explored, some of which can also be visited from the beach. Don’t miss Grotta del Fico (Fig’s Grotto), an interesting cave with deep tunnels of stalactites and stalagmites. 

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Cala Goloritzè, Baunei

Another pearl of Baunei is Cala Goloritzè, which presents itself as a jaw-dropping wild landscape where sea and mountains meet: we recommend enjoying this suggestive view from the boat! The bay presents a small inlet that culminates in a white-pebble beach, surrounded by high cliffs with pristine vegetation, accompanied by the view of Mount Caroddi in the back.

The wild surroundings are a popular destination for hiking lovers and free climbers, who come here to enjoy long walks in nature or to climb the white rocks of such an enchanting scenario. The crystal-clear waters allow you to perfectly see the seabed and invite you to a refreshing swim. 

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Cala Luna, Nuoro

The Gulf of Orosei really hides a multitude of paradisiac locations, including Cala Luna, in the municipality of Nuoro. This large bay is located between high cliffs and presents an 800-meter stripe of fine golden sand with shallow waters that quickly become deeper, making it a great place for snorkeling lovers.

The inlet lies at the mouth of the river Illune, which during the centuries excavated a long canyon called Codula di Luna (moon tail); the water passing through this canyon created a tiny lake at the back of the beach, surrounded by wild nature. A beautiful location for a day of relaxation, hiking, or swimming in the turquoise waters of the bay. 

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San Giovanni di Sinis Beach, Oristano

The central coast of Sardinia is also home to the wonderful San Giovanni di Sinis beach. This location deserves a place on this list for being one of the most suggestive places in the Gulf. The beach is located on San Giovanni’s peninsula and faces the open sea, making it a great place for windsurfers and scuba divers.

The landscape is characterized by sand dunes and sandstone rocks, and a crystal-clear sea rich in fauna and sea vegetation. San Giovanni was once a fishing town but is now a popular tourist attraction on the Oristano coast. 

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Best Beaches in Southern Sardinia

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Cala Domestica, Buggerru

The beauties of Southern Sardinia are comparable to those of Costa Smeralda and offer a great alternative to those who wish to visit less crowded but equally wonderful locations. An example of this is Cala Domestica, in the municipality of Buggerru, a marvelous hidden bay on the southwest coast surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs that once were protagonists of intense mining activity; some tunnels located in this bay are still walkable nowadays.

The shallow waters with a sandy seabed invite for a swim and the parts along the cliffs are great for practicing snorkeling! Finally, the ruins of an imposing Spanish tower overlooking the bay give a majestic touch to the landscape.

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Porto Giunco, Villasimius

Porto Giunco is a tropical-like location that will make you think you have been transported to a Caribbean island in the blink of an eye. Located on the south-west coast of Sardinia, not far from the aforementioned location and within the municipality of the renowned town of Villasimius, it is an isthmus of fine white sand that connects the two sides of a big inlet, surrounded by pools of turquoise water and pristine nature.

The bay is protected by strong winds and is a great location for a day of relaxation with family and friends on board your private yacht. The surrounding area is covered in juniper and eucalyptus bushes, realizing the typically Mediterranean scent. Free spices all over! Stagno di Notteri, located close to the beach, is a pond that hosts pink flamingos and other species of birds that can be reached with a short walk: definitely worth a visit! 

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Porto Flavia, Carbonia Iglesias

We finish this list with a place that is worth visiting for its jaw-dropping scenarios. We’re talking about Porto Flavia, located on the promontory of Masua: nestling right into the cliff, there is a port that connects a series of intricate mining tunnels that once were used to excavate minerals.

The port was built to load extracted minerals directly onto boats, to improve productivity and cut down costs, and it’s the remaining proof of a masterpiece of Sardinian engineering. The view from the sea is stunning, as you will be able to appreciate the port and the imposing cliffs around it; Porto Flavia can be visited on guided tours so don’t forget to book your visit! 

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