Do you dream of sinking your toes into soft, powdery white sand and gazing out at a sea so vividly blue it feels almost unreal? Or perhaps you imagine a hidden cove where the only soundtrack is the gentle hush of waves meeting the shore. Sardinia boasts beaches so stunning, you might think you’ve wandered into the Caribbean, yet you are right here in Italy.
From the sparkling turquoise waters of La Pelosa to the rugged beauty of Spiaggia di Piscinas, and from the delicate blush-pink sands of Is Arutas to the secret coves of Cala Mariolu, this island is a treasure trove of coastal wonders. You can spend your days relaxing on a glamorous beach along the Costa Smeralda or set out to find a secluded bay accessible only by boat. Whatever your style of beach escape, you will find it here.
In this blog, we will take you on a journey to explore the 14 most breathtaking beaches in Sardinia. By the time you reach the end, there’s a good chance you will be tempted to pack your bags and start planning your next seaside getaway.
Beach Map of Sardinia
The 14 Most Beautiful Beaches of Sardinia
#1 La Pelosa Beach
Just beyond the charming fishing village of Stintino lies La Pelosa Beach, a place so stunning it could be lifted straight from a postcard. The water here is crystal clear and shallow, creating the feeling of wading into a vast natural swimming pool. Its vibrant turquoise colour is so striking it seems almost unreal, as if nature decided to turn the saturation all the way up. Without question, it stands among the most iconic and photographed beaches in all of Sardinia.
La Pelosa’s magic lies not only in its beauty but also in its unique setting. Nestled in a bay and shielded by the small island of Asinara, the beach is blessed with calm waters nearly all year, even when strong winds whip up the waves elsewhere along the coast. Out on the horizon, the historic Torre della Pelosa stands guard, a 16th-century watchtower once used to spot approaching pirates and enemy ships, adding a touch of history to the scene.
Because its beauty is no secret, La Pelosa draws many visitors in summer, so arriving early is the best way to claim a prime spot on the sand. And if you feel like rounding off your beach day with a taste of the local cuisine, the nearby village of Stintino offers welcoming restaurants serving fresh seafood and other Sardinian specialities.
#2 Cala Mariolu & dei Gabbiani
Cala Mariolu is one of those rare beaches you will never just happen to come across. Tucked away in the Gulf of Orosei, this hidden paradise can only be reached by boat or by tackling a demanding hike through wild, rugged terrain. The journey may take effort, but the reward is a place so stunning it feels like discovering a secret jewel of Sardinia.
The first thing that captures your attention is the “sand” though it is, in truth, made up of countless tiny, smooth white pebbles, each one polished by the sea until it feels like a soft pearl beneath your feet. The water is dazzlingly clear, shimmering in shades of almost fluorescent blue and green, a brilliance enhanced by the surrounding limestone cliffs. It is a snorkeller’s dream, with colourful fish appearing just a few metres from the shore, darting playfully through the sunlit water.
The name “Mariolu” is rooted in a local legend about monk seals that once lived here. Fishermen claimed these mischievous animals would slip into their nets under the cover of night to steal freshly caught fish. In the Neapolitan dialect, “mariolu” means “thief,” and the name has endured through the years.
Just next door is Cala dei Gabbiani, a bay that may be lesser known but is every bit as breathtaking. Both beaches lie within a protected nature reserve, so you will not find noisy beach clubs or sprawling hotels here. Instead, you are welcomed by stillness, pristine nature, and a sea so vividly blue it feels like it belongs to another world.
#3 Spiaggia di Piscinas
Spiaggia di Piscinas is far from an ordinary beach. Instead of green cliffs or sheltered bays, you will find an endless stretch of golden sand dunes so vast and towering that it feels as though you have stepped into a desert. Some rise as high as sixty metres, their shapes constantly sculpted and reshaped by the wind.
This extraordinary shoreline sits along the Costa Verde, one of Sardinia’s most untouched and remote regions. The journey there is an adventure in itself, leading you on a winding drive through abandoned mining towns and stark, windswept landscapes. By the time you arrive and stand among the rolling dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see, you will understand what makes this place so unforgettable.
The sea here has a wild spirit, with powerful waves and a crisp breeze that draws surfers from far and wide. Swimmers should take care, as the currents can be strong, but even those who choose to stay on shore will find plenty of peaceful spots to relax. From the sand, you can breathe in the salty air, listen to the crashing surf, and lose yourself in the endless view.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Spiaggia di Piscinas is its role as a nesting site for the endangered Mediterranean loggerhead turtle. It is one of the rare places in Europe where these ancient creatures still return to lay their eggs. If you visit during the right season, you might witness the magical sight of tiny hatchlings making their first journey to the sea.
A few simple beach bars and a small, eco-friendly hotel are scattered along the shoreline, blending perfectly with the natural surroundings. You will not find luxury resorts or lively promenades here. Spiaggia di Piscinas is about raw beauty, vast open space, and the kind of deep, calming silence that stays with you long after you leave.
#4 Costa Rei Beach
If you dream of a beach where you can stroll for hours along the shoreline, Costa Rei Beach is the perfect destination. Found in the southeast of Sardinia, this spectacular stretch of coast runs for ten kilometres, making it one of the island’s longest and widest sandy beaches.
The sand is soft and white, and the sea shimmers in crystal-clear shades of blue. The water stays shallow for a long way out, making it perfect for families with young children who can play and splash safely without strong currents to worry about. But Costa Rei is just as appealing for those in search of peace and quiet. Even at the height of summer, it is still possible to find your own quiet spot to unwind.
Scattered along the beach are small bars and restaurants where you can sip a cold drink or enjoy freshly caught seafood. One of the most famous landmarks here is Scoglio di Peppino, a striking rock formation that rises from the water like a natural sculpture. Local legend says that a fisherman named Peppino used to sit here every day, patiently waiting for his catch. Today, it is a favourite spot for taking photographs and soaking in the sweeping views over the bay.
Just a short walk away, the village of Costa Rei offers a relaxed charm, far removed from the bustle of larger seaside resorts. In summer, the streets come alive with colourful markets and live music, creating a lovely place to wander after a day on the sand.
As for when to visit, May, June, and September are ideal, offering warm swimming temperatures without the summer crowds. In July and August, the beach takes on a lively, cheerful atmosphere, with families and locals gathering to embrace the season. We have even loved it in winter, when we camped right by the shore in our camper van and enjoyed the serene, unspoiled beauty of the coast.
#5 Cala Brandinchi
Cala Brandinchi is often called “Little Tahiti” and once you see it, you’ll understand why. This beach feels like a slice of tropical paradise, yet it’s right here in Sardinia. Picture crystal-clear turquoise waters shimmering in the sunlight, soft powdery white sand beneath your feet, and a shallow bay where you can wade dozens of meters out without the water rising above your waist. It’s not the kind of place for a quick dip. It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger from morning until sunset.
Tucked away on Sardinia’s northeastern coast near the town of San Teodoro, Cala Brandinchi is a beloved destination for families, snorkelers, and anyone who can’t resist a breathtaking view. From the shore, your eyes are drawn to the striking island of Tavolara, an immense rocky outcrop that rises dramatically from the sea. Around the bay, pine trees and low sand dunes frame the shoreline, creating a sense of seclusion even on a busy summer day.
Adding a touch of history to its beauty, this is where the famous Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi landed in 1867. Once valued as a strategic point, today it is treasured as a place to spread out your towel and unwind. Visitors will find sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, along with a beach bar serving refreshing drinks and light bites. Cala Brandinchi is popular, so to enjoy it at its most serene, try arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the crowds thin and the light turns golden.
#6 Poetto Beach
Poetto Beach is the beating heart of Cagliari. It’s not a hidden cove or a secret escape, but an eight-kilometer ribbon of sand where the city comes to play. Locals and travelers gather here to swim, sunbathe, cycle, exercise, and celebrate. By day, it’s a relaxed paradise where you can sink into a sunbed with a cool cocktail, and by evening, it shifts into a lively promenade filled with music, chatter, and an unmistakable buzz.
The beach runs all the way to Quartu Sant’Elena, lined with beach bars and cafés perfect for a quick bite or a cold drink. The water is calm and shallow, inviting you in for an easy swim without the worry of strong waves. Rising in the distance is the Sella del Diavolo, a dramatic rock formation that, according to local legend, was born from a battle between angels and demons. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike up to its summit for sweeping views of the coastline that are well worth the climb.
Poetto truly offers something for everyone. You’ll find stylish beach clubs alongside simple kiosks serving some of the city’s best panini. Cycle or skate along the seafront, rent a jet ski, or catch the wind with a kitesurfing session. In summer, live music and open-air parties bring the beach to life late into the night, while in winter it remains a beloved spot where locals come to stroll, breathe in the salty air, and enjoy the rhythm of the waves.
#7 Spiaggia Rosa (Budelli)
A beach with pink sand? Yes, it truly exists. Spiaggia Rosa, on the island of Budelli in the La Maddalena archipelago, is one of the most extraordinary beaches in all of Sardinia. Its sand has a soft blush color, created by tiny fragments of shells, coral, and seaweed, forming a rare and captivating sight you will never forget.
Unfortunately, for many years tourists took handfuls of the pink sand as souvenirs, gradually damaging this natural wonder. Because of this, Spiaggia Rosa is now strictly protected, and walking on the beach is no longer allowed. But you can still take in its beauty from a scenic viewing point or while sailing past on a boat.
Budelli is part of a national park and can only be reached by sea. Most boat tours leave from Palau or La Maddalena, often combining the trip with stops at other stunning beaches such as Cala Granara and Cala Corsara. Along the way, you can swim in some of the clearest, most inviting waters you will ever see. While you can no longer set foot on Spiaggia Rosa itself, the view alone is magical, and its image will linger in your memory long after you leave Sardinia.
#8 Tinnari Beach (Costa Paradiso)
Tinnari Beach is one of those rare places that rewards you the moment you arrive, making every bit of effort to get there feel entirely worthwhile. This hidden treasure on Sardinia’s northwest coast is not the kind of beach you can simply drive to. Instead, it reveals itself only to those willing to reach it on foot along a scenic coastal path or by gliding across the water on a boat. That sense of seclusion is part of its magic.
The beach is a captivating blend of golden sand and smooth pebbles, framed by striking red cliffs and rolling green hills. At the heart of the bay, a gentle river winds its way into the sea, adding an almost dreamlike quality to the view. The water sparkles in shades of turquoise and blue, so clear it invites you to dive in and explore the underwater world with a snorkel.
Your journey to Tinnari Beach begins in the charming holiday village of Costa Paradiso, where a beautiful coastal trail leads you along dramatic cliffs and sweeping sea views. The hike itself is part of the experience, offering moments where you’ll want to stop and simply take it all in. If you’re not much of a hiker, you’ll still be treated to the stunning Spiaggia di Cala li Cossi before you even reach Tinnari, a beach worth lingering at for its beauty alone. For a more leisurely route, you can also hop on a boat from Isola Rossa or Costa Paradiso, letting the sea breeze carry you straight to this peaceful paradise.
#9 Spiaggia di Capriccioli (Costa Smeralda)
If there is one beach that truly embodies the spirit of La Dolce Vita, it is Spiaggia di Capriccioli. Nestled along the glamorous Costa Smeralda, this small yet breathtaking beach is a favorite among families, locals, and celebrities alike. The water shimmers in crystal-clear shades of blue, the sand feels as soft as silk beneath your feet, and the scenery could easily be mistaken for a scene from a film.
The name Capriccioli means “little goats” in Italian, a playful reference to the rugged granite rocks that frame the shoreline. These striking formations naturally separate the coast into several intimate coves, each with its own unique character. The sea is shallow and calm, making it ideal for a leisurely swim or a gentle snorkeling adventure along the rocky edges.
For those craving a touch of adventure, Capriccioli is also the perfect starting point to rent a boat or join a guided excursion to the pristine marine reserves of Tavolara and Molara. Just steps from the sand, a handful of inviting beach bars and restaurants offer the chance to enjoy a delicious lunch with sweeping sea views. In the height of summer, the beach can become lively, so to savor the signature Costa Smeralda charm in peace, plan to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
#10 Capo Carbonara
Capo Carbonara is more than just a beach, it is an entire peninsula bursting with hidden coves, dramatic rock formations, and dreamy stretches of soft sand. Tucked away near the charming village of Villasimius in Sardinia’s southeast, this coastal treasure is a haven for nature lovers, snorkelers, and divers alike.
Among its most celebrated gems is Spiaggia di Porto Giunco, where powdery white sand meets a sea shimmering in countless shades of blue. Just behind the beach lies a serene lagoon, often graced by elegant pink flamingos wading in the shallow water. The scene is so enchanting it feels as though you have stepped onto a tropical island.
Yet Capo Carbonara offers so much more than its stunning beaches. As a protected nature reserve, it invites you to explore scenic hiking trails and experience unforgettable moments beneath the waves. Its underwater world bursts with life, from schools of colourful fish and coral gardens to the occasional graceful sea turtle. From the harbour of Villasimius, daily boat trips whisk visitors away to some of the most remarkable snorkelling and diving spots in the region.
For a view that will stay with you forever, hike to the historic Capo Carbonara lighthouse, which has guarded this coastline for centuries. From its vantage point, the sweeping panorama of the Mediterranean Sea unfolds before you, with small islands dotting the horizon. If you crave a destination that blends wild beauty, adventure, and awe-inspiring vistas, Capo Carbonara belongs at the top of your list.
#11 La Maddalena-archipel
If you are dreaming of a place where the sea is such a vivid, deep blue that it almost feels unreal, then the La Maddalena Archipelago is exactly where you need to go. This island paradise, just off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, is made up of seven main islands and dozens of smaller ones. Instead of bustling promenades or crowded beaches, you will find secluded coves, dramatic rock formations, and water so crystal-clear that you can see fish gliding gracefully beneath your feet.
The main island, La Maddalena, is the only one with a real town. Here you can stroll through narrow, winding streets, taste the freshest seafood straight from the sea, and linger over a glass of wine at a charming terrace as the evening sets in. Yet the true magic lies beyond, scattered among the surrounding islands. Caprera is a protected nature reserve with scenic hiking trails and untouched beaches. Spargi hides remote coves that can only be reached by boat, while Budelli is world-famous for Spiaggia Rosa, a stunning pink beach so rare that walking on it is no longer allowed, ensuring its beauty is preserved for generations to come.
And the best way to experience the archipelago? Without a doubt, by boat. From Palau or Cannigione, daily excursions take you from island to island, stopping for swims in turquoise bays and offering views of a landscape unlike anywhere else in Europe. It is an unforgettable experience and one you absolutely must include in your Sardinia journey.
#12 Rena Majori Beach
Rena Majori is a true hidden treasure in the north of Sardinia, only a short drive from Santa Teresa Gallura. This beautiful beach seems to have everything you could wish for: powdery white sand that feels soft under your feet, crystal-clear turquoise waters that sparkle in the sunlight, and a long, sweeping stretch of shoreline where it’s easy to find a quiet corner all to yourself.
Unlike many of Sardinia’s more famous beaches, Rena Majori never feels crowded. There’s always space to spread out, whether you want to lounge in the sun with a good book, stroll along the water’s edge, or plunge into the refreshing sea. The water here is wonderfully transparent and perfect for swimming, although the waves can sometimes be lively, making it an exciting playground for bodyboarders and adventurous swimmers alike.
The setting adds to its charm. The beach is bordered by soft sand dunes and rugged rocky formations, giving it a wild, untouched atmosphere. Just a short walk away, you’ll find a small café where you can treat yourself to a light snack or a chilled beer while taking in the view. If you still have energy after a day of sun and sea, a visit to nearby Santa Teresa Gallura is well worth it. Wander its pretty streets lined with shops and cafés, or head to Capo Testa, a dramatic rocky headland offering sweeping views all the way across to the island of Corsica.
#13 Berchida Beach
You are stretched out on a wide expanse of soft white sand, the sun warming your skin, the crystal-clear water glittering in front of you and right beside you, a large snow-white cow is calmly chewing its cud. Welcome to Berchida Beach, one of the most pristine stretches of coastline in northern Sardinia, and perhaps the only place in the world where you might find yourself sharing your sunbathing spot with a herd of gentle, unhurried cattle.
These striking white cows, known locally as mucche bianche, make their way to the beach twice a year in search of fresh grass and a cool escape from the heat. They stroll leisurely along the shoreline, pause to doze in the sand, and barely glance at the surprised beachgoers around them. And really, who could blame them? With sand as soft and white as powdered sugar and a sea that glows in brilliant shades of turquoise, Berchida is the perfect place to slow down and bask in the moment.
The beach is part of a protected nature reserve and proudly holds the prestigious Green Flag, an award given to the cleanest and safest beaches. Just beyond the rolling dunes, a serene lagoon awaits, home to elegant flamingos and other water birds. Despite its remote setting, you will still find a few seasonal facilities, including showers, sun loungers, and a small kiosk offering snacks and ice cream.
Tip: Just a short drive away lies Spiaggia delle Dune, where pearl-white sand meets towering dunes, creating a wild and untouched landscape that feels like another world.
#14 Is Arutas Beach
Is Arutas is unlike any other beach. Instead of the familiar soft white sand, the shore is covered in millions of tiny, perfectly rounded quartz grains that resemble delicate pearls. White, pink, and pale green shimmer under the sunlight, creating a magical, almost surreal landscape. Walking here feels less like a typical beach stroll and more like stepping into a rare natural wonder found nowhere else in Sardinia.
The sea is every bit as captivating. Its crystal-clear waters glisten in rich shades of blue, growing deep just a short distance from the shore ideal for swimming or snorkeling. When the wind rises, elegant waves sweep in, drawing surfers eager for a touch of thrill. Beneath the surface, a surprisingly vibrant world awaits, with colorful fish weaving between rocks and sea urchins clinging firmly to the stones.
Is Arutas lies on the west coast of Sardinia, within the protected Sinis Peninsula nature reserve. Its beauty is both unique and fragile, which is why strict rules are in place: taking sand is absolutely forbidden. This protection ensures that this extraordinary coastal jewel remains untouched, allowing future generations to marvel at its wonder.
