Ultimate Guide to Sardinia’s Best Beaches: Family, Camping, Naturists, and More

The Italians call the island of Sardinia ‘the footprint of God’, as it seems to be created for serene beach holidays. On the coast of Sardinia, everyone can find their own beach, whether it is quiet and secluded or noisy and popular. The most famous coast is the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast), stretching between Olbia and Porto Quadro in the north of the island. Here, you can enjoy both the beauty of nature with incredible sea coves, as well as the comfort and luxury of the infrastructure arranged here. The main city in this part of Sardinia is Porto Cervo, it is also called the "city of millionaires." It is very small but has a rich history and developed infrastructure.

Map of Sardinia

How to Get to the Island

There are three operating international airports on Sardinia: Elmas Airport in the south in Cagliari, Costa Smeralda Airport in the north in Olbia, and Fertilia Airport in the northwest of the island in Alghero. In addition, ferries from Italy, Sicily, neighboring Corsica, France, and Spain arrive in Sardinia's port cities.

Regions and Beach Categories

In each region on the coast of Sardinia there are beaches for different categories of vacationers: partygoers, families with children, seniors, active recreation lovers, travelers with their pets. Let's take a closer look at some beaches that could be recommended to these categories, their features, and location.

For Children

The southern part of Sardinia, the coast from Olbia to the Gulf of Orosei, is popular among families with children. What attracts here is the absence of winds,, the long gentle entry to the sea with soft fine sand and crystal clear water.

Funtanazza Beach

A breathtaking sunset over Spiaggia del Principe in Sardinia, with golden light reflecting on the tranquil turquoise waters and rugged coastline. — Sunset Over Sardinia's Spiaggia del Principe TUVERI ACADEMY ITALIA

This is a real paradise among wild and untouched nature. The beach offers stunning views of nearby cliffs and mountains. An abandoned administrative building on a hill above the beach makes it easy to find your way to the sea.

Location	50 km from the city of Carbonia, near the village of Gutturu Flumini (1.5 km from the village center)
Main Features	Free entry; not crowded in peak season, as it is quite large ; snorkeling and diving are available on the beach; access is not always easy , but there is free parking nearby

Aerial view of the picturesque Costa Smeralda coastline in Sardinia with turquoise waters and lush greenery. — Coastal Panorama of Costa Smeralda Roberto Serpi

Spiaggia di Porto Cauli

The beach is known for its stunning remains of rock formations, and from the shore, you can see a white rock in the sea called "Sugarloaf." The beach can be reached by a wooden staircase located among the rocks, giving it a special charm and privacy.

Location	20 km from Carbonia, 1 km from the center of Masua.
Main Features	Free entry; equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas; the beach is near the road but access to the water is by stairs; small paid parking; can be crowded during the season.

Unique rock formations and clear blue waters at Spiaggia di Porto Cauli, creating a striking and serene coastal landscape in Sardinia. — Rock Formations at Spiaggia di Porto Cauli Christian Bardaro

Cala Lunga Beach

The beach is known for its tranquility and often has very few visitors. Can be reached by walking through man-made tunnels located in the rock. The clean sand strip goes deep into the island, and the sides of the beach are framed by high hills. There are no clear signs to the beach, and some visitors reach it along the stream bed.

Location	20 km from city of Carbonia, 1 km from the village of Mercuri.
Main Features	Free entry; the beach is in a small bay with clean azure water, rocks protect it from the wind, the entrance is gentle ; ideal for snorkeling and paddleboarding lovers; there is a cliff path leading to the beach, which may seem difficult; limited parking.

A secluded stretch of Cala Lunga Beach with gentle waves, white sand, and rugged cliffs, offering a peaceful retreat in Sardinia. — Secluded Beach of Cala Lunga antonello contu

Spiaggia La Licciola

A picturesque beach with large granite boulders and white sand, just 10 minutes from Santa Teresa Gallura, clear sea for snorkeling and cliff jumping .

Location	About 80 km from city of Sassari and just over 1 km from La Balcaccia in the Valle dell'Erica area.
Main Features	There is the necessary infrastructure - sun loungers, umbrellas, a small bar with soft drinks, and a large parking lot 300 m from the beach; easy access; the beach is never crowded.

Idyllic beach scene at Spiaggia La Licciola featuring pristine white sand, azure waters, and rocky outcrops, perfect for a peaceful getaway in Sardinia. — Idyllic Beach Scene at Spiaggia La Licciola ANTONIO CANUTI

Spiaggia Di Porto Liscia

The beach has a long narrow shoreline with fine golden sand in a deep picturesque bay, making it protected from strong waves. Suitable for lovers of water activities such as windsurfing and kayaking.

Location	80 km from the city of Sassari, near the village of Porto Pozzo Lu Puzzu (2 km).
Main Features	Free entry; the beach infrastructure - there is a bar, toilets, sun loungers, and umbrellas; rental of sports equipment; easy access with free large parking; can be crowded.

Serene beach scene at Spiaggia Di Porto Liscia with fine golden sand, tranquil waters, and lush greenery in the background in Sardinia. — Serene Beach at Spiaggia Di Porto Liscia Matteo Scuotto

For Campers

The area to the north-west of Sardinia, from Porto Torres to Oristano, seems to be created for lovers of camping. There are convenient parking lots and all the necessary infrastructure for independent recreation among picturesque untouched nature.

Spiaggia Sa Mesa Longa

The beach offers magnificent views and wild surroundings of the majestic Capo Mannu cape. Flat rocks called "Long Table" are located in the sea near the beach, it seems from a distance that people are walking on the water, you can sunbathe or fish on them , enjoying the sound of waves and complete privacy .

Location	Exactly between the cliffs of Capo Mannu to the south and the Su Pallosu ridges in the Oristano region, 22.6 km from the capital (Oristano) near the village of Su Pallosu.
Main Features	Gentle entry, fine golden sand; free entry; there is a bar, changing rooms and toilets; easy access, parking and camping area is available; can be partially crowded during the season.

Rugged coastline of Spiaggia Sa Mesa Longa with flat rock formations in the sea and natural surroundings, offering a tranquil escape in Sardinia. — Rugged Coastline at Spiaggia Sa Mesa Longa Andrea Passerini

Mari Ermi Beach

A long beach with shiny white quartz polished by the sea over hundreds of years, which looks like snow-white rice with colorful inclusions. It is strictly forbidden to take sand away.

Location	18 km from the city of Oristano.
Main Features	Popular among kite surfers and windsurfers; free entry; there is a beach restaurant; parking on the beach; places convenient for camping; can be crowded during the high season.

Crystal clear turquoise waters gently lapping against the pristine white sand of Mari Ermi Beach, creating a serene and picturesque scene in Sardinia. — Crystal Clear Waters at Mari Ermi Beach Vincenzo Fagiano

Arutas Beach

It stretches for several kilometers and has a nature reserve status due to the white quartz pebbles that look like rice grains or small beads, which are strictly forbidden from being taken away.

Location	17 km from the city of Oristano.
Main Features	Easy access as it is close to the road; parking and camping spots available; the beach is considered to be wild with almost no infrastructure, except for changing cabins, toilets, and showers; can be crowded during the season.

Close-up of Arutas Beach with white quartz pebbles and clear blue waters, perfect for relaxing and swimming. — Arutas Beach with White Pebbles and Blue Waters Stefano Fondacaro

Spiaggia delle Saline

The beach is named after ancient salt mines, has a long coastline with small white pebbles and a gentle sea entry. Shallow water stretches hundreds of meters deep , and flamingos can be seen on the coast.

Location	In the Saline Bay in the city of Sassari, 4 km south of La Pelosa beach in Stintino.
Main Features	Suitable for camping; free entry; there are sun loungers and umbrellas, toilets; water activities include catamarans and jet skis, kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding; easy access, close to the road; parking available; not crowded during the season.

Close-up of Spiaggia delle Saline with golden sand and calm blue waters, ideal for sunbathing and swimming. — Spiaggia delle Saline with Golden Sand and Calm Waters Cyril Hamelin

For Naturists

European nude beaches are not much different from beaches of other categories. Traditionally, nudists prefer these beaches in Sardinia for recreation.

Spiaggia Valle della Luna

A small bay is surrounded by picturesque cliffs, with crystal-clear water and bright golden sand. A small colony of Sardinian hippies, known as the "Children of the Sun," lives in the cave shelters here. Large land turtles can be found near the cliffs.

Location	Sassari region, 75.2 km from the city center, 1.5 km from the village of Capo Testa.
Main Features	Free entry; there is no infrastructure, but the natural beauty compensates for it; entrance from the mountain path (500 m); parking at the top (300 m from the entrance); can be crowded during the season.

Close-up of Spiaggia Valle della Luna showcasing the unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters, perfect for exploration and adventure. — Spiaggia Valle della Luna with Unique Rock Formations and Clear Waters Filippo Nieddu

Su Riu 'e Sa Canna

There are picturesque rocks around the beach; you need to go down the mountain path to get there. It always has a lot of seaweed washed ashore, but the perfectly clear turquoise water makes up for this drawback.

Location	48 km from the city of Oristano, near the village of Bosa Marina.
Main Features	Free entry, the beach is wild ; parking on the beach; suitable for camping, diving, and snorkeling; reaching the beach requires walking along a dangerous mountain path l; not crowded during the season.

Close-up of Su Riu 'e Sa Canna beach showcasing its golden sandy shore and vibrant blue waters, ideal for a peaceful retreat. — Su Riu 'e Sa Canna Beach with Golden Sand and Blue Waters Mireille BERTHUIN

For Pet owners

Beaches for visiting with pets usually have special walking areas, access to fresh water, and infrastructure for a comfortable stay with pets.

Spiaggia di Portu S'Uedda

A special feature of this beach is a sunken ship located a short distance from the shore, which can be explored by visitors. Additionally, the long coastal strip of white "Caribbean" sand stretches for several kilometers, perfect for playing with your pet in the shallow water without being prevented .

Location	In Cabras commune, 18 km from the city of Oristano in the same region.
Main Features	Gentle entry and white sand, crystal-clear azure waters; free entry, free parking on the beach; no infrastructure; the beach is wild and natural; kitesurfing and windsurfing are available; not crowded during the season.

Close-up of Spiaggia di Portu S'Uedda featuring fine white sand and tranquil blue waters, perfect for relaxation and beach activities. — Spiaggia di Portu S'Uedda with White Sand and Tranquil Waters Pierluigi Piredda

Arborea Beach II

The beach is surrounded by sand dunes and a pine forest, it has a long, spacious coastline . The Mistral almost always blows on this beach, making the water cloudy with seaweed.

Location	10.5 km from Oristano city center, 3 km from S'Ungroni village.
Main Features	Turquoise water and fine yellow sand, smooth entry; free entry; there are amenities like sun loungers and umbrellas, changing rooms, toilets, and a restaurant; easy access, parking on the beach; not crowded during the season.

Close-up of Arborea Beach II featuring golden sandy shores and clear blue waters, with a backdrop of green trees and vegetation — Arborea Beach II with Golden Sand and Clear Blue Waters Aldo Scognamiglio

Spiaggia di Pisti

Surrounded by sand dunes, people come here to watch stunning sunsets and a skyline where the sea merges with the sky.

Location	Southern Sardinia region, 59.4 km from the city of Carbonia, between the villages of Pistis and Torre di Flumentorgiu.
Main Features	Free entry; suitable for beach activities like diving and snorkeling, camping, fishing; the beach has a bar, changing rooms, and toilets; large parking lot 500 m from the beach; not crowded during the season.

Close-up of Spiaggia di Pisti showcasing the golden sand and crystal-clear blue waters, perfect for a serene beach experience. — Spiaggia di Pisti with Golden Sand and Clear Blue Waters Paolo Zanon

Porto Palma Beach

Scenic view of Cala Domestica with its golden sandy beach, clear turquoise waters, and surrounding cliffs under a bright blue sky — Cala Domestica with Golden Sand and Turquoise Waters cinthia 21

The beach is situated in a bay sheltered from the waves and wind, this beach is surrounded by small cliffs. Clear water and diverse flora and fauna make it ideal for diving and snorkeling. You may even watch dolphins playing nearby.

Location	South of Sardinia, Cagliari region, 52.4 km from the city of Carbonia.
Main Features	Free entry; it has almost no infrastructure except a small bar; difficult access by a mountain trail; parking is on the road (3 km from the beach); not crowded during the season.

Close-up of Cala Domestica featuring its golden sand and crystal-clear blue waters, surrounded by dramatic rocky cliffs. — Cala Domestica with Golden Sand and Clear Blue Waters nicola boi

For Seniors

The beaches in the northern region of Sardinia, around La Maddalena archipelago, are perfect for senior travelers and people with limited mobility due to their calm environment and easy access.

Spiaggia del Principe

Named after Prince Aga Khan, this beach is considered to be the most beautiful on the Costa Smeralda. Surrounded by granite boulders and green slopes, it offers gentle entry and turquoise water, perfect for a relaxing stay.

Location	31 km from Olbia, 3 km from the village of Calgari.
Main Features	Free entry, the beach is wild and has no infrastructure; easy access; parking on the road (200 m from the beach); not crowded during the season.

Close-up of Spiaggia del Principe featuring fine white sand, crystal-clear blue waters, and rocky formations ideal for snorkeling — Spiaggia del Principe with White Sand and Clear Blue Waters Giuseppe Deghelli

Cala Brandinchi Beach

This beach is named "Little Tahiti" due to its white sand, turquoise water, and tropical vegetation, this beach features natural shallows and a coral reef.

Location	25.8 km from Olbia, 7 km from the village of Lu Impostu.
Main Features	Paid entry (1 EUR per person), the beach is equipped with changing rooms, sun loungers, umbrellas, and has a bar; easy access; paid parking (5 EUR per day); not crowded during the season.

Close-up of Cala Brandinchi Beach featuring its fine white sand, crystal-clear blue waters, and lush green surroundings, perfect for relaxation and swimming. — Cala Brandinchi Beach with White Sand and Clear Blue Waters Roberto Tugnolo

Spiaggia Del Riso

This beach is known for its small granite boulders resembling rice grains and picturesque cliffs, providing a cozy atmosphere for a relaxing stay.

Location	Southern Sardinia, 34 km from the city of Carbonia, 1.7 km from the village of Tanka.
Main Features	Free entry; the beach is wild and has no infrastructure; easy access; small parking lot (200 m from the beach); not crowded during the season.

Close-up of Spiaggia Del Riso showcasing its distinctive sand that looks like rice grains, and crystal-clear blue waters, ideal for beachgoers. — Spiaggia Del Riso with Rice-like Sand and Clear Blue Waters giuseppe consolo

Li Cuncheddi Beach

It is a long narrow beach with white and pink quartz sand, surrounded by picturesque cliffs and green slopes. Shallow waters extend over 100 meters, making it suitable for leisurely swimming.

Location	13 km from Olbia, 3.5 km from the village of Nodi.
Main Features	Free entry, the beach is wild and has no infrastructure; easy access; parking on the road (400 m from the beach); not crowded during the season.

Close-up of Li Cuncheddi Beach featuring its golden sand, crystal-clear blue waters, and rocky formations, perfect for a tranquil beach day. — Li Cuncheddi Beach with Golden Sand and Clear Blue Waters Giangavino Pasciu

Detailed data was obtained thanks to the BeachSearcher service. The system of filters and travelers' vivid photos make finding the best beach quick and convenient.

Explore Sardinia's Top Beaches: A Comprehensive Guide for All Types of Travelers