Sardinia has over 1,800 km of coastline: there's no single "most beautiful" beach, but some areas offer particularly high concentrations of outstanding coves and coastlines. Here's a selection organised by geographic area.
North Sardinia: La Pelosa and the Coral Riviera
The Pelosa beach in Stintino, with its Spanish tower on a small island and shallow turquoise water, is probably the most photographed beach on the island. Along the Coral Riviera, between Alghero and Capo Caccia, there are coves reachable only by boat, ideal for those seeking clear water without crowds. Towards Gallura, the Costa Smeralda offers pink granite coastlines with crystal-clear waters, more upscale and busier in high season.
Learn more in North Sardinia.
South Sardinia: Chia, Poetto and the Costa Verde
The Chia beach, with its dunes and Spanish tower, is among the most famous in the South, along with nearby Tuerredda. Poetto, in Cagliari, is one of the longest urban beaches in Europe, convenient for those staying in the city. Further west, the Costa Verde with the Piscinas dunes offers an almost desert-like landscape, less crowded but wilder.
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Central Sardinia: the Sinis coast
Although a mostly mountainous area, Central Sardinia meets the sea at the Sinis peninsula, near Oristano: beaches of bright white quartz sand like Is Arutas, a short distance from the Tharros archaeological site.
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Islands: beaches reachable only by boat or ferry
The La Maddalena archipelago holds some of the most scenic beaches in Italy, such as Cala Coticcio (nicknamed "little Tahiti") and the famous pink beach of Budelli, now access-regulated for environmental protection. Asinara offers near-pristine beaches, while Tavolara combines crystal-clear water with a mountain profile unique in the Mediterranean.
Learn more in Sardinia Islands.
