Sardinia

Best Beaches In Sardinia

Sardinia, Italy’s second largest island, turns the colour dial up high: aquamarine shallows, white-gold sand and sage hills that roll down to the sea. The island’s beaches are among Europe’s most beautiful, some lively and family-friendly, others hidden between limestone cliffs and reachable only by boat or trail. Whether you’re after barefoot luxury, wild beauty or just somewhere to float for hours, here’s where to find Sardinia’s best beaches.

La Pelosa, Stintino – best for turquoise dreams 

It’s easy to see why La Pelosa is Sardinia’s headline act. A sliver of powdery white sand gives way to unreal shades of blue, protected by the tiny Isola Piana just offshore. The water is waist-deep for metres, perfect for slow, saltwater floats. Arrive early in summer, as numbers are limited to protect the beach, then linger in Stintino for lunch on the harbour.

Cala Goloritzé – best for wow-factor views 

Tucked into the Gulf of Orosei on Sardinia’s east coast, Cala Goloritzé feels like a secret world. It’s a scenic hour’s hike from the plateau above (or a short boat trip from Cala Gonone) but the payoff is huge: ice-blue water, white pebbles and the limestone spire of Punta Caroddi rising behind. It’s part of a UNESCO-listed marine area, so tread lightly and bring sturdy shoes for the walk before cooling off in the crystal shallows.

Cala Brandinchi – best for Polynesian vibes

Nicknamed “Little Tahiti”, Cala Brandinchi lives up to its tropical reputation. Shallow, sparkly water laps against soft white sand with pine trees providing pockets of shade. It’s ideal for families and gentle, picture-perfect beach days. Tip: when it’s busy, the next bay along, Lu Impostu, is just as lovely.

Chia Beach – best for soft sands 

Down on the south coast, Chia is everything quintessentially Sardinian – dunes, flamingo-dotted lagoons and translucent shallows. The sea here gleams like liquid glass and the golden sand stays cool underfoot. Stay at Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia or Chia Laguna Hotel Village for easy access to the coast and long, sunny days that roll seamlessly from beach to bar.

Tuerredda Beach – best for snorkelling

A short drive from Chia, Tuerredda Beach is a curved bay of fine sand. A tiny islet sits just offshore, close enough to swim to, and snorkellers love the rocky edges for spotting fish and seagrass meadows. It’s lively but never crowded, and the beach bars here are some of the best in southern Sardinia, ideal for a seafood lunch and a glass of vermentino between dips. Arrive early to bag parking and a front-row parasol.

Forte Village Coast – best for resort luxury 

Set along Sardinia’s southwest coast near Santa Margherita di Pula, the beaches here are pure white perfection. The Forte Village collection (including Hotel Castello, Le Palme and Villa del Parco) lines this stretch, complete with private beach clubs, cabanas and every watersport imaginable. Families are spoiled with kids’ clubs, sports academies and enough gelato to keep the sticky smiles coming all day.