The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best beaches in sardinia"
Named by 3 of 81. La PelosaGood for families: easy access, soft sand and shallow water for a long way out.In summer you must reserve a spot on the day you visit.
Named by 2 of 82. Spiaggia del PrincipeSoft golden sand and clear water, good for snorkeling.About a 10 minute walk from the parking area.
Named by 2 of 83. Cala GoloritzéReached by a scenic hike of about an hour or by boat.Voted Best Beach in the World in 2025 according to one guide.
4. Spiaggia di MurtasQuiet even when nearby Costa Rei is full.Deep water close to shore, so children need to be confident swimmers.
5. Cala Sa FiguA small, sheltered cove, good on windy days.Golden sand and very clear water.
6. Spiaggia Li CossiA river canyon and forest meet an emerald cove.Soft sand and room to spread out; the cove was full by midday.
7. Cala BrandinchiOften called Little Tahiti, with shallow turquoise water and fine white sand.Surrounded by pinewood and dunes.
8. Cala MarioluRanked among the best beaches in the world.Reached by tour boats from Cala Gonone.
9. Cala SabinaThe most secluded beach on that guide's list.Only reachable by excursion or ferry to Asinara Island.
10. Maddalena IslandsRemote shores reachable only by boat.Cala Granara on Spargi has white sand lined with palms.
11. Capo TestaThree Blue Flag beaches sit on the isthmus.Good for swimming, windsurfing and snorkelling.
12. Porto GiuncoA long, wide beach of fine white sand and shallow, warm water.Flamingos can often be seen in the nearby lagoon.
13. Spiaggia RosaKnown for pink sand from crushed coral and microorganisms.Access is restricted; it can only be seen from a boat tour or from the cliffs.
14. PoettoCagliari's best-known city beach, 8 km long, with bars, sunbeds and water sports.Bus routes link it to the city centre.
15. Chia beachesFive crescents of pale sand backed by protected dunes.Campana has gentle entry, bars, windsurf and kayak hire.
16. CalasettaThree white-sand bays, with Sottotorre a locals' beach with clear water and no concessions.Le Saline and Spiaggia Grande have wide sands and free parking.
17. Mari PintauA small bay about 20 km from Cagliari, suited to peace and quiet.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name May to June and September to October as the best time to visit Sardinia.
Questions people ask
- Where is the pink sand in Sardinia?
- Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli Island has pink sand from crushed coral, but access is restricted, so it is seen from a boat tour.
- Which side of Sardinia has the nicest beaches?
- One guide calls the north the mecca of Sardinia beaches; another points to the east coast for Cala Goloritzé and Cala Mariolu.
- Is Sardinia expensive or cheap?
- A Guardian guide says Costa Smeralda skews the image, and elsewhere prices are surprisingly low, though accommodation rises in August.
