Sardinia travel guide to the island's best beaches
Plan your next coastal escape with this Sardinia travel guide, centred on sun soaked shores, calm coves, and easygoing seaside towns. It gives clear, practical advice on choosing the right stretch of coast for swimming, snorkelling, or unwinding, plus transport notes and timing tips for peak season. Expect concise itineraries and suggestions for short boat trips, along with accessible details on parking and family friendly facilities. The tone is direct and useful, so you can make decisions fast and enjoy more time by the water. Use this as a lightweight Sardinia beach guide that turns ideas into action, whether you want quiet solitude or a sociable day at the shore.
1. San Pietro Island
Image / Home in Italy
Sea, cliffs and a compact fishing town.
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What to expect
A small island that rewards walking and simple exploration. You will find narrow streets, pastel houses, seafood-focused eateries and several small coves for swimming. Boat trips and coastal walks reveal dramatic sea cliffs and hidden bays.
Plan your visit
Allow time for the return crossing when planning the day. Bring sun protection, water and sensible shoes for uneven paths. Have some cash available, as smaller outlets may not accept cards. If you want more time ashore, consider staying overnight rather than rushing a single day trip.
2. Spiaggia di Porto Pino
Image / Sardegna Turismo
White sand, tall pines and clear water close to the dunes.
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What to expect
Soft, pale sand that extends for a long shoreline, shallow waters at many points and a backdrop of maritime pines. Basic seasonal services appear near the main access but parts of the beach are undeveloped. Wind can pick up at times, and some areas are set well back from car parks, so expect short walks over sand.
Plan your visit
Aim for early morning or late afternoon in summer to find shade and parking more easily. Bring shade, water and snacks if you prefer quieter spots away from the main access. Wear sandals for the dunes, and carry a bag for any litter to keep protected areas tidy. If you want a longer walk, follow the shoreline in either direction to find quieter stretches.
3. Is Arutas beach
Image / ️Sardinian Beaches
Pebbles and clear water on Sardinia’s west coast
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What to expect
Expect a shoreline of smooth, glassy pebbles rather than soft sand. Walking is uneven, the pebble sound replaces sand crunching, and there is little natural shade. The sea is transparent and shallow near the edge, with stronger colour as depth increases. You will find few built facilities and a low‑key, natural atmosphere.
Plan your visit
Bring water, sun protection and shoes suitable for pebbles. Pack food in a cooler and take a towel that you can place on a mat or blanket rather than directly on the pebbles. Carry a reef‑style snorkel and mask for clear-water swimming. Respect the shore: take rubbish away and avoid moving the characteristic pebbles.
4. Notteri BEACH
Image / Sandee
A calm ribbon of sand with shallow, clear water and soft dune backdrop.
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What to expect
A sandy shoreline framed by low dunes and coastal scrub. Water is generally clear and gently shelving, so swims are straightforward. Facilities are minimal, so expect a natural setting rather than a resort beach. Footpaths lead along the coast for a short stroll.
Plan your visit
Bring sun protection, water and a light shelter in summer. Wear shoes for the dune areas and use the marked paths to protect vegetation. If you want a quieter visit, arrive in the morning or later in the afternoon and leave no trace behind.
5. La Cinta Beach
Image / Hotel San Teodoro
Long ribbon of sand and shallow, clear water for easy beach days
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What to expect
A long sandy shoreline with gently shelving water, making paddling and wading straightforward. Low dunes and pockets of pines border the beach, and both ends can pick up wind, which attracts windsurfers and kiters. Seasonal services such as cafés, equipment hire and basic facilities are usually available close to the shore.
Plan your visit
Bring sun protection and a refillable water bottle. If you rely on a car, aim to arrive early in summer to find parking more easily. Consider a bike or public bus from San Teodoro to avoid the busiest periods. Pack a light wind layer for afternoons and reserve equipment hire in high season where possible.
6. Spiaggia di Porto Giunco
Image / Sardegna Turismo
A wide sweep of white sand, clear shallow water and a salt lagoon where wading birds gather.
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What to expect
Soft, fine sand that slopes gently into calm water, good for paddling and family beach time. The shoreline opens onto shallow bays and clearer, deeper pockets near the rocks where snorkelling is best. Inland from the sand is a salt lagoon often visited by wading birds, including flamingos at certain times of year. Facilities are limited in places: there are seasonal kiosks and some rental areas, but large stretches remain natural and exposed to sun and wind.
Plan your visit
Aim to arrive early to secure parking and quieter space on the sand. Pack sun protection, drinking water and a shade option, as natural cover is sparse. Bring a snorkel and reef shoes if you plan to explore rocky edges. If you want to watch birds at the lagoon, keep to paths and keep distance to avoid disturbing them. Check local bus timetables in summer if you prefer not to drive.
7. Brandinchi Beach
Image / Brandinchi Beach
Soft sand and clear, shallow water, perfect for family swims.
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What to expect
A gently shelving beach with fine sand and calm water for swimming and snorkelling. Expect a compact shoreline that fills up on warm days. Facilities vary, so you may need to bring basic supplies. The setting is relaxed and well suited to a half-day at the sea.
Plan your visit
Bring sun protection, drinking water and a small shade if you need extra cover. Pack a snorkel and reef-safe sunscreen to make the most of the clear water. Arrive early in high season to find parking and a good spot on the sand. Take any rubbish with you and avoid glass on the beach.
8. Mari Sea Charters | Noleggio Gommoni ed Escursioni con conducente
Image / mari_sea_charters
RIB hire and driver-led sea trips from Olbia
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What to expect
A short safety briefing, basic equipment and a flexible route set around your interests. Expect clear-water swim stops, sheltered coves and time for snorkelling or sunbathing. Boats suit couples, families and small groups; the crew handle navigation and mooring if you choose a skippered trip.
Plan your visit
Book ahead, especially for morning departures. Bring swimwear, towel, sun protection, a hat and plenty of water. Use a waterproof phone case or dry bag, and pack seasickness tablets if you are prone to motion sickness. Tell the operator any special requests before departure, such as preferred stops or accessibility needs.
9. Torre de l'Esperó Reial
Image / Lonely Planet
Small stone tower with coastal views and a complex past.
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What to expect
A compact, well-preserved watchtower you can walk around and photograph from several angles. The site is primarily an exterior visit; public facilities are limited. Expect close-up views of the tower itself, framed vistas of the coast, and a quiet moment in the stone-lined streets of the Old Town.
Plan your visit
Combine the visit with a walking tour of Alghero’s ramparts and piazzas. Bring a camera and comfortable shoes for cobbled streets. Check local signage if you hope to enter the tower, as interior access is not always available. Allow time to stroll the surrounding seafront after you’ve seen the tower.
10. Sardegna Homes: Il Glicine
Image / Sardegna Homes
Comfortable base in Olbia, close to beaches and shops.
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What to expect
Practical, well-maintained accommodation set in a town-centre building. Expect a compact layout and straightforward furnishings that make it easy to drop your bags and get on with plans. The location prioritises convenience over seclusion, so you will be close to cafés, stores and transport links.
Plan your visit
Book early for the summer months, then confirm arrival and key-collection details with the host. Pick up groceries locally on your first day if you plan to self-cater. Rent a car for greater freedom to reach nearby beaches and coastal towns, otherwise use buses or taxis for short trips.
11. Fountain of the Rosello
Image / SpottingHistory
A carved stone fountain at the heart of Sassari.
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What to expect
A compact, ornate fountain set in a small plaza. You will see sculpted figures, patterned stonework and shallow water basins. The area is mostly paved and easy to approach on foot, with cafés and narrow streets close by. Expect a steady flow of passers-by rather than a large organised attraction.
Plan your visit
Combine a stop here with a walk around the old town and the nearby cathedral. Bring a camera for close-up shots of the carvings, and wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets. If you want a quieter moment, step into a nearby café and return when the light changes.
12. Torre di Sant'Elmo
Image / Wheree
A coastal watchtower with clear views over Alghero’s bay.
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What to expect
A small fortified tower with stone ramparts and exposed viewing platforms. Expect a short climb and uneven surfaces. Informational panels provide basic historical context, and the site is open-air with little in the way of facilities.
Plan your visit
Combine the tower with a stroll along Bastioni Pigafetta and a visit to the historic centre. Arrive before sunset for the best light. Wear comfortable shoes for stone steps and bring a light layer if you plan to stay after dark.
13. B&B Terranova
Image / Booking.com
Simple, comfortable base for exploring Olbia
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What to expect
Modest, well kept rooms and a personal, low-key service. Expect a functional setup rather than hotel-style extras. The atmosphere is calm and practical, useful for short stays or as a base while you travel around Sardinia.
Plan your visit
Book in advance for summer travel and confirm arrival details with the host. Ask before you arrive about parking and any local transport options you might need. Pack for warm weather in summer and bring layers for spring or autumn evenings.
14. B&B La Casa di Pier
Image / Bed-and-breakfast.it
A small, personal B&B base for exploring Olbia.
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What to expect
Modest, well-kept rooms and straightforward amenities. Hosts aim for practical hospitality and local advice rather than formal hotel services. Mornings often include a light, home-style breakfast and a calm start to the day.
Plan your visit
Reserve early in high season and tell the host any room preferences. Ask about transfers if you arrive by plane or ferry. Pack for sun and occasional sea breezes, and request local tips for beaches and restaurants before you arrive.
15. Casa Frencis guest house ,Affittacamere
Image / Booking.com
A calm, well-rated base in Olbia
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What to expect
Expect compact, clean rooms and a practical, no-frills stay. The property focuses on comfortable beds, basic amenities and a personal touch from hosts rather than hotel-style extras. Common areas are likely modest and useful for brief downtime or planning daily activities.
Plan your visit
Book early for busy periods and confirm arrival details with the host. Ask about transfers from the airport or ferry and about local transport options. Bring everyday travel essentials and a light layer for evenings. Keep documents and contact details to hand for a smooth check-in.