The most beautiful Sardinian beaches to visit on your next trip

If you're looking for beaches near Palau in Sardinia, you shouldn't miss the Maddalena Archipelago off the northeastern coast. Spiaggia di Cala Coticcio, one of the best beaches in Sardinia, lies on the island of Caprera.

It’s often compared to the South Pacific thanks to its powder-white sand and turquoise water. But arriving in paradise doesn’t come easily, as Cala Coticcio is also one of the most protected Sardinian beaches. Only 60 visitors are allowed per day, and you must be accompanied by a guide.

Looking for the most beautiful beaches on Costa Smeralda in Sardinia? Along the coast between Palau and Olbia, you’ll find emerald water, soft sand, and lush Mediterranean greenery.

One of Sardinia's most popular beaches is Spiaggia del Principe, named after a prince. Celebrities love the area, and the beach itself is unspoiled and stunning.

Another great beach on Costa Smeralda is Capriccioli Beach. Just a mile and a half from Spiaggia del Principe, you can visit both in a single day.

Expect fine white sand, green vegetation offering shade, and clear water. This beach is perfect for families, as the sea is shallow and is manned by lifeguards.

Have you ever wanted to visit Tahiti? Well, at Cala Brandinchi, you can hardly tell the difference. In fact, it’s often called “Little Tahiti.” Visiting this paradise is also easier than some of the other top Sardinian beaches. You can either park at the beach or take a beach shuttle from San Teodoro.

Upon leaving the parking lot, you will be greeted with an incredible view. Think crystal-clear, shallow water, picturesque islands offshore, and a lush pine forest behind you.

Cala Goloritzé is another one of Sardinia’s beaches that can truly be described as wild. To keep it that way, it’s protected, and only 250 visitors are allowed per day.

Once you’ve booked your spot, you’ll need to hike through the Supramonte mountain range. Cala Goloritzé is a National Monument after all, so it's worth the effort. The trail is fairly steep and takes about 1.5 hours from the parking lot to the beach.

Punta Molentis is located near Villasimius and is part of the Capo Carbonara marine protected area. The beach consists of several coves that are accessible from the parking lot. Some have pebbles, while others have soft sand.

The sandy coves are more popular, but if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, stick to the pebble beaches.

Interestingly, Punta Molentis gets its name from the donkeys once used to quarry granite here. There are no donkeys left, but you can now dive in and look for fish underwater.

Porto Giunco Beach is one of the most popular beaches in southwestern Sardinia, and it’s quite large. That’s a good thing, because with great beauty comes great popularity, but you’ll still find a spot here even in peak season.

Here you’ll also find the usual suspects: white, almost pink sand, azure clear water and even flamingos. Yes, you read that right, Porto Giunco is famous for its nearby flamingo-inhabited lagoon.

Spiaggia di Tuerredda is a true all-rounder and perfect for a day trip from Cagliari.

The beach is a bit wild and incredibly beautiful, yet you’ll still find everything you need for a relaxing beach day in Sardinia. The water is shallow at first and great for little swimmers, but farther out, it’s also perfect for snorkeling. Looking for a sporty challenge? Swim out to the Tuerredda islet.

Is Arutas is one of the most beautiful beaches on Sardinia’s west coast. It lies on the Sinis Peninsula in the Gulf of Oristano. One of the main things that makes it special is its remote location. The best way to reach it is by rental car or with the 430 bus from Oristano.

Sadly, even here you won’t find solitude in summer. The beach is only about 500 yards long and extremely popular. Instead of sand, it’s made of tiny quartz grains that shimmer white, green, and pink.

Back in the north of Sardinia, you can’t skip La Pelosa Beach. A tiny gem just over 300 yards wide, it has everything a sun-worshipper could want.

I probably don’t need to mention the turquoise water and white sand, that’s a given for Sardinian beaches. But you can also count on a steady breeze, making La Pelosa a favorite for water sports. You’ll find diving centers nearby as well if you want to explore the underwater world.