Discover 10 little known, amazing beaches in Sardinia

With almost 2,000 kilometres of coastline and beautiful sandy beaches, Sardinia is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Italy and the Mediterranean. However, this can also mean that some of the most famous and ‘Instagrammable’ beaches can get quite crowded in the summer, or that access has to be regulated to protect the marine ecosystem.

The good news is that in Sardinia there are always beaches and coves, even near the holiday hotspots, that are just as stunningly beautiful but not overcrowded. They are often known only to Sardinians, perhaps not easily accessible with toddlers or do not offer services such as a beach bar.

The west coast and Ogliastra in the east, both relatively undeveloped tourist regions, are famous for their wild beaches. Here are 10 of Sardinia’s lesser-known dream beaches:

Cala Balcaccia near Santa Teresa di Gallura in the north east

Cala Balcaccia is a secluded and quiet beach near Santa Teresa di Gallura, set in a picturesque cove of white sand, granite rocks and Mediterranean scrub. Even in summer it is rarely crowded. It is easily accessible by boat, but by car only via a private road. The beach is surrounded by rocky outcrops and offers spectacular views, with the outline of Corsica visible on a clear day. The beach has no bars and is never overcrowded, even in high season, thus preserving its unspoilt charm.

The bay of Cala Brigantina in the archipelago of La Maddalena to the north

Cala Brigantina is a beautiful cove on the island of Caprera in north-eastern Sardinia, part of the La Maddalena archipelago. Surrounded by lush and fragrant Mediterranean scrub, it has a clear sea and vibrant colours. Access is via a fairly steep and challenging path that takes about 20 minutes and requires a permit from the Park Authority. This cove is not easy to find and is therefore a destination for those who want to enjoy its natural beauty and tranquillity. If you don’t want to walk, you can reach it by boat from the archipelago of La Maddalena.

Coccorocci beach near Arbatax

The beach of Coccorocci is located at the marina of Arbatax and owes its name to the sea snails that can be found there. It stretches for 4 km and is characterised by colourful pebbles and a crystal-clear sea. Behind it, the wooded Cartucceddu mountains and red porphyry rocks frame the landscape. The beach near the campsite may not be ideal for young children, but it is almost always deserted, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy the sea undisturbed and away from the crowds.

Su Sirboni beach in Ogliastra

Su Sirboni beach in Marina di Gairo, in the wild Ogliastra on the east coast of Sardinia, is a hidden and little known gem. The crystal clear sea is surrounded by white sand, red rocks and Mediterranean scrub. The beach is uncrowded due to the difficulty of access and the dense vegetation that hides it, and can be reached by a five-minute walk. There is no beach bar, so the tranquillity and unspoilt beauty of the place is not disturbed.

The beach of Murtas near Villaputzu

The beach of Murtas is located in the southeast of Sardinia, in the municipality of Villaputzu and in the area of the military polygon of Quirra. For a long time it was not possible to discover this beach, but since 2016 it has been open to the public again. The beach is about 6 kilometres long, with light-coloured sand and black and white pebbles on the shore that create shimmering blue tones in the sea. To the north of the beach, the Rio Quirra flows into a pond that is home to several species of birds. The beach is clean and uncrowded, ideal for snorkelling, windsurfing and, of course, swimming. There are no services, but it is one of the few beaches in Villaputzu where dogs are allowed.

Cala Cipolla cove near Chia in the south

Cala Cipolla in the south of Sardinia, near Chia, is an enchanting beach with a tongue of golden sand between granite rocks, situated below Capo Spartivento. Behind the sand dunes is a pine and juniper forest that gives the beach a wild and secluded feel. The crystal clear sea is ideal for underwater fishing and diving. Climbing up the slope on the left, after a few metres you will come to a small fjord with high stone walls, where even experienced swimmers can take a refreshing dip. You can leave your car in the last paid car park at Su Giudeu. It is then a short walk uphill to the beach. It is advisable to bring drinks and snacks as there is no beach service.

Piscinas beach on the Costa Verde

Piscinas beach is one of the natural jewels of the Costa Verde. It is famous for its high dunes of fine, golden sand, some of the highest in Europe, formed by the Mistral. Despite its fame, it is never overcrowded, especially if you venture beyond the area below the hotel, where you can enjoy the unspoilt countryside. It is an excellent place for water sports and a paradise for surfers thanks to its long, high waves. Diving is full of surprises, such as the remains of a British shipwreck. When the sea is calm, it is a true paradise, but be careful when the sea is rough.

The Caletta di San Giovanni di Sinis at Cabras on the west coast

Caletta di San Giovanni, also known as Caletta di Capo San Marco or Caletta del Faro, is a small beach that was once used as a landing place for fishing boats. It is located on a narrow stretch of land that separates the calm Gulf of Oristano from the rough Sardinian sea. To reach it, you have to walk from the ruins of the ancient town of Tharros to the lighthouse and then down a narrow path to the sea. The Caletta is not overcrowded, even in summer, due to its limited accessibility, it offers shelter from the wind and you can often see boats anchored in front of it.

The beach of the Oasi di Seu at Sinis on the west coast

The Oasi di Seu (or Seo) is a former hunting ground that is now part of the Sinis Marine Reserve. This small, little-known and popular beach can be reached via an easy footpath through the Mediterranean scrub. It is also one of the region’s best diving spots, with the wreck of a steamship lying offshore. The beach is pebbly in places, and to the north it turns into a cliff towering over the sea. The water is crystal clear and the seabed is sandy. It is the ideal place for a relaxing day away from the crowds, where you can enjoy nature and the sea in peace.

Cala Inferno and Cala della Puntetta near Alghero in the north-west

These two coves in the Capo Caccia area near Alghero can only be reached by sea. Cala Inferno, opposite the island of Isola della Foradada, is famous for the bright colours of its seabed, which range from transparent to deep blue. Cala della Puntetta, just before Cala della Barca, is a true jewel of Capo Caccia, rich in biodiversity and of great importance for botanical and faunistic studies.