The most beautiful sunsets in Sardinia: Tips for the west coast

There’s hardly a more fascinating natural spectacle than the sunset. No matter where you are, when the sun slowly disappears behind the horizon and bathes the sky in fiery colours, a magical atmosphere is created that touches the heart and soul. This special magic of twilight is not only romantic, but also meditative: The soft, warm colours that gradually fade into darker tones as the sun sets have a calming effect, making it the perfect time to stop, take a deep breath, and feel at one with nature. At the same time, this transition from day to night symbolises transience, change, farewells and new beginnings.

Sardinia is a paradise for sunsets: when the sun sets over the sea, the sky glows in shades of yellow and gold tinged with pink and purple. These spectacular sunsets are particularly stunning on secluded, tranquil beaches, where the last warm rays reflect off the sea. You can enjoy this magical spectacle while strolling along the beach or taking a dip in the sea. On the west coast in particular, a play of colours is revealed that is etched in your memory.

Here are a few reasons why you should spend your holiday on the west coast

There are many reasons to take a holiday on the west coast of Sardinia; here are a few of them:

• Wide open spaces and a slow pace: Even in summer, many areas remain quiet. The beaches are uncrowded, and there is virtually no traffic.
• Fast-changing landscapes: Sand dunes, limestone cliffs, salt lagoons and windswept headlands can be found within a short distance of each other.
• History and nature blend together as archaeological sites overlooking the sea, ancient towers, small fishing villages, mines and rural churches all tell different stories.
• Last but not least are the sunsets over the sea, which you can enjoy from the front row. Here, the sun sets directly in front of you rather than behind you or on the distant horizon.

Piscinas and its dunes

There are few places in Sardinia where nature reveals itself in such extreme and spectacular forms. The dunes of Piscinas, located in the heart of the Costa Verde, reach heights of up to 60 metres and stretch for miles, resembling a desert reaching the sea.

The unpaved road there is somewhat long, but this minor inconvenience is more than compensated for by the experience. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a stunning landscape of golden sand, low Mediterranean scrub and the open sea. This is a place that demands slowness and respect.

In the late afternoon, the shadows on the dunes grow longer and the sky turns warm colours. The sunset here is serene and profound. There’s no music or crowds. Only the wind changing direction, footprints disappearing in the sand and the feeling of truly being somewhere else remain.

The Sinis Peninsula: Sea, Archaeology and Sunsets

Located near Oristano, the Sinis Peninsula is a land of sea and history. It stretches between ponds, cultivated fields, sandy beaches and headlands overlooking the water. It is a place where nature and archaeology, surfers and fishermen, lively villages and ancient remains coexist.

The best place to start is San Giovanni di Sinis, a small coastal town in the municipality of Cabras with a long, open beach and a tranquil atmosphere. Here, you can visit Tharros, an ancient Punic and later Roman city built directly on a headland. As the afternoon light fades, everything softens: the stone of the ruins warms, the sea takes on a coppery hue and the wind becomes steadier. After visiting Tharros, you can walk down to the beach and wait for the sunset.

If you have time to explore the area, be sure to visit Is Arutas and Maimoni, two nearby beaches with white quartz sand. These beaches offer a very special light at sunset. The small quartz grains reflect the colours of twilight in a fascinating way – a photographer’s dream.

S’Archittu: the arch that frames the sun.

S’Archittu is one of those places that doesn’t need to shout to be memorable. This small village near Cuglieri overlooks a fascinating bay characterised by an unmistakable limestone arch, shaped by wind and sea.

You can stroll here at sunset, or spend a whole day relaxing and enjoying the sea and fresh fish at one of the restaurants or bars along the seafront.

However, the most surprising moment comes in the late afternoon, when the sun slowly sinks over the horizon, aligning almost perfectly with the arch. From the small beach opposite, you can observe this silent, almost ritualistic scene as the sun ‘penetrates’ the hole in the rock, tinging everything around it with orange and gold. Only silence and the magic of twilight remain.

Bosa, a gem on the Temo River

One of Sardinia’s most photographed towns, Bosa lies on the Temo River. It captivates visitors with its colourful houses rising up towards the imposing castle, the narrow streets of the old town centre, and an atmosphere oscillating between past and present.

Bosa is a lively town, especially in the evening when a stroll along the river is filled with voices, laughter and scents. However, if you arrive in the late afternoon, leave the old town behind and head towards the marina, you will discover another wonder: the sunset over the sea.

Bosa Marina beach, just a few minutes from the centre, is the perfect place to end the day. The wide, sandy bay, with the iconic Aragonese Tower in the background, offers an unobstructed view of the horizon. On summer evenings, the sky lights up over the water and the sunset is reflected in Bosa’s houses, creating a double perspective: on one side, the sea swallowing the sun and, on the other, the hills watching it set. The view from Malaspina Castle is also beautiful, offering a panorama of the rooftops and the sea.

Alghero is surrounded by bastions, beaches and cliffs.

Further north, Alghero is one of the best places to watch the sunset. Panoramic walks begin in the historic centre, which is nestled between ancient sea-facing bastions, and offer the chance to enjoy the ever-changing light. The terraces along the city walls offer sweeping views of the horizon, and the promenade leading to the city’s beaches is the perfect place to enjoy an aperitif with a sea view.

Those who would prefer to enjoy the sunset with their feet in the water can do so at Maria Pia Beach, just a few minutes from the centre. This beach is characterised by maritime pines and golden sand, and opens onto the gulf. Further afield in Porto Conte Park lies the more secluded Mugoni Beach, surrounded by lush greenery and ideal for those seeking peace and relaxation.

The grand finale takes place at Capo Caccia, a promontory overlooking the bay whose limestone cliffs turn pink and orange as the sun sets over the sea. Here, the sunset is a spectacle that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

Those lucky enough to experience a Sardinian sunset will quickly understand why this island is blessed with both sunshine and magic. Whether you’re standing on a cliff, sitting barefoot in the sand or simply lingering on a balcony overlooking the sea, the twilight in Sardinia is a silent spectacle that you’ll never forget.