The best Sardinia beaches and where to stay

Drift off the coast of Costa Smeralda and with any luck you’ll wash ashore on the sculpted rocks of La Maddalena, a series of 7 islands and 55 tiny islets home to some of Italy’s best beaches and most bizarre rock formations. As well as deserted shores only accessible by boat, the islands’ crystal blue lagoons are also prime for bathing. Try the white-sand beach of Cala Granara on Isola di Spargi, a site lined by palms and plant life, though Cala Coticcio on Caprera Island achieves similar perfection alongside the Garibaldi residence and museum and several other beaches within walking distance.

Where to stay near Maddalena Islands

Dramatic granite formations and crystalline waters create the backdrop for Hotel Capo d’Orso, where contemporary luxury meets Sardinia’s wild coastal beauty. Perched on a promontory overlooking the legendary Maddalena archipelago, this sophisticated retreat offers panoramic views that stretch across turquoise channels dotted with uninhabited islands. The thalassotherapy spa harnesses the healing properties of Sardinian seawater and marine botanicals, whilst treatment rooms positioned along the clifftop provide the soothing soundtrack of waves below. Each room and suite features private terraces designed for contemplating the ever-changing light across the archipelago, whilst the restaurant celebrates the island’s exceptional seafood through innovative preparations that honour both Sardinian traditions and contemporary techniques.

Purchased by Prince Karim Aga Khan back in 1962, this pristine strip of coastline in northeast Sardinia remains an exclusive hideout of oligarchs, royals and billionaires the world over. Though not short on stunning beaches, Costa Smeralda’s best has got to be Principe Beach, a favourite of the prince boasting magical blue waters and fine sand bordered by low granite cliffs. While in the area, visit the private marina around Porto Cervo, a spot overlooked by luxury resorts each claiming their own section of coastline, though some sand remains public property like the small Cala Granu beach and Grande Pevero to the south.

Where to stay in Costa Smeralda

Understated elegance defines Romazzino, a Belmond Hotel, where pink granite cliffs frame one of Sardinia’s most exclusive stretches of coastline. Romazzino’s low-slung architecture, designed to harmonise with the natural landscape, creates an atmosphere of sophisticated seclusion where luxury whispers rather than shouts. The hotel’s private beach, accessible via meandering paths through Mediterranean scrubland, offers crystalline waters perfect for morning swims, whilst the clifftop pool provides dramatic views over the Maddalena archipelago. Suites feature private terraces with uninterrupted sea views, whilst the spa incorporates locally sourced ingredients including wild myrtle and juniper. The restaurant showcases Sardinian culinary heritage through seasonal menus that celebrate the island’s exceptional produce and centuries-old traditions.

A sneaky contender hidden on a far northwest peninsular of Sardinia is Capo Testa, proud owner of endless public beaches and easy accessibility from the mainland. Santa Teresa Gallura lies just 4 kilometres east of Capo Testa, and on the isthmus between the two, you’ll find three Blue Flag beaches (Rena Bianca, Rena di Ponente and Rena Levante), each of which provide great swimming, windsurfing and snorkelling, amidst rocky headlands sculpted by millennia of heavy winds.

Where to stay in Capo Testa

Handily located between Capo Testa and Santa Teresa, in view of the epic Bonifacio Strait and Corsica, Colonna Grand Hotel Capo Testa is 5 stars all the way with wellness and beauty facilities, waterfall-inlaid pools and a hot tub area, alongside a Mediterranean-style terrace bar and two regional restaurants that overlook it all.

Follow the rugged coastal route south of Costa Smeralda you’ll eventually reach Capo Coda Cavalla, another jutting landmass home to a number of world-class beaches, such as Cala Brandinchi, sometimes labelled as Sardinia’s Tahiti. Enjoy days spent snorkelling in the shallow pools and reclining in the shade of pine woods behind the bay, moving onwards to other sandy stretches such as Spiaggia La Cinta and Stagno di San Teodoro known for its birdwatching and kitesurfing. Though beach residences are dotted all over, San Teodoro is the most lively place to stay, just south of Spiaggia La Cinta.

Where to stay in Capo Coda Cavallo

Baglioni Resort Sardinia occupies a privileged position along Sardinia’s northeastern coast, where white sand beaches meet the protected waters of the Tavolara Marine Reserve. Baglioni Resort’s modern architecture embraces the surrounding landscape through floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terraces that frame views of the distinctive Tavolara Island. The resort’s design philosophy celebrates both Italian craftsmanship and Sardinian authenticity, with locally sourced materials and carefully curated artworks throughout. Multiple pools cascade towards the sea, whilst the spa offers treatments incorporating indigenous botanicals and traditional Mediterranean wellness practices. The restaurants present innovative interpretations of Sardinian cuisine, utilising ingredients from local producers and the resort’s own herb gardens.

Another top choice for your Sardinia vacation is the Golfo di Orosei, a fine spot where the Gennargentu massif meets the sea. Boasting beaches for days, Golfo do Orosei has much to see, staying in Cala Gonone for boat cruising and walking excursions or Cala Goloritzè for cliff views and climbing trips up the 148-metre Aguglia and Altopiano del Golgo plateau. Other worthy beaches in the area can be accessed by boat such as Cala Biriola, Cala dei Gabbiani, Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu.

Now to the southeast’s Costa Rei for more breath-taking Sardinia beaches, starting at Cala Sinzias and ending in the headlands of Capo Ferrato. Along the way, you’ll find dazzling white beaches and turquoise waters bordering a number of Costa Rei resorts comprised of villas, shops, bars and restaurants. Jump off the southeast coast from Capo Carbonara to the tiny island of Cavoli to find tens of deserted bays, while further north the region gets busier, particularly in the town of Villasimius where Porto Giunco beach comes backed with Notteri flamingos. Other beaches worth a visit include Punta Molentis and Santa Giusta Beach, the latter boasting shallow waters and the famed “Rock of Peppino”.

For a bit of rough on your Sardinia vacation, it’s the undeveloped shores around the Costa Verde you really must try. Here, on the stretch of land north of Capo Pecora and south of Torre dei Corsari, you’ll find unkempt coastline and windswept vistas for miles, while inland woods and Mediterranean scrub cover the mountains. Of its beaches, Spiaggia di Scivu and Spiaggia di Piscinas earn a great reputation, for their wide berth and towering dunes, the latter found via a 9-kilometre dirt track from SS126 (Ingurtosa exit). Further south, Cala Domestica is another popular cove for divers, though the sea winds here can be wilder. Away from the beaches, the former mining town of Montevecchio and the mountain town of Arbus can both provide a place to stay, while hiking treks up Monte Arcuentu (785 metres) can put you in touch with the last preserves of Sardinian deer.

Last but not least are the coastal headlands of Costa Sud, found 58 kilometres southwest of Cagliari capital city. As well as being convenient, the 25-kilometre stretch of road (SP71) that runs the length of the Costa del Sud is primed for a road trip, allowing for stop-offs at any number of crescent-shaped bays along the way. Of your options, you’ve got the lengthy Porto Campana which offers water sports facilities and family-friendly shallow waters, while the peaceful Spiaggia Sa Colonia and Spiaggia Su Portu each flank an impressive Spanish watchtower close to flamingo-filled lagoons. Meanwhile, Tuerredda Beach near the busy town of Chia is one for swimmers, (allowing for a 100-metre dash to a small island) while Su Giudeu proffers dunes and rock-dwelling goats!

Where to stay in Costa Sud

Forte Village Resort, Forte Village’s flagship property, represents the pinnacle of resort luxury on Sardinia’s southern coast, where 25 hectares of manicured gardens meet eight kilometres of pristine beach. Hotel Il Castello, the resort’s most exclusive accommodation, offers refined elegance with suites featuring private terraces and direct access to secluded beach areas. The resort’s legendary facilities include world-class spas, championship golf courses, and restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chefs who celebrate both Sardinian traditions and international cuisines. The thalassotherapy centre harnesses the healing properties of the Mediterranean, whilst the resort’s position along the Costa Sud provides easy access to ancient Phoenician ruins and traditional fishing villages that reveal Sardinia’s authentic character.