Sardinia is an absolutely magical island. Just the name itself conjures up images of sparkling turquoise waters, pristine sands, and rugged coastlines that rival the world’s most exotic destinations.
Indeed, we would argue that Sardinia has the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, if not the entire world. Many folks have even drawn comparisons to the top beaches in the Caribbean. Yup, we would agree.
However, finding the best beaches in northern Sardinia isn’t just about postcard-perfect views; it’s about understanding accessibility, potential crowds, parking challenges, and available facilities to ensure a truly idyllic escape.
Because you can be on a super famous beach and be surrounded by crowds. Yet, just a short walk away there may be a pristine beach with very few people on it. We experienced this over and over again as we scoured the island for hidden treasures that weren’t known by the masses.
Therefore, we’ve compiled our top picks, keeping all these factors in mind, to help you uncover the absolute best beaches in Northern Sardinia. And if you are curious about the best B&B experiences in Sardinia and a general guide to what to do and where to stay, the link is included.
Best Time to Visit the Best Beaches in Northern Sardinia
To truly enjoy the best beach north Sardinia has to offer without the peak season crowds, consider visiting in late May, early June, or late September through October. During these shoulder months, the weather is still gloriously warm and sunny, the sea is invitingly mild, and you’ll find far fewer people vying for a spot on the sand.
And if you truly dislike crowds, then consider coming in November, when the weather is still quite good most of the time and the water temperature is reasonable for swimming.
July and August are the busiest months, with Italian and European holidaymakers flocking to the coast, leading to crowded beaches and higher prices. If you do visit in peak season, arriving early in the morning (before 9 AM) or late in the afternoon (after 4 PM) can make a significant difference.
Your Guide to the 11 Best Beaches in Northern Sardinia
We’ve organized our top beach recommendations by geographical area to help you plan your adventures efficiently. Here are the best beaches north Sardinia has to offer – based on our criteria.
Best Beaches in North Sardinia
This region, stretching from Castelsardo towards Santa Teresa Gallura and including the La Maddalena Archipelago, offers some of the most iconic and diverse coastal landscapes. But most importantly it has some of the clearest turquoise water on 5 of it’s best beaches in northern Sardinia.
Capo Testa – Spiaggia di Cala Spinosa
Located near Santa Teresa Gallura in the Capo Testa peninsula, Cala Spinosa is a small, wild cove often praised for its untamed beauty and clear waters. It is like an aquarium for snorkelling with so many fish and rocks to snorkel through!
The cove’s rugged beauty comes from its towering rock formations and a bed of pebbles, barely softened by sand. This terrain makes it tricky to find a place to plant an umbrella, but the backdrop of Mediterranean pines and shrub forest is worth the effort.
How to get there: Reaching Cala Spinosa requires navigating a steep, winding path carved into the rock. This can be a bit of a challenge, but it helps keep the crowds thinner.
Tips: There are no facilities here, so come prepared with water, snacks, water shoes (to help you enter the water) and anything else you might need for a rustic beach experience. The effort to reach it is rewarded by its serene, unspoiled charm.
Parking is available but can be a challenge during peak months due to limited spots. There is a restaurant immediately above the beach, but keep in mind that the trek from the beach to the top is quite difficult.
La Maddalena Archipelago
The islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago have so much to offer – especially if you enjoy pristine beaches. Most visitors come for a day trip to see the top beaches from a boat. However, we highly recommend coming over for a few days.
We were there for 3 days and wished we stayed longer. There are so many places to hike and explore – especially new coves and beaches. And La Maddalena town is lovely to visit for it’s restaurants, cafes and shops as well.
Cala Serena
Located on the island of Caprera, Cala Serena is a small, sheltered bay known for its fine white sand and stunningly clear, light green to turquoise waters. This beach is shallow and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It was even voted one of the most romantic beaches in the world.
How to get there: This enchanting beach is a 10-15 minute hike from the free car park. Take Strada Cala Garibaldi all the way from the sealed road to the end of the dirt road. You will arrive at Cala Garibaldi (which is not a recommended beach). There will be signs for the hike to Cala Serena to the right of Cala Garibaldi.
Tips: There are no facilities on this remote beach, so pack accordingly. Running shoes are recommended, although we managed with our flip flops.
Spiaggia Testa del Polpo
Also known as “Octopus Head Beach” due to it’s unique rock formation, this beach is on the Giardinelli peninsula (an extension of La Maddalena island). It has fine white sand and waters so clear they resemble a natural pool. It is fabulous for swimming and snorkeling.
How to get there: Follow the dirt track to the end on the eastern side of the Giardinelli peninsula (an extension of La Maddalena) to discover this beach. There’s a small free parking area nearby, but be prepared for a short walk.
Tips: It’s less known than other Maddalena beaches, making it a good option if you’re looking for a slightly quieter spot. Bring your own water and food as there are no amenities here. In addition, if your car has low clearance, be careful how far you go on the broken asphalt/dirt road. The distances are short, so just park on the side and walk.
Spiaggia di Porto Palma
Situated on the island of Caprera, Spiaggia di Porto Palma is known for its pool like calm crystal clear water. Even when the wind is blowing, this is a very calm bay. However, this beach has pebbles instead of the typical white sand of Caprera.
How to get there: The paved road turns into a difficult pot-holed challenge. So if you have a car with low clearance, then park a bit further away and walk the short distance.
Tips: The shallow, sandy seabed makes it suitable for families. Keep in mind there are no amenities here including no toilets.
Cala Andreani
Located on the island of Caprera, Cala Andreani is a stunning cove known for its fine white sand and crystal-clear, emerald-green waters, often compared to Caribbean landscapes.
How to get there: It’s accessible by a dirt road and then a short walk from the Punta Rossa gate. You can practically park a few meters away from the beach!
Tips: This secluded beach offers a tranquil environment, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing away from crowds. There are no facilities directly on the beach, so come prepared.
Spiaggia La Pelosa
Often hailed as the most famous beach in Sardinia, La Pelosa, near Stintino, is known for its incredibly fine, dazzling white sand, shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the iconic Aragonese watchtower. Seeing that beach open up before us, we were truly awestruck.
Reservations & Access: During peak season (typically May 15 to October 15), access to La Pelosa is limited and mandatory booking is required via the official Spiaggia La Pelosa website: https://spiaggialapelosa.it/en/
Make sure to book directly through them as we witnessed a couple that paid 40 Euros through another site and were turned away.
A reservation fee of around €3.50 per person applies, and children under 12 are not included in the reservation count. You cannot just show up without a booking. Strict rules are enforced, including the mandatory use of a mat under your towel to protect the precious sand.
Parking: Paid parking is available, but it fills up very quickly, especially in high season. Arriving extremely early is crucial, or consider dropping off passengers before finding parking.
Crowds: Despite the reservation system, it can still get very crowded due to its popularity. 1,500 people are allowed on the beach per day and they are sold out months in advance.
Tips: Visit La Pelosa in early November, when the water is still warm, yet the crowds have gone home and a reservation is not required. However, if you must come during peak times, book your spot well in advance! Bring a mat for your towel.
Spiaggia della Pelosetta
Located immediately after the more famous La Pelosa, La Pelosetta has similar crystal clear water ideal for swimming and snorkelling as well as stunning views of the Aragonese watchtower.
However, here a reservation is not required and it is less crowded. Sadly the sand is not that powder white kind, it is more of a gray color mixed with rocks. There are also large boulders to set your towel on.
How to get there: Easily accessible from Stintino, with street parking available, though it can fill up early – same parking availability as La Pelosa.
Tips: While less crowded than La Pelosa, it can still get busy by 10 AM. Bring your water shoes due to the rocky entry points into the water. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent.
Costa Paradiso – La Sorgente
Part of the stunning Costa Paradiso region, La Sorgente is a fabulous find. Unlike the more popular (and often crowded) Spiaggia di Cala li Cossi, La Sorgente is unique for its tranquility and excellent snorkeling.
How to get there: Access to La Sorgente is relatively easy by car, with much easier parking compared to the limited spots often found at other Costa Paradiso beaches like Spiaggia di Cala li Cossi. And it’s a short, pleasant walk from the parking area!
Experience & Tips: Don’t expect a vast expanse of soft sand here; La Sorgente features more rocky outcrops and small coves, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and exploring the underwater world. These rocky areas provide many secluded spots where you can find your own private corner.
It’s far less crowded than Li Cossi, which often sees its small patch of sand overwhelmed. This natural, less-developed beach showcases the best beaches Sardinia north has to offer.
North East Sardinia
The glamorous Costa Smeralda and the gorgeous San Teodoro area define the North East, offering a mix of sophisticated and lively beach experiences. Many of the beaches here are very popular and overcrowded. However, our recommendations are for much more secluded beaches that are still picture perfect.
Spiaggia de La Marina di Puntaldìa
A picturesque beach near San Teodoro, Spiaggia de La Marina di Puntaldìa offers a 120 meters of soft golden sand and clear water. You can snorkel here, or take a boat ride over to Tavolara Island for an even better snorkelling experience. In addition, for golf lovers, there is a beachfront nine hole golf course nearby – next to the four-star Due Lune Resort Golf & Spa.
How to get there: Located about 4 km north of San Teodoro, accessible by car with paid parking at the entrance (though spaces can be limited). It’s a continuation of La Cinta beach, separated by a lagoon entrance.
Facilities: Limited parking.
Porto Taverna
Located south of Olbia near Costa Dorata, Porto Taverna is known for its white sand, blue to emerald green shallow water, and breathtaking views of Tavolara Island. It’s also famous for its lagoons where pink flamingos gather.
How to get there: Conveniently accessible with free parking available near the beach.
Facilities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, and food options are available. There are no restrooms directly on the beach but nearby facilities in hotels or restaurants might be accessible. We were able to sneak in, but a purchase is always appreciated by the owners.
Crowds: Often less crowded than other popular beaches, offering a more relaxed experience making Porto Taverna one of the best beaches in Northern Sardinia.
La Cinta Beach
One of the longest and best beaches in Northern Sardinia, La Cinta creates a 5 km long arch of dunes of crushed white sand. It is a popular spot in San Teodoro, known for its brilliantly white sand and shallow, crystal-clear blue waters with no rocks in sight.
How to get there: Easily accessible from San Teodoro by car (paid parking available butcan be expensive, around €25/day for guarded lots) or via the free “San Teodoro Express” bus. It’s also walkable/bikeable from the town center.
Crowds & Facilities: Very popular and can get crowded, especially near the San Teodoro end where most facilities (bars, restaurants, kitesurfing school, rentals) are located. The further north you walk, the quieter it gets. Animals are generally not allowed.
Real Tips for Your Best Beaches in Northern Sardinia Adventure
Beyond the standard advice, here are some insights for a truly memorable trip to enjoy the best beaches northern Sardinia has to offer.
Go Local for Food: Instead of relying solely on beach bars (which can be pricey), check out the “agriturismo” experience for lunch. These farm-to-table restaurants, often found slightly inland, offer authentic, organic Sardinian food at great value. It’s a fantastic way to taste the island’s culinary soul and break up beach days.
Off-Roading on Dirt Roads: While many beaches are accessible by paved roads, some of the most untouched coves require navigating dirt tracks. If you rent a car, consider one with a bit higher clearance or be prepared for some bumpy rides. These less-traveled paths often lead to the most rewarding discoveries.
Scooter or Bike the Archipelago: If you’re visiting the La Maddalena Archipelago, consider renting a scooter or bicycle once you ferry over to La Maddalena island. It’s a fantastic, fun way to explore the island and Caprera at your own pace, discovering hidden viewpoints and smaller, quieter coves that tours might miss.
Pack Smart (and Light): Beyond the essentials, a lightweight, quick-drying towel is highly recommended. For beaches like La Pelosa, a mat for your towel is crucial. Reef shoes are also highly recommended for rocky entries or pebbly beaches. Also consider bringing a snorkeling mask as flippers are not really necessary here.
Don’t Over-Schedule: Sardinia is a large island, and travel between regions takes time because of the many coves and dirt roads here. As Reddit users wisely advise, “Don’t move too much around the island, pick a spot and move around there.” Focus on one or two regions to truly soak in the local atmosphere and avoid spending too much time driving.
Wrap Up – Best Beaches in North Sardinia
For us, this amazing island truly amazed us! We were sure that 10 – 14 days on a smallish island would be enough. Yet we felt like we were on a marathon to see every nook and cranny of this magical place.
Even though the distances here are quite small, they are super packed with beauty and heavenly vistas. Therefore we recommend coming for at least 10 days to visit the best beaches in Northern Sardinia to not feel rushed.
Whether you’re seeking the Caribbean-like clarity of La Pelosa, the rugged beauty of Capo Testa, the seclusion of the La Maddalena Archipelago beaches or the energy of La Cinta, the best beaches in North Sardinia offer an unparalleled experience.
From hidden coves requiring a short hike, like Cala Serena to popular stretches demanding advance reservations like La Pelosa, we hope our guide has revealed the diverse beauty of the best beaches in Northern Sardinia.
Remember to visit during the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds, consider venturing off the beaten path for secluded gems, and pack smart for ultimate comfort. Plan your trip wisely, explore widely, and get ready to fall in love with the Mediterranean’s true gem – a destination where the best beaches in north Sardinia await you.
Have you been to Sardinia? What were your favorite beaches there? We would absolutely love to hear from you in the comments below as we will return very soon and would love to find new treasures.
