Sardinia, Italy’s second-largest island, is famous for its pristine beaches, particularly along its breathtaking east coast. Whether you seek crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, or hidden gems, this region has something for every beach enthusiast. In this article, I’ve curated a list of the top five must-visit beaches on the east coast of Sardinia, drawn from my experiences during our holiday in September 2024. These spots are perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
- 1. Spiaggia Porto Taverna: A Coastal Gem with a View of Tavolara Island
- 2. The Secret Beach Close to Spiaggia di Cala Girgolu: A Hidden Paradise
- 3. Cala Luna: Sardinia’s Famous Crescent Beach
- 4. Cala Mariolu: A Slice of Heaven with Unique White Pebbles
- 5. Porto Giunco Beach: Where Crystal Waters Meet Pink Sands
1. Spiaggia Porto Taverna: A Coastal Gem with a View of Tavolara Island
Spiaggia Porto Taverna is a beach that epitomises the beauty of Sardinia. With its powdery white sand and sparkling turquoise waters, it’s an ideal spot for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. The beach is renowned for its breathtaking view of Tavolara Island, a massive limestone mountain rising from the sea.
Why Visit:
- Calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming and paddleboarding
- Stunning backdrop of Tavolara Island, perfect for photography
- Several beach bars and restaurants nearby for a refreshing break
Pro Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful swim in the serene, crystal-clear waters.
Parking: €2 per hour/ €12 all day. The parking area is located right by the beach, making it very easy to access.
2. The Secret Beach Close to Spiaggia di Cala Girgolu: A Hidden Paradise
We originally set out to visit Spiaggia di Cala Girgolu, but without realising it, we walked past the path leading to Cala Girgolu and ended up at this secluded paradise instead. The beach was incredibly quiet, with stunning rocks scattered throughout the crystal-clear water, making it feel like a hidden gem. It was a truly unexpected and unforgettable find!
The coordinates for this amazing beach are: 40.8552778, 9.6708056. You can also find it on Google Maps.
Why Visit:
- Offers privacy and tranquility, far from the crowds
- Crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkeling and swimming
- Surrounded by beautiful rock formations and lush Mediterranean vegetation
Parking: €12 per day. There are plenty of parking spaces available here. This is the same car park for those visiting Spiaggia di Cala Girgolu, and you’ll need to walk for about 10 minutes to reach the hidden beach.
3. Cala Luna: Sardinia’s Famous Crescent Beach
Cala Luna is one of Sardinia’s most famous beaches, and for good reason. Nestled between towering limestone cliffs and accessible only by boat or a difficult hiking trail, this crescent-shaped beach feels like a world apart. Its dramatic setting, with caves carved into the cliffs and crystal-clear water, makes it one of the most picturesque spots on the island.
Why Visit:
- Iconic caves along the beach provide shade and stunning photo ops
- Great for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking
- Unique location with towering cliffs creating a dramatic landscape
Pro Tip: Reach Cala Luna by taking a boat from Cala Gonone or hiking through the rugged terrain for a more adventurous approach.
For our visit to Cala Luna, we opted for a boat ride from Cala Gonone, which gave us about three hours to enjoy the beach. There are 12 different ticket booths at the port, offering similar excursions, and the prices are all the same. We truly had a wonderful time at this stunning beach!
Our three-and-a-half-year-old daughter traveled for free, while we paid €30 per person.
4. Cala Mariolu: A Slice of Heaven with Unique White Pebbles
Cala Mariolu is a remote beach that can only be accessed by boat, but the effort to get there is rewarded by its breathtaking beauty. Its unique white pebble shore contrasts with the bright turquoise water, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and exploring Sardinia’s vibrant underwater life.
Why Visit:
- Clear, turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling and spotting marine life
- White pebble beach offers a distinctive and picturesque setting
- Often less crowded due to its remote location, ideal for a peaceful day
Pro Tip: Bring your snorkeling gear! The marine life here is abundant, and the water clarity makes for some of the best snorkeling on the island.
We visited Cala Mariolu on a day trip by boat that we arranged while in Cala Gonone. We booked this excursion at the same ticket booth in the port as for our trip to Cala Luna. The day included a tour of the entire Orosei Gulf, with the option to visit Grotta del Bue Marino, as well as two additional stops for some beach time. Stay tuned for more details in a separate article about the Baunei Coast!
5. Porto Giunco Beach: Where Crystal Waters Meet Pink Sands
Porto Giunco Beach is a must-visit for families and beach lovers looking for shallow waters, perfect for swimming and wading. The beach is famous for its pink-tinged sand, created by crushed coral mixed with the white sand. Behind the beach, you’ll find a saltwater lagoon, home to flamingos, which adds to the magical atmosphere.
Why Visit:
- Pink-hued sand and crystal-clear, shallow waters
- Family-friendly with plenty of space to relax
- Chance to spot flamingos in the nearby saltwater lagoon
Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure a spot close to the water, and don’t forget your camera—the views are picture-perfect!
Parking: €5 all day.
Unfortunately, we had planned to stop at this beach while traveling from Cala Gonone to Cagliari and hoped to spend a few hours there. However, on that day, it was very windy, and we didn’t have the best experience on the beach. We were devastated because we were both amazed by its beauty, and the sand was the finest we had encountered on the island so far. We really wanted to return the next day, but the weather forecast predicted more wind, and since it was quite a distance from where we were staying in Cagliari, we decided to spend some time at a local beach instead. Nonetheless, I would absolutely love to return to that beach if given the chance!
Sardinia’s east coast is a treasure trove of stunning beaches, each offering its own unique charm. From the peaceful seclusion of the secret beach near Cala Girgolu to the iconic cliffs of Cala Luna, there’s a beach here for every type of traveller. So pack your beach bag, and get ready to discover some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Which one will you visit first?
If you’re thinking about visiting La Maddalena Archipelago, I highly recommend checking out my article, A Perfect Day Trip to La Maddalena Archipelago: A Hidden Gem in the Mediterranean. I’ve poured my heart into detailing the breathtaking scenery and must-visit spots that make this archipelago a true treasure. Whether you’re after stunning beaches or a taste of local life, I’m sure you’ll find inspiration for your own perfect day trip. Dive in and let the adventure begin!
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