Best Beaches in Sardinia: Where They Are, How to Get There and When to Go

For families, Poetto in Cagliari is the easy pick, with kiosks, restaurants, playgrounds and cycle and pedestrian paths. If you’d rather look at the water, Tuerredda is a turquoise cove facing a small island, and Is Arutas and Mari Ermi in Sinis are known for their coloured quartz grains. The sea near Cagliari runs from 57°F (14°C) in February to 78°F (26°C) in August, so the month you pick matters as much as the beach.

What are the best beaches in Sardinia?

The beaches fall into a few types. Poetto and the Quartu Sant’Elena coast are town beaches beside Cagliari. Further along the south coast come Tuerredda, Simius at Villasimius and Cala Sinzias at Costa Rei. Sinis has the quartz beaches, and Asinara, on the northwestern tip of the island, has soft sand and clear water. Sardinia has 17 Blue Flag localities in 2026, and the flag covers over sixty beaches.

• Poetto and Quartu Sant’Elena: town beaches · kiosks, restaurants, paths and playgrounds · families
• Is Arutas and Mari Ermi: quartz grains · Sinis · swimmers who like a distinctive beach
• Tuerredda: turquoise cove facing a small island · couples and photographers
• Simius at Villasimius: clear blue water · next to Notteri Timi Ama
• Cala Sinzias: Costa Rei resort, known for its beaches · a base for several beach days
• Asinara: Cala dei Ponzesi, Cala Sabina and Cala Sant’Andrea · soft sand in a national park · quiet days
• Li Cossi: fine golden sand among pink rocks
• Cala Drappo: half circle of pale stones and pebbles
• Is Solinas: white sand scented by junipers and Aleppo pines

If you want amenities without planning much, stay on the Poetto and Quartu side of Cagliari. Cagliari also has a system of green beaches in the Park of the Rings, an alternative to the sandy ones.

How warm is the water at the beaches in Sardinia?

The sea near Cagliari reads 78°F (26°C) in August and 76°F (24°C) in September. The sea near Cagliari reaches 78°F (26°C) in August and still sits at 76°F (24°C) in September. July comes in at 75°F (24°C).

October is still pleasant at 71°F (22°C). June is a little cooler at 70°F (21°C), and May falls to 64°F (18°C). In April the water is 59°F (15°C).

Winter stays between 57°F and 61°F (14°C to 16°C). November is 66°F (19°C) and December 61°F (16°C). For a beach that rarely feels packed, Torre Salinas is never excessively crowded thanks to its size.

Where are the beaches in Sardinia, and how do you get to each one?

Poetto: town beach at Cagliari

Poetto is the city beach of Cagliari, with kiosks, restaurants, cycle and pedestrian paths and playgrounds. It suits a day with children. The Quartu Sant’Elena coast offers the same services next door.

Is Arutas and Mari Ermi: quartz grains

Both beaches are in Sinis and are famous for their coloured quartz grains. The ancient city of Tharros also lies in the Sinis landscape, between the sea and the ponds, so a swim can share a day with a ruin.

Tuerredda: turquoise cove

Tuerredda is a turquoise and blue cove facing a small island.

Simius: clear blue water at Villasimius

Villasimius has the Simius beach, with clear blue water, and Notteri Timi Ama. Capo Carbonara, with the islands of Cavoli and Serpentara, is a protected marine area nearby.

Cala Sinzias: Costa Rei

Cala Sinzias is at the Costa Rei resort, which is famous for its beaches. It works as a base if you want to try several in a few days.

Asinara: soft sand in a national park

Asinara sits on the northwestern tip of Sardinia and has been part of a national park since 1997. A shipwreck lies opposite the pier of Cala Reale.

Li Cossi: golden sand among pink rocks

Li Cossi has fine golden sand among pink rocks. Its colors look best in good light, so bring a camera.

Cala Drappo: pale pebbles

Cala Drappo is a half circle of pale stones and pebbles. Beach shoes make the walk to the water easier.

What should you know before going to the beach in Sardinia?

The U.S. State Department lists the main natural hazards for Italy, and a few apply to a beach trip.

• Heat: heatwaves are common in the south in summer, so carry water and take shade in the middle of the day.
• Storms: thunderstorms, with heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds, come mainly in spring and summer.
• Earthquakes: several major fault lines cross Italy and earthquakes are frequent.
• Protected areas: Asinara is a national park and Capo Carbonara is a protected marine area, so check local rules before you go.