August, 08 2024 ( Updated August, 08 2024)
With some of the cleanest, most mesmerising beaches in the world, Sardinia has become known as the Maldives of Italy. From secluded coves to expansive sandy shorelines, this Mediterranean paradise enjoys more than 200 beaches; many of which offer a wide range of thrilling watersports.
Porto Pollo is a favourite spot for surfers whilst Tavolara Island offers wonderful opportunities to dive and snorkel. And if you love being out on the water away from the crowds, then a guided boat tour or chartered sailing trip is perfect to explore the island’s dreamy coastline. We’ve also rounded up the prettiest places to kayak or paddleboard and found the best Sardinia jet skiing locations for adrenaline junkies.
Whether you are looking for relaxation on pristine white sands or an exhilarating experience in the water, these 10 beach destinations with the most exciting Sardinia water sports promise to make your trip memorable.
The stunning Porto Pollo coastline
Sardinia offers some of the best conditions for wind and kitesurfing in the Mediterranean and Porto Pollo on the north coast is a favourite among surfers. This destination features two large bays and enjoys reliable Mistral winds creating excellent conditions for both beginner and advanced riders. You’ll find a vibrant windsurfing and kitesurfing community here as well as numerous schools and rental shops. There are also amazing restaurants, bars, and shops and, Porto Pollos’ laid-back, friendly atmosphere makes it a favourite among families and water sports aficionados.
The bay is also suitable for other water sports, such as sailing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, with a wide selection of apartments close to Porto Pozzo’s beach, just a 10-minute drive from Porto Pollo.
The turquoise waters in the fancy Porto Cervo
In northeast Sardinia, the renowned hotspot of celebs, Emerald Coast consists of miles of picture-perfect bays and white sandy shores. It stretches from the town of Olbia to the chic beaches of Porto Cervo like Canniggione. Porto Cervo is also one of the most prestigious and well-known sailing hubs in the Mediterranean, with a luxury marina, boat tours and rentals and access to Tavolara Island, Spiaggia del Principe, one of the Emerald Coast’s most popular beaches, and the beautiful La Maddalena Archipelago. You will find opportunities to take guided boat excursions all over the island. It's advisable to book tours in advance to secure a spot, especially during the peak summer season.
The unique Tavolara Island coastline with its turquoise waters
If you love scuba diving and snorkeling, the Costa Smeralda is one of the Mediterranean's best locations. Its waters are incredibly clear with up to 30 mts visibility (100 ft). You can look out for octopuses, sea urchins and starfish, as well as dolphins, sea turtles and underwater caves. Some of the most popular spots for Sardinia snorkeling and scuba diving are around Tavolara Island. This area caters for all skill levels with a range of local schools offering tuition and excursions with full equipment provided.
Porto San Paolo is a great base from which to explore the marine-protected waters around Tavolara Island with plenty of options for accommodation within walking distance of the local beach. You’ll also find options for Sardinia kayaking, paddleboarding and jet skiing here. A boat excursion from Porto San Paolo is another idyllic way to enjoy the local marine life. These trips stop to allow exploration of Tavolara Island and Molara's natural swimming pools.
Discover the adventures of one of the longest beaches in Costa Smeralda, Liscia Ruja
The must-visit beach of Liscia Ruja is one of the longest on the Costa Smeralda and features an expansive stretch of fine, white sand that extends for several miles. This beach is equipped with beach bars and provides sunbeds/umbrellas for rent, along with the perfect opportunities for snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing and sailing.
Editor’s tip: Spiaggia del Principe and the beautiful Capriccioli headland are other gorgeous beaches, which are also great for swimming and snorkelling.
Enjoy surfing in Sardinia’s turquoise waters
La Cinta Beach near San Teodoro is located just south of Costa Smeralda and provides excellent conditions for all kinds of surfing. The beach enjoys thermal winds in the summer, a long, sandy beach, crystal clear waters and multiple schools/equipment rental options. This practical villa for 6 is just a 5-minute drive from La Cinta and a 20-minute drive from Porto San Paolo.
Editor’s tip: Remember that sunscreen, water and snacks are essential for a day on the water. It is worth joining a guided tour which will provide a safe and informative experience, whilst you get to know the area.
One of the most Instagram-worthy places in Sardinia, Budelli’s Pink Beach
The Maddalena Archipelago consists of over 60 islands and islets with some of the most beautiful beaches and clearest waters in the Mediterranean. If you’re keen to escape the Sardinian mainland and explore the archipelago, a paddleboard or kayak is the perfect choice; with equipment rental companies available in all the popular locations. Caprera Island has the archipelago’s dreamiest destinations: Cala Coticcio, (Tahiti Beach), and Spiaggia del Relitto, named after a shipwreck visible off the shore. Both are only accessible by hiking trails or on the water and provide ideal spots for snorkeling and diving. While you are there, explore the stunning Budelli Island’s Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach), too.
The town of Palau is the perfect gateway to Maddalena Archipelago with various boat tours leaving from its harbour and provides an ideal base with various options for accommodation.
The relaxing La Pelosa beach, with its soft sand and clear waters
Located near the small town of Stintino, in the northwest of Sardinia, La Pelosa Beach is renowned for its variety of marine life, incredibly fine white sand and shallow turquoise waters. This gorgeous spot is perfect for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. If you are dreaming of a storybook beach paradise, this enchanting destination is a must with lovely stays near the beach. Due to its pristine condition, strict environmental protection measures have been put in place to safeguard La Pelosa Beach including mandatory beach mats.
Another place of interest in this area is Nereo Cave near Alghero (a 1-hour drive). Ideal for advanced divers, this is considered the largest underwater cave in the Mediterranean.
Book your place: La Pelosa Beach only welcomes a maximum of 1,500 visitors per day. You can reserve your spot by paying an entrance ticket of €3.50/person, with a limit of 4 people/reservation.
The stunning Cala Goloritzé white beach, don’t forget to reserve your place
Cala Goloritzé is a must-visit within the Gulf of Orosei on the east coast. The beach is part of a protected UNESCO world heritage natural reserve and is only accessible by boat, jet ski or a 3.5 km long hiking trail that starts from Supramonte di Baunei. If you arrive by boat, you must anchor offshore. A popular spot for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling, the beach offers breathtaking scenery, white sand, pebbles and beautifully clear, turquoise waters.
Book your place: Cala Goloritzé has a limited capacity of 250 people/day, you can reserve a place for €7.00 per person (children are free). Entry is permitted from 7:30am to 3pm.
Cliffs and turquoise waters near Grotta del Bue Marino
The town of Orosei, an 80-minute drive from Baunei (the start of the hiking trail) and a 30-minute drive from Cala Gonone is a flexible base to explore the rest of the Gulf with various options for accommodation. In Cala Gonone you will find boat excursions to Cala Goloritize and the Grotta del Bue Marino, an underwater cave that offers guided tours for divers. Jet skiers will also be able to access other hidden beaches and secluded coves including Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu, accessible only by water.
Admire the lovely pink flamingos on the lagoon
Chia is one of Sardinia’s prettiest beaches on the south coast and is known for its long stretch of white sand, high dunes and lagoons with pink flamingoes. Also known as Su Giudeu, Chia Beach is ideal for families keen to avoid the crowds. The beach is popular with surfers and windsurfing enthusiasts and its rocky areas are great for snorkelling and diving.
Chia’s clear waters and wide-open spaces also provide the ideal location for jet skiing. There are various rental services and water sports centers in the area that also provide tutoring and guidance. Chia Beach is fully equipped with amenities such as sunbed, umbrella, windsurfing and kayak rentals, kiosks and bars offering refreshments and light meals and this villa for 5 in Pula is just a 20-minute drive away!
Whether it is paddling across azure waters, sunbathing on soft sands or escaping into the clear depths of the Mediterranean, Sardinia is an incredible Italian destination!
While every part of Sardinia offers beautiful beaches, the northeast (Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena Archipelago), the east coast (Gulf of Orosei), and the south coast are particularly renowned for their exceptional beach experiences.
Sardinia can be expensive, particularly in certain areas and during the high season, but there are cost effective accommodation where you can explore the surrounding area on foot.
Sardinia undoubtably has some of the best beaches in Europe, if not the world!
La Pelosa Beach with its strict environmental protection measures is often highlighted as one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches on the island.
There are so many incredible parts of Sardinia it is impossible to say which is the most beautiful, but the renowned Emerald Coast in Northeastern Sardinia never fails to deliver. You can find out more about the beaches and coastal towns in this part of Sardinia in our dedicated travel guide and properties to suit every budget and group size.
Sardinia offers an incredible range of beaches that are suitable for water sports, from windsurfing and kitesurfing to snorkeling and diving. Porto Pollo is particularly renowned for its wind and kite surfing, while Cala Gonone and Porto Giunco are excellent for underwater activities.
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