Sardinia is blessed with a staggering coastline, and choosing just five favourites is a near-impossible task. But here’s a taste of what this Mediterranean island paradise has to offer:
Pink Beach, Budelli La Maddalena (Sassari)
The Rosa beach on the island of Budelli, one of the most beautiful in the world, owes its name to the colour of the sand, rich in tiny fragments of coral, granite, shells and mollusc shells. The spectacular colouring comes from a pink micro-organism whose shell, once dead, is washed ashore, shredded by the action of water and wind. The beach is protected as part of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park so access is limited, but it’s worth the effort to see this unique beach. Curiosity? Only one person lives on the island of Budelli: its caretaker.
Porto Giunco, Villasimius (Cagliari)
Villasimius is famous and loved for its long expanse of soft, light-coloured sand, with pink hues derived from granite fragments, enclosed between a lagoon and the soft blue sea, which takes on an infinite variety of hues as you go out to sea. Porto Giunco is one of its most beautiful beaches (and it is large so even in high season there is usually room). The oasis is bordered by dunes covered with junipers, mastic trees and Mediterranean scrub, which perfume the air.
Li Cossi Beach, Costa Paradiso (Sassari)
Costa Paradiso, Sardinia, isn’t just one beach, but a collection of coves and beaches along a rugged and scenic coastline. It’s located in the north-western part of Sardinia. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters, secluded coves, and dramatic cliffs. Li Cossi Beach is known for its fine white sand and shallow turquoise waters. The warm grains of golden sand, lapped by crystal-clear waters, will welcome you sheltered from the winds, thanks to the shape of the surrounding cliffs.
La Pelosa, Stintino (Sassari)
Located near Stintino on Sardinia’s northwest coast, La Pelosa is famous for its shallow turquoise waters and fine white sand. It’s backed by a lush Mediterranean forest and framed by dramatic rock formations. La Pelosa has been named Italy’s best beach several times, often among the best in the Mediterranean and in Europe, even in the top ten most spectacular beaches in the world.
Cala Mariolu, Baunei (Nuoro)
This horseshoe-shaped cove on the Gulf of Orosei is a perennial favorite and its panorama is striking for its infinite shades of blue, emerald green and azure, and for the pebbles that look like snowflakes. Reaching Cala Mariolu requires a bit of an effort – a hike or boat trip is necessary – but the seclusion adds to its charm.
Cover Pic: Pixabay
