Discover the Island Paradise on a Dream Summer Vacation
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Antonella Deuster
Travel Expert for Italy
Updated on 05/14/2025
With its enchanting beaches, turquoise waters and impressive surroundings, Sardinia has long since made a name for itself as the Caribbean of the Mediterranean. Regardless of whether you are planning an active or relaxing vacation, you will be captivated by the beautiful beaches, picturesque bays and impressive sea. However, a visit to the spectacular Costa Smeralda, the La Maddalena archipelago or one of the fantastic beaches in the Gulf of Orosei is a must! Relax on the breathtaking Spiaggia Capriccioli. Dive at the beautiful Cala Spalmatore. Or be enchanted by Sardinia's flora and fauna at Cala Spinosa.
Part of Sardinia’s famous Costa Smeralda, Capriccioli Beach offers a setting that’s hard to top. Just 5 miles south of the charming resort town of Cala di Volpe, you’ll discover a rugged coastline framed by lush greenery, soft golden sand, and vibrant turquoise water. Massive granite boulders add to the beach’s unique charm, creating a peaceful, picture-perfect atmosphere.
Capriccioli is a local favorite, so it’s worth arriving early to claim your spot on this small, stunning beach. Relax under the pines, swim in the calm bay, or grab your snorkel and explore the colorful marine life just below the surface—you won’t be disappointed.
Just a stone's throw from the Spiaggia Capriccioli, the Spiaggia di Grande Pevero invites you to discover and enjoy. The picturesque beach is one of the most exclusive seaside resorts on the Costa Smeralda. No wonder, because the crescent-shaped, turquoise-blue bay, the natural sandy beach and the breathtaking backdrop are simply unique.
While countless yachts, sailing boats and smaller vessels anchor off the beautiful Spiaggia di Grande Pevero, you can swim, snorkel or play golf here, the spectacular Pevero golf course is just a few meters behind the beach. Try out the local cuisine in one of the restaurants, there really is something for everyone here.
An absolute dream beach awaits you somewhat hidden away on the east coast of Sardinia, in the Gulf of Orosei. Cala Mariolu not only impresses with its imposing rocks, turquoise blue sea and fine pebble beach, but also with its wonderful tranquillity. To reach this paradisiacal bay, a little effort is required. You can either take an unforgettable hike of several hours directly to the beach, or you can take a boat tour to this part of the Sardinian coast.
In any case, you are guaranteed a vacation atmosphere at Cala Mariolu. Last but not least, you can swim, snorkel or soak up the sun here. A visit to this breathtaking beach is therefore ideal for both active and relaxing holidaymakers.
Also located in the east of Sardinia, Cala Goloritzé invites you to spend unforgettable hours on the beach. After a relaxing hike through Sardinia's untouched nature, you can easily reach the bay. If you wish, you can combine a visit to Cala Goloritzé with a longer hike along the east coast of Sardinia. Alternatively, a trip to the beautiful bay is also ideal for a kayak or boat tour.
Explore the beautiful coastal landscape of the island and swim the last few meters to the naturally protected beach. Once there, you can soak up the sun on the fine, white pebble beach, refresh yourself in the crystal-clear water or discover the wonderful underwater world around the island while snorkeling.
Just under 95 miles west of Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, the dazzling white sands of Spiaggia La Pelosa await on the Stintino Peninsula. Follow the scenic path through low-growing macchia shrubs, and you’ll arrive at one of the island’s most iconic beaches—where crystal-clear water and views of the offshore island of Asinara create the ultimate vacation setting.
This beach is a dream for windsurfers and kitesurfers, but thanks to its gently sloping shoreline, it’s also ideal for families with young children. Whether you're here to unwind, dive into water sports, or build sandcastles with your kids, a day at La Pelosa is a must on any Sardinia itinerary.
The Spiaggia di Marinella near Porto Rotondo is also very popular with water sports enthusiasts. This extensive sandy beach is located just 30 minutes from La Pelosa and offers fantastic conditions for surfing, snorkeling and diving. Thanks to the shallow water, the Spiaggia di Marinella is also ideal for swimming and relaxing in the crystal-clear sea. So let's dive into the glorious blue waters.
Afterwards, you can explore the long sandy beach in the Gulf of Marinella on a long walk along the beach or enjoy the picturesque surroundings at sunset. If you're in the mood for more afterwards, Porto Rotondo offers numerous entertainment options.
While the south of Sardinia attracts countless vacationers, especially in the height of summer, the west coast of the island is home to relaxed bays and quiet beaches even during the vacation season. One of these treasures is the Spiaggia di Is Arutas near Oristano on the Sinis peninsula. The thousands and thousands of small quartz pebbles, which shine in different pastel shades depending on the weather, have earned the beach the nickname of Rice Grain Beach.
Marvel at the fantastic play of colors, which creates a breathtaking contrast with the turquoise blue sea in a wide variety of shades. Take advantage of the paradisiacal beach for swimming, snorkeling or surfing. Look forward to an unforgettable day of swimming on one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia.
Explore the east of Sardinia and treat yourself to a fantastic day at the beach at the unique Cala Brandinchi. Let yourself be enchanted by the snow-white sandy beach, the azure blue sea, the picturesque dunes and evergreen pine groves. Enjoy the Caribbean flair of the beautiful lagoon and take your time to enjoy the fantastic view over the Mediterranean in peace and quiet.
If you want to enjoy this paradisiacal spot for longer, there are various campsites and numerous worthwhile bars and cafés not far from the beach. Here you can spontaneously fortify yourself with one of the local specialties and then dive straight back into the cool water or explore the surrounding area by pedalo to make your Italian adventure perfect.
The beautiful La Maddalena archipelago in the north of Sardinia is one of the island's undisputed visitor magnets. La Maddalena not only impresses with its unique landscapes and almost 70 picturesque islands, but also with one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia.
The charming little bay of Cala Spalmatore awaits you on the largest island of the Maddalena archipelago and impresses with its fantastic granite formations, emerald green water and snow-white beach. Leave the hustle and bustle behind and immerse yourself in a magical world. Enjoy the untouched nature. Recharge your batteries. And spend an unforgettable day swimming at Cala Spalmatore.
Not far from Sardinia’s capital, Cagliari, the Costa Rei offers nearly 6 miles of pristine coastline stretching from Capo Ferrato to Punta di San Giusto. This beach paradise has plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming in turquoise waters, or simply unwinding on the soft sand.
Beyond the beach, Costa Rei is also perfect for hiking—making it easy to combine laid-back beach time with scenic exploration along the coast. The gently sloping shoreline is ideal for families with children, while diving and surfing conditions here are great for more active travelers. Whether you're young or young at heart, Costa Rei has something for everyone.
Also located in the north of Sardinia, the impressive Capo Testa awaits you. Be amazed from afar by the imposing granite rocks, the rugged coastal landscape and the spectacular play of colors in the water. Combine your visit to the beach with unforgettable hikes and climbing tours.
Or find a sheltered spot in the bay surrounded by overgrown rocks and, with a little luck, observe turtles and native birds at close range. Let yourself be enchanted by the unique surroundings of Cala Spinosa. Explore the fantastic underwater world while snorkeling. In good weather, you can even see as far as Corsica from here.
The bay of Cala Luna is perfectly sheltered in the Gulf of Orosei. You can reach the paradisiacal beach after a hike from Cala Gonone or Marina di Orosei. A short boat trip to the beach is also an option. The journey is worthwhile, as the magnificent rock formations, the magical nature full of oleander and the typical macchia around the bay will take your breath away. Take in the rugged cliffs and imposing rocks.
Take a walk by the water or explore the colorful reefs off Cala Luna while snorkeling and diving. Whatever you decide, you will be amazed.
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There is an incredible amount to experience in Sardinia: In addition to wine tasting, mountain climbing and city tours, you can also spend your vacation here on one of the beautiful beaches. Plan your individual trip to Italy with tips from our travel experts.
Your tailor-made itinerary – No cost, no commitment