Destinations
Sardinia by Ferry: The Ultimate Guide to the 9 Most Beautiful Beaches
Arriving in Sardinia by ferry has its own charm: dawn on the deck, spotting the green coastlines and watching them draw near slowly is truly magical and not to be missed. And there’s nothing like the freedom of bringing your own vehicle (car or motorcycle) along to explore every hidden corner. Whether you’re traveling with family in search of dream beaches, going solo for adventures, or you’re a Travel Blogger hunting authentic spots, get ready to uncover unmissable gems with Seafy—from Sardinia’s iconic shores to its most secret coves. Ready to disembark and embark on a one-of-a-kind journey?
30 May 2025
Here Are the Unmissable Gems Selected by Seafy
From golden expanses to hidden coves, these nine beaches are the wild, authentic heart of Sardinia. We’ll tell you where to find them, how to get there, what to expect, and share little tricks to make the most of every spot.
Ready to mark off your unmissable stops?
Cala Spinosa (Capo Testa, Santa Teresa Gallura)
Image Source: sardegnaturismo.it
Nestled among wind-sculpted granite boulders, Cala Spinosa is a tiny secret gem that delivers intense thrills. True to its name, it’s one of Sardinia’s most romantic coves.
It’s an intimate inlet with emerald-green waters, surrounded by rocky walls that turn rose-hued at sunset. Here, silence reigns and wild nature rules: the sound of waves and the scent of salt air create a magical, romantic atmosphere.
Sunlight filters through the sculpted stone, illuminating the crystal seabed teeming with fish—a snorkeler’s paradise and a photographer’s dream.
How to get there:
After disembarking at Olbia or Porto Torres, drive about 3 km to Capo Testa (roughly 1½ hours through Gallura’s landscapes). Park at the lighthouse (free but limited spots), then follow a steep 10-minute path beside a small panoramic bar. Wear sturdy shoes and keep little ones close—August parking fills up fast, so aim for early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and a more peaceful vibe.Services:
No facilities on the beach—bring water, snacks, and an umbrella. A small bar at the trailhead offers restrooms and refreshments. Cell service is weak, so take the chance to truly unplug!Seafy tip:
After your swim, follow the hidden path on the left to the mystical “Valle della Luna,” famous for its hippie gatherings among the pink granite and candlelit sunsets. Stay after dark for soft music under the stars. Don’t forget mask and snorkel—this natural aquarium is unforgettable. If you arrive early by ferry, stop in Palau to see the Bear Rock and the La Maddalena archipelago panorama.
La Pelosa (Stintino, Sardegna Nord-Ovest)
Image Source: pexels.com
Welcome to a blinding paradise of powdery white sand and turquoise waters.
La Pelosa looks straight out of the Caribbean. Located at Sardinia’s northwestern tip, facing Asinara Island, its shallow, mirror-calm sea is perfect for families and couples alike.
How to get there:
From Porto Torres port, it’s a 30 km (40 min) drive to Stintino. From Olbia, expect about 2 h 15 min—rewarding stops include Castelsardo and Sassari. Parking is scarce and paid: arrive before 8 AM or take the summer shuttle from Stintino. Entry is capped at 1,500 people/day, with online reservation (€3.50 pp). Always lay a beach mat under your towel to protect the sand and avoid sanctions.Services:
Municipal umbrellas and loungers (paid), plus seasonal lifeguards. Otherwise, bring your own gear.Seafy tip:
Pack mask and fins to explore Posidonia meadows. Visit in June or September to avoid peak crowds, or discover nearby quieter spots like Le Saline and Ezzi Mannu. End your day with fresh seafood in the charming Stintino harbor.
Spiaggia di Li Cossi (Costa Paradiso, Trinità d’Agultu – Nord Sardegna)
Image Source: sardegnaturismo.it
A red-rock trail leads to this hidden slice of paradise.
Li Cossi’s golden sand bay is embraced by pink granite cliffs that blaze with color at sunset, while emerald-clear waters mirror the rocks.
How to get there:
From Porto Torres, drive ~1 h 30 min east (consider a Castelsardo stop). From Olbia, it’s a 1 h 30–40 min drive via inland or coastal roads. Follow signs to “Li Cossi,” park (free but limited), then hike ~10 minutes over rocky terrain. Arrive by 8 AM in summer for best parking.
Services:
No beach facilities—come prepared. A small market and cafés lie near the parking. Kayaks and dinghies can be rented at the mini-harbor.
Seafy tip:
Hike the cliff-side trail on the right (facing the sea) for a breathtaking viewpoint. At dusk, the rocks turn fiery red—perfect for a postcard shot. If you stay nearby, savor a rustic Gallura dinner under a starry sky at a local agriturismo.
Cala Goloritzé (Baunei, Ogliastra – Costa Est)
Image source: Escursi.com
A limestone cathedral above cobalt-blue waters, Cala Goloritzé is more than a beach
It’s a soul-stirring encounter. Its white pebble shore sits beneath the iconic 143 m Aguglia pinnacle, framed by a natural stone arch.
How to get there:
Accessible only by a 3.5 km hike from Su Porteddu (1 h 30 min downhill, 2 h return; medium difficulty, 470 m descent) or by small boat (swim drop-off only for strong swimmers). Daily access is limited to 250 people—reserve via the Heart of Sardinia app or official site (€6–7, free under 6).
Services:
No on-site amenities—pack water, snacks, and carry out all trash. A refreshment point exists at Su Porteddu.
Seafy tip:
Snorkel at the nearby freshwater spring—icy, crystal-clear waters await. On the return, catch the sunset at the Baunei viewpoint.
Cala Mariolu (Baunei, Ogliastra – Golfo di Orosei)
Image source: sardegnaturismo.it
A surreal tableau of pink and white pebbles (“ispuligedda”)
Crystal-clear waters, Cala Mariolu feels like an aquarium.
How to get there:
Primarily by boat—daily launches from Arbatax and Santa Maria Navarrese. Expert hikers may attempt the challenging Golgo plateau trek (contingent access).
Services:
No beach kiosks—bring supplies. A seasonal floating bar and lifeguard boats occasionally patrol.
Seafy tip:
Visit at midday for peak light—colors are most vivid. Extend your adventure with a boat trip to the nearby Grotta del Fico.
Spiaggia di Tuerredda (Teulada, Sardegna Sud-occidentale)
Fonte immagine: sardegnaturismo.it
A tropical dream in southern Sardinia
A golden crescent sand and lagoon-calm waters protected by an offshore islet.
How to get there:
SP71 between Chia and Teulada, ~1 h 30 min from Cagliari (60 km). Paid parking (€10/day), access limited to 1,100 people/day in summer.
Services:
Full amenities: umbrellas, canoe/pedal-boat rentals, two bars, toilets, showers, lifeguards.
Seafy tip:
Climb to Capo Malfatano Tower for panoramic views, and snorkel around the islet. June and September offer the best off-peak experience.
Porto Giunco (Villasimius, Sardegna Sud-Orientale)
Image source: sardegnaturismo.it
“Where turquoise sea meets pink flamingos”
fine white sand, shallow waters, and the Notteri pond home to flamingos.
How to get there:
1 h 10 min from Cagliari (60 km) via SS125var or scenic SP17. Paid parking in the pinewood behind the beach (€10/day).
Services:
Umbrellas, SUP/kayak rentals, food & drink kiosks, toilets, showers, lifeguards.
Seafy tip:
Catch sunset from the Porto Giunco Tower, and don’t miss a stop at Mari Pintau before strolling to nearby Simius Beach.
Cala Domestica (Buggerru, Sardegna Sud-occidentale)
Fonte immagine: sardegnaturismo.it
A golden fjord wedged between cliffs and former mines
A wild atmosphere meets industrial history.
How to get there:
~2 h from Cagliari (95 km) via Iglesias and SP83. Ample free/low-cost parking; consider detours to Porto Flavia and Nebida.
Services:
Seasonal kiosk, umbrella/pedal-boat rentals, chemical toilets, showers, occasional lifeguards.
Seafy tip:
Explore Cala Lunga through the rock tunnel for a secluded spot, then climb the old tower for unique vistas. Excellent snorkeling.
Is Arutas (Cabras, Penisola del Sinis – Sardegna Occidentale)
Fonte immagine: sardegnaturismo.it
Una spiaggia di quarzo che brilla come cristallo
IA beach of quartz grains that sparkle like rice, set against a turquoise sea.
How to get there:
~2 h from Porto Torres (130 km) or 1 h 45 min from Cagliari (120 km). Follow Cabras → San Giovanni di Sinis → Is Arutas; paid dirt parking available.
Services:
Summer kiosks offering sandwiches & drinks, customer toilets, umbrella rentals; no fixed lifeguard station.
Seafy tip:
Also visit neighboring Mari Ermi and Maimoni. Bring reef shoes, and if the Maestrale wind blows, catch a surf session at Capo Mannu. End with local bottarga in a Sinis trattoria for the perfect blend of sea and culture.
Conclusione
Sardinia’s coastline is a mosaic of wonders—each cove tells its own story of colors, scents, and emotions. We hope this guide inspires you to explore these beaches with curiosity and respect for nature.
If you travel by ferry with Grimaldi Lines, GNV, or Corsica Ferries, remember Seafy’s onboard Wi-Fi: browse our guides at sea, plan your stops, and dream of the next hidden cove. Already ashore? Our magazine is always just a tap away on mobile!
🌊 For more tips and itineraries, visit seafy.com/blog
📱 Share your adventures by tagging @seafy.travel— we’d love to see your photos among waves and sunsets!
Image Credits:
Most images are sourced from sardegnaturismo.it and institutional editorial outlets. Some photos have been taken from Escursi.com, Pexels, and local blogs, with attribution noted under each image where required. Images are used for illustrative, non-commercial purposes; rights remain with the respective authors.
Sources & References
The information in this article has been compiled and edited from reliable, up-to-date sources, including:
Tripadvisor – Cala Spinosa (2025): link
Dire.it – La Pelosa ingressi a numero chiuso e obbligo dello stuoino (28/05/2024): link
Piratinviaggio – Spiagge con ticket e regole d’accesso: link
Wikipedia – Cala Goloritzé: link
Libero Tecnologia – Ticket ecologico in spiaggia: link
Visit Teulada – Tariffe parcheggi balneari: link
Tripadvisor – Spiaggia di Tuerredda (2025): link
Il Mio Viaggio da Favola – Spiagge a numero chiuso estate 2024: link
Pocket Sardinia – Guide to Fees and Visitor Limits: link
Lonely Planet – Spiaggia di Piscinas: link
SardegnaTurismo – Piscinas, Costa Verde: link