Top Five Beaches to Discover on Holidays to Sardinia

Many people choose to take holidays to Sardinia for the perfect combination of great weather, fabulous beaches and wonderful food. The island also offers visitors the chance to experience a part of Italy like no other. Very much untouched by tourists, this lovely island retains much of its authentic Italian charm and character. Here are just a few of its best beaches.

Poetto Beach

The island has miles and miles of wonderful beaches, with many of them renowned as being amongst the best in the country. Poetto Beach, close to Cagliari, is one of the most popular with locals and tourists alike. Easily reached from the centre of Cagliari and one of the main destinations for people on holidays to Sardinia, Poetto has the ubiquitous white sandy shores lapped by turquoise waters - perfect for both sunbathing and water sports.

La Bombarde Beach

Over on the west coast, close to the town of Alghero, the clean and well-kept La Bombarde Beach is a delightful hidden gem. Backed by pine forests, this beach is often missed by tourists. Clear blue waters, perfect for bathing, lap the shoreline, while little cafes provide a touch of local atmosphere and offer replenishment and refreshments throughout the day. Crowds are not part of the scenery here and, while there is a lively vibe, the beach is always very relaxed with plenty of space to spread out.

Picinas Dunes

Picinas Dunes is another of the island's stunning beaches and people on holidays to Sardinia staying near Arbus should definitely pay it a visit. The old gravel road that leads down to the beach can be navigated by car, and when you reach the beach you are greeted with five miles of golden sands and a stunning panoramic view. This beach has an air of the wilderness about it and the dunes that flank it rise up to 50m. Formed by the mistral winds, the dunes are spectacular and change shape frequently as the landscape alters.

Spiaggia del Principe

Spiaggia del Principe on the Costa Smerlada was developed by Prince Karim Aga Khan and is very well known for its crystal clear waters and pink-granite boulder coves. This beachside paradise is ideal for spotting fish and snorkeling around the shallow waters. The long golden sands are perfect for sunbathing and the beach is free. Close to the Costa Smeralda, where many of the rich and famous choose to take their holidays to Sardinia, Spiaggia del Principe has all the benefits of the spectacular region without the influx of tourists that descend on the beaches further north throughout the season.

Cala Luna

Halfway down the eastern coast is the tiny bay of Cala Luna, a stone’s throw from the equally beautiful Cala Gonone. Close to Dorgali and the Gennargentu National Park, this crescent-shaped beach is backed by dramatic cliffs and decorated by fuchsia and oleanders. Only accessible by boat or on foot, this picture postcard beach is well worth the effort to get there.

Carolyn Spinks is COO of ABTOI - The Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy. If you’re looking for the perfect holidays to Sardinia their LoveItaly website provides destination information, contact details of tour operator members to help you plan the best Italian holiday, ‘insider’ tips, year round special offers and information on everything from beach holidays in Sardinia, cycling in Sicily, to a wedding or honeymoon in Tuscany.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.