South Sardinia

white sand dunes at spiaggia porto pino in south sardinia
The magic of south Sardinia: Wide beaches, majestic sand dunes with everything one might need for an all-day beach stay.

On this page you’ll find an overview of the beaches of south Sardinia. They can be found near the city of Cagliari – the capital of Sardinia, Pula – one of the prettiest towns in southern Sardinia, Chia – known for its pretty sand dunes, pink flamingos and dolphins, and Teulada.

South Sardinia - Cagliari

the beautiful ancient skyline of Cagliari, in south Sardinia, Italy.

Charming, elegant, and rising from the sea like a wave of colorful facades, Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia and a stunning city infused with ancient history, from the Neo Romanesque Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Castello and viewpoints overlooking a stunning seascape, to the peaceful Piazza Palazzo and the old fortifications of the Castello quarter. It is an awe inspiring city and the perfect place to explore on foot.

Beaches Near Cagliari

Spiaggia del Poetto

  • ✓ Length: 8000 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: windsurfing, kitesurfing.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, beach chairs, umbrellas, bar, restaurant.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of spiaggia del poetto di cagliari in south sardinia

Poetto Beach (Spiaggia del Poetto di Cagliari) is located in between Comune di Quartu Sant Elena and Comune di Cagliari, in south Sardinia. It is the main beach of Cagliari, the capital of the island of Sardinia. The beach has a length of 8 kilometers and faces south-east, offering views over the deep blue waters of the Golfo di Quartu. The beach is marked by beautiful views of the hills of the Sella del Diavolo to the south. Poetto beach is backed by two ponds: the Stagno di Molentargius and Stagno di Quartu where the well-known pink flamingos can be spotted. The beach has a full range of facilities: you'll find kiosks, bars with beach beds, restaurants, discos, plenty of water sports facilities, a marina, and a fair. Poetto is one of the windiest spots on the island. For this reason it is a one of the best beaches of South Sardinia for kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing enthusiasts.

La Maddalena

  • ✓ Length: 1200 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: kitesurfing, pedal boating.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, beach chairs, umbrellas, bar, restaurant.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture taken on la maddalena spiaggia in cagliari sardinia

15 kilometers south-west of Poetto beach, you'll find La Maddalena beach (La Maddalena Spiaggia). The largest part of this beach lies in front of a village with the same name. It has a total length of nearly 1200 meters, and faces south-east, overlooking the Golfo degli Angeli - or the Bay of Angels. This beach is a favorite spot among kitesurfing enthousiasts, as wind conditions at this beach are exceptional from May to September.

Frutti d’Oro

  • ✓ Length: 280 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: windsurfing.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of the beach of frutti d'oro in la maddalena cagliari sardinia

From Cagliari, drive south-west for about 13 kilometers, and you'll find the small beach of Frutti d'Oro (Spiaggia di Frutti d'Oro). This is one of the smallest beaches you'll find in the vicinity of Cagliari. Frutti d'Oro is mostly visited by windsurfing enthousiasts,

Spiaggia di Cala Fighera

  • ✓ Length: 80 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling, walking, hiking, climbing.
  • ✓ Facilities: beach chairs, umbrellas.
A view from the cliffs surrounding Spiaggia di Cala Fighera, in Cagliari, south Sardinia, Italy.

Spiaggia di Cala Fighera, a favourite cove among the nudist crowd, is a hidden gem nestled along the picturesque coastline of Sardinia.

Spiaggia Calamosca

  • ✓ Length: 120 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling, hiking.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, bar, restaurant.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
A summer's day at Spiaggia Calamosca, 5 kilometers south of the center of Cagliari, Sardinia.

At Calamosca, the views of Faro di Capo Sant’Elia are lovely, with Caletta della Torre di Calamosca across the water.

South Sardinia - Pula

a woman taking a stroll in a shopping street in Pula, south Sardinia, Italy.

Renowned for balmy beaches and a spectacular coastline, Pula is one of the hidden gems on the Southern Sardinian coast.

Beaches Near Pula

Santa Margherita di Pula Beach

  • ✓ Length: 2600 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, beach chairs, umbrellas, bar, restaurant, camping.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of Spiaggia di Santa Margherita di Pula in south Sardinia Italy

Santa Margherita di Pula beach (Spiaggia di Santa Margherita di Pula) is located in front of the village with the same name, just 5 kilometers east of the community of Domus de Maria. You'll find several beaches in this area, all conveniently located parallel to the SS 195 for about 5 kilometers. With a length of 2600 meters, this beach is the longest stretch of sand you'll find in this part of Cagliari. Santa Margherita di Pula beach features grains of sand in shades of pink, and its waters are quite shallow - a feature that will be appreciated by families with small children. The wind conditions allow Santa Margherita di Pula to be popular among the surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing crowd. Its surroundings are an interesting mix of cultivated agriculture, green and cooling pine forests, campings and nearby beach resorts.

Spiaggia di Nora

  • ✓ Length: 500 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
sunset at Spiaggia di Nora, a beach near Pula in south Sardinia Italy.

Nora beach can be found 2.5 kilometers south-east of Pula, in the province of Cagliari. The beach is located near the archaeological site of Nora.

Pinus

  • ✓ Length: 130 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, beach chairs, umbrellas, bar, restaurant.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of pinus village beach in santa margherita di pula sardinia

Pinus Village beach is located close to the Strada Statale 195. It is set in a beautiful cove bordered by rocky slopes that gently descend into the sea.

Porto Columbu

  • ✓ Length: 750 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: scuba diving.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, beach chairs, umbrellas, bar, restaurant, diving center.
a picture of porto columbu beach near pula cagliari sardinia

Located just under 3 kilometers north-east of Pula, right in front of the little seaside village named Perd'e Sali, you'll find the beach of Porto Columbu (Spiaggia di Porto Columbu). This beach has a length of 750 meters, and faces south-east, offering views of the small marina to the north - il Porto turistico di Perd'e Sali.

Spiaggia di Su Guventeddu

  • ✓ Length: 600 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, beach chairs, umbrellas.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of su guventeddu beach near pula in cagliari sardinia

2.3 kilometers south-east of Pula, in the locality of Nora, you'll find the cozy beach of Su Guventeddu (Spiaggia di Su Guventeddu). It has a length of over 600 meters and can get up to 30 meters wide. Facing south-east, the beach offers beautiful views of the islet of San Macario to the north. To the south, you can spot il Torre del Coltellazzo di Nora, near the Nora Archaeological Site, and the small island named Isola del Coltellazzo.

Spiaggia dei Fichi

  • ✓ Length: 400 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: scuba diving, windsurfing, pedal boating, kayaking.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, beach chairs, umbrellas.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of su guventeddu beach near pula in cagliari sardinia

Walk a few hundred meters south-west from Spiaggia di Su Guventeddu, and the beach changes into Fichi beach (Spiaggia dei Fichi). The beach is situated in the middle of a 1.3 kilometer long stretch of white sand that extends all the way to Nora beach. Named after the many fig trees that grow in this area, Fichi has a length of over 400 meters and faces south-east, featuring beautiful views of the islet of San Macario to the north and il Torre del Coltellazzo di Nora to the south.

South Sardinia - Chia

a beautiful sunrise near a beach in Chia, south Sardinia, Italy.

Sardinia’s southern coastline is a popular place to spend a vacation. Known for its beautiful scenery and pristine beaches, this is a top destination for those who enjoy a relaxing holiday in a very special place. Read on for some of the tempting reasons to make Chia your favourite destination this year.

Beaches Near Chia

Spiaggia Su Giudeu

  • ✓ Length: 600 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking, hiking.
  • ✓ Facilities: restaurant.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of su giudeu beach near domus de maria in southern sardinia

Su Giudeu beach (Spiaggia di Su Giudeu, also called de s’Acqua Durci (fresh water)) is located just 1 kilometer south of the renowned Chia beach, near the southernmost point of Sardinia about 50 kilometers from Elmas airport in Cagliari. Su Giudeu is one of the best beaches in the Cagliari area, and arguably one of the best beaches of South Sardinia. A popular beach for the alternative and surfing crowd of the island, Su Giudeu features several reefs just above the surface of the sea that make it good scuba diving spot. Apart from dudes with surfboards hunting for the highest Mediterranean waves, flocks of flamingos have chosen the area of Chia Su Giudeu as their summer playing ground in the lagoons nearby.

Spiaggia di Campana Dune

  • ✓ Length: 440 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, beach chairs, umbrellas, bar, restaurant.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of spiaggia di campana dune in chia south sardinia

1 kilometer south-east of Setti Ballas, you'll discover the beach of Campana Dune (Spiaggia di Campana Dune). This is the northernmost part of a 1.7 kilometer long stretch of sand that extends all the way to the beach of Su Giudeu. The beach is backed by pretty dunes that can reach up to 20 meters high, and features marvelous vistas of the Torre di Chia to the north-east, and Isola su Giudeu to the south. Beach activities include beach tennis, kayaking, paddle boating, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Overall, this part of south Sardinia is very nice for hiking and walking as well.

Su Portu

  • ✓ Length: 250 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling, windsurfing.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, bar, restaurant, camping.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of su portu beach in chia sardinia

Su Portu beach is located just a few hundred meters north-east of Chia Beach. It offers wonderful views of Torre di Chia and Isola Su Cardolinu. This beach is a favorite spot among the windsurfing crowd and water sports enthousiasts. Very suitable for a seaside family vacation.

Spiaggia di Malfatano

  • ✓ Length: 350 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling, pedal boating.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, restaurant.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of capo malfatano

Malfatano beach (Spiaggia di Malfatano) can be found inside the bay of Capo Malfatano, in Teulada, Cagliari. You'll find it a few kilometers west of the well known and busier beach of Tuerredda. Its waters are usually very calm, making it a nice and peaceful place for families with children to come and spend the day. You can rent a pedal boat, and the beach features a bar and restaurant that serves long drinks and a variety of quick meals. The beach features nice vistas of the Capo Malfatano bay, the sixteenth century Torre di Malfatano and a small island named L'isolotto di Tuerredda.

Spiaggia di Chia sa Colonia

  • ✓ Length: 750 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, beach chairs, umbrellas.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of chia beach near domus de maria in cagliari sardinia

Chia Beach, with sands colored like peaches and turquoise waves rolling towards the coastline, is one of the best beaches of south Sardinia. The lagoon behind Chia beach is an important flamingo breeding ground, and if you're very lucky, you might spot some dolphins swimming in the sea. Located nearby you'll find the Torre di Chia, offering impressive views of the local surroundings and good opportunities to take some great vacation pictures.

Perda Longa

  • ✓ Length: 160 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling.
  • ✓ Facilities: None. You'll want to bring some food and snacks.
an aerial picture of perda longa beach near chia in south sardinia, italy.

Perda Longa beach is a delightful little cove with a narrow strip of fine sand. It is located 800 meters north of Cala Ferraglione, and is 160 meters long.

Cala Ferraglione

  • ✓ Length: 120 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling.
  • ✓ Facilities: None. You'll want to bring some food and snacks.
  • ✓ This beach faces west, nice for sunsets!
a picture of cala ferraglione beach

Cala Ferraglione beach is a small and secluded cove featuring a golden sand beach and granite rocks, giving the landscape a rugged character.

Cala Cipolla

  • ✓ Length: 150 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling, hiking.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, beach chairs, umbrellas, bar.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
spiaggia di cala cipolla near chia in south sardinia italy

Cala Cipolla (Spiaggia di Cala Cipolla) is one of the pearls that the Chia Bay is famous for, and is another favorite spot among off-season surfers. The beach is tucked away in a narrow bay and only spans 150 meters, with sands white and fine, backed by dense Mediterranean Maquis. There are pine and juniper trees right by the beach where you can find some shade during the hot hours of the day. The cove faces south, and on the west side, you'll admire the views of the lighthouse on the headlands of Capo Spartivento located one kilometer away. The working lighthouse is a unique location in Chia, as it serves as a hotel with six rooms. Make sure to bring some snorkeling gear!

Spiaggia di Tuerredda

  • ✓ Length: 400 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling, kayaking.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, beach chairs, umbrellas, restaurant.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of tuerredda beach near capo spartivento in south sardinia

Spiaggia di Tuerredda, located on the headlands of Capo Spartivento, certainly deserves a spot on the top ten list of most beautiful beaches of South Sardinia. Located just west of Perda Longa and near the beach of Su Giudeu, its natural beauty is breathtaking. Sheltered from the wind, the v-shaped beach stretches for just about half a kilometer, but big treats come in small packages! The beach faces south-east, offering pleasant views of Isola di Tuerredda located 150 meters off the coast. In the far distance, you can see the headlands of Capo Malfatano and Torre di Capo Malfatano, a sixteenth century watchtower.

Monte Cogoni Beach

  • ✓ Length: 240 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: scuba diving, surfing, birdwatching.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, beach chairs, umbrellas, bar, restaurant, camping.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of monte Cogoni beach in chia south sardinia

Monte Cogoni Beach (Spiaggia di Monte Cogoni), located in Chia, Domus de Maria, belongs to the best beaches of South Sardinia. It has a length of approximately 200 meters. The beach faces southwest, offering beautiful views over the deep blue waters of Chia Bay. La Torre di Chia, a sixteenth-century watchtower, compliments the scenery on the north side of the beach. The beach is backed by a few low dunes and a pond where flamingos can be spotted in summer. Shallow waters make Monte Cogoni Beach suitable for families with children. Wind conditions at this beach are ideal for surfing, and it's also a favorite spot in Chia for scuba diving.

South Sardinia - Teulada

stunning natural scenery at perda longa near teulada in south sardinia

In the small Sardinian village of Teulada, tradition is still strongly a part of everyday life.

Beaches Near Teulada

Spiaggia di Is Solinas

  • ✓ Length: 1200 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: surfing, kitesurfing.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, beach chairs, umbrellas, kitesurfing school.
  • ✓ This beach faces west, nice for sunsets!
a picture of is solinas beach at sunset

You'll find Is Solinas beach near the tiny Sardinian villages of Is Solinas and Is Murronis. The beach is located 8 kilometers north of Porto Pino beach. The beach faces due west, overlooking the blue waters of the Golfo di Palmas and Sant'Antioco island. It is backed mostly by sand dunes covered with lovely juniper trees, and by rather large ponds named Stagno di Porto Botte and Stagno Baiocca. Water is very shallow up to 80-120 meters from the shore. Statistically, this region is one of the windiest of Sardinia. The beach is a great place for kitesurfing, except for the months of June through September when kitesurfing here is prohibited,

Su Portu de su Trigu

  • ✓ Length: 30 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking.
  • ✓ This beach faces west, nice for sunsets!
a picture of su portu de su trigu beach in sant'anna arresi sardinia

Spiaggia di Su Portu de su Trigu, also known as Cala Sa Barracca is one of the smallest beaches of south Sardinia. This fine little beach is located just a few kilometers south-west of Porto Pino, and 6 kilometers west of the community of Sant'Anna Arresi. The beautiful sandy beach has very thin and white sands. You'll find some scattered rocks along the beach, making it an even more beautiful and charming environment. This beach faces due west overlooking the azure waters of Golfi di Palma. Su Portu de su Trigu has no facilities except for a car parking area, but this private and secluded gem should definitely be on your list of beaches to visit if you're in South Sardinia. It is the perfect place for some relaxation and snorkeling. Highly recommended!

Spiaggia di Porto Tramatzu

  • ✓ Length: 350 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling, pedal boating, kayaking.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, beach chairs, umbrellas, bar, restaurant, camping.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of porto tramatzu beach near teulada in south sardinia

Porto Tramatzu is a favourite among the locals. The beach has a length of about 350 meters and faces south-east, featuring nice views of a little island named Isola Rossa that lies 1 kilometers off the coast. You'd almost think you're on a Caribbean beach, but this is South Sardinia! Porto Tramatzu is a family-friendly beach where the sand is white and fine. The incredibly blue waters are shallow enough for children to play in, and the seabed has a gentle slope. The area is excellent for snorkeling. It is possible to rent a boat to go around the coast and enjoy the fantastic views of Isla Rossa and other beaches in the area. Kayaks and pedal boats are available for rent as well.

South Sardinia - Porto Pino

porto pino beach, porto pino, sant'anna arresi, carbonia-iglesias, sardinia.

Porto Pino boasts an enormous pine forest and a stunning bay with a long beach stretching for more than four kilometers.

Beaches Near Porto Pino

Spiaggia di Porto Pino

  • ✓ Length: 4000 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: scuba diving, surfing, hiking.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, beach chairs, umbrellas, bar.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of spiaggia di porto pino in south sardinia

Porto Pino beach is one of the best beaches of south Sardinia. It is located between the provinces of Cagliari and Carbonia, just south-east of Porto Pino. It has a length of 4 kilometers and faces south-west, offering views of Isola La Vacca situated 15 kilometers off the coast. Characterized by majestic sand dunes, the beach is backed by several ponds (Stagno di Brebéis and Stagno di Maestrale) where marvellous pink flamingos can be spotted. The beach area is well equipped with sun umbrellas, bars, and bathrooms. Water sports opportunities include surfing and scuba diving.

Spiaggia delle Dune

  • ✓ Length: 2000 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling, walking, jogging, pedal boating, birdwatching.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking, beach chairs, umbrellas, bar, restaurant, wooden pathway.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of le dune beach in cagliari south sardinia

Le Dune beach (Spiaggia delle Dune) in the locality of Porto Pino is a gorgeous lick of silky white sand with a length of nearly two kilometers. Also known as White Sands, this beach is backed by two lagoons where migratory birds including flamingos come to spend their summer days. Le Dune beach is one of the widest beaches in South Sardinia. You'll be mesmerized by the majestic rolling dunes behind the beach. These can rise to 30 meters. Juniper trees and other Mediterranean greenery cover the inland dunes to complete the beautiful scenery. Beach umbrellas, deck chairs and pedal boats are available for rent. The seabed of Le Dune beach has a gradual slope; it is suitable for families with children. Beach activities include underwater fishing, snorkeling, and walking along the long shoreline. Highly recommended.

Spiaggia di Porto Pinetto

  • ✓ Length: 180 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling, walking, just enjoy the dreamy views.
  • ✓ Facilities: parking.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
  • ✓ This beach faces west, nice for sunsets!
a picture of spiaggia di porto pinetto in carbonia iglesias southwest sardinia

Spiaggia di Porto Pinetto is located just a few hundred meters west of the tiny coastal village of Porto Pino, in the province of Carbonia-Iglesias, in Southwest Sardinia. The hidden beach is shaped like a half moon and has a length of about 180 meters. The beach faces west, offering lovely views of the headlands near Punta Menga on the south side. About 14 kilometers across the lush blue waters, you can spot the southeast coast of Sant'Antioco, the second largest island of Sardinia, after Sardinia itself, and the fourth largest island in Italy, after Sicily. The two small island you'll see on the horizon are Isola la Vacca and Isola del Toro. The north and south side of Spiaggia di Porto Pinetto are backed by small sand dunes. Behind those dunes, you'll find thick stretches of pine forest. You'll find scattered rocks along the beach, and the sandy parts of the beach have a golden color. Walk to the south side, and you'll discover another small beach that is completely composed of a rocky bed. On the north side of Spiaggia di Porto Pinetto, there are more inlets and little reefs to explore along Via del Pino d'Aleppo. The beach is suitable for families with children.

Spiaggia Portopineddu

  • ✓ Length: 125 meters.
  • ✓ Things to do: snorkelling.
  • ✓ Facilities: None. You'll want to bring some food and snacks.
  • ✓ This beach should be nice for families with kids.
a picture of spiaggia portopineddu near porto pinetto in southwest sardinia

The cozy beach of Portopineddu (Spiaggia Portopineddu) has a length of only 125 meters, but don't let its small size fool you; it has a gorgeous lick of white sand and usually remains quiet even during high season. For these reasons, we've added it to our overview of Best Beaches of South Sardinia. Spiaggia Portopineddu faces south, offering excellent views of the headlands of Punta Menga. On the right side of the beach, you'll see Punta Sa Bua, a rocky outcrop that provides a nice spot to take some pictures of your holiday in Southern Sardinia. The shallow waters around the rocks offer a few good spots for some afternoon snorkeling. The beach is backed by a combination of small sand dunes and pine forests, through which a few beachfront villas are scattered. The beach is easily accessible through a short walk through the pine forest. The sandy bottom makes the water easily accessible. Spiaggia Portopineddu is suitable for families with children. Highly recommended!