Northern Sardinia
The best beaches of Costa Smeralda
Dream beaches in Sardinia? The Bay of Chia is home to several of them - with turquoise water, fine sand and child-friendly water.Ideal wind conditions make this part of Sardinia a hotspot for surfers, kitesurfers and sailors.
Beach description
Costa Smeralda – the magic of 80 romantic bays
Costa Smeralda owes its name to its emerald green waters. Idyllic bays, artistically shaped granite formations, rich green maquis and a touch of the jet-set – this gem on the east coast of Sardinia unites the power of nature with a chic way of life. Until the 1960s, all that was to see here was grazing land and some sheep happily munching away – until Aga Kahn discovered it and built the first hotel in Cala di Volpe, following a specially designed Neo-Sardinian style. Since then, this wonderfully diverse part of the coast in the north-west Sardinia has not only become a playground for the rich and beautiful, but also natural lovers and those in search of peace. Almost 80 mostly small bays, some rocky and secluded, others expansive with fine sand, continue to fascinate inhabitants and tourists alike.A selection of the dream beaches along Costa Smeralda
Spiaggia Capriccioli
This beach deserves its title as one of the most legendary and beautiful in the whole of Costa Smeralda: Spiaggia Capriccioli is a picturesque peninsula replete with olive trees, mastic bushes and lush green maquis. Gently eroded granite rocks form bizarrely beautiful shapes and the crystal-clear water shimmers in a kaleidoscope of colours from blue to green. The two-part bay is perfect for children, as the beach gently slopes into the sea. Very crowded during high season. A paid car park is available.Spiaggia Romazzino
Beach paradise meets VIP lifestyle: this stunning bay with red shimmering granite rocks and iridescent water is an eye-catcher in all respects. It’s no wonder, then, that this prestigious panorama is also home to a luxury hotel.Grande Pevero
Another picture-perfect beach on Costa Smeralda: the Gulf of Pero is home to this crescent-shaped dream beach with impressive turquoise waters. The fine, white golden sand is a favourite spot for many sun worshippers during high season. Lounger hire is available. Sailors and yacht owners are drawn to the dazzling beautiful bay from fashionable neighbouring areas like Porto Rotondo.Location and surroundings
Beaches in detail
Liscia di Vacca
You look directly at the Isola dei Cappuccini from this fine sand and pebble beach. Beach umbrellas, sun loungers, pedal and motorboats can be hired on the beach. The beach is situated close to the famous Pitrizza luxury hotel and only some 1.5 km to the east of the Poltu Quatu marina.
Cala Grano
A small bathing bay, situated inside the town limits of Porto Cervo. A fine, white, sandy beach is framed by rocks, with Mediterranean vegetation in the background. You get here from the centre of Porto Cervo by taking the Via Granu to the car park of a residential complex, where you can park. Child-friendly, as the water is shallow. Beach umbrellas, sun loungers, pedal boats are for hire.
Liscia Rena
This small beach with crystal-clear waters is also located in Porto Cervo. It has coarse, light-coloured sand and pinkish granite rocks. From the centre of Porto Cervo, drive northwards on the Via Nibani until you get to the beach. The water is not very deep, making it ideal for small children.
Porto Paglia (Costa Smeralda)
This small, sandy beach can be found at the western end of the Golfo del Pevero facing the Isole di Li Nibani and surrounded by gorse and rocks. The shallow depth of the water also makes it ideal for children. How to get there from the centre of Porto Cervo: drive in a southerly direction for some 1.5 km. You should walk the last 50 metres to the beach, down a dirt road.
Grande Pevero
You will find the dazzling, white sandy beach of Grande Pevero in the town of the same name. This half-moon-shaped bay is next to some small wetlands. One of Europe's finest golf courses, the Pevero Golf Club, can also be found here. Getting there from Porto Cervo: drive southwards on the SP 59 for about 3 km until you reach the beach, which is signposted
Li Nibani
Fine, white, sandy beach surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and granite cliffs. From here, there is a direct view of the Isole Nibani, which gives this bay its name. Nibani is Sardinian and means sea gulls. In fact, many of them do often circle the small group of islands offshore. From Pevero beach, you drive to this bay over a dirt road.
Capo Capaccia
A gorgeous beach surrounded by wild natural scenery that can be found in the small town of Romazzino. Drive from Porto Cervo towards Arzachena on the SP 59. At the town of Abbiadori, turn off towards Cala di Volpe and Romazzino. The beach is only a few hundred metres behind Hotel Romazzino. Follow the signs on foot.
Romazzino
The famous Romazzino beach lies in front of the luxury hotel of the same name. It is a white sandy beach with a view of Isola Mortorio. Directions are the same as for Capo Capaccia beach. Park in the large car park on the right in front of the Romazzino Hotel and walk the few metres to the beach.
Spiaggia del Principe
This beach was supposed to have been a special favourite of the founders of the Costa Smeralda, the Prince and Princess Karim Aga Khan IV. It is a fine sandy beach surrounded by pink-coloured granite rocks. Because of the shallow depth of the water, it is also suitable for small children. To get there, take the SP 59 until you reach the town of Abbiadori, then drive towards Cala di Volpe and Romazzino. After 2.4 km, just before Capriccioli, turn off left towards Romazzino. After a further 1.3 km, turn right, drive on for another 300 metres and then park in front of a barrier. Next, walk along the asphalt road for 250 metres and then turn right onto the footpath to the beach.
Cala di Volpe
You will find this bay for swimming right in the heart of the Costa Smeralda, protected from the wind and with a view of the famous Cala di Volpe luxury hotel, an international meeting point for VIPs since the 1960s. If you can not do without your creature comforts, you will feel right at home here. Beach umbrellas and sun loungers can be hired. There are also bars and restaurants very close by. As described above, take the turn off for Cala di Volpe off the SP 94 heading towards Abbiadori. One hundred metres after the junction, turn right onto a dirt road and drive to the beach.
Liscia Ruja
This sandy beach can be found in the town of the same name, Liscia Ruja. Drive along the coastal road to Olbia. Turn left at the signpost and drive to the beach along a dirt road through a rocky, hilly landscape. Beach umbrellas, sun loungers, pedal boats and motorboats can be hired. Ideal for small children.
Razza di Junco
Because of its fabulous setting, this beach has been designated as being of special value by Legambiente (the Italian environmental protection agency). It is located in an area of wetlands and owes its name to the reeds that grow there. Drive along the SP 94 coastal road towards Olbia and then turn off left to the beach.
Rena Bianca Costa Smeralda
This beach is also located in the town of Portisco. Extremely fine, brilliant white sand with small dunes behind the beach. Fabulous scenery of thick Mediterranean vegetation and pink-coloured granite rocks. Directions: drive along the SP 94 towards Olbia until you reach the Portisco sign. Here you turn off to the left and drive some 300 metres further to the beach. Beach umbrellas, sun loungers, pedal boats and motorboats can be hired. This bay is favoured by divers and windsurfers.
Cala Sabina
The beach of Cala Sabina is located near the roundabout at the entrance of Golfo Aranci. It is a beautiful beach of white sand and clear, shallow water. The beach is surrounded by juniper berry trees and Mediterranean shrubs. There is a kiosk that offers various services and a car park.
Punta Nuraghe
Sandy beach with a stunning view over the Golf of Cugnana. The bay is located at the East end of Porto Rotondo. Shallow water and thus very suitable for small children. Here you can rent umbrellas, sun beds and pedal boats.
Ira
This beach is very popular with VIPs. In fact, it owes its name to a famous German aristocrat, Ira von Fürstenberg, who used to stay in a villa here. In the summer months, the sea is crowded with the luxurious yachts of the Costa Smeralda´s high society. The beach is within walking distance of the centre of Porto Rotondo.
Punta di Volpe
Sand beach with an excellent view of the islands of Mortorio and Soffi. The crystal-clear water makes it a perfect place for snorkelling. To get here, take the direction towards Punta di Volpe and continue for about 750 metres after the car part. Take the walkway to the left that leads you to the bay.
