Northern Sardinia
Portobellos beaches
Portobello’s beach on the north-west coast of Sardinia is something truly special: red, grainy sand is framed by rugged, rocky reefs and crystal-clear water. Not far from here, the endless dream beaches of Cala Vignola stretch 25 kilometres all the way to Capo Testa.
Beach description
Portobello - wild and romantic beaches with red sand
Portobello’s beach on the north-west coast of Sardinia is something truly special: red, grainy sand is framed by rugged, rocky reefs and crystal-clear water. Not far from here, the endless dream beaches of Cala Vignola stretch 25 kilometres all the way to Capo Testa. The rugged beauty of this area of the coast captivates with its serenity and the unbridled power of nature. The many rocky reefs are ideal for snorkelling and diving, making Portobello the perfect starting point for diving trips. Even dolphins pop up along the gorgeous coastal strip above Costa Paradiso. Portobello itself isn’t a town, but rather an exclusive, ecological villa estate, although Portobello beach is free to everyone.The dream beaches near Portobello in detail
Portobello
Red sand, red shimmering granite rocks and crystal-clear water: Portobello is a wild jewel, full of character and at least in the low season, beautifully quiet. In the background, aromatic maquis illuminates the scenery, adding the perfect finishing touch to the kaleidoscopic interplay of colours on this stony beach. From the car park, a signpost points the way along a maquis-lined path and pretty stone walls to the beach.Cala Vignola
An endless beach just a few kilometres east of Portobello: Cala Vignola enchants water lovers and sun worshippers alike with light red sand, crystal-clear water and fascinating rocky reeds. This is another favourite place for divers and snorkellers, and the flat shore also makes it ideal for families with children. Kitesurfers and windsurfers will find favourable wind conditions here, too. This beach is extremely popular in summer and offers a good infrastructure. There is a car park 50 metres from the beach.Cala Spinosa
A little dream. Cala Spinosa is located on the Capo Testa peninsula. Surrounded by maquis shrubland, the picturesque bay is a real treat for the eyes and paradise for snorkellers. The bay is on the right, almost at the end of the Via Capo Testa, and can only be reached after a considerably challenging climb – although it’s worth it in the end!Cala Spalmatore
Cream-coloured sand and flat, crystal-clear water: Cala Spalmatore on La Maddalena island in north-east Sardinia is like something in a picture book. A long jetty reached out into the water, children can play here for hours, whilst rich green maquis illuminates the background. An interesting fact for Bond fans: scenes for The Spy Who Loved Me were filmed here in the late 1970s.Location and surroundings
Beaches in detail
Portobello
The beaches of Portobello are characterized by coarse, pink-coloured sand and rocks. There are a few charming little bays; in some it is good to have plastic sandals to protect your feet when going into the water. To reach the beach, drive towards Portobello Mare and take the gravel road to the car park (a parking fee applies). The beach is then one hundred metres on foot.
Vignola
Located directly in Vignola Mare, just behind the holiday homes. This beach slopes extremely gently to the sea and is therefore ideal for children.
Riu di Li Saldi
An isolated, coarse sandy beach. Its name comes from the small river Riu Li Saldi, which empties here. A small pine forest offers excellent refuge from the hot midday sun. Follow the SP 90 eastwards from Vignola Mare for approximately 2 km, then turn left towards the beach.
Lu Littorani
This idyllic beach is framed by lush sand dunes. The impressive waves make the beach a firm favourite amongst bodysurfers. From Portobello, take the SP 90 eastwards for approx. 9.5 km, then turn left onto the gravel road leading to the beach.
Cala Sarraina
A magnificent small sandy beach, surrounded by pink rocks. There is a car park directly beside the beach. Take the SP 90 from Portobello towards Costa Paradiso. In Stazzu Lu Becciu, turn towards the sea and follow the road for approximately 2 km.
