10 best beaches in Sardinia are named

The beaches in Sardinia are among the best in the world. With more than 1000 kilometres of coastline, there is no shortage of spectacular places to relax.

Here, the beaches are surrounded by archaeological ruins, granite cliffs, and local makeup. And they are all crowded near the incredible turquoise sea. Telegraph.co has prepared 10 of the best of them.

Poetto Beach

A short bus ride from the city centre, Cagliari's main beach overlooks the Bay of Angels and stretches from Sella del Diavolo to the coast of Quartu Sant'Elena. Almost eight kilometres of white sandy beach are served by dozens of traditional wooden kiosks, baretta, where food and drinks are served day and night, as well as diving centers and surf schools. The promenade is teeming with bladers, buggies, and bikers, but a 16th-century watchtower reminds us that the sea has not always been so friendly.

Spiaggia Poltu Di Li Cogghj

Spiaggia Poltu Di Li Cogghj beach is also known as Prince's Beach, in honour of Prince Aga Khan, who considered it the most beautiful on the Costa Smeralda. It is not easy to get to it as you need to walk 10 minutes along an uneven path, but it is worth the effort: the fine sand beach, surrounded by granite cliffs and Mediterranean makeup, overlooks the crystal clear blue sea. There are no bars or restaurants here, so bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.

Cala Spalmatore

Off the northeastern coast of Sardinia lies the spectacular La Maddalena archipelago, consisting of seven islands with a total of more than 300 impeccably clean beaches. After wandering around the elegant port, head to the accessible Cala Spalmatore or Spiaggia Bassa Trinità, or hop on another boat to visit Budelli, known for its Spiaggia Rosa. The "Pink Beach" gets its name from the crushed coral and shells. Today, the sand is less pink than it once was because many people have decided to take it with them.

San Giovanni

The medieval village of Posada, which can be seen long before you arrive thanks to its 12th-century hilltop Castello della Fava (Bean Castle), is a delightful maze of small streets and cafes. But the city's biggest draw is its beaches: San Giovanni and the neighbouring Su Tiriarzu, Iscraios, Due Pini and Orvile have received the prestigious Cinque Vele Legambiente award in recognition of the protected status of the surrounding flora and fauna. You can also travel the Rio Posada River by canoe to admire the population of pink flamingos.

Cala Luna

South of Olbia are some of the most famous mountains in Sardinia, and the Gennargento mountain range creates an incredible backdrop for the Gulf of Cala Luna. It is possible to take a two-hour hike along the trails to this secluded little beach, but most take a boat from the nearby ports of Cala Gonone, Santa Maria Navarrese, and Arbatax. If you get tired of the turquoise sea, there are many caves to explore, and another 40-minute scenic drive will take you to the famous Grotta del Bue Marino. The wild charm of the bay became the setting for the cult Italian movie "Swept Away" by Lina Wertmüller.

Cala Mariolu

On the central east coast lies one of the pearls of Sardinia, Cala Mariolu. It got its name from the monk seal, which is the daily catch of local fishermen. Surrounded by cliffs that rise to a height of 500 metres, the beach can only be reached by a rather difficult route through Mediterranean scrub, so those who do not have time prefer to take a boat to enjoy the sandy beach dotted with pink and white spots. It is an exceptional place for snorkeling and diving.

Cala Goloritzé

Cala Goloritzé is another exquisite beach known for its crystal clear water and can be reached via a less challenging trail through the Holm forest. Boats depart from Cala Gonone, but you can also rent an inflatable with an outboard motor. Monte Carodi's backdrop is impressive and popular with free climbers, but most choose to admire the 100-metre pyramid-shaped rock from the white pebble beach, hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare Eleonora's falcon that has taken up residence here.

Oristano

On the central west coast, an hour's drive north of Cagliari, is the medieval city of Oristano and the neighbouring Sinis Peninsula, which stretches over 26,000 hectares. It has it all: flat white beaches, pine forests, salt marshes, lagoons that are top-notch for scuba diving, and fossil-filled cliffs to explore. Moreover, thanks to the northwest Mistral wind, it's also ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing. There are even opportunities to whale watch and visit the nearby Phoenician ruins of Tarros.

La Pelosa

An hour's drive from Alghero, the town of Stintino is a delight in itself, nestled between the two picturesque harbours of Porto Mannu and Porto Minori. You will find one of the most attractive beaches in Sardinia, La Pelosa, just outside the city, through a series of wooden paths. The white sands covered with turquoise sea are a popular destination, so continue on to the wild and unspoiled Capo Falcone at the end of the peninsula. A Spanish watchtower overlooks the beach and offers views of the island of Asinara. Museo della Tonnara di Stintino tells the story of the city's tuna fishing industry, and there are also many restaurants serving fish.

Porto Pollo

A 10-minute drive north of Palau brings you to the best windsurfing and kitesurfing spot in the north, Porto. Due to its length and location, there is always a spot to surf well. But there are also more sheltered coves and many visitors find a secluded piece of beach surrounded by dunes and Sardinian makeup to swim and relax and then watch the sunset.