Hidden beaches of Gallura: 8 lesser-known coves

Gallura has dozens of hidden beaches reachable only by dirt road, trail or boat — coves of white sand with transparent water that remain semi-empty even in August, while 5 km away La Cinta or Spiaggia del Principe are crowded. They're the favourite destinations for those wanting a less "postcard" and more authentic experience of north-east Sardinia. This guide lists 8 hidden beaches of Gallura — GPS-style coordinates, access, parking, vehicle recommendations. They're sorted by increasing access difficulty: from those suitable for anyone to those needing a real SUV/4x4 or serious trekking.

Important premises

• Respect the places: take all rubbish away, leave no traces, don't take sand or shells (it's a crime in Sardinia)
• Verify access before going: some have seasonal limitations or vehicle access restrictions
• Vehicle: most need at least a compact SUV. A Jeep Avenger with 18 cm ground clearance and DCT automatic covers 95% of cases
• Water: no kiosks, no bars. Bring water, snacks, umbrella
• Phone: in some zones no signal. Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me)

1. Cala Brandinchi east (free zone) — San Teodoro

Difficulty: low · Vehicle: any · From Olbia: 35 min

Everyone goes to "official" Cala Brandinchi (with mandatory booking in high season). Few know that the east side, under the headland, is a free zone needing no booking. 5-min trail from free street parking. Identical clear water to the "official" side, no rationing.

2. Suaraccia beach — Capo Coda Cavallo

Difficulty: medium · Vehicle: SUV recommended · From Olbia: 35 min + 10 min dirt road

From San Teodoro, take the road to Capo Coda Cavallo. The last 2 km become compact dirt road with potholes. Cala Suaraccia appears after the last bend: intimate cove, white sand, turquoise water, snorkelling among fish. Dirt parking (~30 spaces). You can see Tavolara island opposite.

3. Cala Greca — Loiri Porto San Paolo

Difficulty: medium · Vehicle: city car ok · From Olbia: 25 min + 5 min walk

Near Porto San Paolo, take the trail starting from Punta Don Diego car park. Walk 5 minutes on scenic trail. Cala Greca is a small white-sand cove between granite rocks. Shallow water for 30 metres, excellent snorkelling. No services.

4. Porto Quadro beach — Santa Teresa di Gallura

Difficulty: medium · Vehicle: any · From Olbia: 1h

5 km from Santa Teresa di Gallura (extreme north of Sardinia), Porto Quadro is a beach of very light sand framed by granite rocks. View of Corsica on the horizon. Free parking 200 m away. Few tourists because it's "off-route" from Costa Smeralda. Tip: combine with visit to Capo Testa (10 min by car), spectacular headland with lighthouse.

5. La Marmorata — Santa Teresa di Gallura

Difficulty: low · Vehicle: any · From Olbia: 1h05

Beach of finest white sand divided in two by a small headland. Bluest water, shallow seabed. Free street parking. Known to locals but little to Italian tourists from Costa Smeralda because it's "far". "La Marmorata Beach" club with lounger rental.

6. Cala Lunga — Palau (headland zone)

Difficulty: medium · Vehicle: any + 15 min walk · From Olbia: 50 min

From Palau, take the road to Capo D'Orso. Scenic parking, then 15-min downhill trail among wind-shaped granite rocks. Cala Lunga is a long, narrow beach (as the name says) of light sand among cliffs. View of La Maddalena Archipelago. No services, bring everything. Tip: combine with visit to "Bear Rock" (the natural rock shaped like a bear, 10 min walk from parking).

7. Wreck Beach — Caprera (requires ferry + car/bike)

Difficulty: high (logistics) · Vehicle: car or bike on island · From Olbia: 50 min + 15 min ferry + 30 min Caprera

One of the most beautiful beaches in all of Sardinia. To get there: ferry from Palau to La Maddalena, cross La Maddalena to the bridge to Caprera, follow signs to Cala Coticcio or Spiaggia del Relitto. Access is regulated: in high season Cala Coticcio requires mandatory environmental guide + booking (~€25/person). Spiaggia del Relitto is free but reached on foot (45-min trail). Emerald water, whitest sand. Worth the trip.

8. Juniper Cove — Costa Smeralda north

Difficulty: high · Vehicle: SUV or 4x4 essential · From Olbia: 45 min + 20 min challenging dirt road

Between Liscia di Vacca and Pantogia, a private dirt road starts (free for non-residents off-season) leading to a series of little-known coves, including Cala dei Ginepri. Dirt road with potholes, rocks, some steep climbs. SUV essential with good ground clearance. Low cars risk breaking the oil sump. Once arrived, you're in a white-sand cove surrounded by ancient junipers. Transparent water, no crowds ever. Disclaimer: real route at your own risk, know your limits.

Recommended vehicles for those seeking hidden beaches

For Gallura beaches accessible by dirt road, the most suitable vehicles in our fleet:

• Jeep Avenger: the perfect compact SUV for 95% of Gallura dirt roads. 18 cm ground clearance, DCT automatic, raised driving position. Rate €60-110/day
• Yamaha Raptor Quad: for those wanting to explore deep dirt roads without worrying about the car. Driven with B licence, helmet included. Rate on request

Vehicles NOT suitable for challenging dirt roads (risk of damage):

• Audi RS3 (low sport setup)
• BMW M2 (low sport setup)
• Mercedes A-Class (medium setup, ok for light dirt like Suaraccia but NOT for Cala dei Ginepri)
• Fiat Panda Hybrid (city car, can do compact light dirt roads)

Quick table

Minimum equipment

• Water (at least 2 L/person)
• 50+ water-resistant sunscreen
• Hat and sunglasses
• Rubber shoes (for rocks and trails)
• Substantial snacks
• Rubbish bag
• Mask + snorkel
• For challenging dirt roads: inflated spare wheel, tyre kit, emergency triangle

"Off-route" tourism ethics

1. Don't park on grass or dunes
2. Never light fires (Sardinia has strict anti-fire rules)
3. Don't disturb local wildlife (gulls, geckos, wolf-spiders)
4. Take ALL rubbish away, even banana peels and cigarette papers
5. Respect privacy of the few people you meet (no photos of strangers)

For more accessible family-friendly beaches see our family Costa Smeralda beaches guide. To organise the hire of an SUV suitable for dirt roads, contact Francesco and Salvatore Milo: WhatsApp +39 344 6107071.