The 7 most beautiful beaches in north-east Sardinia

North-east Sardinia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, regularly recognised in international rankings (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice, Lonely Planet, National Geographic). Powder-fine white sand, transparent water with shades from turquoise to emerald green, shallow seabeds extending for tens of metres, granite cliffs sculpted by wind. This is our selection of the 7 most iconic beaches in Gallura and Costa Smeralda — the ones you can't miss if you're holidaying between Olbia and Santa Teresa di Gallura. Each has unique characteristics, different access, different audience.

Selection criteria

To select these 7 we considered: scenic beauty (water, sand, setting), international fame, accessibility (reachable by car), essential services, perceived experience (memories you take home). They are listed geographically from north to south, not by "personal preference" — each is the best in its category.

1. Pink Beach of Budelli (La Maddalena Archipelago)

Type: unique pink beach in the world · Access: only by boat (no landing) · From Olbia: ~3h total (drive to Palau + boat)

The Pink Beach on Budelli island is famous for the pinkish-coloured sand caused by marine microorganisms (bryozoans and foraminifera). Landing has been banned since 1994 to protect the sand (those caught taking it risk a €3,000 fine), but you can admire it from a few metres on the boat.

How to reach: ferry from Palau to La Maddalena, then organised Archipelago boat tour. See our La Maddalena Archipelago guide.

Real impressions: the sand is not "shocking pink" like in Photoshopped photos. It's a pale pink/salmon — still unique in the world. Worth seeing to say "I've been there".

2. Cala Coticcio "Tahiti" (Caprera)

Type: paradise cove with mandatory booking · Access: 45-min trail from Caprera · From Olbia: ~2h total

Nicknamed "Sardinia's Tahiti" for the water colour. Intimate cove of white sand set among granite rocks. Intense emerald water, gently sloping seabed, snorkelling among fish.

Regulated access since 2021: only with environmental guide + mandatory booking on the National Park portal. 2 turns/day (morning and afternoon), ~50 people/turn, €25/person. In high season slots sell out 7-15 days ahead.

Tip: if you can't book Cala Coticcio, go to Spiaggia del Relitto also on Caprera (free, 45-min trail access, similar water quality, less crowded).

3. Spiaggia del Principe (Costa Smeralda)

Type: iconic luxury beach · Access: dirt-road parking + 200 m trail · From Olbia: 35 min

One of the most photographed beaches in the world. Called "del Principe" because it was the favourite beach of Prince Aga Khan, founder of Costa Smeralda. White powder-fine sand, water with shifting colours (turquoise near shore, deep blue further out), reddish rocks on the left.

Access: from the dirt-road car park you walk a 200-metre trail through ancient junipers. Dirt road accessible to all cars but a Jeep Avenger makes the journey less stressful. Free parking morning, paid (€5/hour) after 10:00.

Experience: in high season fills by 11:00. Go early. Beach club with lounger rental (€60-150/couple/day).

4. Liscia Ruja (Costa Smeralda)

Type: wide "everyone's" beach · Access: paved road + parking · From Olbia: 30 min

The longest beach in Costa Smeralda (1 km). White sand, transparent water, shallow seabed for 15-20 metres. Three beach clubs (Long Beach, Phi Beach, Liscia Ruja Beach) with full services.

Pros: huge, always space even in August; perfect for families; top services. Cons: less "wild" than others, more "beach club" atmosphere.

Sunset: the Phi Beach here is legendary for sunset aperitifs with international DJs in season (cocktails €25-40).

5. Capriccioli (Costa Smeralda)

Type: two twin coves · Access: paved parking + 50 m walk · From Olbia: 30 min

Capriccioli is actually composed of two coves separated by a promontory: Capriccioli East (larger, white sand, beach clubs) and Capriccioli West (smaller, intimate, sand + rocks). Turquoise water, gently sloping seabed, side snorkelling among rocks.

Pros: easy access, perfect for families with kids 3+ (shallow water for 15 m), full services. Cons: parking expensive (€15-20/day) and fills by 10:00 in high season.

6. Romazzino (Costa Smeralda)

Type: luxury hotel beach · Access: parking + 100 m walk · From Olbia: 35 min

In front of the famous 5-star Hotel Romazzino. Whitest sand, incredibly clear water, shallow seabed for 15 m perfect for families and non-expert swimmers. Exclusive beach club with premium service.

Atmosphere: elegant, frequented by hotel guests + tourists making an "accessible luxury" day. Expensive parking (€10-15/day) and limited.

7. Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu (San Teodoro)

Type: "Sardinia's Bahamas" · Access: with booking in high season · From Olbia: 35 min

The twin beaches of San Teodoro are nicknamed "Sardinia's Bahamas" for the brilliant turquoise water and white sand. Cala Brandinchi is smaller, intimate; Lu Impostu is wider. Both have shallow seabeds — perfect for families with very young children.

Mandatory booking in high season for both (Sardinia regional system, max 1,450 people/day). Check the official Sardinia Region website.

Experience: ancient junipers behind create natural shade. Water so clear it looks like the seabed is within reach even at 20 m.

Bonus: La Cinta (San Teodoro)

5 km of white sand facing Tavolara island. The "family" beach par excellence in north-east Sardinia. Shallow water for 30+ metres, perfect even for newborns. See our family beaches guide.

Summary table

Suggested visit order for 1 week

1. Day 1: Capriccioli (close to Olbia, easy access to "break the ice")
2. Day 2: Liscia Ruja + Phi Beach sunset
3. Day 3: Spiaggia del Principe + Romazzino (north Costa Smeralda tour)
4. Day 4: Cala Brandinchi + Lu Impostu (San Teodoro, book days ahead)
5. Day 5: Boat trip archipelago (Pink Beach + Spargi + Santa Maria)
6. Day 6: Cala Coticcio Tahiti (book days ahead)
7. Day 7: Rest + relaxed swim at La Cinta or Pittulongu

Recommended vehicle for the tour

To visit these 7 beaches, the ideal vehicle is a compact SUV like the Jeep Avenger: high driving position, dirt-road access (Spiaggia del Principe), boot for umbrellas and beach gear. Alternatively a Mercedes A-Class for those wanting more motorway comfort.

When to go

• May-June: perfect season. Low prices, no crowds, water already 19-22°C
• July-August: top for swimming (water 25-27°C) but very crowded, high prices, mandatory booking at Cala Brandinchi and Cala Coticcio
• September: perfect season for those without school constraints. Water 23-25°C, calm atmosphere, mid prices
• October: still possible. Reduced services but tranquillity guaranteed

Summary

The top 7 beaches of north-east Sardinia tell a mosaic of different experiences: from the unique rarity of Pink Beach to the accessible luxury of Romazzino, from family at La Cinta to adventure at Cala Coticcio. All are reachable from Olbia in maximum 1 hour by car (plus boat crossing for Budelli/Caprera). The best strategy is to dedicate at least a week and visit 4-5, leaving room for rest and discovery of inland Gallura villages.

For car hire suitable for these beaches — also with delivery directly to your hotel/villa in Costa Smeralda — contact Francesco and Salvatore Milo via WhatsApp +39 344 6107071. Also see the family-friendly beaches.