Sardinia's beaches deserve their reputation as among the finest in Europe. The water is a clear, translucent turquoise — the result of granite and limestone seabeds and minimal river runoff — and the sand ranges from white to rose-pink. Here are some of the best.
La Pelosa (Stintino, northwest)
Arguably the island's most photographed beach. A long, shallow arc of white sand with water so clear and still it looks artificial. Gets extremely crowded in August — arrive early or out of season. Near the Asinara island nature reserve.
Piscinas (Costa Verde, southwest)
A vast beach backed by enormous sand dunes and 19th-century mining ruins. The contrast of the abandoned industrial landscape and the wild empty beach is striking. Very hard to reach without a car — which keeps it quiet even in summer.
Cala Goloritzé (Gulf of Orosei, east)
Reachable only by boat or a steep two-hour hike down from the plateau above Baunei. A small, perfect cove of white pebbles and limestone pinnacles rising from turquoise water. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. The effort is absolutely worth it.
Villasimius (southeast)
The area around this small town has some of the island's best beaches. Spiaggia di Porto Giunco is a long sweep of fine sand beside a flamingo lagoon. Cala Pira and Simius beach are also excellent. Busy in summer but the area is large enough to spread out.
Budelli — Spiaggia Rosa (La Maddalena Archipelago)
The famous pink-sand beach, coloured by fragments of coral and shells. Access is now restricted to protect the environment — you can view it from a boat but cannot land. Day trips from Palau or La Maddalena town.
Costa Rei (southeast)
A long stretch of fine white sand backed by low scrub, with small islets offshore. Less developed than the Costa Smeralda, and good for windsurfing. The area connects to a lagoon system where flamingos and herons can be seen.